Candace Hardy
I have always had a love for art & the technical skills needed to create such beautiful works that most take for granted in this current time. Viewing other artworks have always fueled my inspiration as well.
Artist’s Statement
I’m Candace Hardy, a Massachusetts based artist who loves working with oil paint on canvas. My passion lies in exploring the boundaries between abstract and realism, creating vibrant and dynamic pieces that strike a balance between the two. Through my paintings, I aim to capture the essence of my subjects in a unique and expressive way, using bold strokes and rich colors to create depth and emotion. Whether it’s a portrait or a landscape, each piece tells a story and invites the viewer to interpret it in their own way. Join me on my journey as I continue to blend abstract elements with realistic details in my art.
How would you describe your background?
I’m a self taught artist in oil, sketch, watercolor and ink. I grew up in a multi-creative family where art was celebrated and encouraged. While learning whatever I could about art when I had the time, I gradually got better form and composition and started selling commissions from 2003 forward. I earned an associates degree in Graphic design in 2007 though I didn’t pursue a job or freelance in that field I felt I needed to keep the traditional style going as that was always my first love, it has helped my reference refinements and composition in traditional art.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I was in headstart at age 3 and I filled the toddler easel paper pack with acrylic painting after painting. They all went on the windowsill and heaters within the classroom. I remember how happy I felt just putting color to paper regardless of abstract or image depiction.
My grandfather worked at a paper recycling facility and brought home various reams of end rolls of paper for my siblings and me to draw and sketch as we pleased.
My grandfather worked at a paper recycling facility and brought home various reams of end rolls of paper for my siblings and me to draw and sketch as we pleased.
It was a life goal after that to seek out everything I could at my school libraries to find the skills needed to create my own masterpieces like DaVinci and the like. I was obsessed with faces and how difficult it was to get the correct perspective shadow and variation of colors.
What would surprise people to learn about you?
My family are all fans of the spooky creepy horror movie scene mostly from the 1980s. You wouldn’t know it to look at my art since the art itself is more about feeling inner peace and the curious imaginings of my mind.
What achievements in the area of art are you proudest of?
This has been my most prolific year so far. I won my first award at a G.A.L.A. show in Philipston, MA, earning a people’s choice award. Getting a spot in this year’s Keene ArtWalk was exciting as well.
How would you describe your art process?
Planned references after mulling an idea then sketching directly onto the canvas and lastly working block by block shape of color and refinements.
What is your usual studio/working day like?
I have a standard job but after I’m home from that it’s anywhere between an hour to 4 hours working creatively as well as any weekend time I can spare.
What is the most delightful part of your life outside of work?
Spending time with my family and enjoying the peace of living in a small town in the woods.