Born in Columbus, Ohio, Ron spent most of his childhood growing up in the modest and friendly neighborhood of Park Hill in Denver, Colorado. He and a close childhood friend shared their dreams — they always knew they would go to college, and Ron always knew he would be an artist.
Ron’s family later relocated back to Ohio where, during his high school, he was awarded several awards and honors for various art shows and competitions. His talent became obvious and noted throughout his high school career and Ron was awarded a full scholarship to Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, OH. He later returned to Denver and subsequently earned a degree in Advertising Design. After college, Ron applied his degree and natural talent to working for ad agencies, magazines and as a freelance illustrator. He would soon realize his true passion, and Ron’s natural talent and his eye for beauty encouraged a shift in the direction of his style of painting.
With a muted palette, Hicks creates beautiful and timeless pieces with such fluidity and movement that it takes the viewer on an emotional journey where you feel like you can insert yourself into the subject matter of any of his paintings. Often compared to the more prolific Masters of the early 19th century, Hicks is an accomplished Fine Artist whose talents have made him one of the most sought after Master Figure Artists throughout the US and abroad. Hicks’ works are collected by celebrity jewelry designer DiGrisogono, Grammy Award Winning Artist John Legend, and TV Host Kathy Lee Gifford, just to name a few.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“I see things very abstractly, so I think of myself as a painter who sees shape, value, edges and texture. I like to romanticize life. I love the interaction of people doing…’things’ — whatever it is. It could be the most mundane thing to any passer-by, but I find great beauty in that. I can’t imagine not painting…not creating. If I’m not painting, creating, sharing my gift and seeing the beauty of life everyday, then what’s the point? My work is not just what I do, it’s who I am.”
