Ilkka Aho is an Finnish painter, who draws inspiration from the old masters of the Baroque and from the art of the late 19th century. His works contain a wealth of symbolic elements, and everyday objects often take on a deeper symbolic meaning alongside their aesthetic qualities. Leaving plenty of space for the viewer to find the meaning. The appreciation of craftsmanship and the pursuit of high technical performance are strongly visible in Aho's art, linking it to a long art historical continuum.
Aho works mainly in oil painting. In terms of subject matter, Aho works mainly with still life painting, but his production also covers figurative and landscape paintings. As themes in his works, Aho often deals with the society around him and his inner thoughts and feelings. Recurring themes in his works include, for example, the environmental crisis, economic inequality, and the relationship between society and the individual, depicted symbolically through objects and their dialogue.
South Africa
Born in 1960 in Ceres, South Africa. Matriculated - Girls High in Paarl in 1979. Completed a B.Ed Art degree at the University of Stellenbosch in 1983. Majored in Ceramic Art. In my private capacity I was a ceramic artist for more than 20 years, sold my equipment in 2014 and then started painting fulltime.
From my childhood days, I remember always studying the faces of people intently, trying to see beyond their eyes to trace the mysterious paths their thoughts created. I was curious to know what secrets were beyond their brave words and wondered where their vulnerabilities and heartaches lay hidden.
Because of my art teaching background, my work has a naïve element and is all about freedom to express without reference as a restriction and judgement. By painting this way, an emotion filled with subtle vulnerability of my chosen character will often present itself on the canvas. I believe that the eyes are the windows to the soul and I will only stop working, when the portrait is communicating a specific emotion to me. It is then also obvious what the title should be. I work mainly in acrylics and am fascinated with texture and transparency through layering.
My studio in Knysna, gradually developed into an Art Café and gallery as a natural process of growing. This creative space, is where I teach and exhibit my work. I do regular Paint and Sip workshops where I teach people about my way of working.
I have been selling my work successfully on a national and international basis and am fortunate to have regular collectors of my portraits. My work is available in my gallery, Art on Queen, as well as from my website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
I am intrigued by the way sun-drenched light affects the colors of objects, causing interesting shadows. I look for ways to incorporate this into my paintings, beginning with sketches and value studies, followed by an underpainting to build upon. Transforming realism into creativity, in a contemporary-impressionistic style, is always a goal and challenge.
Having grown up in South Florida, island life has greatly influenced my paintings, with brightly painted buildings, colorful landscapes and turquoise waters. Whether the subject matter is a timeworn cottage, a coastal scene or a welcoming garden, depicting joy through my paintings is of great importance, as I long to invite the viewer in to imagine being there. My first art lessons were at the age four, where my passion for art began. A BFA degree in Graphic Design from University of Miami, shortly led me into a lucrative career as a “licensed artist”, with my art appearing on numerous home décor and gift products from leading manufacturers worldwide. While presently focusing on fine art, my paintings are represented in galleries, exhibits and plein air events. They are found in both public and private collections, including Hawaii 5-0, Magnum P.I. and Bloodline T.V. Series, and winning notable awards. With a passion for educating others, I enjoy teaching online and in-person workshops.
My name is James Gurney and my studio is based in Poughkeepsie, New York. I sometimes paint while riding a unicycle. As Robert Frost said, “My goal in life is to unite my avocation with my vocation, as my two eyes make one in sight.”Things that inspire me to paint? Dinosaurs and parking lots. One is beyond our imagination, the other is beneath our notice.
"Less is more with your portfolio. Believing that showing more pieces increases your chances of a sale leads to confusion. Overloading your portfolio dilutes your brand and makes it harder for buyers to connect with your unique style."
A third-generation artist, Josh Elliott was born in Great Falls, Montana. His grandfather studied with Grant Wood and dabbled in a variety of artistic pursuits, and his father, Steve Elliott, is an accomplished wildlife and landscape painter.
Elliott’s work resides in several museum collections, including the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia; the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis; the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City; and the Whitney Western Art Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming.
Among his many awards, Elliott has received the Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award, the Victor Higgins Award of Distinction, the Artists’ Choice Award, and the Palette Award at Quest for the West; the Edith Hamlin Award at the Maynard Dixon Country Invitational; and the 2D Award at the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. His work has been featured in the magazines American Artist, Art of the West, Southwest Art, and Western Art Collector and in the book Painters of Grand Teton National Park.
His work is represented by Claggett Rey Gallery in Vail, Colorado; Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery in Tucson, Arizona; Maxwell Alexander Gallery in Los Angeles, California; and Simpson Gallagher Gallery in Cody, Wyoming.
My name is Cecile and I am an artist based in the Netherlands. I am exploring the relationship between myself and the universe. Birds are messengers from the sky and blue is the color of communication.
Recently I went through my very first note and scrapbooks I made during art academy. I saw birds everywhere. I was really surprised. I saw an image of a bird that I was looking for weeks on Pinterest, but there it was, I had it already in my 16 year old scrapbook!
I work with acrylic paint, watercolour pencils, linoprint ink and oilpastels to create my birdcollection on canvas and paper. I combine printing, drawing and painting techniques in my own unique way.
My work starts with meditation and a feeling which I recognize in a bird. So in a way I am the bird. I collect pictures of birds, colours, shapes, environments like water and lily's. The elements that intrique me come together with my favorite colors in my art work.
My pallet is very full of bright and distinctive colours. It really is my signature. The colors in my wardrobe and in my interior match my paintings. I live my colors.
