What does the journey of a responsive painter focused on interior landscapes and still life paintings entail? How do you cultivate an awareness of the world around you in a way that can come to life in your art? My guest is artist and painter, John Lee. In my conversation with John, we cover his journey into artistry, how his ideas for projects from, his perspective as an art instructor, what he’s been working on during his break from teaching, the insufficiency of labels, and so much more! I can’t wait for you to hear from John and his engaging story. Interior Landscapes and Still Life Paintings John Lee’s work is based on what he sees in the world around him. He doesn’t like to paint things that he doesn’t see, rather he focuses more on genres like still life paintings and interior landscapes. In the end, it’s kind of hard to really nail John down in one particular vein, he enjoys the complexity and ambiguity. I know that artists like you will really enjoy and appreciate John’s unique voice and style. Make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post! Learning to see, not look. How does the role of an art instructor impact the work of an artist? Does that responsibility bleed into and influence their creative work? How can teaching draw out different aspects of the artist? My guest, John Lee teaches in Williamsburg, Virginia at the College of William and Mary. What’s fascinating about many of the students that John teaches is that many of them do not end up pursuing a career as an artist. In light of this, John focus on exposing these students to a world they are unaware of through art. He hopes that time in his classroom helps students learn to see, not look at the world around them. The absence of curation. When you look at the channels for art in the world around you, do you notice that there is a distinct lack of thoughtful and intentional curation? What is the solution? How do we start to move back or begin to appreciate once again the careful attention to detail that curation provides? In my conversation with artist John Lee, we discuss how increased access to art databases can actually have a limiting effect on the creative mind. John also touches on what he is doing as an art instructor to help expose students to resources that will grow their perspectives. Paying attention to what captures your interest. As an artist, what is it that captures your imagination and ignites your interest? How do you nurture those impulses and learn to make them part of your creative process? According to my guest, John Lee, it is vital for us as artists to make note of what lights us up. John encourages artists to experiment and find their way to inspiration through trial and error. He also explains how he tunes out the noise that can be distracting to focus on the task at hand. What can you learn from John’s story? What has worked for you with your creative process so far? Outline of This Episode [1:00] I introduce my guest, John Lee. [2:30] John talks about his start as an artist. [7:00] How does John describe his artwork? [13:30] What does John do with ideas that come to him? What inspires him? [19:00] John talks about his time away from teaching and what he’s been working on. [25:00] What’s going on with art students? Is there a moment happening? [30:00] How art schools impact students. [40:00] What role does art have for the non-artist? Learning to see, not look. [46:00] How do you tune out all the influences or only focus on the ones you want? [49:00] Paying attention to what captures your interest. [51:00] John talks about his post art school career. [54:30] One step forward, two steps back. Other artists mentioned on thSupport the show

What does it take to sell your art online successfully? Do you need to hire someone else to do it or are there tools and resources out there to empower artists like you to run your business effectively? My guest, Jenni Waldrop has built a successful online business herself and now works to help others do the same. In our conversation, Jenni opens up about how she got started, lessons she has learned along the way, what you need to do to start building an online store, and a whole lot more. If you are looking for a way to cut through all the complicated and confusing barriers to building your online business, this is the episode for you! Leveraging online platforms can help you succeed. Let’s face it, building something from scratch is difficult. While you probably aren’t afraid of hard work, wouldn’t you rather spend your time on your art than building an online presence that garners enough traffic to sustain you financially? That’s where utilizing online platforms like Etsy come into play. My guest, Jenni Waldrop is a pro at getting the most out of platforms like Etsy to help artists like you sell your art online. Learn from Jenni about all the advantages and yes, the work that’s necessary to build an online shop and in a successful and sustainable way. Why it’s important to understand your target audience. If you want to sell your art online, you’ve got to know who your target audience is and what they are looking for. This doesn't mean you have to compromise your principles or “Sell out.” Rather, think of it as a method for you to find out how you can connect with your fans in a way that allows them to support your work. Remember, the majority of your target audience doesn’t look like you! They don’t think like you, shop like you, or spend their time online the same way you do. Find out how to understand and connect with your audience by listening to Jenni Waldrop’s expert advice! Work smarter, not harder! Did you know that understanding how to read data and analytics can help you sell your art online more effectively? It’s true! You don’t always have to work harder to get the results you are looking for, sometimes is better to work smarter. In my conversation with Jenni, she explains how artists like you can locate and understand data from online sources like Instagram, Pinterest, and Etsy that will help you better understand where your audience is connecting with your activity. Wrapping your mind around this data is easier than you might think, once you’ve done that you’ll be better equipped to build your business and market your artwork. Building an online shop can really pay off. Trust me, I can understand how you may think that all of this talk about data and building an online shop to sell your art can be overwhelming and even daunting. I’ve built my Etsy shop and experienced less than impressive results. However, I’m convinced that Jenni Waldrop’s approach can work for artists like you and me. After considering all of Jenni’s advice and spending time with the information she’s provided, I’m ready to put give it another shot. Stay tuned as Jenni and I work on a special venture to rehab my Etsy shop and test how her approach can work for artists. Outline of This Episode [1:05] I introduce my guest, Jenni Waldrop. [3:00] Jenni talks about her background and what she does. [5:30] How do artists on Etsy make themselves discoverable? [7:30] If you build it, will they really come? [10:00] What would Jenni suggest to revive or grow an Etsy business? [14:00] Jenni talks about print on demand options. [17:30] How do you build up and establish an audience? [20:00] Why it’s important to understand who your audience is. [25:30] Following the data can help you work smarter, not harder.Support the show

As I’ve been promising, here is my special conversation with Brian Trekell and Courtney Bridges from Trekell Art Supplies. In our conversation, we cover a ton of ground. Everything from how Trekell got started, what inspired Brian to get into the paint brush making business, a bunch of technical questions you sent in for Brian and his team, some history behind paint brush making, and so much more! It’s a ton of information but I know artists like you will appreciate the detailed explanations. Make sure to check out the special offer Trekell has made available for the Savvy Painter audience and the YouTube video of artist William Whitaker explaining his approach to brush care, you can find both in the resources section at the end of this post. Letting curiosity lead the way. Have you ever wondered how successful art suppliers like Trekell got their start? Are they just a faceless corporation or is there a heart somewhere behind the name? I had the privilege of sitting down with Brian Trekell and Courtney Bridges from Trekell Art Supplies. Brian founded Trekell over 30 years ago after spending time backpacking through Japan where he was first inspired by the art of brushmaking. Soon after, he traveled to Bechhofen, Germany, to fine-tune his skills. Now, Trekell is an established name in art. Brian continues to lead the organization with a relentless focus on delivering high-quality products to artists like you. I hope you are inspired by Trekell’s humble beginnings as much as I am. Brush care really does make a difference. As an artist, chances are you’ve picked up some bad habits when it comes to brush care over the course of your career. Brian and Courtney from Trekell Art Supplies are here to help remedy some of those bad habits and answer questions from the Savvy Painter community that will help you get more life out of your brushes. In our conversation, Brian and Courtney cover topics like which solution you should keep your brushes in, if using conditioner is a good idea, alternatives to rinsing the paint out on your hand, and much more. Don’t leave it all up to trial and error, get the best advice right from the supplier! Expanding the product line. While focusing on one specific product can lead to a lot of success, Trekell has taken the path of expanding their product line to bring their dedication and experience to other areas in the art world. In my conversation with Briand Trekell and Courtney Bridges, I got to hear their passion for working with other suppliers like Gamblin to bring creativity and high-quality products to a larger network of artists. Find out about Trekell’s offerings including panels, frames, primers, varnishes, and much more. I’m excited for you to get to know Brian and Courtney and their unique approach to offering as many tools to the art community as possible. Maintaining a robust relationship with artists. As you take the time to listen to Brian and Courtney explain their methodology and approach at Trekell Art Supplies, I hope you come to glimpse their passion for truly serving the art community. Through their partnership with the Savvy Painter podcast and hearing stories of how they’ve incorporated artists input throughout their history, I am confident that they care about their products and the people who use them. Trekell offers a number of professional grade sets, kits, and packages designed by the Trekell Pro Team which is made up of artists like you! From their partnership with William Whitaker to their efforts creating the Trekell Pro Team, they’ve taken the time to show that they are invested in the success of artists. Outline of This Episode [0:25] I introduce my guests, Brian Trekell & Courtney Bridges. [3:30] Why did Brian go into the brush business? Where did the name come from? [8:00] How areSupport the show

