We recently connected with Travis Lariviere and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Travis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project of my artistic journey has been my gallery display, Riparian Impressions, a series of 12 paintings showcased at the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert, Arizona. While these paintings hang publicly, they represent something deeply personal to me. When my family first moved to Arizona, the Riparian Preserve and the library became places of beauty and peace, a safe space where my daughters explored nature and immersed themselves in books. It was here that I found my artistic inspiration to create again.

Last summer, I returned to oil painting with a renewed sense of purpose. The Riparian Preserve became my muse as I embraced plein air painting, an approach that allowed me to capture the world in real time, free from overplanning. My process evolved from realism to a more impressionistic style, with bold colors and spontaneous brushstrokes. I drew inspiration from Van Gogh’s fearless, instinctive technique, pushing myself to paint quickly and trust my instincts rather than overthink the outcome.

The journey wasn’t without its struggles—imposter syndrome loomed large, and I often questioned whether I deserved such a public display. But each piece came together in the moment, a testament to the power of painting as a stream of consciousness. This spontaneity culminated in my largest work, Riparian Boardwalk Over Duck Pond, a showstopper that represents the growth of both my artistic technique and personal confidence.

A chance encounter while painting outdoors with my daughter connected me with a city employee who helped secure the exhibit. That moment ignited my passion and set the stage for this project—a true milestone in my development as an artist. Whether or not these paintings sell or find a new home, I am deeply proud to have brought this vision to life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always been a creative at heart, with experience in a variety of mediums. Professionally, I’m a graphic designer and marketing expert, but my passion lies in traditional art forms, particularly oil painting. What sets my work apart is my focus on capturing the essence of a scene rather than a strict, literal representation. I draw a lot of inspiration from the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, especially Van Gogh, whose spontaneous, emotion-driven process resonates with me. His ability to paint instinctively, without overthinking, is something I strive to emulate.

Recently, I’ve been fortunate to receive commissions from colleagues and people who have seen my gallery display. I also offer free commissioned paintings as gifts for newlyweds or first-time parents within my circle, which helps spread word-of-mouth about my work.

One of the biggest challenges I face is marketing myself. Creating engaging content that reflects my artistic vision can be tough, especially when battling imposter syndrome. It’s hard to feel confident in promoting your own work when you question its value. Pricing is another tricky part—finding that balance between making my work accessible and valuing my efforts appropriately is a constant struggle.

Ultimately, I want people to feel inspired and at peace when they see my work. There’s no hidden message or complex symbolism—just a desire to share the beauty I’ve found. If my paintings can encourage others to pick up a brush, or simply pause to appreciate a moment of calm, then I’ve succeeded. Monet’s work, with its serene, blended colors, has had a big impact on me. While Pollock’s abstract approach isn’t my style, I admire his process of letting creativity flow naturally without overplanning.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is the simple joy of creating something beautiful for others to enjoy. I thrive on creativity—it fuels me. While it’s rewarding to make a living through art, that isn’t my sole focus. I paint because I love the process itself. Seeing others connect with my work brings a unique joy, and their support, whether through praise or purchasing a piece, makes it all worthwhile. One memorable moment was during the first week of my gallery display, when several coworkers not only showed up to support but bought two paintings on the spot. That moment reinforced my belief that my art resonates with people. On a personal level, the greatest emotion I feel during the creative process is relief. Imposter syndrome is a constant battle, but moments like these remind me that I am capable, and it pushes me to keep creating.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best way to support artists is through a loyal audience. People often don’t realize how transformative even a single purchase can be for a local artist—it sustains families and supports the continuation of their creative work. I believe in the idea of “100 true fans.” I would much rather have 100 loyal supporters who truly appreciate and support my craft than thousands of followers who barely engage. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful too. When non-creatives recommend artists for commissions or assignments, it opens doors. One opportunity leads to another, creating a network of growth. Personally, I’ve surrounded myself with fellow designers and painters who regularly promote and support one another, both online and financially. This sense of community is invaluable for fostering creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://travislariviere.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travis.lariviere/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travislariviere/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@travis.lariviere?_t=8qSXxSZpPYo&_r=1

Image Credits

Copyright © 2024 by Travis LaRiviere