As an artist, I am constantly inspired by fellow artists. I can’t remember a day that I haven’t looked at art. Whether it be from artists I’ve followed for years or people who have magically entered my orbit, art is a necessity for me. I always get asked who my favorite artists are, and sometimes the question trips me up…because there are so many!!! Below are a few of my new and old favorites.

Jeffrey Cheung

Cheung, a queer, Chinese-American paints people who look like they are completely carefree and happy. His art celebrates queer and trans people of color. I was filled with joy when I discovered his work.

The people he depicts have the most fun expressions and are usually posed in a silly, lighthearted way. On top of that, his color palette could not be more joyful. All of that combined, you have to smile when looking at his work, as it is filled with positivity.

little bit of feel good — Janey Forbes

The more I look at Janey’s paintings, the more I want to keep looking. The majority of her work has botanicals as the subject, which is typically placed front and center. That seems simple at first but is anything but.

The more you look at her work, the more you will see layers, depth, and texture. The subject is simple…a plant, or vase of flowers. But each leaf or flower petal has its own life, its own unique characteristics, each one filled with interesting qualities. Her color palette is filled with lots of pinks and turquoise colors, which personally I am obsessed with. And as you draw back even further, into the background, there’s even more fun to be had! Lots of little patterns, small markings of color, a little pop of color you didn’t expect. Absolutely stunning work!

Sophie Smallhorn

I didn’t think I was really into sculpture until I came across Sophie’s work. The shapes look so effortlessly stacked on top of each other. The colors are the perfect combination of subdued and vibrant.

There’s something so childlike and innocent about Sophie’s work in the best way. For me, her work conjures up memories of building blocks, Play-Doh, and other tactile kids’ games. She takes those memories and elevates them, makes them a little more refined, yet still effortless. I would absolutely love to own one of her pieces.

pink poodle — Ruth Mulvie

Ruth creates work that takes you back in time to classic America 1950s, mixed with a bit of fantasy. Her colors are carefully crafted and vibrant.

When I came across Ruth’s work I wanted to dive into her paintings. I wanted to get a time machine that would bring me to this magical, technicolor, 1950’s fantasy land. Everyone looks like they are having so much fun, surrounded by a bright, colorful world, and I want to be there.

Totem — Lori Glavin

Glavin dabbles in a variety of mediums: mixed media, paintings, collage, textiles…and I love them all!! Her work is abstract, which I’m always thrilled to find a fellow abstract artist. One of my favorite series of hers is the mixed media on paper pieces.

Each artwork looks like it was perfectly planned before she committed to attaching anything to the surface. The color palettes, the shapes, the use of negative space, but it’s not planned at all! Her creative process is intuitive.

When I found out all of her blocky, geometric-ish, delicate-looking artwork is made without a plan, I was even more impressed. I don’t think I could ever create something so neat, and orderly looking without a firm plan in place. Her intuition is clearly working for her because her work is beautiful.

Artists to Know