Randall M. Hasson brings a new perspective to the Art world. His use of calligraphy combined with illustration creates a feast for the eyes and a depth of composition that can take the viewer to multiple levels of interpretation. The written word in text form is used in his paintings to create impact visually and emotionally, while inviting the viewer to “discover” elements over time that are not readily discernible at first glance. 

                          "Symbolism is very important to me”, says Hasson, “and to this end, the research of the text in combination with the illustrations and the overall composition play a vital role in my work. I want my paintings to have different levels for the viewer to experience, from visual to conceptual, so that one can continually discover new elements as time passes". 

One cannot help but notice that the work of this artist must tend toward the inspirational, whether it be religious in nature (Family Blessings, Inviting the Presence, Whisperings), spiritual and business principles (Providence), advice and encouragement from artists about Art (L’Esprit, Music Begins), profoundly moving poetry (Repentance and I Remember), or simply motivational (Man in the Arena, To Know His Thoughts, First Light, Triumph). 

As opposed to many paintings today, which incorporate collage to use text as an element of the composition, the lettering in these paintings is done by hand with traditional and non-traditional calligraphic tools. Broad edged nibs, bamboo and reed pens, brushes as well as pens made from such objects as aluminum cans are all used to create letters of varying style and contrast.  

Traditional painting methods are also employed in the form of underpainting, masking and glazing. Paintings will have as many as 12 or more layers (washes) of pigment in sections, creating depth in composition and color. Media is mainly acrylic paint and acrylic ink on canvas for the complex works involving calligraphy, and oil painting for portraits. 

Randall had a brief college background in illustration before going into the business world as a sales representative for the insurance industry. After 12 years away from art, he was formally trained as a Calligrapher, and has appeared on the faculty of six international Calligraphy conferences as a lecturer and teacher. He has served as juror for art shows, most recently for the 2009 five-state competition "Texas and Neighbors".

Various publications have carried examples of his work, including Somerset Studio Magazine, Ranch and Coast Magazine, Art and Antiques Magazine, Décor and Style, and Letter Arts Review. His work has appeared in books, both as cover artwork "Praying For Israel's Destiny" by James W. Goll (Chosen Publishing), The Art Of Singing by Jennifer Hamady (Hal Leonard Publishing), and his painting "Forever" also appears in Art Journey: New Mexico.

 

He has also appeared in "The History of Calligraphy" DVD and has a cameo writing appearance on the special features section of Disney's  "Pirates of the Caribbean" DVD. (2^nd DVD, “Below Decks”>”A Prisoner’s Tale”)

The Hasson's reside in San Diego and Santa Fe.