Frequently asked questions.
Does Austin have any available originals?
Yes! Please check the Artwork page for available originals, and send an email if you are interested in a particular piece.
Can I commission Austin for a painting?
Yes, however, commissions are closed at this time. Open commissions will be announced on Instagram: @a.j.v._art.
Does Austin sell prints of his work?
Yes! Please visit the “Prints and Products” tab to see which pieces are available to order.
How did Austin discover watercolor and Ink painting?
Austin stumbled upon this style while working with his middle school students. He was teaching color theory and color schemes and decided to create a mini piece of artwork illustrating color schemes. His students thought these little mini pieces looked really interesting, so he created a few larger works. It was only after one of his art education colleagues saw these works and encouraged him, that he decided to invest in further developing this watercolor and ink style.
What inspired Austin to become an artist?
Art has always felt like an extension of Austin's life. Even though he studied to be a music teacher and a school principal, art has always been a part of him. It has only been in the last couple years that he decided to embrace the visual arts and pursue a career as an artist.
Where did Austin grow up?
Austin was born and raised in Towanda Pennsylvania, a small town in the northeast part of the state. As a child, Austin was involved in all kinds of art, but particularly loved drawing dragons. His mother often says that she didn't know of another child who could sit and draw dragons for hours on end.
Where did Austin go to school?
Austin attended Penn State University for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, and Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with a Principal Certification. Austin has taken art courses through the Art of Education Online. Although his degrees are outside the visual art field, art has always been a part of his life. "Art is like breathing for me, it is always there, and I am always doing it even if I am not thinking about it".
How long has Austin been working with this style?
Austin has been working with thrown watercolor and ink paintings since the winter of 2021, at the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. Before that, his style was more realistic, but because of the stress of the pandemic, realism became too intense. Throwing watercolor paint on paper was a stress relief for him, and allowed him to find the joy in creating art again.
Where does Austin get inspiration for his pieces?
Austin is a huge fan of color. He likes it vibrant and intense. Austin is often inspired by the colors that other artists use. Paintings by Leonid Afremov and Dale Chihuly often influence his use of color. The subject matter stems from Austin's interest in the fantasy and sci-fi genres, especially the phoenixes and dragons that frequently appear in his work. Phoenixes are associated with healing, music, and passion, all of which play a large role in Austin's own life.
What artists influence Austin's work?
His work is influenced most by four of his favorite painters: Van Gogh, Dale Chihuly, Leonid Afremov, and most recently Iris Scott, Robert Lugo, and Vexx.
What advice does Austin have for young, aspiring artists?
One of Austin's favorite quotes is from Chip Gaine's Book: Capital Gaines - Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff, "The human heart was made to swell and jump and stir; that's a fact". When you encounter an artistic style or medium that makes your heart swell and jump and stir, do that.
How long do Austin's paintings take to complete?
The length of time it takes to create a piece varies according to the size of the artwork. Smaller pieces (12x12in) usually take a few days, whereas some of the larger works of art can take up to two months to complete. The majority of the time is spent with an ink pen drawing over the watercolor.
Does Austin teach classes?
Austin is a full time teacher in the State College Area School District. He has taught both music and art at the middle level, and most recently, has moved to teaching full time art at State College Area High School. Additionally, Austin teaches summer art courses at the Art Alliance of Central PA.