Daily Inspiration: Meet Travis LaRiviere

Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis LaRiviere.

Hi Travis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to art. Whether I was scribbling with crayons, experimenting with fingerprints, or sneaking shots with my mom’s old 35mm camera, creativity has been my constant companion. By the time high school rolled around, I realized I could turn this passion into a career. Graphic design became my path, and since graduating in 2008, I’ve been fully immersed in beautifying clients’ projects.

When I step away from the screen, I turn to oil painting to keep my creative energies flowing through a more tactile medium. The Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, especially Vincent Van Gogh, have a profound impact on my work. It might sound cliché, but there’s a raw energy and passion in Van Gogh’s pieces that speaks to me. His fearless approach inspires me to break free from my own self-doubt and paint with intention. I’m my harshest critic, even mid-stroke, but channeling Vincent’s belief in ‘the act of painting’ pushes me past my insecurities and lets the colors and brushstrokes tell the story. I’m not interested in capturing reality like a photograph—I want to share my vision, my perspective, and invite others to see the world through my eyes.

Outside of work, I’m lucky to be married to my best friend, who’s also given me three amazing daughters. They’re already developing an eye for art—show them a Van Gogh and a Monet, and they’ll tell you the difference!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My artistic journey has been far from smooth sailing. For me, the real magic happens off the beaten path. I’ve faced struggles, learned the hard way, and endured my fair share of trials by fire. After all, success often follows failure; you don’t truly learn until you’ve stumbled through the wrong approaches.

One of my biggest challenges has been self-promotion and getting my name out there. As an introvert at heart, the idea of showcasing myself and my artwork to strangers can be daunting. Any seasoned freelancer knows that promoting your work and setting prices can feel like treading on taboo ground.

Overcoming these hurdles isn’t simple, but I’ve been pushing myself to take risks and try new avenues to share my work with eager audiences. Currently, I’m preparing for an oil painting exhibit at a library near a Riparian Nature Preserve. It all began with a chance encounter while painting en plein air in the park. After striking up a conversation, I applied to showcase my work at the library. Now, every visitor passing through those doors will have the opportunity to see the pieces I’ve poured my heart into. It’s a significant milestone in my journey as an artist, especially in my career as a painter.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a creative, I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. With nearly 12 years in graphic design under my belt, my skill set continues to evolve daily, expanding into UI/UX, web design, editorial layout, and branding. As a freelancer, I’ve focused heavily on storytelling and illustration, driven by a dream to illustrate children’s books—and perhaps even write my own. With three daughters under the age of four, their picture book collection rivals my own.

My journey into oil painting began as a college elective aimed at overcoming my fear of the medium’s tactile permanence. The absence of an ‘undo’ shortcut was daunting, but working alongside an inspiring professor ignited a true passion for art. Over the years, my style has evolved, embracing the principles of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, where capturing sensation and emotion takes precedence over strict realism. Vincent Van Gogh has been a profound influence; studying his work and life has been a transformative experience. When I paint, I feel his presence guiding me to appreciate the beauty unfolding on my canvas.

My favorite subjects are landscapes and still lifes. There’s a magical quality to a well-crafted landscape painting that transcends the physical world it depicts.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
There have been several key influencers and supporters throughout my artistic journey, and I’m proud to highlight a few who have had a profound impact:

Evan, for taking a chance on me as a young designer and launching my career.
Grace, for handing me a paintbrush and encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone.
Molly, for recognizing hidden talents within me.
Jacob, for entrusting me with new skills and opportunities.
Vincent, for teaching me how to appreciate the beauty in my own unique vision.

Above all:

My Papa, for recognizing the artist within me and nurturing it wholeheartedly.
My Mom and Dad, for unwavering support at every step of my artistic journey.
My daughters, for choosing Daddy as their favorite artist and inspiring me daily.
And to my wife, for being my everything. My life wouldn’t be as beautiful without you.

Pricing:

• Available for commissions (original or master study reproductions)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travis.lariviere/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travislariviere/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaRivierePhoto