Alamo, 1986

William Hawkins painted graphic, large-scale images depicting animals, architecture, religious scenes and well-known events. Here, Hawkins’ bold, dramatic depiction of the historic Alamo, in San Antonio, relies of a combination of collage to create depth within the building, strong, bold areas of red to render the heft of the stone construction, and his signature swirls to create a dramatic background receding behind the architecture. The artist’s restrained use of color adds to the drama and impact of the work, pulling the viewer’s eye into the composition through the contrasts of red paint and the collaged central element.