Albin Veselka, 1979 | Plein Air/Figurative painter

Born in 1979, Albin Veselka's interest in art came at an early age. He is very grateful to his parents who were instrumental in promoting his emerging talent. In 2006 Albin received his BFA from Brigham Young University Idaho. He credits the knowledgeable and student oriented faculty of the BYUI art department for giving him "the tools all representational artist must have to open the door to communicating in the visual arts".

Direction was also given to Albin which helped him break into the gallery scene while he was a college student. Since then Albin has continued in developing his career receiving honors from several prestigious organizations and shows. 

Albin's career has been a continual learning experience. His growth comes natural as he seeks for excellence through education and hard work. He is constantly finding new things to appreciate in the masters both living and deceased. Some of the influences he credits for his inspiration and development are Nicolai Fechin, John Singer Sargent, Abram Arkhipov, Joaquin Sorolla, Ilya Repin, Richard Schmid, Dan Gerhartz, Miichael Malm, Carolyn Anderson, Gerald Griffin and Leon Parson.

Albin Currently lives in Rexburg Idaho with his wife Jenee and their three children. He also teaches painting part time at BYU Idaho where his art education commenced. "Teaching is another way I can share the beauty of what I have learned and I find opportunities to improve my art through the constant re-evaluation that comes through teaching".  

"If I can enrich the lives of those who view my work in any way, I have accomplished my goal. There is something of the divine that comes through the work of one who has mastered his mode of expression and who has something good to say. Be it simple or profound, intellectual or spiritual, when that message comes through and awakens something within the receiver that improves his or her life; that, I believe, is the higher purpose of art. That's what I strive for".

Some of the honors Albin has been granted are listed below:

- Arts for the Parks mini and top 100 show;

- Two man show with Josh Clare at the Brigham Young University Idaho Art Gallery;

- The Phippin Museum show (Prescott AZ);

- OPA National Show and Sale 2009-2014;

- OPA Western Regional Award of Excellence;

- Southwest Art's 21 Under 31;

- Howard Mandville Small Works Invitational;

- Scottsdale Salon Show and Sale 2011-2012;

- Best of Show in Idaho Paints Idaho 2011;

- Gold Medal at OPA Western Regional Show 2011;

- Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Quickdraw 2011 and 2012;

- LDS International Church Art Competition Award of Merit 2012;

- Springville Museum Salon Show Award of Merit 2012;

- Awarded Oil Painters of America Signature Status 2012;

- Masters in Miniature show and silent Auction at Trailside Gallery 2012-2014;

- Great American Figurative Artists Exhibition 2012-2014 at Waterhouse Gallery in Santa Barbara California;

- Small Gems Exhibition at Waterhouse Gallery 2013-2014;

- Driggs Diggs Plein Air Joror's 1st place award 2013;

- Driggs Diggs Plein Air people's choice award 2013;

- Fine Art Studio Online Featured Artist 2014;

- Albin has been published in numerous publications such as Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, Southwest Art and Art of the West.