Plein air artist and El Dorado resident Randall Tillery is making waves with his impressionist landscape pieces.

The recipient of many awards and honors, you can find his work exhibited at American Visions Art Gallery in Folsom and Rinconart Studio and Gallery in Placerville.

AB: How and why did you start making art?
RT: I have been interested in and doing art for as long as I can remember. My father was a cartoonist and always encouraged me in all things artistic. Every Christmas, I could always count on getting new art supplies as at least [one] of my presents. Unfortunately, due to “life,” I put art on the back burner for many years and just got back into it—with all cylinders firing—about 12 years ago. [Now], I paint every day without exception.

AB: What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
RT: My most important artist “tool” is really not a material thing for me; instead it is the passion and commitment that I have for art. My drive to be the very best artist I can be means that I’m constantly exploring, learning and perfecting my craft. Like all artists I suppose, I never feel satisfied with the level I’m at. I paint daily—always with the intent that my current painting will be better than my last, and for my next to be even better.

 
AB: Is there a piece of work you’re most proud of? Why?
RT: I guess the piece I’m most proud of is titled Top of Carson Pass(above). It’s a painting I recently did of a scene depicting the snow patterns in the top cliffs of a mountainside along Highway 88. It almost seemed to paint itself, and in the end accomplishes what I was going for with the least amount of brushstrokes. I was very honored to have it accepted into the Oil Painters of America’s 2013 Western Regional Exhibition.

AB: You work in oils and watercolors. Is there one medium that’s your favorite to work with? Why?
RT: I work in both oils and watercolors but love to work primarily in oils because of the viscosity of the medium. I love that I can push the paint around on the canvas, and how it can be applied in different thicknesses with beautiful brushwork to convey depth and give texture to the finished piece.

AB: What would you most like to say to the young artists out there?
RT: Do what you love to do—don’t worry about what the latest trend is. Follow your dream if you have a passion for art, but realize that nothing good comes easy or right away. To be the best you can be as an artist requires unwavering commitment, desire, dedication and hard work. With enough hard work and brush mileage your skill level will improve. You should never stop growing and learning as an artist.

Visit artbytillery.com for more information.