Umbreen Hasan
By Peter Nomeland
Umbreen Hasan is a Minneapolis-based artist and physician with an MBA in healthcare administration. She specializes in mixed-media paintings, some of which can currently be seen at the Coffman Art Gallery alongside Laura Ahola-Young in the gallery’s “Efflorescence” showcase through March 19.
How did you get started in art and painting?
In 2016, I was involved in a serious motor-vehicle accident. I had some time off and went to a craft store as I loved making botanical arrangements. By chance, I ended up in front of the aisle containing all sorts of paints. I had absolutely no idea how to paint. I asked the sales assistant to help me, and she gave me a canvas, some acrylics, and brushes. I came home and randomly painted my first abstract art. It was pour acrylics [at that time, I had no idea that this technique existed]. When my family came home in the evening, they could not believe I had made that artwork. I still have that painting as it is very dear to my heart. It is called “twilight.” Since then, I have never stopped painting.
Describe your artistic style.
Since I am self-taught and still learning, I have a unique signature style. I do not use the traditional brushes the majority of the time. I use my hands to paint and other tools such as fire, compressed air, gravity, hardware tools, as well as chemical reactions. All of my paintings are inspired by nature. I also incorporate natural elements in my paintings such as gems, gold dust, and other organic elements. I believe my paintings are an extension of nature.
Who are some of your biggest artistic inspirations?
Being a practicing physician, I have never had time to study the history of art and its various periods. For me, nature is the biggest inspiration. I am always drawn by the beauty of nature. Having lived in New Zealand, I have appreciated the beauty as well as the unpredictability of natural elements. My artistic inspiration has always been nature.
Over a period of time, the way you look at any scenery is different from a normal person. You start looking at the elements and how you would incorporate it in your paintings. I love collecting driftwood, gems, etc. which in the past, I have incorporated in my artwork.
What are some of your favorite pieces (if any)?
I have numerous pieces, and some of them have a very strong emotional bond. Being an artist, I feel that when you look at the blank canvas, you transfer your emotions on the blank canvas. Your paintings are a way of expressing your feelings to the outside world.
Some of my favorite pieces are: [I have attached the pictures]
“Meteorite treasures”: one of my earliest paintings, which is 3-D. Here I have incorporated 24-karat gold, dust, as well as real amethyst and quartz in the painting.
“Rouge wave”: this is one of my newer paintings. It is oil on canvas. These days I am working on seascapes. I really love the way the water appears to be spiraling out of control in this painting.
“Sunset over the wheat field”: this painting is Cold Wax with Lawyer. The Cold Wax has been carved to make the wheat field. I love making this painting.
“Rainbow in the sky”: these are the vibrant alcohol inks on canvas. This was made with compressed air.
How do you balance being a practicing MD while also making time for your art?
Initially I was working full-time, but over the years I have cut back practicing as a physician so I can give more time to my art. After my life-changing motor-vehicle accident, I realized that life is too short, and one should pursue their dreams and passions. That is when I decided to build a home, commercial-grade studio and pursue my art as this is one thing which I truly love, and it brings me a lot of happiness. I also love when my clients tell me how much joy and happiness they get from my artwork.
Is there any feedback you’ve gotten that has really stayed with you?
Over the years, I have received numerous comments from people regarding my artwork, which has meant a lot to me. My aim is to always produce artwork which is colorful and vibrant and brings joy and happiness to people. When clients tell me how hanging my artwork has changed the ambiance in that space, and every day they look at the artwork first thing in the morning, I feel I’ve achieved my goal. Recently I had an artwork commissioned in memory of someone who had passed away. After I completed that artwork and her friend came to pick it up for the memorial service, she cried and told me that this is how they wanted her friend to be remembered, and this is how she had envisioned the artwork. That was very moving, and it meant a lot to me.
Can you tease any future projects?
Currently I am working on the “Seascape” collection, which will be released in the next couple of months. My website is www.umbreenhasan.com, and it will be released over there. This is going to be a beautiful and unique collection.
Once a year in spring, I do an annual studio clearance sale as I always believe that everyone should be able to own a piece of original artwork. That sale would be announced on my Instagram @umbreenhasan. I have more than 250 paintings at this time, which is also a way to clear up the space for additional paintings. I paint every day, so I end up with a lot of paintings by the end of the year.
My long-term goal is to set up an art center for people with physical disabilities. I am a rheumatologist, and I see a lot of patients with arthritis. I believe art is therapeutic in nature. This is something which has always been at the back of my mind, and at some point, I want to open up an art therapy center.