“Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
– Pablo Picasso
Fine art painting is a beautiful and complex form of artistic expression that can capture the imagination and emotions of its viewers. It is a medium that allows artists to showcase their unique talents and perspectives to the world while providing a platform for creativity and innovation.
Fine art painting can evoke powerful emotions and inspire contemplation and reflection, whether it is the bold strokes of a modern abstract painting or the intricate details of a classical portrait. It is a medium that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds and can be found in galleries, museums, and private collections globally.
For those who appreciate the beauty and depth of fine art painting, it is a gratifying experience to explore the many different styles, techniques, and forms within this rich and diverse medium. From bold and expressive to subtle and nuanced, fine art painting offers something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
Don Hershman is an internationally famed and acclaimed figurative artist. For those who don’t know, Figurative Art, often known as figurativism, describes artwork inspired by real object sources. For the past 25 years, Hershman has made significant contributions to the art world. His use of shadows has always been a defining feature of his paintings. In 2022, the owner of Art Love Gallery, Jackie Fuchs, suggested that he create a new exhibit focused on this subject matter. The resulting show, titled Sexuality and Shadows, was met with great success.
Surprisingly, Hershman started his career as a Podiatric Surgeon as he holds a degree in medicine, but later, he delved into the artistic realm. During his childhood, Hershman’s visits to museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art profoundly impacted him. He always aspired to be an artist, keeping sketchbooks and exploring different color combinations. However, Hershman chose stability over passion and opted for the medical profession.
As he was completing his studies, Hershman also dedicated himself to creating a collection of artworks, experimenting with different drawing and painting styles. During a party at his house in 1992, where he showcased his new pieces, he was approached by a curator from the Spectrum Gallery who invited him to participate in a group exhibition she was organizing. Hershman accepted the invitation, and all of his artwork was sold. Since then, he has exhibited his work in various shows around the world.
Hershman’s artwork has been recognized in various exhibitions, including a group show at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco in 2020 and a successful solo show titled Under the Influence: Donald and Victor at Salomon Arts Gallery in New York in May 2021. His painting was a heartfelt tribute to his former partner, who passed away from AIDS in 2001, showcasing a compassionate and modern display that captured the unique style of famed Italian-American model and art photographer Arimondi. Hershman inherited Arimondi’s impressive collection of photography and art after his death.
Moreover, he has displayed his masterpieces in multiple solo exhibitions worldwide. Few of them are: Spectrum Gallery, group show, San Francisco, CA (2000), Galleria Diners, group show, Bogata, Colombia (2005), Radian Gallery, “Botanicals,” group show, San Francisco, CA (2021), Haegeumgang Theme Museum, “We Are One: equilibrium,” group show, Geoje, South Korea (2022), MvVO ART/AD ART SHOW 2022, group show, New York, NY (2022), Art Works Downtown’s Gallery 1337, “Contemporary Botanicals,” group show, San Rafael, CA (2022), Salomon Arts Gallery, The Art of Code Switching, solo show, New York, NY (2023), Helvella Art, Pride Is Not a Crime, group show, Oakland, CA (2023), and many more.
Hershman was born in 1954 in Brooklyn and graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo, completing a BA in Pre-medical Bioscience in 1976. He later received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine DPM from California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1980 and completed his surgical residency in Foot and Ankle at Westchester General Hospital in 1983. Hershman has since been associated with the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, serving as a board member and fellow since 1992.
In conclusion, Don Hershman’s journey from podiatric surgeon to internationally acclaimed figurative artist is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions. His artwork, which often explores themes of sexuality and shadows, has been recognized in numerous exhibitions worldwide. Through his use of shadows and colors, Hershman has created a unique and captivating style that inspires and captivates art enthusiasts everywhere. Fine art painting, as a medium, offers endless possibilities for artists to express themselves and connect with their audiences. It is a beautiful and complex form of artistic expression that has the power to evoke powerful emotions and inspire contemplation and reflection.