Contemporary realism. Hulings is considered to be one of the leading American realist painters of the 20th century. His work reflects global and Western influences.

Hulings embraced the vibrancy of the human spirit. He often described himself as a “backdoor painter” who was interested in what people were actually doing in their lives while the “buzz” of world events was capturing the public’s attention. Hulings wanted to see the simple, untouched parts of any country and capture the unique lifestyles and soul of those who lived there.

Hulings’ affection for the burro became his trademark, with the animal’s quiet demeanor of loyalty and toughness serving as a metaphor for human patience and perseverance. In his travels, Hulings observed burros having a dignity in spite of their “stocky, shaggy shapes and large, hung-down humble heads.” To him, burros, while very strong, never misuse their strength. They cannot be hurried and are sturdy. As Hulings stated, burros “are by nature sure-footed, loyal, and affectionate…..they can be trusted.”

In 1946, Hulings held a one-man show of his work at the galleries of the Louisiana Art Commission in Baton Rouge. His show included several portraits of family members, and led to a successful career as a portrait painter. Hulings also painted landscapes and became interested in design and illustration work. After 1955, after firmly establishing an illustration career, the lure of landscape painting sent him to Europe, first for four months, and later for almost three years. Over the course of his travels he studied figure painting in Florence, abstract design in Düsseldorf and roamed from the Arctic Circle to Southern Egypt.

Hulings is also known for his drawings, water colors, portraits, and illustrations.

Although there are a variety of noted Hulings’ works, there are three paintings that had a major impact on his career: Kaleidoscope (Size: 29 x 46 in, Oil on canvas, 1980), The Pink Parasol (12 x 18 in, Oil on canvas,1979), Kaibab Trail - Winter (27 x 54 in, Oil on canvas, 1973). In addition,

Las Ramblas (26 x 46 in, Oil on canvas, 2004), which Hulings considered among his best work as well. He painted Las Ramblas when he was 82 years old.

Hulings is revered for his technique and venerated for capturing the essence of ancestral homelands. His subjects and composition are widely emulated. He has also been recognized for his enormous impact on American realist painters, especially Western artists, since the 1970’s.

The Estate exists to secure Clark Hulings' place in the canon of American master painters, and to support collectors, auction houses, galleries, dealers, and museums by providing a central resource for information, licensing, reproductions, and sales support.

Per industry commentary in publications, such as Fine Art Connoisseur, there is a resurgence of interest and focus on contemporary realism of which Hulings work is categorized. His paintings and other works are obtaining heightened visibility. In addition, illustration, which held minimal significance for a long time currently is being appreciated and recognized in new ways. For example, Norman Rockwell is now considered to be a fine artist. Hulings’ illustration works belong to this group as well.

Hulings had a long, illustrious career that spanned 70 years. In each decade, he produced excellent and acclaimed works, including his eightieth decade of life. This is a remarkable feat for an artist. Hulings also experienced very different careers, which he divided neatly within his art career, e.g., portraiture, illustration, and easel. His choice of medium, from watercolor to oil, also were divided into segments. Once Hulings moved on to the next career within a career, a medium, or any related activity, he did not tend to revisit what he had done previously.