Plein air painter Richie Vios came to the United States from the Philippines through a personal turning point: his then-wife was hired as a nurse, opening the door to a new life. Without formal academic art training, Vios carved his own path, guided by persistence and curiosity.
At plein air events across the country, Vios came to understand through art how deeply Americans value culture and history. “By painting various locations — from rural landscapes to vibrant urban cityscapes — I developed a deeper appreciation for the beauty of this magnificent country,” he says.
Seeing American landscapes in person was transformative. “I had only seen such beautiful places on television while in the Philippines,” he recalls. “But when I visited and painted them, it was a magical experience. The vastness and beauty of this country continually inspire me.”
Plein air painting, for Vios, is both classroom and livelihood. “It’s not just about painting pretty pictures,” he says. “My work preserves beauty for future generations and allows me to pursue the things I love most while making a living. I suppose that is my version of the American Dream.”
On his travels, he’s found that certain places evoke a profound sense of home. Painting the deep South feels familiar, but Maui, Hawaii, resonates most strongly. “The people, culture, food, and laid-back lifestyle remind me of home,” he says.
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Vios believes his work has become part of the American story through the collectors who live with it. “I’m honored that my paintings become part of households — conversation pieces, even family heirlooms,” he says. Quoting Thomas Jefferson’s famous words — “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” — Vios sees his artistic journey as proof that those ideals remain alive.
“Painting and surviving as an artist in America is one of my greatest achievements,” he says. “America is the biggest stage in the world.”
Connect with Richie Vios at vioswatercolor.com, and check out his art workshop, “Confident Watercolor,” here. During this exclusive video course, Richie lays out the three core skills you need to confidently create watercolor paintings. These three core skills influence how you think, see, and execute before and during painting.
Looking for MORE ways to improve your painting skills?
Don’t miss your opportunity to create lifetime memories at the Plein Air Convention & Expo! All training sessions are indoors on giant, high-def screens, with incredible paint-outs in the afternoons. Beginners and pros feel right at home, so register at PleinAirConvention.com to join us.
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Blog post prepared for the web by Cherie Dawn Haas, Editor of Plein Air Today
