Adam VanHouten is a professional artist who has years of experience teaching as a visual art instructor, painting workshops, and as an adjunct painting instructor at Northwestern Michigan College. VanHouten received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting and Art Education from Western Michigan University and a Masters in Education from Michigan State University.  Adam is an artist with a commitment to sharing his learning through his teaching and to continue to develop and grow his practice as a working artist. VanHouten's paintings glow with light and texture displaying the colors and nuance of Northern Michigan. "I allow the texture of the painting medium to guide my choices, drawing inspiration from the visual surfaces around me with their many layers of time and weathering."  VanHouten's passion and skill for art is evident in his paintings, displaying his ability to depict scenes in a unique impressionistic style.  Adam's unique voice in painting allows the textures of the painting to show through in the final artwork. VanHouten enjoys spending time with his three children and his wife, Beth. Living in the beauty of Northern Michigan allows him to travel quickly and easily to paint some of the most scenic spots in all of Michigan. If he is not painting, he is inspiring the next generation of artists, kayaking or hiking, or playing the guitar. 

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ARTIST'S STATEMENT:

I am inspired by the beauty that surrounds me and I use my personal vision to create.  A huge part of my art is sharing, inspiring, while guiding and nurturing other people to find their inner artist.  My life is rooted in experimentation, gaining experience by practicing skills, developing focus and concentration, working through failure and persevering.  Art should allow the voice of the artist to shine through.  Each of us has a unique statement, and mark to make, we just need guidance as we grow.  Art is within each of us.  Failure is an inevitable part of the process;  it is what we do with that failure that assists us in growing as an artist and a person.  As I continue to create, mistakes become opportunities for growth and innovation.  Mistakes should not be feared as much as respected for their ability to bring us closer to our artistic realizations.  I embrace all of these opportunities, viewing them as part of the learning process.