Color, Curiosity & Craft: A Conversation With Aimee Erickson

In this inspiring biographical interview, we sit down with Aimee Erickson — acclaimed American artist, internationally renowned oil painter, award-winning instructor, and celebrated author. Known for her masterful use of color, expressive brushwork, and compelling visual storytelling, Erickson has become one of the most respected contemporary painters working today. From studying classical foundations to building a thriving professional career, Aimee shares how she blends observation and imagination to create atmospheric paintings that transcend traditional plein-air and studio boundaries. She opens up about the formative influences that shaped her artistic voice, the creative challenges she has overcome, and the deeply personal philosophy that guides her work. Listeners will hear about her award-winning plein-air practice, evolution as a teacher, and the process behind her acclaimed book. Aimee offers invaluable insight into building artistic confidence, exploring curiosity, and practicing art with intention. Whether you’re an artist, collector, educator, or creative soul, this conversation invites you to reflect on what it means to pursue mastery while staying connected to a spirit of wonder. Highlights include:Aimee’s early artistic development and professional breakthroughsHow observation, intuition, and design shape her painting processHer love of plein-air painting—travel, patience, and presenceThe craft of teaching and mentoring emerging artistsLessons from writing and publishing her bookUsing curiosity and personal voice as creative toolsAdvice for artists navigating career growth and self-doubtAimee Erickson’s thoughtful wisdom and approachable storytelling make this a deeply enriching episode for anyone passionate about painting, creativity, and lifelong learning.✅ Keywords (SEO) Aimee Erickson, Aimee Erickson interview, American artist, oil painter, contemporary art, plein-air painting, art podcast, painting techniques, artist biography, creative journey, color mastery, fine art, art education, art instructor, art mentorship, artistic process, art inspiration, landscape painting, figurative painting, how to paint, art philosophy, visual storytelling, studio practice, creative growth, art career development, painting workshops, art teacher, artist author, modern painters, art book, creativity podcast, artist stories, art collectors, painter interviewBIOAmerican artist Aimee Erickson, is an internationally renowned oil painter, teacher, and author. Aimee has exhibited and painted all over the world, and has won numerous awards. Aimee was born in 1967 at the American Hospital in Paris’s 16th arrondissement. She is the second of five children born to Ed, an astrophysicist and Beth Erickson, a high school English teacher, both from Seattle, Washington. When she was three years old her family returned to the US via a brief spell in England, settling in Sunnyvale, CA. As a child, Aimee “had lots of bonus extracurricular education and activities - cello, baking, sewing, soccer, lots of reading, and my mom taught us all to speak French, plus lessons or gear for anything I wanted to learn, like oil painting from the age of six, unicycling, gymnastics, and we were all required to play the piano”. Aimee gained her BFA from Brigham Young University in Utah in Visual Communication Design with an Illustration emphasis. But after college she struggled with depression and moved back to Oregon taking jobs in stage scenery. Growing up as a Mormon proved to be a challenge for Aimee and even though she spent 18 months in France as a missionary, she was never comfortable with the religion. In 2003, after much heartache she left the Mormon faith which she says was a turning point to liberating her both personally and professionally. Aimee has spent her life as an artist; her portfolio extends from landscapes to still life to portraits. She lives in Portland, OR.Aimee’s website: https://www.aimeeerickson.com/Instagram @1aimAimee’s Playlist:Jason Isbell, "How to Forget"Chris Stapleton, "Traveller"Wilco, "California Stars"The Finn Brothers "Won't Give In" Favorite female artists:Sophie Franz.Kathleen B. HudsonJessie Wilcox Smith Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramEmail: [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.A Hollowell Studios ProductionInstagram: @theaartpodcast Email: [email protected]© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell StudiosAll Rights Reserved

There are no comments yet.

Please log in to write the first comment.