I’m trying something new on this special episode! I want to tackle some of the common questions that I get from many of my listeners and fellow artists like you. On this episode, we will cover mindset mastery and how understanding and exploring your mindset can help you succeed and thrive as an artist. I also touch on an important topic, battling the inner critic as well as the significance of scheduling the important things in your life including downtime and studio time. I’m excited to share all of this with you and I look forward to hearing your feedback! Why mindset is so important. Did you know that your mindset impacts everything in your life? It’s true! It affects how you see your paintings, how you manage your career, your family life, the list goes on and on. What steps can you take to actively engage and direct your mindset so you can grow and thrive as an artist? The first step is becoming aware of the current state of your mindset, are you in a good place producing good results or have you taken a bit of a nosedive lately? Once you recognize what state your mindset is in and the tendencies you lean toward, you empower yourself! I hope you get a lot of value out of this framing of mindset mastery, I truly believe it can transform the way you work and create as an artist. Keeping a schedule can be a game-changer! What has your relationship with your calendar been like? Are you on good terms or is it in need of some rehabilitation? While most people don’t fit into that stereotypical “Type A” personality, even the most unstructured individuals among us would benefit from the use of a schedule or calendar. This simple shift can help organize and prioritize the most important things we want to dedicate our time to. It’s been said that what you put your attention on becomes important. Based on how you spend your time, what are the most important things in your life right now? Do you want to make a change and shift your time to something else? Schedule it! I’m not saying that it’s easy by any stretch and I’m happy to share my struggles, but I’ve learned the hard way that keeping a schedule can be a game-changer for your creativity and productivity. Don’t let that inner critic hijack your life. The first thing you need to know about your inner critic is that you aren’t alone! As I’ve talked to and interviewed many artists over the years, one thing is constant, we all struggle with pushing back the voice of our inner critic. Don’t fall for the lies that your inner critic likes to pedal! Here are three helpful starring places to minimize the influence of your inner critic. One, hold on to the truth that you aren’t alone, these negative or critical thoughts happen to every artist, this helps to break it’s isolating power. Two, you can choose to ignore your inner critic, you have that power. Three, you can opt for defeating it with humor, laugh at it, go ahead what is it going to hurt? Some artists have found this approach to be really effective! Find what works for you and consider taking the step to discuss it with your fellow artists, this can help break it’s power too. Make sure to be strategic about your focus. If you are looking to make a change in your mindset and your general approach to life as an artist, consider how you can be strategic about your focus. This goes back to what we talked about with scheduling, what you put your attention on becomes important. Don’t put it off and think that you’ll make changes down the road, now is the time! As an artist, you know that where you put your focus can significantly change the way you view your subject. Take the time to consider and implement some of these concepts, your career and your life is worth the investment! I’d also love to hear about what strategies and practices have helped you find focus, get in the right mindsetSupport the show

I’ve heard from many of my fellow artists about the struggle to find their artistic voice. Have you struggled with finding yours? What has helped you in your pursuit? My guest is narrative painter, Gabriela Dellosso known for her homage portraits, she paints historical representations of women artists using herself as a model. In our conversation, Gabriela shares how she found her artistic voice, her evolution from freelance illustration work to painting full time, stories about her mom posing as her model, stories of women artists that she has painted, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to get to know Gabriela and her wonderful journey as an artist! Finding your artistic voice. It’s a given that at some point, an artist will struggle with finding their voice or articulating it in a way that other people can understand. What is your story? Did it come easy for you early on or did you struggle to find your voice for some time? Gabriela Dellosso, like many of us, struggled with finding her artistic voice for quite a while. She looks back on that process as vital to shaping who she would become as an artist. Gabriela's advice for those who are struggling to find their voice is to go with what they are passionate about and meditate on ways to communicate that passion and concept to a wider audience. Gabriela has a wonderful way of talking about this topic and I hope that those of you who are currently struggling to find your artistic voice and find some encouragement! The challenges and distractions of social media. What is your relationship with social media like, as an artist? Do you find it useful and encouraging or do you find it supremely distracting and frustrating? My guest, Gabriela Dellosso and I talked about the role of social media and how it impacts artists in our conversation. While we both find it can be incredibly distracting and lead us down the path of comparing ourselves to other artists, we do note it’s helpful aspects. Have you found a helpful balance between using social media and taking the time to step away for a break? Do you have any helpful tips or best practices when it comes to this topic? A parent’s love and support. Who was it that nurtured and encouraged your growth as an artist? Was it a family member, a close friend or a mentor? What was it about their encouragement and support that helped you locate your artistic voice and passion? In our conversation, Gabriela Dellosso opened up about the impact that her mother had on her growth as an artist. She was kind enough to share with me some heartwarming stories about her mother serving as her model for many projects, one which led to her creating a whole series on clowns. I hope you can get the sense of love and support that Gabriela enjoyed in the early stages of her career from her mother. Finding the right inspiration. What is it that really moves you and fuels your inspiration for your artwork? How did you find it? What do you do to incorporate into your creations? My guest, Gabriela Dellosso has found her inspiration in the women artists who have gone before her. As Gabriela studies and learns about the incredible women who had to fight for a place at the table and still were able to produce stunning works of art, she feels compelled to lift them up and celebrate them in her own work. How can Gabriela's amazing work and beautiful inspirations inspire you and your creative expression? Make sure to check out images of Gabriela's work at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode [1:45] I introduce my guest, Gabriela Dellosso. [3:30] How did Gabriela get started as an artist? [14:30] Gabriela talks about branching out and finding her voice. [19:00] Advice for artists trying to find their voice. [26:00] The challenges and distractions of soSupport the show

What is it that keeps you going as an artist? Where do you find your “Can-do spirit?” Is it a constant struggle for you to stay motivated and energized in your work? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone! My guest is figurative artist Vonn Sumner. In our conversation, Vonn talks about growing up in Palo Alto, CA where he was exposed to a lot of art, specifically bay area figurative artists. Vonn also talks about his decision to study at UC Davis and his experiences there with the artist, Wayne Thiebaud. Further on in our conversation we talk about painting, the eternal gap between the artist's vision and what comes out on the canvas, and much more! Why it’s important to have a mindset of constantly learning. As many eager art school graduates launch out into the choppy waters of navigating their new careers, the mindset often shifts from learning to creating. What has been your experience of the shift from formal education, if you went that route, to building your portfolio and marketing your work? My guest, figurative artist Vonn Sumner shared with me what his mindset was after leaving UC Davis. Vonn worked hard at continuing to cultivate a mode of constantly learning and questioning. He points to this attitude and mindset when we talked about his inspiration for painting. What can you learn from Vonn’s unique take? Make sure to view images of Vonn’s work located at the end of this post! Wisdom learned from studying under Wayne Thiebaud. Which individuals have been some of the important figures that impacted you in your career as an artist? Were they family members, mentors, instructors, or someone else? For figurative artist Vonn Sumner, it was his time studying under renowned artist Wayne Thiebaud at UC Davis. In our conversation, Vonn shared a few important gems of wisdom that he learned from Wayne. As hard as it can be to convey through words, Vonn said that Wayne taught him and his peers “How to see.” Vonn says that this is more than translating the world through art, it had a deeper component, it was about how to see painting and the world in a way that was rigorous and personal. I loved hearing all of Vonn’s stories and insights from studying under Wayne and I hope you do too. Setbacks and challenges along the way. What has your journey as an artist been like? Have you been through the mountain tops of success and down in valleys of despair? What have those experiences taught you? In my conversation with Vonn Sumner, he walked me through his early career and what it was like to find success and then make the decision to walk away when the market started to change. While Vonn’s move from sunny and artsy California to quiet Pennsylvania was difficult at the time, he now looks back at that episode as a period of growth and flourishing. It was really refreshing to hear Vonn’s take on this chapter in his life and I hope artists like you can connect with his journey. You’ve got to make the decision to refuse to quit. As many of you know, the life of an artist can be full of exciting highs and frustratingly long lows. What do you do to keep sight of the reason why continue to create? My guest, Vonn Sumner was kind enough to open up about his own struggles and some important advice he received on this topic. When Vonn was working at UC Davis as a teaching assistant under Wayne Thiebaud, he approached him looking for advice about his career. In response, Wayne said that most artists quit when they are about 45 or 50 years old. From that experience, Vonn walked away with a determination to stay in the game and refuse to quit. How does Vonn’s take resonate with you? Outline of This Episode [1:00] I introduce my guest, Vonn Sumner. [2:30] Von talks about early art influences. [6:00] The gap between what you imagine and what you can create. [1Support the show

