Work By Other Artists That Inspires Me.

The Man Who Planted Trees by Frédéric Back.
For excerpts of my interviews of Frédéric, visit here.

I spend a lot of time looking at the work of other artists. Below, some of my favorites. Their work inspires me, and gives me ideas for new directions to explore in my own art.


First, Nathan Oliveira, Bay Area Figurative Artist.

For more on Oliveira, including excerpts from my interview of him, visit here.

A painting of a figure standing against a light background, with a dark, abstract background on one side. The figure has a white mask with black eye and mouth openings, and long dark hair. The figure's body is painted in muted, pastel shades with abstract lines and shapes.
A figure of a woman running, painted on a yellow background, creating an optical illusion with the surrounding patterns.
Child's sketch of a person's face with hair on a textured wooden surface.

I love the delicate free-flowing watercolors of Maria Iciak. Her style is simple and unique.

You can view more of her work on 1stDibs here and on Saatchi here.

Abstract watercolor painting with soft gray, blue, and light brown brushstrokes on a white background.
Abstract watercolor painting with shades of blue, black, gray, and beige, creating soft, flowing shapes and subtle textures.
Watercolor collage art depicting a person's face and upper body using handmade linen and kozo paper, oil stick, watercolor, graphite, and wax tissue.
A watercolor portrait of a man wearing glasses, holding a microphone, depicted with warm earth tones and a loose, impressionistic style.
Abstract watercolor painting with soft pastel shades of blue, purple, and gray, featuring blurry, fluid shapes and gentle blending.
Watercolor abstract painting with shades of blue and gray, depicting organic, flowing shapes.
Abstract watercolor painting with shades of gray, black, white, and hints of yellow, creating a textured and fluid appearance.
Mixed media artwork of a face partially covered with a cloth, featuring expressive eyes and a textured, layered background.
Abstract watercolor painting with soft shades of blue, gray, brown, and white.
Abstract watercolor painting with shades of blue, gray, and black.

The simple abstract work of Muriel Napoli captures my imagination.

You can view more of her work on Singulart here and on Saatchi here.

Abstract ink and watercolor painting with black, blue, and gray splashes and drips on textured paper.
Abstract artwork with flowing black, gray, and blue ink or paint on white background, creating a symmetrical, butterfly-like shape.
Abstract watercolor painting with black, blue, and gray splashes and streaks on a white background.
Abstract black and gray ink blots with blue dots on a split white background.

I’ve followed the Mary Heebner for years. Her impressionistic paintings of figures are a major inspiration to me.

You can view more of her work on her website here and on Saatchi here. Her paintings grace at least two books, both available on Amazon, Neruda and Intimacies.

Abstract painting with gray, white, and blue swirling brushstrokes.
Abstract triptych paintings with earthy tones, including shades of beige, brown, gray, black, and hints of orange, featuring fluid, organic shapes and textures.
Open art journal with abstract watercolor painting in blue and black on one page, and faded typed text on the other page.
Abstract painting with blue, gray, and yellowish-brown colors.

The artist whose work I’ve studied most closely is Alex Powers. In fact I once went up to Canada to attend a one week workshop he held, but I had been studying his work for years before that, ever since discovering his book, Painting People In Watercolor. His work has had a profound affect on my own, though it may not be noticeable.

Alex passed in 2020. The best way to see more of his art is to enter his name in Google and click on images.

A watercolor painting of an elderly woman wearing a hat and glasses, with a serious expression, sitting next to a vintage camera.
Watercolor sketch of two elderly men's faces with glasses, with minimal, loose brushstrokes and hints of color around their cheeks and lips.