Watercolor artist Richie Vios paints locations like no one I’ve ever seen, but it’s his Western-themed work that really jumps out at me. He’s been called the “it boy” for the plein air circuit and I can see why. His watercolors are mind-blowingly atmospheric. Whether he’s painting barn or bay, his watercolors are so moody and perfect, they make me feel like I know how those locations smell.

Vios grew up in the Philippines in a family of painters. Though he loved painting, the young man studied architecture, and began his architectural design career in Florida. The family eventually relocated to the coast of Maryland. Vios then took the western-style of design and building back to the Philippines, but painting was still his passion. The Vios family finally settled in Victoria, Texas, where he took up his watercolor art full time.

You can follow Richie Vios on his website and on Instagram and Facebook.