What has your journey as an artist been like? Have you benefited from rich and vibrant relationships with fellow artists? Or have you struggled to find your tribe of peers who you can collaborate and travel the journey with? My guest, Karen Offutt was kind enough to open up in our conversation about the impact that her fellow artists have had on her, struggles she’s endured along the way, how she’s navigated relationships with galleries, how parenthood has impacted her art career, and much more! I can’t wait for you to hear from Karen’s dynamic perspective! Finding your tribe and learning from fellow artists. Can you think back to that moment when you realized that you found your tribe? What was it like once you felt like you belonged among your fellow artists? My guest, Karen Offutt described for me the moment when she finally found a community of fellow artists and experienced a challenging and enriching environment. Before she found a community to “Belong” to, she struggled with expanding her skills and never really felt sure in her journey as an artist. Once she found her tribe, everything changed for Karen. Through the highs and lows that many artists struggle with, Karen is thankful for her fellow artists who have been there with her, every step of the way. What can you learn from Karen’s story? Early challenges with galleries and finding the “Right one.” What has been your experience connecting with and featuring your artwork in galleries? If you are anything like most artist’s I’ve spoken with, you’ve had your fair share of challenges and successes. Figurative artist, Karen Offutt experienced some difficulties early on as she tried to navigate her way through interacting with galleries that wanted to feature her paintings. She looks back at those early opportunities with gratitude due to the positive experiences she had before some of the more negative ones that came along. A big takeaway from Karen’s story and a maxim that I often repeat when it comes to good galleries is to cherish them and treat them like gold because they can be hard to come by! Navigating the ups and downs of parenthood and life as an artist. Trying to figure out life and balancing your art career and parenthood can be extremely difficult. I’ve had the privilege to speak with many artists, both fathers and mothers who have told their story and how challenging this balancing act can be. I believe there are some really helpful lessons to be learned by taking the time to hear from our fellow artists who navigate this path with grace and endurance. Karen Offutt took the time to describe her journey and unique challenges that she’s faced along the way as a parent. I hope you feel as inspired as I was by the tenacity and passion that Karen exudes for both her family and her artwork. For the love of figure painting. What do you love the most about the type of artwork you create? Is it the landscapes that draw you in and make your imagination come to life? Or maybe it’s the abstract colors and shapes that spark your creative pursuits. For Karen Offutt, it’s the idea of figures coming out of her paintings and the various ways she is able to play with different images that excites and animates her as she approaches her canvas. Karen was kind enough to describe her process and her deep love and passion for figurative artwork in our conversation. I know artists like you will get a lot of enjoyment out of the way she talks about her process and her creative journey. Make sure to check out images of Karen’s artwork located at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode [0:50] I introduce my guest, Karen Offutt. [3:00] How Karen got started as an artist. [8:30] When did Karen get the instruction that she needed? [15:00] Karen talks about how she learned to loosen Support the show

What does it look like to build a career as a self taught artist? What are the unique challenges and thrilling rewards of forging a path on your own? Can you really succeed and thrive as a self taught artist? My guest is self taught, landscape and cityscape artist Erin Spencer. Her work is greatly influenced by her time spent in Holland. In our conversation, Erin and I talk about her early start selling her art on Etsy, struggling with the imposter syndrome, making the time to paint with a young family, and much more. I can’t wait for you to get a peek into Erin’s exciting journey and the fascinating perspective she brings to the table. Taking the leap into the unknown as a self taught artist. What has been your journey as an artist? Have you been through formal education or does your story look more like Erin Spencer’s? What does that leap into the unknown look like? How do you navigate it? While the journey wasn’t always easy, Erin says that as she looks back, she knows that this path was meant for her to travel in her own unique way. Erin describes her journey as going through a lot of trial and error, studying art at museums and shows, and reading about her craft. While she doesn’t describe her path as easy, Erin is passionate about how much the process has meant to her and her growth along the way. Make sure to check out images of Erin’s landscape and cityscape work located at the end of this post! Knowing your own limits and setting goals for growth. How often do you push yourself in your abilities as an artist? Do you find it easy to stretch yourself or is it painful and difficult for you? If you struggle with going past your personal limitations, you aren’t alone! Artist Erin Spencer revealed to me in our conversation how much she struggles with the idea of going to art workshops to work around and learn from other artists. I applaud Erin for knowing her own limits and boundaries and finding the determination to set a goal for stretching past those limits in the future. What can you learn from Erin’s story? Making the time to paint as an artist and a parent to young children. How do artists with children find the time to focus on their artwork when the demands of parenthood constantly rear its head? Is it possible to do both without failing at one? My guest, Erin Spencer spoke with me about how she has been able to make time in her day to focus on her painting. She also talks about how her children have grown up in her environment as an artist and they’ve learned to understand and adapt to her space and creative work. If you’d like to get a good understanding of what life as an artist and parent looks like, you’ll enjoy hearing from Erin’s honest viewpoint. Accepting opportunities and discovering your roots. When was the last time that you accepted a challenging opportunity? How did that go for you? Can you think of a time when you followed an impulse or a whim to find yourself embarking on a new and exciting project? In our conversation, Erin Spencer was candid enough to share with me what she is currently working on and a fun personal journey she is taking to explore her roots. Both projects capture Erin’s imagination in different ways, the first project is stretching her abilities and the second project is taking her on a creative journey with her family background. I hope you catch the excitement and passion that Erin exudes as she talks about both of these projects. Outline of This Episode [1:05] I introduce my guest, Erin Spencer. [2:30] How did Erin get started as an artist? [5:30] Taking the leap as a self-taught artist. [11:30] What have been some of the more difficult techniques for Erin to learn? [17:30] Where does Erin sell her art? [19:00] Struggling with the imposter syndrome. [27:0Support the show

Have you been experimenting with your paint colors lately? Do you have questions about different colors and the best way to mix them? You are in luck! As I’ve been promising, our special color episode with Gamblin featuring Scott Gellatly and Robert Gamblin is here! In our conversation, we go over the pigments used in modern paints, the emotional content of a color, what makes student grade paints, “student grade,” the best paints to use for plein air painting, and so much more. You don’t want to miss a minute of this in-depth and fascinating conversation with Robert and Scott! Why modern paints have more pigments. Have you ever wondered why modern oil paints have so many more pigments than older ones you see on display in galleries and museums? What has changed with the process over the years to account for this? My guest, Robert Gamblin was kind enough to give a bit of a history lesson on the production and use of colors and pigments from historical eras and why it’s so different today. I’m excited for you to get the chance to learn from Robert’s expert perspective and dig a little bit into the process and production of the paints you use day in and day out. What is the emotional content of colors? Did you know that colors have an emotional content? How does that impact the paint production process? Robert Gamblin says that the emotional content of a color is its primary communication. He goes on to give the example of Cadmium Red Medium, saying that it presents as a very hot and intense color, it could be used to express the feeling of rage or the intensity of a love that you can’t handle. Robert contrasts this color with Magnesium Blue Hue, which presents as a very cool color. I hope you find Robert’s explanation of the emotional content of colors as fascinating as I did! What makes student grade paints, “Student grade?” You’ve probably used student grade paints before, but have you ever wanted to know what makes them, “Student grade?” Do you still use student grade paints for some of your projects? My guest, Robert Gamblin took the time to explain what student grade means and how it varies from some of the other paints they offer. According to Robert, the difference between student grade and more premium paints comes down to the pigments. At Gamblin, student grade paints are made with 50% of the pigment load that is used in their artist grade paints. The remainder of the student grade paints are made up of extender pigments, other than that, the production quality and process is the same as the rest of their top quality products. What ways will you use student grade paints in the future? The different characteristics of black oil colors. The last time I had the chance to speak with Robert, we talked about the different characteristics of white oil colors. This time around, Robert goes over the characteristics and uses of black oil colors. He starts off talking about the most commonly used black, Ivory Black which is made of burnt bone. Ivory Black is so common because it is an all-around good mixing black color. Robert then goes on to explain how Mars Black differs from Ivory Black because of its opaque nature. Mars Black is best used when you want to utilize black as a color in your paintings because of its strength. Robert has so much to say about all the different blacks and how to best use them, I hope you enjoy his expert perspective! Outline of This Episode [0:15] I introduce my guests, Robert Gamblin and Scott Gellatly. [3:00] Why does modern oil paints have more pigments than older ones? [6:00] What is Gamblin’s guide to color making? [8:30] Robert talks about the emotional content of a color. [10:30] Are there paints out there that painters often misuse? [15:00] The difference between modern pigmentSupport the show

