Do you ever have goof ups or work you don’t like?

Everyday. Some art ideas are great and when you put them on paper they stink. I still have unfinished work in my studio that has been "put aside" for greener pastures, so-to-speak.

Picture credit: Amanda and her family enjoying some time on their ranch in Nebraska

A conversation with John Plishka: Part 11

What else do you do besides your art?

My plate is pretty full! I'm a full time veterinarian in Antioch, Illinois. My wife and 2 children are the loves of my life and I try to spend as much time as I can with the kids now: especially while they're little. I love and play sports too, especially hockey, soccer and baseball. I play the drums and piano, and I dabble in banjo. Lastly, I enjoy fishing and the outdoors. At the end of the day is usually when I can get some art work done!

Picture credit: John Plishka enjoying some family time while petting a foal.

A conversation with John Plishka: Part 10

What advice do you have for aspiring painters?

I still consider myself at this point to be an aspiring painter. I want to improve my art in many facets still, and am a firm believer in that you can never know too much about a subject. But if I had any advice to give to people it would be to try to learn as much as you can about your chosen art direction and dive right in. Have a thick skin about your work as art is so subjective that a lot of people will not care for your work while others love it! Try to get yourself noticed as much as you can, and have the belief in yourself that your art is good and is worth creating! Lastly, try to get to know a lot of artists with similar interests- they will help you in your work and give encouragement which is so important when you are starting out!

Photo credit: John Plishka enjoying some horseback riding and family time

A conversation with Lynn Bishop: Part 1

Why do you paint?

Each of us has some form of creative energy that longs for expression. My emotional responses to life are varied, but when it comes to outwardly expressing my response to something I've experienced, creating a realistic image, through painting or photography, seems most natural.

Picture credit: "Greys", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this horse painting

New art from John Plishka

Cow Art and More has added more pastel drawings from veterinarian John Plishka. In addition to drawing cattle and farm scenery, John draws some of his other veterinary patients, such as horses, sheep and chickens. John's newest work will be in the new products area for the next month.

Picture credit: "Old Misty in Winter," pastel, 18 inches by 24 inches

Winner of the American Academy of Equine Art calendar competition

Go to Cow Art and More to purchase this image