A Double Take With Artist David Hoque

Written by Artie The Panda

Maybe it’s the precision and discipline of having spent his career in the military that influences the intricate, exacting detail in David Hoque’s work. Whatever it is, we admire the juxtaposition of reality with the rich jewel tones that come to life in his colored pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. They often cause viewers to do a ‘double take’ when they realize they are not actually photographs.

Travel and soul.

David is mainly self-taught, although he has worked under internationally known watercolor masters Laurin McCrackin and Soon Warren. Born in California, David has traversed the world and is now settled in Virginia. He believes that extensive travel has greatly impacted his role as an artist to visually express a society’s soul, culture and individual states of mind.

Framing his art.

The colored pencil drawing David shares with us here is a celebration of his granddaughter, Josie. He framed the piece with our Wood Frame Profile 810, with mats in Snowflake White (8313) and Spanish White (8463). “I use Frame Destination’s products exclusively for my work,” David tells us. Thanks, David! We are humbled and happy to help showcase your amazing art.

See more of his work.

Want to see more of David's richly detailed, colorful work? Visit his online gallery.

For David’s insights into YouTube, yin/yang dualism and why he paints “with a heavy hand,” read the Q&A below.

Now for Artie’s Eight with David Hoque…

1. What is your background; how did you get started?

I am an American artist born in Monterey, California. Primarily self-taught with some formal art training in watercolor and colored pencil art pieces, I do commissions and participate in exhibitions throughout the year. I'm also a professional member of the "International Guild of Realism" and a signature member of the "Colored Pencil Society of America.” I have had art pieces juried into both of their prestigious annual international exhibitions every year that I have been a member. I have also been published in Artist Portfolio Magazine, Ann Kullberg's Color Magazine and her annual CP Treasures Vol. III and IV, as well as Colored Pencil Magazine. After retiring from the military, we settled in Virginia where I have been a Magistrate for the Commonwealth since 2000.

2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?

I think the artist plays a part in reflecting the human condition and we visually help convey the soul of our societies, our cultures and personal states of mind. We convey emotion through the mediums we use. I hope that when a person looks at one of my paintings or drawings, they do not just enjoy it, but they walk away with a richer and more expanded state of mind than before they saw it and took it in.

3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?

I think my most profound formative experience was living all over the world and being lucky to experience the people’s and cultures in many places all over the world. It’s had a profound impact on how I understood humanity and the places I’ve seen have made me believe that we are truly living on a very special planet which is abundant in beauty and life. These facts inspire me greatly and they motivate me to produce well-done, meaningful pieces of art for people to see and enjoy.

4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?

I draw and paint with a heavy hand. Meaning I like to work the color into the surface. I also enjoy drawing pieces that have stark contrast between light and dark tones and color. I think these contrasts complement each other like the “yin and the yang.” My pieces reflect realism and balance. All of these aforementioned artistic concepts greatly reflect my personality. Although I probably would be considered an introvert, my art still reflects my strong will and a need for order and balance.

5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?

I used to get them quite a bit! Probably more frequently than I would have liked! To overcome this I’ve taught myself through YouTube and other sources how to improve my photography skills. I have found that having good skills in this field is critical as a realist painter and it also helps me to take excellent subject photos for my work. Now my creative blocks are few and far between.

6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)

I would say my personal reference photos. I am wired to draw and paint precisely what I see. Which means I don’t have much of an imagination. I’m also a realist, so I need to see great realism in front of me. To do this I have to take and use superb subject photos. Plus, most exhibition entries require that artists use their own work, including reference photos.

7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?

I just studied under the great watercolorist Laurin McCrackin. Now armed with his superb techniques in this medium, I am busy creating my own nice still-life watercolor pieces.

8. What is your favorite paint color name?

I enjoy making my own “black” that I keep in a mason jar for my watercolor pieces. I’ve learned this mixing recipe from Laurin McCrackin and it’s a black that is used for my still life backgrounds.

All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.