What is it that fuels your passion for art? Can you trace your passion back to an early age or is it something that was awakened in you later in life? How do you continue to fan the flame? My guest is artist Kelli Vance. Kelli is a figurative artist from Texas, she got her BFA from the University of North Texas and her MFA from the University of Houston. Kelli’s current paintings of women explore spirituality and invite the viewer to decipher their meaning. In our conversation, we discuss how Kelli fuels her passion for art, where her ideas come from, how she brings her vision to life with the help of friends who model for her, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to hear Kelli’s story and her fascinating perspective. Falling in love with creating art. Do you remember that “moment” when everything clicked for you and you just fell in love with making art? If you didn’t have a specific moment, what was it that pushed you to start your journey as an artist? Kelli Vance and I had a wonderful discussion where we both took the time to share how we both had a moment where everything clicked for us. It was really exciting to hear from a peer who had a similar experience as I did. We both marveled at the fact that there was nothing spectacular about the assignments that we were given but we fell in love with craft all the same. The difficulty of wrestling with personal expectations. Holding to high standards and rigorous expectations for yourself can really be an asset that keeps you focused and striving to create good art. However, there is often another side to that coin. In our conversation, Kelli Vance and I discuss our relationship with personal expectations and how they’ve helped and hindered us over the years. We also touch on a sort of antidote to our high expectations, getting around other artists who can look at our work and assure us that we don’t have to critique every little thing along the way. What has been your relationship with personal standards and expectations? Stoking the flames of passion for art. As with many things in life, the longer you live with something, the more ordinary it begins to feel. Something that once took your breath away, can easily be lost to boredom or indifference. What have you done to keep the passion for art alive in your mind? How do you keep that flame lit after so many years? My guest, Kelli Vance opened up in our conversation and shared with me a few examples of what she does to keep stoking the flames of passion for art in her life. One aspect that she mentioned is how she is moved by art shows like the one she recently viewed in LA. Kelli also says that getting away and exploring nature has a rejuvenating effect on her creative spirit. What can you learn from Kelli’s story? What helps you keep your passion alive for art? Nurturing a habit of curiosity. It is so fascinating to hear all the different responses from all my guests when they talk about habits that have helped them succeed as artists. Kelli Vance says that the habit of curiosity is the one habit that has helped her grow and find success in her career. She describes herself as constantly curious, researching ideas, talking through them with friends and cultivating an ever-present awareness of things all around her. Kelli also points to a specific friendship she has with a fellow painter who has challenged her and acted as a sounding board for all of her creative ideas. What habits have helped you on your journey? What role has curiosity played in your development as an artist? Outline of This Episode [1:00] I introduce my guest, Kelli Vance. [3:00] How Kelli got started as an artist. [9:00] Kelli and I talk about that “moment” when we fell in love with creating art. [13:00] Kelli talks about her time in Roswell as an art resiSupport the show

How do you as an artist navigate the ebb and flow of art sales? Is there a method to the madness or is it all guesswork? What lessons have you learned in your career to help you navigate this important topic? My guest, artist Kenny Harris joins me on this episode as we discuss the ebb and flow of art sales and many other topics. Throughout our conversation, we touch on self-promotion, personal development, questioning assumptions, Kenny’s marriage to fellow artist Judy Nimtz, and much more. I am so excited for you to hear from Kenny’s distinct perspective! The wisdom of understanding there is an ebb and flow to art sales. What have been some of the best advice you’ve received in your art career? Did it come from a mentor, family member, or close friend? Did you have the opportunity to connect with a community of artists with seasoned members? My guest, Kenny Harris was kind enough to open up to me about his journey from life in New York to moving to Venice, California. His move started out as a visit but he quickly found himself embraced and welcomed by the art community, particularly among the “Old guard.” It was during this transition in his career that Kenny received the advice that art sales are cyclical and to why it’s important to fight the impulse to play to fashion. Have you received similar advice like Kenny received? Did you take it? What is it like being married to a fellow artist? Do you have someone close to you who shares your passion for art? Is there a family member or close friend who you can collaborate with and learn from? Can you imagine what it would be like to have your partner share in your profession as an artist? During our conversation, artist Kenny Harris spoke at length about the special connection he enjoys by sharing the same career as his spouse and fellow artist, Judy Nimtz. Kenny speaks fondly of the influence that Judy has had on his artwork and how he sees his influence coming out in her work as well. They also enjoy filling their time bonding over painting together, going to shows and exhibits, and giving each other feedback. I enjoyed hearing Kenny describe the influence his wife has on his work and I hope you benefit from it too. Questioning your own assumptions. Sometimes you can get to the point in your career where you inoculate yourself to criticism and introspection. Have you experienced that? How do you fight against that impulse? My guest, Kenny Harris was candid about his own struggle and revealed to me that it took going back to school to really help him begin to question his own assumptions. This led to him becoming cautious about his own use of caution in his artwork. Kenny’s journey led to massive growth both internally and professionally. While the process sounds exhausting, reflecting back on this season in his life, Kenny says it was ultimately rewarding. What has been your experience with challenging your own assumptions? The benefit of preparing for tomorrow’s work. What steps have you taken to push yourself to get into a rhythm of productivity in your studio? Do you have a process that you feel comfortable with? What habits have helped you on your journey? Kenny Harris says that it wasn’t one single habit that helped him get on track and make progress in his career but multiple little things that have helped along the way. One step that Kenny tries to practice on a regular basis that stood out to me was the habit of preparing for the next day’s work the night before. It sounds like such a simple step but the way Kenny described it had me fascinated. Does Kenny’s process sound like anything you’ve tried before? Outline of This Episode [1:30] I introduce my guest, Kenny Harris. [3:30] How did Kenny get his start as an artist? [7:30] Kenny talks about getting settled in with the LA art cSupport the show

