Conversations with Evin Felix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evin Felix

Evin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Prairie Village, Kansas. Daughter to a free-lance illustrator and an elementary art teacher, I was immersed in art from a young age. Creating was always in my blood, but little did I know that completing my first oil painting at the age of 8 years old would mark the beginning of my lifelong passion and career as an oil painter.

In 2002, I graduated from Shawnee Mission East as an inductee in the National Art Honor Society. I continued to develop my craft through higher education. A semester studying at Hellenic International School of the Arts in Paros, Greece greatly influenced both me and my artwork. In 2006, I received my BFA from the University of Kansas with a major in oil painting and a minor in art history.

I am a current member of the Kansas City Artist Coalition. I’m active in the NowShowing program through ArtsKC. I have gallery representation at Leawood Fine Art. I exhibit locally and nationally. I enjoy participating in summer art fairs. I also make numerous art donations annually to local charities.

As the years pass, my technique continues to evolve. The subject matter varies. I experiment with different approaches. But a couple things remain constant: I only work in oil and the overarching theme of my work is always about finding magic in the ordinary.

I’m now married with two darling sons, who are the greatest materpieces of my life. My happy places are in my studio or outside in the sun. When I’m not in my studio, I am enjoying all the boy mom things: watching their sports games, camping, hiking, dirt biking, & adventuring. I am incredibly grateful for this beautiful life of mine.

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?
My career as an artist has been an absolute joy. However, I’d say that almost every artist I know has had ups and downs in their career, and I’m no different. On the daily, artists like me are bearing our souls to the world through our art, and with this vulnerability comes the risk that not everyone is going to love our work or understand our vision. Whether it’s being turned down for a gallery exhibit or not making the cut for a competitive art fair, there will always be moments of struggle or disappointment. But these moments can be catalysts to work harder, to push the limits, and to grow. These moments are necessary to appreciate the accomplishments and success when they come. And luckily, I find that the successes far outweigh the struggles. I can’t imagine any other job that I’d consider dreamier than the one I have as an artist.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work exclusively in oil paint. I fell in love with oils when I was eight years old, and received my first set from my aunt. I got hooked then, and I’ve never looked back. The oil paints have a rich opacity and texture that I haven’t found in other mediums. My paintings vary in subject matter; my portfolio includes landscapes, botanicals, still-lives and abstracts. Despite the variation in subject, one thing remains consistent: the brushwork. My work is done in a painterly style that some would describe as impressionistic. I love deliberate and bold brushstrokes that create texture on the canvas. And most of my paintings use bold, vibrant colors that carry through all of my paintings, regardless of subject matter. My talent in painting has come naturally from the start, but over the years my craft has improved. I feel that after years of practice, I’ve developed a confidence that translates into my brushwork, my technique, and my art.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Of course, the looming mysteries of AI hang over our industry, and potentially threaten some aspects of the careers of artists. However, I believe that art is a constant. It has been around since the beginning of time, and I don’t think it’s going away anytime soon. I work in a romantic, and some would say “archaic” medium. And honestly, that is partly why it enamors me. I feel like it connects me to the past, to a simpler time, when things were slower and beauty was savored. AI might work to our benefit as a resource or tool for efficiency, but I don’t think anything will suffice as a replacement to an original piece of art. Therefore, I think my work will continue, with growth in technique and technology, but mostly unchanged in its end product.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.evinschuleroils.com
• Instagram: @evinschuleroils
• Facebook: @evinschuleroils
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/evin-felix-7174b77