Mr. Concealed Handgun

I first met Ron Hoover in September 1995 through Sally Sprout Gallery. Ron took time to show me numerous paintings, drawings, and oil pastels on my first visit. Ron had recently started making very dark works and he said it was a reflection of the times we were living in.

Not a great reproduction, but this was the first of many oil pastels by Ron that I added to my collection.

Mr. Concealed Handgun, 1996, oil pastel

Retrospective

The staff of the Art Car Museum is presently compiling a list of paintings to be included in an exhibition of work by Houston artist Ron Hoover who passed away recently. Many collectors have already come forward offering to loan their pieces for the show which will likely take place near the end of this year. If you have one of Ron`s works and would be willing to loan it to the museum for this exhibition, or if you know someone who has a Ron Hoover in their collection, please contact the Art Car Museum at 713.861-5526 or via email at info[at]artcarmuseum.com

Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Jim Hatchett
curator
Art Car Museum

Mrs. Unfaithful

Mrs. Unfaithful, 1989, oil on canvas, 24x18, private collection

Lynn Castle stated in the exhibition brochure for "Contemporary Dramas" in 1989 at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont.

"The painting Mrs. Unfaithful, 1989 is a splendid example of Hoover's working method. The portrait of the woman with the long braid could be someone in particular Hoover knows, but she also represents someone we all know. (This viewer finds and uncanny resemblance to Mrs. Unfaithful and the Helga paintings by Andrew Wyeth...) The subject is portrayed with hooded eyes, which is an approach taken in several of these paintings, giving the impression that she is closing herself off and is not approachable or willing to communicate. This woman is protecting herself from any danger which might occur as a result of her actions. On either side of her head are two vague shapes which could represent buildings or houses. Perhaps it is because she shares two homes now and is dividing two separate households. Hoover gives us just enough information to make our own speculations."