The results are in and I am happy to announce the three winners of our art competition. Take a look at the end of this post for images and links for our second and third place winners. Our first place winner is Julie Beck. Julie is an artist from upstate New York who currently lives and works as an art instructor in Boston. In our conversation, we discuss the benefit of being part of an art community, why it’s important to take risks, how she signs her paintings, and much more! I can’t wait for you to hear from all three of my guests, starting with the talented Julie Beck. What is so great about titling paintings? Maybe you are like me and you really don’t enjoy the process of coming up with a title for your artwork. Then again, maybe you are more like my guest, Julie Beck. Julie loves the process of deciding on a title for her paintings. In fact, Julie talks about the process a bringing a further depth and layer to her artwork. In our conversation, Julie opens up about how she decides on a title and she even shares that she has a list of “Orphaned titles.” What is your process for deciding on a title like? What can you learn from Julie’s process and passion for this task? Why is it important to be connected to an art community? What has been your experience with getting connected to an art community? Have you had good and positive experiences or have you struggled to find your tribe? Artist Julie Beck says that finding a vibrant and robust artist community has had a profound impact on her development and growth as an artist. Julie goes on to share that one of the best ways to break out of a funk or difficult season as an artist is to get around other creative individuals, it doesn’t have to be other artists. I hope artists like you get the chance to connect with a supportive and inspiring art community like Julie has! How taking risks can grow you and help you succeed. Does taking risks come easy to you or do you find it to be difficult? What has informed your relationship with risk? Were you taught to avoid risks or were you taught to chase them? Do you see risks as beneficial or dangerous? My guest, Julie Beck has, at times struggled with taking risks. Her painting that won our contest serves as her evidence that she is fighting her impulse to avoid risks. In our conversation, Julie shared with me how she came to branch out and try something different with this painting. As she describes it, this was a departure for Julie, she usually works in a very controlled and measured process. It was fascinating to hear from Julie’s perspective and how she embraced this scary, vulnerable, and rewarding experience. Make sure to check out the image of Julie’s work that won our contest at the end of this post! The power of reminding yourself that you are a professional artist. What habits have helped you build your confidence and succeed as an artist? Are you still looking for tips and insights that will help you as you grow in your profession? Artist Julie Beck was kind enough to share a helpful practice that might encourage artists like you as try to find ways to stay motivated. For Julie, things started to click for her when she made that decision to take herself seriously as an artist. To keep the momentum going, Julie created a folder on her computer desktop titled, “I am an artist.” As she continued to create and build her portfolio, she would add to that folder, gaining more and more confidence each time. I hope you pick up on the sense of accomplishment and success that comes across from Julie’s story and I hope you find your way to a similar experience! Outline of This Episode [2:00] I introduce my guest and first place contest winner, Julie Beck. [3:30] Julie talks about her painting that won the contest. [11:00] Why Julie loves titling paiSupport the show

What does the process of creating cityscape and landscape art entail? How do those artists choose their locations? What does it even look like to create a portable studio? My guest, Adam Harrison is a cityscape and landscape artist who paints on location and lives in Santa Monica. Adam’s paintings range from four to six FEET! In our conversation, we talk about Adam’s process and strategy, how he connects with the public who live around his various locations, and so much more! I can’t wait for you to hear from Adam’s unique perspective and get the chance to view images of his artwork located at the end of this post. The first approach to painting outside and on location. What is it like taking your studio outside for the first time? What lessons do you learn in the process? My guest, Adam Harrison was kind enough to open up and share with me his first experience going outside and on location to start a project. Adam says that on his first outing, he carried two 4ft by 4ft panels made out of a quarter inch birchwood plywood, his studio easel, a lawn chair, a glass pallet, and a couple of reusable bags full of odds and ends. Can you imagine the scene? He took this setup to the Dodger Stadium area where he would end up spending the next year creating his first landscape work. From this experience, Adam came away with a lot of lessons, most notably, making sure to pack sunscreen next time. What can you take away from Adam’s story? What have been your experiences painting outside? The benefit of having a deadline. One of the most important things for any creative individual to find out about themselves is how they are motivated. Are you internally motivated and find that you can hit goals and benchmarks that you hold yourself too? Or are you more externally motivated and thrive when you set yourself up with deadlines that other people are counting on? My guest, Adam Harrison shared with me that he operates out of external motivation. Once he realized this, Adam was able to set up external deadlines and benchmarks that others would be dependent on, and this allowed Adam to thrive. Which process works best for you? The process of picking a motif. How do you pick your projects and motifs? Do you find inspiration in the settings around you or do you like to branch out and look past the familiar? Artist Adam Harrison has developed three “Have to’s” in his process that helps him pick his motifs. These are the three criteria he uses when he starts a painting. A sense of “Wonder” or “Wow.” Something that blows him away, that he loves looking at. Does this image resonate? Does he continue to think about it days and weeks later? How practical is it to get in front of the image on a weekly or daily basis? Adam says that these criteria have been instrumental in helping him filter through all the options and ideas that he comes across to pick the right one for him to spend his time on. What has worked for you? What are your criteria for picking a motif? How predictable patterns and habits lead to success. What habits and practices have contributed to your growth and success as an artist? Are you still looking for those patterns that will help unlock your creativity? My guest, Adam Harrison was candid enough to share with me some of the daily practices and habits have led to his success as an artist. Adam points to his practice of having between 5-7 paintings that he works on throughout the week that allows him the freedom and flexibility to create wherever his work week takes him. While Adam’s approach may not be for everyone, it is really fascinating to get his take and the creative journey and how he discovered what works for him. Outline of This Episode [1:30] I introduce my guest, Adam Harrison. [3:30] Adam talks aboutSupport the show

What is the evolution like for an artist that focuses on abstract painting? How can the work of abstract painting provide additional avenues that encourage a freedom to create? My guest, Allison Gildersleeve was generous with her time and candor as she opened up about her journey as an artist and her work with abstract paintings. We also discussed her time working in Vermont and Sweden, why she paints with layered images, navigating her career as a parent, and so much more! I can’t wait for you to get a glimpse into the journey and story of this talented painter! Layered artwork and evolving as an artist. When was the last time you really stretched yourself and experimented as an artist? Is it something you do often or do you have intentionally put yourself in situations where you can experiment? My guest, Allison Gildersleeve was kind enough to share about her time working with a printmaker in Sweden. During that time, Allison was able to experiment with layered drawings. You can tell from how she describes her time in Sweden that this was a very formative and liberating time for Allison. I hope you can catch the joy and enthusiasm that was evident in Alison's perspective like I did! The struggles and inspirations of navigating an art career as a parent. What has been your experience as an artist and parent? Do you find challenging, inspiring, or a mixture of both? How can you encourage and support your fellow artist who is at this stage of life right now? Artist Allison Gildersleeve discussed with me her experiences as an artist and parent, the challenges and the inspiring points in our conversation. While her life as a parent and artist was difficult at many points when her children were little, she also looks back at early parenthood as a time that required her to focus more intentionally on the time she had to create. What lessons can you learn from Allison’s experience? Do you resonate with what she shared? The value of being part of a thriving art community. Are you a part of a local art community? Do you connect with other artists to commiserate, collaborate, and get encouragement? Or do you find that life separated and isolated from the hustle and bustle give you more freedom to create? My guest, Allison Gildersleeve shared with me about the impact that being part of an artist community had on her years ago and continues to impact her today. She looks back at her time as an art assistant for Joan Snyder as being a pivotal point where she was able to connect with other artists and enjoy being part of that unique type of community. How has being part of an art community impacted your journey? The hard work of slowing down and paying attention. Do you ever find it challenging to slow down and pay attention to what is going on around you? What about your process, do you find that you have to make a deliberate effort to make sure you are challenging yourself? My guest, Allison Gildersleeve says that her challenges at this point in her career as an artist are to slow down and yet at the same time continue to challenge herself. They sound like they’d be opposites but both of these areas really make sense for Allison’s current stage in her career. I hope you can find some encouragement in Alison's story and don’t forget to check out images of her work located at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode [1:20] I introduce my guest, Allison Gildersleeve. [3:30] Allison talks about how she got started as an artist. [7:30] The value of being part of an artist community. [10:00] A key moment of personal success for Allison. [13:00] Allison talks about leaving behind certain aspects of her work. [18:00] How has Allison’s work changed over time? [23:00] Allison talks about disconnecting and creating a spaSupport the show

