Academy Institute of the Visual Arts - AIVA

04/10/2026

The classes are growing and the students are developing their skills, knowledge, and styles. As I tell my students “the visual arts are very subjective; I am an illustrator, I paint to tell a story, if I capture an emotion that’s a plus; however, painting with emotions that is a story altogether different.” This is where many instructors miss the mark. Professors who have been in the art field understand the difference between fine arts and illustration although the line is not defined and is obscured in many areas of the arts, there is a difference and helping the student develop their style and technique in the visual arts.

04/04/2026

Finding Nemo is done just two more to go and this 10 year journey comes to an end! It’s heartbreaking; however, the Lord is in control. I have an idea what may be next but I’ll see what happens!

03/25/2026

This is the base coat for FINDING NEMO. I begin today, let’s see how far I get

03/20/2026

03/19/2026

One and a half down and two to go! The airbrushing will be the absolute last; In what I call “polishing” the final work

03/18/2026

This is why comps are so important, not only for the client but for the illustrator. It give reference to the work I’m putting together. It’s coming along. Next comp will be for Camelot and this performance has a bit of a twist!

03/13/2026

Night landscaping can be challenging in so many different ways. In fact many artists tend to dance around night scenes. Many factors include, color application, definition of shapes, not using black from the tube, what type of mood one is trying to capture. Is it romantic, majestic, haunting, spooky, scary, even grotesque. Theses are all factors in working with night scenes. Linda Meadows is capturing that romantic and majestic feel using colors and values in here work. She is another student moving with confidence and enthusiasm!

03/12/2026

Ah yes! Our new music station here at AVIA!!