Spotted Leopard 1988

William Hawkins made Spotted Leopard, most likely with house paint, a material he favoured for its availability and cost. The painting is like a map of Hawkins’ mind. The spots on the leopard are daubs of green and brown, each one a small, contained world. I love the way he builds up the paint, thick and gloppy, like he's frosting a cake. It’s hard to tell what kind of tool he used to apply the paint. Was it a brush, a palette knife, or maybe even just his fingers? I particularly love the little scribbles in the top right corner, adding a whimsical, childlike touch to the composition. Hawkins has a raw, untamed energy that reminds me a bit of Alfred Wallis, another self-taught artist. Both artists embrace a kind of beautiful awkwardness, and create art that speaks from the heart. Hawkins' art is a reminder that art isn't about perfection, it's about expression, and about creating something that is uniquely your own.