What does it take to whether an art critique and come out the other side ready to continue to create? How do you receive criticism and move forward? I had the pleasure to sit down with the artist, Melinda Cootsona. In our conversation, Melinda opened up about how she transitioned from her work in interior design to painting, how she organized her very first open studio, why it’s important to put yourself out there early, her work with cold wax, and so much more! I know that artists like you will get a lot of enjoyment out of Melinda’s distinct perspective and her helpful advice to budding artists. What it’s like to organize and hold your first open studio. Have you ever held an open studio for your artwork? What was it like? What kind of feedback did you receive? How early in your career did you hold it? Artist Melinda Cootsona held her first open studio early on in her career. She held the open studio in her home and enjoyed the feedback via purchases and responses from her viewers. She’s had several since that first one and encourages artists getting started to go for it and hold an open studio as soon as they have a good collection of work to display. What can you learn from Melinda’s experience? How to receive criticism and move forward. How do you receive a critique of your artwork? Do you seek them out and look forward to learning from them or do you struggle with receiving them constructively? My guest, Melinda Cootsona was candid enough to open up and share from her perspective and how she faced critiques of her artwork. Melinda says that she experiences a sort of detachment from the criticism that she hears regarding her work. She doesn’t take the criticism personally and encourages artists to do all they can to cultivate that sort of healthy detachment that keeps them from taking the critiques personally. What has been your experience with criticism? Why it’s important to connect with a mentor. Do you have people in your circle that you go to and receive feedback on your artwork? Are there other artists that you are in contact with whose opinion you can trust? Artist Melinda Cootsona shared with me during our conversation that she has relied heavily on mentors as she has progressed in her career. She also encourages artists who are just getting started to take the initiative and connect with a mentor as soon as possible. Melinda says that connecting with a mentor can have a huge impact on an artist's ability to get feedback, push toward goals, and expand their perspectives. Have you connected with a mentor? What was your experience? Overcoming self-doubt and the downward spiral. What do you do when you run into self-doubt and the occasional downward spiral that can plague the experience of an artist. Are there best practices that have helped you address this difficulty? My guest, Melinda Cootsona took the time in our conversation to open up about her own experience with self-doubt and the downward spiral. There is two point that Melinda touches on in addressing this difficulty among artists; first, she says it’s important to understand that every artist goes through this, you are not alone. Second, Melinda makes the point that the only way to the work is through the work, meaning, if you want to break out of the downward spiral and figure out what to do next, you’ve just got to start working. Can you relate to Melinda’s perspective? Share what’s worked for you! Outline of This Episode [1:00] I introduce my guest, Melinda Cootsona. [2:30] Melinda talks about how she got started on her journey as an artist. [4:00] What was Melinda’s first open studio like? [6:30] Receiving an art critique. [9:00] Melinda talks about personal successes along the way. [13:00] Why it’s important to connect with a mentor.Support the show

How are women represented in figurative art? Can you tell the difference between figurative art created by a woman and a man? What is it about women painting women that stands out? Figurative artist, Amber Lia-Kloppel was kind enough to sit down with me and discuss these questions and so much more. In our conversation, we also touch on her time at the New York Academy of Art, why she chooses women as her subjects, voyeurism, confrontation, navigating motherhood as an artist, and so much more. I know artists like you are going to enjoy Amber’s unique and fascinating perspective. The Female Figure Throughout the ages, the woman’s figure has been explored by artists the world over. But with each artist, the inspiration is a little bit different. I wanted to know why my guest, Amber Lia-Kloppel was so drawn to painting the female figure. Amber opened up and shared with me that the reason she is so drawn to the female figure, in part, is because they are self-portraits. She means this both literally and figuratively as she occasionally uses herself as a model but she also sees a reflection of herself in the models and the work she creates that are represented by the female body. It was a joy to hear Amber’s take on figurative art and the portrayal of the female figure. Make sure to check out images of Amber’s work at the end of this post! Navigating an art career as a parent How do parents and mothers, in particular, manage their time in the studio? What does it look like to navigate an art career as a parent? How does parenting influence the artwork of an artist? Amber Lia-Kloppel was gracious and candid in our conversation as she shared her experience navigating her role as an artist and a mother. She told me about projects she created that reflected moments she shared with her daughter. Amber also went on to describe how parenting has brought her to cherish and make the most out of her time working in her studio. I got the sense from my conversation with Amber that parenting enhanced her imagination and scope in some fascinating ways. I’m curious to hear what you take away from my conversation with Amber. Evolving as an artist How have you evolved as an artist over time? Have you made subtle changes here and there or have there been dramatic shifts in your approach and style? What caused the changes you’ve made over the years? My guest, Amber Lia-Kloppel described for me a pivotal moment in her career as an artist when she started to attend the New York Academy of Art. It was in this environment that Amber developed and refined her approach. Amber told me about how she learned new techniques and enjoyed the freedom and permission to expand her abilities in this environment that challenged and empowered her. Have you had an experience like Amber’s? Learning how to let go of a painting As artists, when we create, we pour part of ourselves into the process and ultimately into our creations. What are the ramifications of this creative process when we are unable to complete a project? What happens to that energy and passion that were poured out? My guest, Amber Lia-Kloppel discussed this artist's dilemma with me in our conversation. I appreciated Amber’s honesty as she admitted that she still struggles with letting go of her paintings that she just can't seem to finish. She hates to let go because, as she has gotten older, her starts are better, so there is so much there to salvage. Amber also holds herself to a high standard, she wants every painting to be her best painting. Can you relate to Amber’s struggle? Outline of This Episode [1:50] I introduce my guest, Amber Lia-Kloppel. [3:00] Amber talks about how she got started as an artist. [10:00] What attracts Amber to painting the female figure? [15:00] Amber’s process and uSupport the show

Have you ever been involved in creating mural art? Do you know the intricacies and details involved with creating artwork on such a large scale? What about commissioned mural artwork in public spaces? My guest, Ralph Gilbert was kind enough to open up and share about his experience creating mural art and winning several commissioned art projects. He also goes on to share about his personal artwork, how poetry influences his art, his creative process, habits that have helped him succeed, and much more! Make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post. Mural Art and working in public view An interesting aspect of mural art is it's large a scale and how rooted in place it is. These are just two of several aspects of mural art that artist Ralph Gilbert and I talked about in our conversation. Ralph shared a couple of fascinating observations from his recent work at the Saint Paul Union Depot in Minnesota. During this project which included arched tops and much of the work on scaffolding, Ralph experienced unique interactions with the public as his work was ongoing. He tells of one interaction with a community member that influenced an on the spot change in the work he was creating, it was to include a depiction of an individual with a physical disability. I was enraptured with Ralph’s stories of creating mural art and I know artists like you will get a lot of enjoyment out of it too. Commissioned Artwork Have you had any opportunities to create commissioned artwork? What was your experience like? What impressions or assumptions do you have about commissioned artwork? My guest, Ralph Gilbert had the opportunity to work on a handful of commissioned pieces throughout his career as an artist. In our conversation, he explained what the process was like to enter and be considered for committed artwork in a public setting. While commissioned artwork only represents a small portion of Ralph’s portfolio it was great to get his input and perspective on this important and public expression of art in communities all across our nation. Visual imagery and text What are the subjects that inspire you and spark that impulse to create your artwork? Is it a landscape, the human body, everyday objects, or something different entirely? My guest, Ralph Gilbert shared with me that poetry captures his imagination and provides that creative spark that inspires him often when he approaches his canvas. Ralph doesn’t see this work he creates as an illustration per say, it truly is more of an inspiration than anything else. He went on to describe the type of poetry that he associates with his creative process and they tend to always focus on human relationships and an insight into the nature of being and desire. It was really intriguing to hear Ralph describe his relationship to poetry and how that informs and inspires the artwork he creates. The Habit of Showing Up What are some of the habits that have empowered you in your creative journey as an artist? Is it a ritual you go through each time you approach your canvas? Or maybe for you, it's music or that one art book that just somehow seems to get the creative juices flowing. When I asked my guest Ralph Gilbert what habits have helped him on his journey as an artist, the first thing he put forward was the habit of showing up. It may not sound sexy or unorthodox but it is a very real and honest truth. As the saying goes, “80 percent of life is showing up.” Ralph finds a lot of truth in that saying and how it plays out in his success as an artist. He also shared with me that the habit of working on multiple projects at once has really allowed him the freedom to move in and out from one piece of artwork to another one depending on where he feels like spending his time on that given day. What lessons can you take away from Ralph’s storySupport the show

