Ron Hicks works have been characterized as a blend of representational art and impressionism. Some critics have compared them to paintings by Rembrandt and Daumier. The 41-year old artist translates his own moody visions with a muted palette and rarely uses pure color. He particularly favors the variety he finds in gray. _Gray allows me to capture atmosphere, mood, and layers of emotion,î he says. _Gray sets the tone for the rest of the painting.î Mask titled _Come Taste and Seeî.