He’s young, but this Kennewick artist has old-school skill

Andrew Hill has been making art for as long as he can remember.

His dad worked for a time as a graphic artist, and the father and son would draw together — cartoons and the like.

Eventually, Hill moved into painting, using mediums such as watercolor.

Then, a few years back, he tried oil. Something clicked.

Hill has been gaining attention and fans with his impressive talent.

His work will be on display Friday during a solo show at DrewBoy Creative gallery in Richland.

“I fell I love with his work because he’s a young cat, in his early 20s, but he works in a neoclassical style,” said Davin Diaz, DrewBoy’s founder.

“That’s not to say young people aren’t working in oil, but more and more work in acrylic or mixed or new media. To have this young person fall in love with oil is refreshing,” Diaz said.

The show opens at 6 p.m. Friday at DrewBoy Creative, which is at Confluent Space Tri-Cities, 285 Williams Blvd.

Hill will have more than a dozen paintings of varying size on display.

The 23-year-old, who lives in Kennewick, has exhibited work before, but this is his first solo show.

“It’s overwhelming. I’m very thankful for this opportunity to do this,” he said.

Diaz approached Hill about a exhibition after the artist displayed work at another DrewBoy show earlier this year.

At that time, Hill had a few pieces completed. He’s added several more in recent months.

He largely paints figures — images of women. His pieces are vivid, evocative, lovely, arresting.

Hill grew up in California, moving to the Tri-Cities when he was 17. He graduated from Southridge High School in 2012.

He said he’s looking forward to sharing his work with the community.

At first, the thought of his own show was daunting, but now he’s excited. “I hope people enjoy it,” he said.

Diaz is confident they will. Hill’s work is special, he said.

“It’ll be a unique experience,” Diaz said. “It’ll be unlike anything we’ve done so far.”

Cox Creative Ventures is sponsoring the show. Drinks will be served. Admission is a suggested donation of $4.

This story was originally published November 16, 2017 at 7:05 PM with the headline "He’s young, but this Kennewick artist has old-school skill."