Matt diLeo’s paintings are deeply personal, layered with symbols from his past, present, and future dreams. Influenced by film, music, and his Italian heritage, diLeo uses his work to process life’s experiences with raw emotion and authenticity. His pieces invite viewers to step closer, uncover hidden narratives, and feel the pulse of his world. Read more about his journey, inspirations, and creative process in our latest feature.

Peggy Shearn’s self-taught journey through various artistic disciplines, from graphic design to printmaking, culminates in her dream-inspired paintings. Her work reflects an ongoing exploration of narrative and the surreal nature of dreams. As a co-founder of a not-for-profit gallery, she continues to impact the Chicago art scene with her unique vision.

Kyle Lee’s work offers a reflective take on life’s small yet significant moments. With a background in painting and contemporary art, Lee invites viewers to explore how everyday events often hold more weight than we realize. In this feature, we dive into his artistic journey and the philosophy behind his minimalist style, which highlights the value of the fleeting, the mundane, and the "forgettable" moments.

For over 25 years, Sasja Hagens has created dynamic, colorful paintings and sculptures inspired by her deep-rooted maritime heritage. Influenced by her family's naval background and a passion for adventure, her work captures the energy of harbors, the movement of ships, and the limitless possibilities of the sea. From large-scale solo exhibitions to museum collections worldwide, Hagens’ work invites viewers to embark on a visual journey across waves of color and emotion.

Nick A. Erickson, a pop artist inspired by the aesthetics of retro Americana, invites viewers to indulge their senses with his vibrant, mouthwatering paintings of desserts. With a career spanning animation, illustration, and design, Erickson's artwork blends nostalgia and sweet realism, capturing the texture of cake, frosting, and cherries in a neon-colored palette. In this post, we delve into the artist's journey and creative process, offering a closer look at how his passion for visual storytelling and nostalgia comes to life on the canvas.

Portland-based artist Jayes Caitlin brings her graphic arts practice to life with minimalist works that combine systematic approaches with chance elements. With an extensive background in design, Caitlin’s abstract art spans archival editions, paintings, and silk-screened concert posters, all contributing to her vision of abstraction’s role in contemporary visual culture. Explore her journey from Chicago and Los Angeles back to Portland, where she is opening a new RISO Studio Arts location.

Self-taught artist Robin Kerr blends multifaceted elements of culture, history, and personal identity in her abstract work. Drawing inspiration from the nuances of living between places, Kerr’s art explores themes of belonging and perception, creating thought-provoking pieces that challenge and celebrate humanity's diverse expressions.

Jeff Sheridan’s work exists in the space between dreams and reality. Drawing from hypnagogic states—the threshold between wakefulness and sleep—his abstract paintings transform subconscious imagery into intricate, otherworldly compositions. Influenced by psychology, the occult, and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sheridan uses layered washes, stippling, and detailed brushwork to create striking monochromatic scenes. Explore his multidisciplinary practice and the unique creative process behind his thought-provoking work.

Nicole Williford’s representational paintings invite viewers into a world where family stories are transformed into visual myths. Inspired by archival photos and shaped by her own imagination. Nicole’s work blends personal and found photographs with oral history and imagination, creating surreal, layered paintings that explore the myth-making of family life.

Jordan Clark’s multidisciplinary practice blends painting, photography, and design, drawing inspiration from the textures and structures of urban environments. His layered compositions reflect his experiences with architecture, graffiti removal, public transit, and digital mapping. Through a process of masking, revealing, and responding to materials, Clark constructs abstracted spaces that bridge physical and digital realms. Read more about his influences and artistic journey.

Brigid Kennedy’s work bridges the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, capturing the interplay of architecture, nature, and light through abstracted representation. Her ongoing series, inspired by direct observation, reflects on the significance of windows as portals to both the outside world and the self. With a career spanning numerous exhibitions and prestigious grants, Kennedy continues to create paintings that invite exploration and contemplation.

Marisa Macklin, a contemporary figurative painter featured in AQ Volume 5, brings her diverse background in musical theater and fine art to create vibrant, evocative works. Her latest series, Fashion, Fruit, and Fowl, merges the energy of fashion and farm life, offering a fresh perspective on modern portraiture. Dive into Macklin's journey from city streets to rural life and explore how her evolving environment shapes her art.

Francesca Woolson, a talented painter from Western New York, brings a unique perspective to surrealist portraiture, combining oil paint with elements of memory and emotion. Her work explores the intersections of domination, isolation, and the subconscious, influenced by personal experiences and non-visual art forms like poetry. As a junior at Maine College of Art and Design, Francesca is already making waves with her award-winning pieces and ambitious exploration of human figures and memory. Learn more about her evolving artistic voice in this in-depth interview.

Kimberley Day, a Concept Artist and internationally exhibiting painter, shares her creative journey in AQ Volume 5. Known for her abstracted landscapes, Kimberley’s work explores the intersection of literal and felt landscapes, capturing the reflections and metaphors that shape our perception of reality. In this feature, she reveals how her artistic practice has evolved from the film industry to painting, and the personal philosophies that fuel her passion for art.

Featured in AQ Volume 5, artist Vanessa Osmon creates thought-provoking abstract portraits that reflect the unique challenges and beauty of military spouses. Through her layered figures, Osmon explores themes of identity, resilience, and the nomadic lifestyle that shapes her community. Learn more about her powerful process and the personal stories behind her work.

Bree Gilliam's figurative oil paintings give voice to marginalized people and explore the social issues impacting society today. Featured in AQ Volume 5, Gilliam's work—often inspired by personal experiences and the fight for social justice—examines injustice through a deeply emotional and expressive lens. Learn about her journey from high school inspiration to creating art that sparks important conversations.

Natasza Mirak, known for her deep exploration of identity and the societal roles imposed on individuals, is featured in AQ Volume 5. Her work combines classical techniques with modern media to examine the dualities within human experience—confusion and certainty, shame and boldness. Mirak's approach invites viewers into a world where the complex relationship between roles and intimate needs is visually realized through powerful portraiture.

In AQ Volume 5, Jessie Xu, a portrait artist and recent graduate from the School of Visual Arts, showcases her ability to merge traditional oil painting techniques with a profound sensitivity to color and detail. Drawing on her experiences across cultures, Jessie’s work highlights her remarkable skill in capturing the spirit of her subjects, emphasizing the eyes as windows to their essence. Explore her journey from childhood artist to accomplished painter, and see how her evolving artistic style continues to captivate and inspire.

Teri Hendrich C., a Los Angeles-based painter and AQ Volume V artist, blends fine art with astrology, using rich color and abstract forms to explore unseen energies and personal narratives. Drawing inspiration from celestial archetypes and esoteric symbolism, her work transforms the intangible into evocative, visual storytelling. In this interview, she shares her artistic journey, creative rituals, and the inspirations behind her latest series, Venus in the 12th.

Deanna Gauthier, a self-taught artist, channels her journey across North America into abstract landscapes that evoke emotional responses rather than direct representations of nature. Featured in AQ Volume 5, Deanna shares her exploration of dualities in life and nature through a process of experimentation, emotion, and ritual. Learn how her work balances intuition with design principles and reflects her unique connection to the world around her.