North Shore Meet an Artist: Chris Viau

Inspired by images from nature, North Shore artist Chris Viau fills his pictures with calm, earthy colors. For the majority of his artwork, Chris uses multiple mediums to create visual texture and interest in each composition. When he’s not making art, Chris joins photography workshops led by volunteer Megan Cox and fills the position of studio archivist. In addition to his roles at the studio, Chris also enjoys participating in various recreational activities. Keep reading to learn more about how Chris spends his time both at The Arts of Life and outside the studio community.

What materials do you like to work with?
I like to use watercolors for my art pieces. Sometimes I do mixed media. I use colored pencils or pastels. I do a lot of landscapes.

What types of images inspire you to create work?
I am inspired by images of nature.

[Image: art supplies]

What projects are you currently working on?
I’m doing a watercolor piece of Hawaii. My reference is a picture that my friend Chris House took when his family took their vacation there.

Do you have other roles at the studio besides being an art maker?
I am the studio archivist. I catalog the artwork and put the artwork into the database system for publishing.

What do you like to do when you’re not at the studio?
I like to take a ride outside on the nature path. I like to go to the movies and watch comedy. I am on the Maine Niles Association of Special Recreation Adapted Boccia team. I like to write poems. I wrote a book called Chicago’s Seasons.

If you could not be an artist, what other job would you choose to do?
I would like to become a web designer.

[Image: Chris Viau art making]