What is it like to move from working and earning a living as a freelance artist and begin a career as an art instructor? What impact does that transition have in the creative process? My guest, Jane Davies was kind enough to open up and share parts of her journey and how she left her work as a freelance artist behind to throw herself into the role of an art instructor. Jan has some helpful insights and lessons to share about her journey and how she grew and evolved as an artist over time in light of this pivotal point her her career. It was a joy to have Jane share her story and I know artists like you will get a lot of enjoyment from hearing her unique perspective. Embracing the role of Art Instructor Jane Davies spent over fifteen years creating production pottery and taking on other roles as a freelance artist. She eventually got to a point in her journey where she didn’t want to make art that way any longer. Now, she focuses less on selling her work, though that would be nice, she has turned a lot of her energy toward her role as an art instructor. Talking with Jane, I could really get the sense that this is where a lot of her passion and excitement are rooted. It was great to hear Jane’s angle on this subject and to hear where she is spending her time expressing herself. The Need for Community Among Artists Do you have a community of fellow artists that you connect? Where do you turn for inspiration and camaraderie? Have you been looking for that missing piece on your creative journey? In our conversation, my guest Jane Davies and I discuss the impact that being in community with fellow artists can have on your own creative output. While each person’s journey will have its own variables, don’t neglect this important aspect in the life of an artist. Even if you can’t be part of an artistic community locally, find other ways to connect either digitally in a community like this one or find ways to meet up once or twice a year with other artists. What steps are you taking to stay connected to a creative community? Art is Never Easy Have you ever had someone tell you that art is easy? How did you react? While there may be moments of inspiration where the creativity just flows through your fingertips, by and large, the work of an artist is far from “easy.” In my conversation with artist Jane Davies, we discuss this topic and misnomer that once you find your “voice” as an artist, the work becomes easy. Jane shares her experience as an art instructor and assumptions she encounters from young artists who are longing to find their voice. While techniques and concepts might become easier to hone and master, the work of an artist will always include striving, struggling, and challenge. What has been your experience? Do you resonate with Jane’s perspective? A Commitment to Constant Creation What habits and routines have helped you succeed as an artist? Do you take comfort in rituals and processes? How do you tap into a current of motivation and inspiration that can keep you focused on the work that you create? My guest, Jane Davies shared with me that it’s her commitment to constantly create that keeps her focused and drawn back to the canvas over and over again. Jane also gives herself the permission to just create, she doesn’t hold herself to a perfectionist standard, in these sessions she gives herself the freedom to just create, it doesn't have to be perfect or “good.” What are your takeaways from Jane’s story? Outline of This Episode [1:30] I introduce my guest, Jane Davies. [2:30] Jane talks about how she got started as an artist. [14:00] A pivotal moment in Jane’s career. [17:00] Jane talks about her role as an art teacher. [21:00] Mistakes Jane made as a teacher. [24:30] Positive experiences as a teacher. Support the show

What is the best approach to selling art? Have you found it more effective to be your own advocate or to connect with galleries and agents who promote your art for you? My guest, Jose Trujillo was kind enough to open up in our conversation about his journey and his evolving approach to selling art. We also discuss Jose’s artwork, how he got started as an artist, what it takes to connect with an audience, the importance of consistency, and so much more! I know artists like you will get a lot of value out of the insights and lessons that Jose has to share. Marketing and Presenting Artwork What makes for a great and compelling presentation of artwork? Have you been able to present and market your work in a way that draws people in? In my conversation with Jose Trujillo, we discussed his approach and the components he has found useful in marketing his art to a large audience. From a young age, Jose has been searching for an audience for his artwork. I could tell from listening to him that his passion and eagerness really shines when he talks about getting his art in front of people. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your willingness to put your artwork out there, again and again, adapting and learning from each interaction with galleries in the process. If you want to know more about what it takes to approach a gallery and evolve your approach over time, you’ll find some helpful insight from Jose in this conversation. Finding Channels to Promote Your Artwork Where do most people go to interact with artwork? Where does your target audience tend to spend their time viewing art? Don’t underestimate this vital aspect of knowing your audience and getting your artwork in front of them! Artist Jose Trujillo is passionate about connecting with people who want to view his artwork. He doesn’t expect them to come to him, so he does everything he can to get his work in front of them. In our conversation, Jose explains the many channels he uses to find his audience and expose them to his artwork. What steps are you taking to bring your artwork to a receptive audience? What lessons can you learn from Jose’s approach? The Power of Consistency One of the most important aspects of success for an artist is producing content. Is there any hope to sell your work or gain a reputation if you don’t produce content and practice your craft? My guest, Jose Trujillo shares from his own experience of committing to a regime of constantly creating artwork. It sounds easy but Jose will the first to tell you that it can be a struggle to show up and continue to practice, especially when you don’t “Feel inspired.” I really resonated with much of what Jose had to share on this subject and I hope artists like you can connect with it in a similar way. A Practice of Gratitude What practices or habits have helped you in your evolution as an artist? Do you find habits and rituals to be helpful or do you feed off of chaos and unpredictability? I enjoyed discussing this topic with my guest, Jose Trujillo as he opened up and shared how practicing gratitude has impacted him on his creative journey. I have also found a lot of benefit out of practicing gratitude and think artists like you will be able to connect with the positive impact that these habits can create. Jose talks about this practice as grounding him and helping him through the ups and downs of his career as an artist. Have you experienced this same grounding experience? Outline of This Episode [1:50] I introduce my guest, Jose Trujillo. [3:00] Jose talks about how he got started as an artist. [5:00] Marketing and presenting artwork. [9:00] Jose talks about pricing his work. [13:30] Jose describes his artwork. [19:00] The impact of technology in the art community. [27:00] Finding Support the show

Have collage work and other forms of mixed media art been a part of your artistic journey? What influence have different forms of artistic expression had on your development as an artist? I had the pleasure to sit down with the wonderfully talented mixed media artist, Lorette Luzajic. In our conversation we discussed her journey as an artist, how she got her start creating mixed media art, how literature has impacted her journey, and much more! Lorette brings a fascinating and unique experience that I know artists like you will appreciate. Don’t forget to check out images of Lorette’s artwork located at the end of this post! Discovering a Career as a Visual Artist What led to your career as an artist? How did you become convinced that art would become the work that you would end up dedicating your life to practicing? Was it intentional or an accident? My guest, Lorette Luzajic opened up in our conversation and shared how she came to discover and embrace her path as a visual artist. Lorette was firmly on the path to becoming a writer and had dedicated much of her education toward this goal when she fell in love with visual arts. To hear Lorette tell how she got started with visual arts is inspiring. Believe it or not, it all started with a desire to learn and then create tarot cards. I hope you find Lorette’s story as captivating as I did! A Joyous Encounter with Art One of my very favorite questions to ask an artist is if they’ve had any memorable reactions to their artwork. Have you had any unique reactions to your artwork? Have you found yourself reacting to other artist's creations in a particularly noteworthy way? I put this question to my guest Lorette Luzajic and as usual, I got a fascinating story in response. She tells the story of when she presented her work at an outdoor art festival that featured an odd creature. The image she created drew the attention of a nearby two-year-old child. This child was enamored with the creature that Lorette created and ended up with a joyous encounter with her artwork. This story definitely tops the list of notable reactions, I’m so glad Lorette shared this story! Keep Pressing Forward, Don’t Give Up! How do you stay motivated when things don’t seem to be going your way in your career? Do you find yourself spiraling downward? What helps to break you out of a funk and get back on track? My guest, Lorette Luzajic was candid in our conversation and shared how she has pushed through difficult situations to remain motivated and determined to succeed. Lorette recalled an encounter she had with another artist where they explained that if their work impacted one person, that it would be worth it. Ultimately, we create art because we resonate with the creative process and what it does in us. Organization is KEY What steps have you taken to become more organized as an artist? What role has organization played in your journey as an artist? While artists are typically portrayed as cluttered and unfocused, that’s not necessarily a fair depiction. In our conversation my guest, Lorette Luzajic shared with me how vital a role organization has played as she has evolved over the years as an artist. It took her some time to figure it out but once Lorette was able to move away from procrastination to embrace a more regimented and focused approach she saw her artwork flourish. What can you learn from Loretta's story? Outline of This Episode [1:50] I introduce my guest, Lorette Luzajic [3:00] Lorette shares how she got started as an artist. [9:00] How does Lorette’s writing intersect with her art? [10:30] Memorable responses to Lortette’s work. [12:30] Overcoming fears and disappointments. [15:00] Where does Lorette’s inspiration come from? How does she begin a project? [22:00] LoretSupport the show

