Austin's paintings have been reproduced and written about in magazines such as Vanity Fair, Interior Design, House Beautiful and House and Garden. One that I am most intrigued by is "At Once the Beginning and End of the Day", 1998. The abstract bubbles of orange paint glide over the white canvas connecting each image at the end of where one shape begins. These figures almost resemble animal-like balloons, which twist and tie at their own leisure. Many of his paintings, like this one, have been exhibited at Paul Kasmin Gallery NYC, Baldwin Gallery Aspen, Zeitgeist Nashville, Guild Hall Museum East Hampton along with countless other places and have been compared to works by Henri Matisse and Keith Haring. Ackles' works have gained notoriety as they have been seen amongst collections at Huntsville Museum, EMI Records, Wella Corporation, Andy Warhol, Ross Bleckner and Nancy Rubins. Ackles received a fellowship in painting from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation for 2000-01.

After spending countless hours in Asian art galleries at the Met, the Asia Society and the China Institute in NYC, Asian influences are apparent in works of Austin Ackles. The clean lines and shapes of work, from his fine art pieces to his current illustrations, undoubtedly pay homage to the west. "It is these very discretionary statements with their clarity and implication, at once bold and gentle, that attracts me so much," he remarks. This mix is evident in his children's books, "Camelocity" and "Anthony Eat and Run." I haven't seen a book quite like this to hit the scene in years. Its freshness and witty attitude incorporates upbeat humor with a creative flair. The children will love his unique stylistic characters and the parents will be smitten by the educational symbolism. Kids love animals and parents are always looking for something new and refreshing. I've recently had a first look at one of Austin's children's books, Camelocity, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The story takes one clever camel named Camilla on a journey to the White House. It may symbolize someone who may be different than her peers and making it clear that it's ok, stating "When straight hair is in, she's a girl with curl." "Anthony Eat and Run" was written by Doug Wright and Illustrated by Ackles. This classic story is about a misfit that everyone can identify with in one way or another. "Anthony is a bit different from other Italian (or toy) Greyhounds. He's a sweet little pup who's kind of ageless - displaying wisdom along with spontaneity. He's often busy with an agenda, meeting new friends, sniffing around, but is also the dog equivalent of personable," remarks Austin. The storybook character Anthony was inspired by Austin's real life Greyhound dog. Publishers have already expressed interest, so he's hoping the book could hit the shelves in two years. "In five years I'd like to be living outside New York City again, hiking more than ever and seeing Anthony on the t-shirts of anyone and everyone under ninety years old. In 10 years, I hope Anthony is a full-fledged religion," expresses Austin. With his talents and ambition, get ready to meet Anthony and know him by name.This stylistic book and Ackles' portfolio may be viewed at www.shubsite.com.