Dan Harding is the perfect example of someone born with the innate talent and passion for creating art. A self-taught painter with a fascination with horror, Harding’s oil paintings bring characters from your worst nightmares to life, but with a humanity and emotion often missing in one-dimensional evil movie things. This New Jersey artist’s monster portraits show his deep appreciation for his subjects, and he conveys their complexity in glistening eyes and austere postures. While some of his paintings are moving in their portrayal of kinder, nobler monsters, Harding is also the master of evil and debased enjoyment of human fear and pain. His demons are bubbling with twisted mirth, mocking the viewer with their razor sharp teeth and fingers, and their boiling skin. He is able to create monsters that are torturer and tortured, and populate a fantastic and terrifying underworld. His painting is stunning, and the fact that he is self-taught is inspirational when you see the level of detail and depth in his work. I am annoyed that I just found him, because apparently I have missed several of his LA openings over the past few months. Right now he is showing as a part of “Under the Gun” at the Articulated Gallery in San Francisco, so if you are able to go, please go for me. After the jump, check out his paintings, as well as a rad video of him sketching from Sketch Theatre.
Dan Harding Sketch Theatre #1
paul mccarroll
June 13, 2011 at 3:04 pm
you can almost smell the wet filth in Dan’s glorious monstrosities. truely an artist to follow.
Larkin
June 12, 2011 at 4:11 am
Dan Harding does exemplary work- He’s in the top echelon of contemporary dark artists and masters of horror.
Dienzo
June 9, 2011 at 10:47 pm
I’ve been a fan of Dan Harding’s art for several years now. His work draws you in and demands to be studied for its masterful technique, character design and atmospheric tone. I’ve had the good fortune of exhibiting alongside this amazing talent and encourage everyone to see his paintings in person. You will shake your head in awe.
Dahlia Jane
June 9, 2011 at 5:00 pm
I totally agree that Dan Harding is one of the most incredible artists working today. His monsters are so expressive and full of pathos and mischief that it’s hard to believe they’re not real beings. LOVE!