In this episode of I Like Your Work, Erika b Hess talks with painter Kevin Wixted about his early years in New York City, supporting himself through renovation work while developing his painting practice, and his journey into teaching at Alfred University.

Kevin shares how his approach to painting has changed over time, from the relationship between observation and abstraction to the role of color, experimentation, and allowing one painting to lead to the next. They also discuss the freedom that comes with having more time in the studio, the influence of teaching, and the importance of remaining curious throughout an artistic career.

Kevin is the founder of Umbria Contemporary Arts, an artist-centered program in the Italian countryside that brings painters together through workshops, travel, and creative exchange. Erika and Kevin discuss the inspiration behind the program and the experience of making art in a new environment.

In this episode

Kevin's early experiences as an artist and his years in New York City
Supporting a painting practice while working outside the studio
Teaching painting at Alfred University and balancing teaching with making
The relationship between color, observation, and abstraction
How paintings develop through experimentation and discovery
Finding creative freedom at different stages of an artistic career
Founding Umbria Contemporary Arts and creating opportunities for artists to work internationally

About Kevin Wixted
Kevin Wixted is a painter whose work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. His exhibitions have been reviewed in Artforum, Art in America, ARTnews, The New York Times, and The Boston Globe, among other publications.
He is the recipient of two Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grants and a New York Foundation for the Arts Grant. His residencies include MacDowell, the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation, and the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris.
Kevin is Professor Emeritus of Painting at Alfred University, co-founder of the Alfred/Düsseldorf MFA in Painting Program, and founder of Umbria Contemporary Arts.

Join Erika in Italy — Save 10% through November 30!

Erika is returning to Umbria Contemporary Arts to teach The Symbolic Landscape, May 30–June 13, 2027.

Spend two weeks painting in the Italian countryside, exploring landscape as a starting point for personal imagery, with dedicated studio time, artistic exploration, and conversations with fellow painters.

Save 10% when you register by November 30, 2026.
Use discount code EARLYBIRD at registration.

Learn more and register for The Symbolic Landscape

Links and resources:

Kevin Wixted
Website: https://www.kevinwixted.net
Instagram: @wixtedkevin
Umbria Contemporary Arts
Website: https://www.umbriacontemporaryarts.com
Instagram: @umbria_contemporary_arts
I Like Your Work
Website: https://www.ilikeyourworkpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ilikeyourworkpodcast
Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with an artist friend!

Kevin's early experiences as an artist and his years in New York City
Supporting a painting practice while working outside the studio
Teaching painting at Alfred University and balancing teaching with making
The relationship between color, observation, and abstraction
How paintings develop through experimentation and discovery
Finding creative freedom at different stages of an artistic career
Founding Umbria Contemporary Arts and creating opportunities for artists to work internationally

Color, Abstraction & Italy with Painter ...