NEWS

Red Bridge Study by by William G. Hook, Watercolor, 11” x 15” (Provided by the San Diego Watercolor Society)

William G. Hook of Davidson was awarded Fifth Place in the highly competitive 46th International Exhibition to be held Sept 27 – Oct 31, 2026 at the San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery in Liberty Station’s Art District. Over 600 entries from artists world wide were received and only 105 were selected for the show. His painting titled “Red Bridge Study“ was given the honor by award-winning, internationally-recognized artist, Ana Laura Salazar.

William G. Hook

According to Salazar, “In a world populated by cold and gray structures, we find in this small painting a structure that joins two ends from beginning to end. Its warm red color captures the eye and refuses to let it go. The heavy bridge, placed immediately over it, does not crush it; on the contrary, it seems to shelter and protect it.

The magnificent handling of the intense grays, blending into the atmosphere, speaks to us of continuity and depth, and transports us to a city that is barely suggested, yet one we can somehow feel exists. It is a small painting with a lot of grandeur.

Contemporary abstract painter and member of the San Diego Watercolor Society, David Burakoff said, “For me, this painting captured the very essence of a bridge…a somewhat magical quality that allows one to leave the ground and drive through air. I was interested in the contrast that the old swing bridge played against the heavy arched bridge….but for once I was able to stop when the painting said everything that was needed. Had I continued with the detailed truss work and foundation, it would have become just another pretty picture of an old bridge.”

Bill Hook came to the world of fine art later in life after a rewarding career as an architect and highly regarded architectural Illustrator based in Seattle. A turning point in his art career occurred in 2007 when he was awarded a two month residency in the tiny village of Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy. This gave him the opportunity to explore his own fine art interests without the constraints of illustration and pressure of deadlines.

His architectural background continues to influence his current artwork. A consistent thread in his work shows his love of industrial structures and environments that coexist in the background of our daily lives. Of particular interest is exploring times when the environment is in transition. There is a dynamic energy during construction or demolition that he finds intriguing and tries to capture those fleeting images that will never be experienced again after the projects are completed or destroyed.

He has recently won awards at the AWS 157th Annual Exhibition (2024); Featured Artists Group Show “Medley”, Mooresville Arts; GWS Member Exhibition, First Place Award; WSNC Annual Juried Exhibition, First Place Award; and Mooresville Arts Center, Winter Juried Exhibition, First Place Award.

More of Hook’s work can be seen on his website.

The Exhibit can also be viewed on the San Diego Watercolor Society’s website where the paintings can be purchased from the Online Store.