"Viewers say a painting reminds them of a place they’ve been or a distant memory. That emotional connection, independent of geography, is something I find both fascinating and deeply meaningful."

Artist Vic Roschkov paints watercolor landscapes inspired by the countryside of Ontario, Canada. His art captures the subtle beauty, charm, and atmospheric mood of the rural landscapes. Raised in an artistic family, he developed a love for drawing at a young age, influenced by his father, a well-known Canadian political cartoonist. Before transitioning to fine art, he spent thirteen years working as a graphic artist and illustrator. Vicpaints in a compact yet well-organized studio, where large sliding glass doors fill the space with natural light.

In this interview, Vic talks about his family, inspirations, and the landscapes that shape his work.

Please tell us about yourself. What’s your home life like?

I’m an easygoing, approachable person with a lifelong passion for creating art. My home life is calm and supportive, which is essential to my creative process. I’ve shared my life with my common-law wife for many years, and her steady encouragement has played an important role in my artistic growth.

What are your special interests?

While landscape watercolor painting is my primary focus, I also enjoy fishing and am an avid sports fan, particularly professional hockey and baseball.

What are you most proud of—whether in art or another part of your life?

I’m most proud of my landscape watercolor work and the lifelong journey behind it. It represents years of artistic growth, persistence, and meaningful connections with fellow artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. The ability to create work that resonates with others and finds a place in their lives is deeply rewarding.

Do you have any studio rituals that help you get into a creative flow?

Music plays an important role in my creative routine. Before painting, I often spend about half an hour listening to soft, calming music to settle into a relaxed, focused state. While working, I continue to listen to gentle music or nature sounds, which helps me capture the mood, atmosphere, and quiet emotions I strive for in my paintings.

How do you structure your day?

My days follow a relaxed but purposeful rhythm. I usually begin around 9 a.m. After easing into the morning, I head to a favorite local coffee shop. There, I spend an hour or more sketching—often faces with character or preliminary studies for future paintings. These sketches serve as warm-up exercises. They help prepare me for painting later in the day.

Late mornings and early afternoons are often spent on daily responsibilities. Sometimes I drive through the surrounding countryside in search of subject matter. The late afternoon and early evening are reserved for time with my wife and dinner. I typically paint from early evening until late at night. Often, I return to the studio after a short break to continue working during my most focused and creative hours.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

I draw inspiration from many sources, including current artists and the work of artists I’ve admired and followed for many years. Equally important is inspiration drawn from my own artistic journey and continued development. The nearby countryside also plays a significant role—both visually and emotionally—having formed a deep personal connection for me over many years.

Tell us about your evolution as an artist.

I grew up in an artistically active family, with a father who was a political cartoonist and quietly encouraged me to draw from a young age. I was formally trained in graphic arts from my mid-teens into early adulthood and later worked as a commercial artist for over a decade. During that time, I also ran a small business creating commissioned ink and watercolor architectural renderings.

In my mid-thirties, I began exploring watercolor painting more seriously, inspired by several well-known painters. Within a few years, my focus shifted fully toward fine art, leading to my first solo exhibition at a prestigious venue. Since then, I’ve remained committed to fine art—exhibiting in galleries, participating in major group shows, and, more recently, sharing my work through respected online galleries.

How do you decide when an artwork is finished?

Knowing when a painting is finished is something that comes only with experience. My guiding rule is simple: when there’s nothing more I can add that truly improves the work. At that point, restraint becomes just as important as technique, and I’m careful not to overwork the painting.

What is the most interesting observation someone has made about your work?

One of the most intriguing comments I hear is when viewers say a painting reminds them of a place they’ve been or a distant memory—despite the location being entirely different from what I painted. That emotional connection, independent of geography, is something I find both fascinating and deeply meaningful.

Is there an artwork from another artist that has had a significant impact on you

Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth has had a lasting impact on me. I’ve long admired Wyeth’s work and his remarkable lifetime body of art, but this painting, in particular, feels exceptionally powerful and timeless. To me, it captures the essence of his artistic voice in a single, unforgettable image.

What’s your favorite museum?

The Art Gallery of Ontario is my favorite museum. Over the years, I’ve seen many outstanding exhibitions there, but my most profound experience was attending a traveling Vincent van Gogh exhibition as a high school student. Seeing his original self-portraits left a lasting impression—the emotional intensity, the visible struggle, and the realization that I was standing just feet from the very canvas he worked on. It was a powerful, almost haunting experience that shaped how I view original art to this day.

Is there anything else you’d like to share to help viewers better understand your work?

While painting has always been a deeply personal creative pursuit, over time, I’ve come to realize that my work is also shaped by those who view, support, and collect it. Many collectors I’ve never met have still become part of my artistic journey. The encouragement, interactions, and shared appreciation along the way have all contributed to the artist I am today.

Discover more artist features on UGallery

If you enjoyed this article about Vic Roschkov's life and artwork, we recommend reading our interview with Mitchell Freifeld, who creates architecture oil paintings, and Fernando Bosch, a mixed media artist known for abstract nature paintings.