John Swofford shares his personal journey as an oil painter, specializing in landscapes, portraits, and clothed figures. From overcoming the challenges of schizophrenia to creating over three hundred paintings, Swofford’s art is driven by his belief in a collective unconscious and the transformative power of love and respect. His works are an exploration of not only the external world but also the internal energy that connects us all.

British contemporary artist Tristan Reid’s figurative paintings are an exploration of light, dark, and the emotional climate of human experience. Working in oil on wood panel and canvas, Reid’s art is deeply influenced by literature, history, and the fluctuating relationship between mankind and nature. In his own words, "WILDING 1 is a painting that hints at mankind's tenuous connection with nature. Our love for it and our fluctuating indifference to preserving it.

Walker Augustyniak's work invites us to pause and observe the familiar in new ways. His art begins with the quiet attention to objects we often overlook in our fast-paced lives. Through his unique lens, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, offering a powerful reminder to appreciate the small details that shape our world. Learn more about Walker’s approach and the inspiration behind his thought-provoking pieces.

Chilean artist Sebastian Riffo Montenegro critiques the pervasive influences of consumerism, social beliefs, and the quest for power through his evocative paintings. Using a selective palette and controlled lighting, he transforms fleeting, commercial imagery into timeless works that reveal and obscure, provoking a re-examination of our unconscious cultural narratives. His art invites viewers to reconsider the limits on free will shaped by modern society's constructs.

Ricardo Rodriguez Cosme, a Valencia-born artist, channels his passion for black-and-white painting into works that explore harmony, nostalgia, and the complexities of the artist's journey. Drawing inspiration from classical aesthetics, modern visual culture, and personal introspection, Ricardo's art offers a timeless perspective on beauty and the evolving relationship between the artist, the art world, and self-discovery. Learn more about his creative journey and latest series in this feature.

Maggie Rose Schneider is a self-taught painter who brings emotional depth to her work through vibrant acrylics. With a focus on human experience, her art delves into themes of pain, bliss, love, and mental health. In her modern still life compositions and portraits, Maggie captures the nuances of vulnerability and connection. Her paintings invite viewers into a world where personal struggles and joy coexist, offering a glimpse into the complexity of the human condition. Explore her work and the story behind her creative journey.

Aske Alexander Hvidtfeldt, a Danish painter based in Aarhus, creates captivating works using airbrush techniques. His paintings fuse color and texture, evoking both wonder and depth. With influences ranging from modern art movements to personal childhood experiences, Aske’s process combines technical mastery with an intuitive exploration of dualities. Learn more about his unique artistic journey, from his fast-moving image rolodex to the symbolic symbols that emerge in his work.

Sandra Cavanagh’s art navigates the intersections of personal history and global narratives, focusing on the themes of mortality, innocence lost, and the quiet presence of violence throughout time. With a career that spans decades and continents, her figurative works in painting, drawing, and printmaking explore the pairing of form and message, creating poignant visual storylines. Discover more about Cavanagh’s journey and artistic evolution in her interview with Create! Magazine.

Daniel Jefferson, a self-taught street artist from St. Louis, blends vibrant color and bold figural elements to create art that reflects his dynamic experiences. Drawing inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints, Manga, and graffiti, Jefferson's work embodies both calm and chaos. With exhibitions in cities such as St. Louis, New York, and Antwerp, his bold approach challenges the boundaries of artistic expression. Learn more about his creative process and inspirations in this exclusive feature.

With a unique focus on the intersection of self-representation and online presence, Aya Shimohara creates paintings that mirror the feelings of ambivalence that arise when navigating the digital world. Using panels reminiscent of digital devices, their work delves into the complexities of human emotions, blending selfie compositions and reflective surfaces to create a thought-provoking dialogue between self and other.

Spenser Bower’s oil paintings offer a kaleidoscopic view of queer joy and nostalgia, capturing moments from Chicago’s Hollywood Beach, Boystown nightclubs, and Palm Springs poolsides. Inspired by artists like David Hockney and Jenny Morgan, Bower’s work immortalizes fleeting moments of vibrant youth, transforming them into enduring vignettes that transcend time. Learn more about his artistic process and inspiration in this in-depth feature.

Michelle Lee Rigell’s artwork, which blends acrylics and watercolor with the symbolism of origami, explores themes of healing, loss, and cultural identity. Her project, "1000 Crane Project," reflects her personal journey and dedication to art as a tool for emotional recovery. Featured in renowned galleries and publications, Rigell’s work continues to inspire through its intersection of precision and sentimentality. Discover her inspiring journey and creative process in this feature.

April Werle’s art reimagines cultural narratives through a unique blend of paint and relief techniques, capturing the contrasts and connections that define belonging and identity. With exhibitions at the Holter Museum of Art and The Other Art Fair Los Angeles, and features in New Visionary Magazine and Kapwa Magazine, Werle’s work is a powerful exploration of integration versus assimilation.

Mingxian Xiang, a London-based illustrator and animator, uses opaque watercolor to create hazy, dreamlike paintings that preserve fleeting memories. Drawing on her connection to people and the environment, Mingxian’s work blurs the line between reality and emotion, capturing ordinary moments with extraordinary depth.

Varsha Suresh’s artistic practice weaves together traditional mediums and digital techniques, bringing attention to the hidden beauty of nature. In this interview, she shares the inspiration behind her work, how she navigates the challenges of environmental advocacy through art, and her mission to foster a deeper connection between humanity and the natural world. Featured in AQ Volume 4, Suresh’s work encourages us to pause and appreciate the beauty around us.

Award-winning artist Jess Quinn, featured in AQ Volume IV, brings nature's most delicate elements to life through her larger-than-life botanical oil paintings. Her work magnifies the intricate details of flowers and plants, offering a fresh perspective on the natural world and encouraging viewers to slow down and appreciate the simple, yet extraordinary beauty surrounding them. Discover how Quinn's dedication to capturing the elegance of everyday botanicals has transformed her art into a powerful reminder of nature's unseen wonders.

Anne Wölk, an AQ Volume IV artist based in Berlin, captivates viewers with her imaginative starry landscapes and cosmic themes. Combining techniques of the old masters with modern digital aesthetics, her work bridges Romanticism and Photorealism to reimagine traditional landscape painting. With international exhibitions and awards, Wölk’s visionary art invites us to explore the limitless possibilities of the universe.

Aurora Santika, born in 1996 in Bogor, Indonesia, is a painter renowned for her detailed compositions that explore human relationships. Her art transforms everyday struggles into epic visual tales, drawing inspiration from fiction and cultural iconographies. Aurora holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta, and has exhibited in multiple group shows and solo exhibitions, including "Breaking Through" (2018) and "Dreamscape Anthology" (2023). She recently participated in the Vermont Studio Center residency under the Jon Imber Painting Fellowship. Her work reflects a continuous effort to understand life and communicate complex narratives through the ethereal qualities of fantasy realms.

Angela Wan, a rising artist from Honolulu, Hawaii, blends digital tools and traditional acrylics to evoke the peaceful and vibrant beauty of island life. Featured in AQ Volume IV, Angela’s artwork explores themes of relaxation and creativity, capturing the calm essence of nature in stunning mixed-media pieces. In her interview, Angela shares her journey from product designer to full-time artist, her process of artistic exploration, and her commitment to creating art that encourages viewers to embrace tranquility and peace.

Mie Akatsu’s work merges cultural experiences and intuitive expression to explore the lives of women through oil paintings and pastels. Featured in AQ Volume IV, Akatsu discusses her creative process, challenges, and the power of experimentation. In her latest series, she paints the transitions of the day, overlaying personal stories with universal themes.