In the spring of 2020, the owner of Pop Revolution Gallery in Mason, Francis J. Michaels began offering printing and framing services to the digital market. This led to the creation of CincyArtwork.com, a unique platform that offers art buyers the choice of format, size and more. Buyers are even able to view the art in a room setting. Art can be printed on canvas wraps, metal and wood, archival paper prints and notecards.
We spoke with three artists whose work is currently featured on the site.
Britt Schneider
Britt Schneider always knew that she wanted to be an artist, but it didn’t become her calling until after college. Beginning with sketching and journaling, her art grew to include large wall works.
Britt typically paints human subjects in an abstract-expressionist style. Although she sometimes works in the digital realm, acrylic paint is her preferred medium.
“There is something very fun about using acrylic,” Britt explains.
When painting, Britt finds inspiration from a range of emotions.
“It all starts with emotion and things that we carry with us. I reach from within to access that,” Britt says.
Britt met Pop Revolution founder, Francis in 2018 at an art show in Hyde Park where she had art on display. Francis appreciated Britt’s work and they discussed displaying it at his gallery.
“I think there’s something very special about Francis, because he is also an artist there’s less miscommunication,” Britt explains.
Moving forward, Britt plans to increase her web presence and continue to make art for as long as possible.
“My dream is to always be an artist,” Britt declares. “Art is what truly speaks to me; the word, the career, everything.”
Nick Giese
When viewing Nick Giese’s paintings, it’s easy to assume that he’s been painting for longer than he has. He is better known for his guitar work, with a Bachelors of Arts in Jazz Studies from Central State University, and experience backing big name country musicians like David Allan Coe, Whey Jennings, Billie Gant and more. His rural painting subjects reflect scenes from stops on the highway while on tour. Nick didn’t start painting until 2012, when a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes forced him to take a break from the road and reassess his lifestyle.
“It was a good activity where I wasn’t doing anything unhealthy,” Nick says. “I got into it pretty heavy and when I wasn’t doodling, painting or drawing, I was learning.”
Nick enrolled in classes at the Bob Ross Art Workshop of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. There, he gained experience with oil paints, but was unable to find an oil instructor when he returned to Ohio. So he transitioned to watercolor, under the direction of his former Deer Park high school principal, Gary Brooks. His arrangement with Gary was unique: in return for painting lessons, Nick gave Gary guitar lessons.
Because of his shifted focus to painting and healthier living, Nick was able to reverse his Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis and stop taking medication. After his tours as a guitarist were postponed due to the pandemic, he was able to lean on income from sales of his art on CincyArtwork.com.
“Francis has done a lot for me and really helped, especially during the lockdown,” Nick explains.
Peggy Steinberg
Peggy Steinberg has been active in the arts throughout her life, but it wasn’t until fifteen years ago that photography became her vocation.
“Like many others, I appreciate that photography allows us to capture a moment in time and then, at a later date, reflect and remember the emotions we felt at that time,” Peggy explains.
Even though Peggy didn’t realize her passion for photography until later in life, she made quick progress, receiving many accolades; earning medals in the Professional Photographers of America International Photographic Competition and being named a PPA Diamond Photographer of the Year in 2015.
Peggy initially graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from the University of Toledo, and went on to earn the professional photography degrees of Master Artist and Master of Photography from the Professional Photographers of America.
Peggy has photographed a number of subjects, but takes the most inspiration from nature.
“The form, color, and characteristics I find in my floral subjects amaze me,” Peggy elaborates.
Peggy discovered Pop Revolution Gallery when they became a sponsor of the Professional Photographers of Southwest Ohio.
“When I saw the quality work and fine art options that Francis provided, I became a customer,” Peggy says.
As Peggy looks to the future, she hopes to continue learning new methods and techniques.
“One of my personal goals has always been to be a lifelong learner,” she adds.
If you’re interested in having your artwork featured, visit the "Contact & Sell With Us" page of CincyArtwork.com.