For Alex Foltz, art began not in a classroom, but at home—guided by the quiet influence of a stepfather who was both a sculptor and painter.
From early lessons in drawing portraits to discovering the work of John Singer Sargent, his practice has evolved into a pursuit of simplicity—capturing the essence of a subject with as little as possible, while still making it feel undeniably real.
In this interview, he shares how his artistic journey began, the ideas that shape his style, and the subtle “magic” behind his work.
Your Art, Your Story
How did you first get into art? Was there a 'special moment' that sparked it?
It had a lot to do with my step father, who joined our household when I was 8. He was a sculptor, painter, and wood relief carver. I took a pretty immediate interest in his work, and I think he saw something in me. I specifically remember him showing me how to plot the proportions of a face. That led to many late nights of drawing portraits, and it really took off from there.
What led you to choose and commit to your current artistic style, and how does it help you express yourself more fully?
When I first started painting in oils, I discovered the work of John Singer Sargent, and was immediately captivated by his simple approach to realism. Ive never considered myself to be a very "creative artist", preferring to highlight the beauty of things that already exist, and that simple but strong approach inspured by Sargent seemed like the perfect way to add some artistic flair and creative license to my work. I love seeing how simple I can keep things and still convince the viewer they're looking at a portrait, or a still life. It becomes a type of magic trick to me, and I love that part of it.
Could you share your favorite piece of work at this stage?
It's hard to pick a favorite, but this piece strikes the balance for me. I think it's a good showcase of the expressive brushwork, composition, and color choices that I strive for. Its also a rare case of a painting that turned out exactly as I'd imagined it.
The Art Supplies in Your Creative Process
What’s your approach to choosing the right art materials, and what qualities matter most to you?
My approach is typically just to try things out and see what sticks. As long as my materials get me the look I want, I'm usually satisfied. That being said, I work mostly with oil paint, and they dont play nice. The most important quality of any of my materials is that it's dependable and can take a beating.
How has your experience been with Artify brushes? In what ways do they stand out and earn your approval?
I would say Artify brushes have left me pleasantly surprised. The variety in each set has been really nice, and the quality and durability of the brushes for the price has been hard to beat.
Your Very Own Insights & Advices
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in art?
We live in a strange world where the artistic landscape and the way artists show their work is evolving constantly. My advice to new artists is to first, find your voice, and once you have, share it whenever and however you can. Always look for ways to improve, but be proud of what you do and show up at every opportunity you can.
Have you ever hit a creative slump? What’s your secret to staying inspired and maintaining creativity?
I hit slumps all the time! My go to method for escaping a slump is to search for new artists and styles. Get out of the studio and do something new, or just get started on any small, inconsequential project. The worst thing you can do is sit and think about it.
Do you think techniques should be actively worked on, or do they grow naturally? Any exclusive tips?
I am a big believer that technique should be worked on, at least for myself. I rarely ever start a painting without looking for a way to improve. I think a good way to approach it is to identify something you think is a weakness in your work, and hone in on that thing exclusively. An improvement in any one element of your technique becomes and improvement to every painting that follows.
What role do you think feedback plays in an artist's growth?
I think feedback is incredibly important. Positive feedback can often be the thing that keeps an artist going, and negative feedback almost always holds a lesson. All of it is as relevant as you let it be.
Any other valuable insights from your artistic journey that you'd like to share?
Being an artist can be a tough gig. Often times it comes with very little direction, and a lot of self reflection. More than some people are comfortable with. But, when you stick it out, I think its one of the most rewarding things you can do in life. For me, every struggle has been met with improvement in some way, and every doubt has led to a new confidence. I think art in every form is one of the most important human endeavors, and the world is a better place for it.
In Alex Foltz’s work, simplicity becomes a form of illusion—where a few deliberate strokes can suggest an entire world.
Balancing restraint with expression, his paintings remind us that art doesn’t always need more—it needs just enough.
And in that balance, something quietly extraordinary emerges.
To see more of Stephanie's work and follow his creative journey, visit:
Alex Foltz's Instagram
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