Brazilian Artist, Hamilton Aquiar explores the subject of landscape in his signature style using delicate layering of silver leaf with oil paint.  In some cases a monochromatic palette is used, creating spiritually charged visions that are both haunting and serene.  Recently, he juxtaposed rich hues of color with a singular tree seemingly carved out of the background, illuminated in silver, gold, or copper leaf, which is then bathed in a rich covering of resin varnish.  Here the tree appears more as a motif, further evolving the luminescence. 

If one were to describe Aguiar’s art in one word, one might say that his art is “mysterious” while another might say that his works are “haunting’. One thing is for certain is that Hamilton’s style is extremely unique, hence, memorable. Although the compositions are inspired by nature, they are carefully interpreted through the artist’s original aesthetics. Reality is made to look more poignant and profound.

Hamilton Aguiar was born in Belo, Horizonte, Brazil, in 1965.  His first interest in fine art started in his youth when he began to draw.  In 1987 he moved to the United States to further his artistic career, which has since then soared.  During his many years of studying art and working in art restoration, Aguiar explored various painting techniques.  His current series of paintings reaches a new and unique level in landscape painting.  Aguiar applies silver or gold leaf over the entire background of his linen canvases or wood panels, and then creates washes and shadows with oil paint.  His art defies description, but the images radiate a dramatic light because of the interaction between the richness of the oils and the mercurial nature of the leaf.  The composition of the works is inspired by the natural surroundings of the Hamptons’ landscapes, emphasizing winter with the monochromatic content. Hamilton has a gift, a gift given by God to "create", and by absorbing his surroundings he creates his vision of uncontrollable beauty. 

Aguiar’s art receives well-deserved recognition from private and corporate collectors as well as from prestigious galleries all across North America, in cities such as Aspen, Boston, Laguna Beach, Atlanta, Telluride, Las Vegas, Chicago, Rochester, and New York, around Canada in Whistler, Calgary and Toronto, as well as throughout Brazil and Europe.  Recently, Hamilton Aguiar’s art was purchased by MOLA, The Museum of Latin American Art in California.  

This internationally recognized artist is one of today’s premier landscape artists. Aguiar is grateful to the United States and the art community for his many successes.  He wants to show his appreciation by working with nationally known conservation foundations that address his subject-matter inspiration—forest landscapes. 

Victor Forbes observes in Fine Art Magazine: “Aguiar is mesmerized and inspired by America with its changing seasons and varied landscapes from Colorado's Aspen pines to the Florida palm trees to the changing leaves of the North East.  His finished composition is a sophisticated interpretation of a contemporary landscape theme, which gives his art a universal appeal.  While Aguiar's forest view landscapes are muralistic in their coverage of scenery, the stark, resin-coated and strongly colored renditions of single or multiple trees brings minimalism to a new level of depth, energy and excitement.  Infused with primary reds, yellows, blacks, and blues, [and] liberally swathed in metallic leaf, these images, some up to 96" wide, are powerful yet subdued. In their elegant line and form, simplicity radiates, yet there is no tiring of them upon viewing after viewing.  The colors are luscious, the technique impeccable.”