In 1982, Pototschnik (Poe-toe-sh-nick) began painting professionally in the fine arts. Prior to that, he worked as a freelance illustrator for ten years.

He is a Signature member of the Oil Painters of America and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, a Master Signature member of the Outdoor Painters Society, and an Art Renewal Center Living Master.

His awards are numerous, including the John Steven Jones Fellowship, four George Washington Honor Medals from the Freedom’s Foundation at Valley Forge, Silver Medals in Oil Painters of America National and Western Regional competitions, and several Honorable Mention Awards from the Art Renewal Center International Salon.

Three best-selling instructional DVDs, and a book, “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” have been produced by Streamline Publishing. His work has also been featured in seven books.

“My artistic influences are diverse, they range from the Barbizon painters of Corot, Daubigny and Millet, to the American tonalist, George Inness. It is my belief that all I need to know of the principles of art are to be found in the works of the Masters. My paintings are not flamboyant, not mysterious, not trendy, nor are they shocking. I am interested in depicting the truth about life, as I see it, in a naturalistic way - free of frills and bravado. I enjoy painting simple, common, everyday life and objects as things of beauty and worth. I strive to show the dignity and value of the subjects I paint. I hope to give to society paintings that transcend the culture and its ever-changing tastes…paintings that speak to the heart.”