Hank & Sylvie

Hank & Sylvie were first realized in 2010 as a pair of large-scale pencil drawings on paper, each 38" x 50". Conceived as complementary figures, they reference the whimsical forms of mid-century decorative ceramics, such as the cookie jars and salt & pepper shakers that were popular in the 1950s. With the introduction of color, their potential expanded dramatically. Soft friendly faces and vibrant palettes bring them to life, allowing for dynamic interplay with patterned backgrounds, whether stripes, polka dots, or as patterns and silhouettes. Hank & Sylvie are characters developed by Lou Patrou, a New York–based fine artist known for his bold, highly detailed paintings and graphic imagery. His work has been exhibited internationally in New York, Los Angeles, London, Miami, and beyond, and featured everywhere from Times Square billboards to the London Underground. With a creative career spanning five decades, Lou has developed a distinctive visual language of faces, figures, and design elements that blend fine art with contemporary graphic appeal. His portfolio has appeared in over 40 art and design publications worldwide, and his designs have been showcased at SURTEX in NYC and Licensing Expo Las Vegas.