Today we’d like to introduce you to Richie Vios.
Hi Richie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was an architect by profession before and now living my American Dream as a full-time watercolor artist, conducting a watercolor workshop all over the United States and occasionally abroad but most of the time was competing in En Pleinair Events (En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air”, and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view.) where I received awards and excited paintings for a living. It was 6 years ago that I decided to chase my American dream, I’m a naturalized American citizen, we migrated last 2005 from the Philippines, after 6 years of working as an architectural designer in Florida (Fisher Architects & Associates ) when I got my citizenship I went back to the Philippines to practice again as an architect but the family is here in the US, every year I flow here to visit the family and my free time during my US visit I do some painting after I my drop my kids to school. One day I discovered the Pleinair Movement which sparked the idea of being the own boss of my time, not working with anybody, and being closer to kids. So it’s a challenging start, as for sure its a hard pill to swallow per se, I’m architect before and worked part-time attendant on the City of Victoria,Texas Golf Course and started full-time artist and taught in the Victoria Art League at night, God is good after 6 years of hustling now I can say I made it. I won multiple major awards and did major art exhibitions all over the state.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s not bed of roses for sure , I live alone with no car for a year just public transportation and asking friends from point A to B. Budgeting monthly small income to reach end of the month and save some money for a down payment for a car . But if your dream is bigger than obstacles / challenges, We can reach the top of the mountain with help of the man from above . Im firm believer of Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a watercolor artist mostly competing in 12 to 15 Pleinair all over the country and conducting workshops in between events.
I won maybe 4 major awards a year like first and a bunch of minor awards. Lately last July I won the 2024 Artist Choice Award -Oxford and the Best Watermen Award on the biggest Pleinair Event in the country Pleinair Easton( pleinaireaston.com)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vioswatercolor.com
- Instagram: Vioswatercolor
- Facebook: Richie Vios/ Artist
