"Foggy Drifting" 36 x 36" acrylic on canvas - Gregg Irby Fine Art

"Cobalt Hill" 30 x 40" acrylic on canvas - Gregg Irby Fine Art

"Unearthed" 36x36" acrylic on canvas - Gregg Irby Fine Art

Erin's Studio - Photography by Ian McFarlane

So full of energy, right?! And those colors, swoon. So happy to introduce you to another of my Instagram crushes, who was generous enough to answer a few questions and share her work. I love seeing artist spaces too, what a great studio!

What/Who is inspiring you right now?

The art of Don Cooper, specifically his mandala paintings. He has such control over watercolor washes and his color relationships are not only extremely beautiful but also create interesting spatial illusions.

I also love the work of Ky Anderson - everything she does!

Always am inspired by Medieval Italian paintings - every trip to Italy I have been fortunate to take these paintings are always my favorite go-tos in museums.

I love looking at textiles and architecture - organic and soft contrasting with geometric and hard forms. I think this has always inspired my paintings. Brilliantly colored patterns and more neutral minimal objects - I am equally drawn to both.

How does teaching effects your own practice?

My students always inspire me, especially when they just go for it and take risks and see what comes out of it! I have been teaching in higher education now for seven years and every semester is fresh and different; I’m always surprised!

When teaching, I have to be able to articulate those things that are difficult to articulate, why something visually works. This is something that I have always struggled with so it’s always and challenge (which keeps me on my toes). Through teaching, I am able to clarify my own ideas in the studio because I am guiding others through various creative processes. It’s a back and forth really, teaching and making are intrinsically linked.

What is the one studio tool you couldn't live without?

My filbert-shaped brushes - I use them on every painting! Also, I keep a gallon of Titanium White acrylic always on hand, I go through it like crazy and usually end up using at least two gallons a year now.

To check out more of Erin and be inspired, you can follow her on Instagram here. She is represented by Gregg Irby Fine Art. Tons of talent can be found there!

How about you? Anyone really enjoying a particular artist right now? What's inspiring you?

Weekend Inspiration: Erin McIntosh