My work is your mirror. It invites you to connect wih your own feelings and energy. You will recognize your strenght, power, the open view to the world or the inner queen that you are.
My ambition is to work on large canvasses of 2 by 2 meter and more. My visionboard holds an atelier that large, that I can cycle from one place to another. It is a place with bright light and where I can work simultaniously on large paintings, so I can colour the world.
"Networking is key to growing your art career. Believing that networking is fake or uncomfortable leads to isolation. Without connections, you’ll miss out on valuable exposure, collaborations, and career-boosting opportunities."
I am an Impressionism artist born in New-Zealand, living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada now. I paint with both oils and watercolour equally. I love to teach watercolour and inspire people to paint in watercolour.
I started painting in 2003. I paint in different mediums of watercolour, oils, acrylics and charcoal, building layers with glazes. I paint florals, especially roses and bird nests primarily. For the complexity and fragility that tugs at my heart bringing them to life.
"Stop waiting for inspiration to strike. Believing you need to feel inspired to create can lead to inconsistency. Waiting for the perfect moment only stalls your growth, leaving you without a solid body of work or a professional routine."
I was born in Portugal in 1986 and I currently live and work in the Netherlands.
Art has always been my passion and I although I studied in various art and design courses I consider myself self-taught.
Throughout my art career I developed the interest for the realist aesthetic and currently I create original pastel drawings from wildlife and still-life to portraiture.
My love for pastels also led me to teach my pastel techniques in workshops all over the Netherlands and give pastel courses/lessons online or at my studio. In my lessons I'm committed to make upcoming artists to discover their own passion for the pastel medium and provide them with the tools to express their own vision and unlock the secrets of realistic drawing.
"Your work won’t sell itself. Believing that ‘if my art is good enough, it will sell’ means you’re missing out on vital opportunities. Without promoting your art and building an audience, your talent will go unnoticed."
June Pure embodies for me the desire for a warm and inviting home, inspired by my own cherished memories. Home, to me, means not just escaping the cold, but also creating a place where the atmosphere embraces me, and I can fully unwind.
My first wall tapestry, a symbolic circle, brings not only warmth and security but also marks the completion of a personal circle in my life. Creating my own design wall tapestry and wallpaper, this first design being a circle, is not without reason. Just like my mother used to make, but now in my own way and with my unique signature. This circle represents for me not only atmosphere, security, and movement, but also, quite literally, completes the circle in my life. I'm doing what I love the most.
With my designs, I aim to impart a warm and comforting atmosphere to every space, from small to large and from private to business. A vibe where people feel at home and everyone is welcome. Because that's what June Pure stands for.
"Don’t ignore the business side of your art. Believing that you’re just an artist and not a businessperson keeps you from growing. Without proper marketing and sales strategies, you’ll miss out on opportunities and struggle to build a sustainable career."
I am an artist based in Brisbane, Australia. Raised by art-loving parents, and watching my father (the artist Wayne Malkin) paint throughout my formative years, I always had an appreciation for the visual arts. After falling in love with oil painting, I finally left my town planning career in 2021 to focus on art full-time and have not looked back since!
Oil paint is my chosen medium. I love the boldness of the paint, the vividness of the colour, and the way the paint can be manipulated on the canvas to achieve any technique. My preferred style is impressionism-realism, and I often seek to create a mood or atmosphere in my work through the use of colour. My main passion is landscapes. I love attempting to capture the diverse beauty of the world around us, the effects of light and the subtle variations of colour.
I am constantly inspired by other artists, both the old masters and the current, and am excited to continue to evolve and see where the future leads!
"Stop undervaluing your art. Thinking that if you charge less, your art will sell more only leads to financial struggle. Under-pricing your work prevents you from earning what you deserve and can even harm your reputation."
I am an artist from the Philippines and I have a deep passion for the arts, specializing in painting on canvas or vellum board using various mediums such as oil, acrylic, and watercolor. A member of the IRINUGYON Artists Group in Kidapawan and the GAMA of the Davao Region. Throughout my journey, I have dedicated myself to honing my artistic skills and exploring different avenues for self-expression. My artistic achievements began during my college years when I became actively involved in our school’s intramurals, specifically SIDLAK. Representing our department, I participated in the on-the-spot painting contest and charcoal rendering contest, where I consistently secured first place over the years. These experiences not only showcased my talent but also instilled in me a sense of pride and accomplishment. As an artist, I strive to create captivating and meaningful artworks that resonate with viewers on an emotional level. My passion for painting, combined with my continuous exploration of different mediums and styles, enables me to express my artistic vision in a unique and evocative manner. Moving forward, I aspire to continue pushing boundaries, experimenting with new techniques, and participating in exhibitions and events that showcase the richness and diversity of the Philippine art scene. I am committed to furthering my artistic journey and leaving a lasting impact through my creations.
"Stop relying on one income source. Believing that selling only originals will sustain your career leaves you vulnerable to financial instability. Diversify your revenue streams to ensure a more reliable and sustainable income."
"Stop trying to appeal to everyone. Believing your art should be for everyone only dilutes your message. Without a clear focus, you risk failing to stand out and connect with buyers, leaving your art lost in the noise."
Carly Frankham is an artist from Australia who uses charcoal and graphite on ink washed paper.
"I create the figure and still lifes with drapery. I love the continuation of a classical style in modern times as I create a contemporary take on a style that is rich in history and beauty."
Carly has some online art courses about:
- Free Tools & Materials Checklist For Photo-Realistic Drawing
- The Ultimate Charcoal Techniques Course,16 steps to mastering charcoal
- Draw a Life-Size Tiger Masterpiece with Charcoal
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