Rick Hamilton is a self-taught Maine painter whose vibrant, story-driven canvases celebrate the physical labor, joyful movement, and coastal energy of Portland and beyond. Beginning with a spontaneous afternoon painting session with a ten-year-old neighbor on Munjoy Hill, Rick Hamilton built a full-time studio practice rooted in bold color, intuitive process, and a deep respect for the people who work with their hands.
From lobstermen in orange overalls to dancers mid-kick, his paintings capture dedication and movement with a looseness and humor that invites viewers to look closer — including for the hidden cat he tucks into every canvas. Represented by Portland Art Gallery, Rick Hamilton creates work that feels alive, generous, and full of the energy of connection.
What does it look like when a self-taught painter builds an entire artistic identity from a single unexpected afternoon — and what does every hidden cat have to say about the life that followed?