Melissa Arostegui’s art is a visual narrative—blending personal stories, bold portraits, and whimsical still-life compositions. Influenced by iconic artists like Elizabeth Murray and David Hockney, her vibrant works invite viewers to connect with the shared human experience. In this feature, learn about her artistic evolution, her journey as a Chicago-based artist, and the creative process that fuels her distinctive style.

In this interview, Chicago artist Marina Ross shares how the tragic loss of her son in 2022 led her to dive deeply into the iconic American fairytale The Wizard of Oz as a means of processing grief. Through her ethereal, spontaneous paintings, Ross reimagines familiar symbols from the film, like Dorothy Gale and the poppies, to subvert expectations of childhood nostalgia. Read more about her journey, artistic practice, and the role of community in her creative process.

Explore the art and vision of Nasim G. Pachi, a contemporary Iranian-German artist whose work challenges cultural and societal constraints. Her rich, detailed portraits blend the female form with intricate patterns, inviting viewers to reflect on freedom, identity, and the global complexities of modern life. From her diverse experiences living across Europe, Africa, and Asia, Pachi’s paintings encourage us to rethink individuality and the restrictions imposed by culture and religion.

J. Adam McGalliard merges classical oil painting with cutting-edge technology to explore complex themes of identity, myth, and societal change. His layered works delve into personal narratives and human-nature relationships, with series like Erewhon and Projections offering surreal visions of future worlds. Learn more about his artistic journey and the influences that shape his practice in this exclusive interview.

Chicago-based artist Karen Fike creates captivating mixed media pieces that explore the strength, elegance, and chaos within the lives of women. Using acrylics, flash glazes, and textured mediums, Fike brings her figurative abstractions to life in a way that engages viewers on a deeper level. In this interview, she shares her artistic journey, the personal experiences that shape her work, and how community and advocacy fuel her creative practice. Read on to learn more about the vision behind her dynamic and evolving artwork.

Toronto-based artist Vanessa Storoniak uses a blend of acrylic paint on wood and digital design to create captivating abstract compositions inspired by the beauty and serenity of nature. From tranquil landscapes to vibrant, graphic-inspired snapshots, her work expresses the peaceful moments that ground her. Discover how Vanessa’s artistic practice merges modern techniques with a deep reverence for the natural world.

Discover the innovative art of John Romi, a contemporary American-Swedish artist whose style, Cuneiformism, blends the ancient script of cuneiform with bold, abstract imagery. Since 2004, Romi has been exploring the power of art to heal and inspire, creating works that evoke emotion, balance, and timeless narratives. Through his use of vibrant colors, textured layers, and historical symbols, Romi invites viewers to engage with both the past and present in a deeply personal and transformative way.

Nancy Natow-Cassidy’s artwork is a celebration of color, movement, and nature. Her abstract paintings explore the energy and vibration of color and shape, often influenced by her surroundings near a national park and great lake. Learn more about her creative journey, process, and the powerful emotions conveyed through her vibrant works.

Liora Redman, a Kazakhstan-born artist, uses her art to explore the complexities of identity, womanhood, and the challenges of single motherhood. Through intimate self-portraits, she navigates societal pressures and personal freedom, offering a bold and raw look into her experiences. Now based in New York City, Redman’s work has found homes in private collections worldwide, and her gallery serves as a space for artists to express themselves freely. Explore her journey and the meaning behind her powerful creations.

Discover the captivating encaustic paintings of Jodie Sutton, an award-winning artist whose work blends abstract forms with the beauty of everyday landscapes. From her self-taught journey to mastering the wax-based medium, Jodie’s art reflects her deep connection to the world around her. Learn about her process, inspiration, and the importance of community in her artistic practice.

Mark S. Thomas is an abstract artist whose work is defined by his passion for color and organic patterns. Working from his Oakland studio, he combines acrylic paint with mixed media techniques to create dynamic, textured pieces that evoke the fluidity of natural and biological forms. With an intuitive approach to mark-making, Thomas seeks to balance spontaneity and careful editing, resulting in vibrant works that explore the emotional and psychological effects of color. Learn more about his creative process and view his latest works on his website.

Elen Alien, a London-based artist, merges diverse mediums like sculpture, digital art, and oil painting to explore the complex relationship between nature, technology, and human identity. With a background in architecture and a nomadic lifestyle that has shaped her practice, Elen’s work invites viewers to reflect on how we navigate an ever-evolving digital landscape. Read on to discover how her art challenges the boundaries of physical and virtual existence.

In this artist spotlight, Nashville-based visual artist Rachel Karr shares her deeply personal journey of using gouache landscapes to explore themes of legacy, conservation, and the environmental impact of modern life. Her vivid, neon-colored paintings are a testament to both the beauty and fragility of our planet, inviting viewers to reflect on their role in protecting the Earth for future generations. Read more about Rachel’s artistic influences, creative process, and the turning points that have shaped her practice.

Barbara Hack’s passion for the human figure and its emotional depth is evident in every piece she creates. With a background in drawing and painting, and a career that spans courtroom illustration, fashion design, and teaching, Barbara now focuses on her art full-time. Discover how oil paint serves as her primary medium to capture the ephemeral moments that define her work and how her journey has led her to embrace both creativity and mentorship. Read more about her artistic evolution, influences, and what drives her as a painter.

Swedish-American artist Emma Nilsson shares the profound connection between her art and her personal experience of trauma. Through her abstract paintings, she explores the complex stages of healing, memory, and recovery, using color and texture to create works that reflect both vulnerability and strength. Read more about her creative process and how art has become a powerful tool for self-expression and transformation.

Discover the work of San Diego-based mixed-media artist Reni Soares, whose art reflects her upbringing on the island of Cape Verde and her journey between two cultures. With a focus on creating harmony between opposing elements, her intricate abstractions blend texture, color, and form to reveal multi-layered narratives. Learn how her unique use of raw canvas and stain techniques transforms the materials into rich, captivating compositions that resonate with both personal and universal themes.

Dive into the artistic journey of Daryl Zang, a contemporary realist oil painter whose work brings a sense of optimism and beauty to daily life. With a focus on figurative and still-life compositions, Zang’s paintings invite viewers to savor life's simple pleasures. Join us as she shares her influences, creative process, and the turning points that shaped her artistic practice over the years. Discover how motherhood and everyday experiences continue to inspire her vibrant artwork.

Join us as we delve into the artistic journey of Sara Yourist, a master of blending historical porcelain figurines with contemporary themes. In her vibrant oil paintings, Sara recontextualizes objects to reveal deeper narratives of deceit, fear, and the human desire for control. From her inspirations to her creative process, learn how this former preschool teacher turned artist captures the complexities of emotion and imagination through her unique visual language. Don't miss this exploration of art that balances whimsy and unease.

Join us as we delve into the artistic world of Heather Kirtland, a Maryland-based painter, author, and speaker. In this blog post, Heather shares her creative process, the influences that shape her work, and the profound themes of identity and emotion she explores through her vibrant, layered compositions. Whether you're an art enthusiast or seeking inspiration, Heather's journey offers a compelling perspective on the intersection of motherhood and artistry.

In this feature, we explore the artistic journey of Melissa Loop, a contemporary painter from Minneapolis. Her vibrant acrylic works reflect her travels and examine the delicate balance between authenticity and cultural interpretation. Loop’s unique approach to painting invites viewers to engage with their own experiences and perspectives. Join us as we dive into her influences, artistic process, and the deeper meanings embedded in her art.