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Question: Steve Hanks Biography
Answer: The Intensity of Watercolor
Steve Hanks (1949–2015) was a San Diego native whose "no-smoke" career was shaped by the shores of the Pacific and the mountains of New Mexico. Educated at the Academy of Fine Arts in San Francisco and the California College of Arts and Crafts, Hanks initially pursued commercial art and oil painting. However, a physical allergy to oils redirected his discipline to watercolors. He famously spent over four years experimenting with the medium until he could achieve the intensity and detail usually reserved for oils—a style he called "Emotional Realism." His subjects—often women and children in moments of "introspective solitude"—are noted for their masterful value staging and complex lighting. A recipient of the National Watercolor Society Merit Award and the National Academy of Western Art Gold Medal, Hanks was consistently ranked among the top ten artists in America by U.S. Art Magazine.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for Steve Hanks for nearly 40 years. Our collection features Vetted Consignments and Vetted Dealer Networks, focusing specifically on his Hand-Signed Limited Editions and his celebrated book, Moving On: The Art of Steve Hanks. Because his watercolors rely on the purity of the paper to provide "light," our vetting process is critical. We ensure that every piece is free from the yellowing or sun-fading that ruins the delicate skin tones and "white-on-white" textures he is famous for. We stand behind every signature with our A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: How did an allergy change his technical style?
Answer: Hanks turned to watercolor because he could no longer physically work with oils. Instead of accepting the "soft" look typical of the medium, he used a "dry brush" and layering technique to reach a level of photographic detail unheard of in watercolor. For a collector, a piece like Waking Up demonstrates this ability to make paper look like textured silk. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify these technical properties for your records. |
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Question: Why is the "Greenwich Workshop" label important?
Answer: Greenwich Workshop was his primary publisher for decades. Most of his high-value limited editions carry their blind stamp or official COA. His market remains elite; while original watercolors have realized record prices over $26,000, his hand-signed limited edition Giclees like Hold On to Your Dreams or To Search Within consistently realize between $1,500 and $4,500 on the secondary market. |
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Question: What is "Emotional Realism"?
Answer: Hanks coined this term to describe art that doesn't just show a person, but depicts an internal feeling—often nostalgia, comfort, or mystery. He frequently hid his subjects' faces to allow the viewer to "step into" the painting. We use our 40 years of experience to identify these signature "introspective" works for your database. |
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Question: Why are his "Artist Proof" canvases so much more expensive?
Answer: Hanks was a master of watercolor, and his limited edition canvases (especially APs) were produced to mimic the "glow" of his originals. Collectors pay a premium for titles like Ocean Breeze or Facing the Light on canvas because they were produced in much smaller quantities than the paper editions. |
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Question: What is "sculpting with light" in a Hanks watercolor?
Answer: Hanks didn't use white paint; he used the white of the paper to create light. In his prints, this "glow" must be perfectly preserved. If a print shows any yellowing (toning), the "Hanks light" is lost, and the value can drop by 50% or more. |
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Question: Which subject matter holds the highest secondary market value?
Answer: While he painted many subjects, his "solitary woman" and "mother and child" scenes remain the gold standard. Titles like Moving On or In the Eyes of the Innocent consistently outperform his pure landscapes or florals at auction. |
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Question: How do "Vetted Consignment" and "Vetted Dealer Network" listings differ?
Answer: At Herndon Fine Art, we value talking to you directly. Vetted Consignments (RH code) are pieces sourced from private collections—often original 1990s owners—that we have physically inspected. Vetted Dealer Network (TAC or AE) listings come from our trusted partners. Regardless of the source, our reputation stands behind every signature. |
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Question: Why should I consult with Herndon Fine Art for a Steve Hanks purchase?
Answer: Because watercolor is one of the most fragile mediums, "light-fastness" is vital. If a print was displayed in direct sunlight, the subtle pinks and blues in the shadows will be the first to go. We check for this "color shift" and verify the presence of the original pencil signature. We don't do "shopping cart" sales; we want to talk with you directly to ensure the "emotional light" of the piece is perfectly intact. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25% above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
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Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
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