In this inspiring biographical interview, we sit down with Aimee Erickson — acclaimed American artist, internationally renowned oil painter, award-winning instructor, and celebrated author. Known for her masterful use of color, expressive brushwork, and compelling visual storytelling, Erickson has become one of the most respected contemporary painters working today. From studying classical foundations to building a thriving professional career, Aimee shares how she blends observation and imagination to create atmospheric paintings that transcend traditional plein-air and studio boundaries. She opens up about the formative influences that shaped her artistic voice, the creative challenges she has overcome, and the deeply personal philosophy that guides her work. Listeners will hear about her award-winning plein-air practice, evolution as a teacher, and the process behind her acclaimed book. Aimee offers invaluable insight into building artistic confidence, exploring curiosity, and practicing art with intention. Whether you’re an artist, collector, educator, or creative soul, this conversation invites you to reflect on what it means to pursue mastery while staying connected to a spirit of wonder. Highlights include:

• Aimee’s early artistic development and professional breakthroughs
• How observation, intuition, and design shape her painting process
• Her love of plein-air painting—travel, patience, and presence
• The craft of teaching and mentoring emerging artists
• Lessons from writing and publishing her book
• Using curiosity and personal voice as creative tools
• Advice for artists navigating career growth and self-doubt

Aimee Erickson’s thoughtful wisdom and approachable storytelling make this a deeply enriching episode for anyone passionate about painting, creativity, and lifelong learning.

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BIO
American artist Aimee Erickson, is an internationally renowned oil painter, teacher, and author. Aimee has exhibited and painted all over the world, and has won numerous awards. Aimee was born in 1967 at the American Hospital in Paris’s 16th arrondissement. She is the second of five children born to Ed, an astrophysicist and Beth Erickson, a high school English teacher, both from Seattle, Washington. When she was three years old her family returned to the US via a brief spell in England, settling in Sunnyvale, CA. As a child, Aimee “had lots of bonus extracurricular education and activities - cello, baking, sewing, soccer, lots of reading, and my mom taught us all to speak French, plus lessons or gear for anything I wanted to learn, like oil painting from the age of six, unicycling, gymnastics, and we were all required to play the piano”. Aimee gained her BFA from Brigham Young University in Utah in Visual Communication Design with an Illustration emphasis. But after college she struggled with depression and moved back to Oregon taking jobs in stage scenery. Growing up as a Mormon proved to be a challenge for Aimee and even though she spent 18 months in France as a missionary, she was never comfortable with the religion. In 2003, after much heartache she left the Mormon faith which she says was a turning point to liberating her both personally and professionally. Aimee has spent her life as an artist; her portfolio extends from landscapes to still life to portraits. She lives in Portland, OR.

Aimee’s website: https://www.aimeeerickson.com/
Instagram @1aim

Aimee’s Playlist:
Jason Isbell, "How to Forget"
Chris Stapleton, "Traveller"
Wilco, "California Stars"
The Finn Brothers "Won't Give In"

Favorite female artists:
Sophie Franz.
Kathleen B. Hudson
Jessie Wilcox Smith

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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Email: [email protected]

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A Hollowell Studios Production
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