Do you ever struggle with finding the freedom or giving yourself the permission to create your art? Maybe you try to convince yourself that the work you make to pay the bills is the art you want to create if that’s the case, great! But if you struggle with the tension of creating your art and creating art to keep food on the table, then you will find my conversation with Lynn Whipple relevant. Lynn is such a gracious guest and our conversation branches out from creating your own art to daily routines, to how she got started as an art teacher and so much more. I hope you enjoy hearing from Lynn as I much as I did! Creating “Your Art” Have you reached that point in your career as an artist where you were able to finally put in the time working on “Your Art?” What did it take for you to get to that point? If you haven’t reached that point yet, what steps are you taking to inch closer to it? My guest, artist Lynn Whipple struggled for a long time working as an artist for Universal Studios. She eventually reached that point in her journey where she was able to settle in her mind that it was time for her to start creating artwork that was “hers.” Coming from a similar background, I really resonated with Lynn’s story and I hope artists like you can find inspiration and encouragement from what Lynn has to say on this subject. Working with Art Collectors What has been your experience connecting with art collectors? Have any collector's been attracted to your artwork? Has it been more of a transactional relationship or have you been able to build a more organic one? Artist Lynn Whipple took the time in our conversation to open up about the relationships she has built with art collectors over the course of her career. Lynn speaks of the relationships she has built with art collectors as a unique privilege and one, you can tell, that she holds dear. It’s refreshing to hear an artist speak about the business side of her career that still connects on a personal level. What can you learn from Lynn’s story? The Benefit of Deadlines As you navigate your own journey as an artist, what have you found to be helpful practices? Are you internally motivated or are you externally motivated? How does that impact the structure of your time in the studio? My guest, Lynn Whipple shared about her difficult transition from working in a structured environment at Universal Studios to working for herself. I also connected with Lynn’s struggles in this area as I transitioned from working in a professional setting to working on my own projects. Lynn and I both discussed the role of setting deadlines and how that has been a helpful aspect in our growth as artists. What role has the use of deadlines played for you? The Art of Noticing What daily rhythms and rituals help get your creative juices flowing? Is it that cup of coffee you just have to have each morning when you wake up? Or is it that same routine and flow as you approach the studio that does it for you? My guest, Lynn Whipple had a beautiful aspect of her day that she was kind enough to share with me in our conversation. Each morning, before anything else, Lynn goes out to the dock by her house and sits there with a sketchbook. Sitting there, Lynn forces herself to pay attention to the world waking up around her. With each thing she notices that morning, Lynn challenges herself to linger a few seconds longer than she usually would. Lynn calls this captivating and motivating daily practice the “Art of noticing.” The way Lynn described this daily ritual moved me and I hope it has a similar effect on you. Outline of This Episode [1:50] I introduce my guest, Lynn Whipple. [2:50] Lynn talks about her background as an artist. [5:00] Lynn describes her artwork. [7:00] How Lynn built her business as an artist.Support the show

One of the most pressing topics on the minds of many artists these days is the role of art and business. This subject can lead to heated debates about the difference between making “Pure art” and art for profit. What is your opinion on this subject? Is there room for nuance and flexibility on this subject? My guest, Katherine Sandoz provides a helpful perspective on the role of art and business. In our conversation, we also discuss Katherine’s artwork, lessons she has learned as an art teacher, her use of mixed media art, how to approach art you dislike, and much more! I know that artists like you will enjoy the unique perspective that Katherine brings. Lessons Learned as an Art Teacher How can teaching concepts, theories, and subjects shape the way you think about them? Have you had an experience where conveying the topic has made you look at it in a new light? Artist and educator Katherine Sandoz was kind enough to open up about this subject with me in our conversation. Hearing from Katherine, you can really get the sense that teaching art has had an impact on the way she interprets and even reconsiders some of the topics she presents to her students. I was honored to get such an honest and transparent take from Katherine on this subject and I hope you find her insights and candor as stimulating as I have! The Role of Art and Business Does there need to be a defined and hard-line in the sand between “Pure art” and art made for profit? What is the right approach to the role of art and business? Could it be that a hard-line approach to this topic is unproductive and unhelpful? My guest, Katherine Sandoz shared her thoughts on this subject with me during our conversation. Katherine believes that a more balanced approach is necessary when we discuss art and business. She sees things existing more on a spectrum meaning, as, with a diverse array of types of art, there also exists a range of avenues where profit can come into play. What has contributed to your opinion on this subject? Do you agree with Katherine? Using Mixed Media Art Have you experimented with mixed media art? Is it still part of your regular pattern of creation and exploration? How can playing with other mediums expand and enrich your primary mode of creative output? Artist Katherine Sandoz started to utilize mixed media art primarily as a way to stay busy. Because you can’t paint effectively or on a large scale in a moving vehicle, Katherine found her way to experimenting with quilting and stitching as a way to exercise her creative expressions while she travels with her family. Katherine uses this example to explain why she encourages her students and as many artists as she can that the present is the best time to start practicing your craft with any means possible. Don’t hesitate and kick the can down the road! Does Katherine’s story resonate with you? How to Approach Art that Doesn’t Connect with You What is your reaction to artwork that doesn’t connect with you? Is there a constructive and beneficial way to respond to art that we don’t necessarily like? Could it be that the old adage is true, “If you don’t have something nice to say, say nothing at all?” My guest, Katherine Sandoz was quick to explain her take on this topic. Katherine says that there is a reason why we don’t like certain works of art and if we can communicate that reason to ourselves and others what we feel isn’t working that we’ll both be better for it in the long run. What is your opinion on Katherine’s perspective? Outline of This Episode [1:35] I introduce my guest, Katherine Sandoz. [3:00] How did Katherine get started as an artist? [5:00] Lessons learned as an art teacher. [11:30] A blossoming art career and starting a family. [15:30] Katherine describes her artwork and her procesSupport the show

The relationship between light and art is a beautiful and nuanced one. You can really tell when an artist has a deep passion and knowledge of how to use light in innovative and unique ways. My guest, Peter Fiore is an expert when it comes to experimenting with light in his artwork. In our conversation, we discuss his fascination with nature, his artistic process, why he uses music in the studio, the importance of fighting back fear, and much more! Our conversation takes a lot of twists and turns but I know artists like you will get a lot of enjoyment from Peter’s depth of experience. Embracing a Fascination with Nature What is your relationship with nature like? Do you find a significant level of inspiration and creativity well up when you are in the wilderness? Or is it the city and an urban environment that fires you up and excites you? My guest, Peter Fiore has a deep love and appreciation for nature. In fact, this love for the wilderness caused him to move out of the city and into a more quiet and serene setting. Peter described for me how much this move impacted his creative process and how connecting with nature resonates with him on a spiritual level. To hear Peter talk about his area and the beauty and creativity it draws out of him can be quite moving. What can you learn from Peter’s articulation? Where do you tap into that source of creativity? The Role of Music in the Creative Process Have you ever been moved by a song? Seriously, think about it. There seems to be an interesting divide on this issue among the general public. Some people love music and the way it intensifies their thoughts and feelings, then there are others who don’t feel particularly strong about it. Artist Peter Fiore definitely falls in the camp that loves music. He enjoys music so much that he has incorporated it into his creative process. You’ve got to hear him describe how he feels and reacts when he turns on Beethoven in his studio as he goes to work on his art projects. Does this resonate with you? If it’s not music, is there something that animates you when you are in your studio? Pushing Fear Aside What would your advice to young artists just starting out in their career? Maybe you are a young artist who is looking for helpful advice so you can learn from those who came before you. My guest, Peter Fiore was kind enough to open up and share some helpful wisdom that he received from his father that he wants to pass down to young artists including his own children. The primary advice that Peter shares is to never let your fears dictate the art that you make. As difficult as that advice can be to follow, I know that there is a lot of truth to that statement. Don’t let yourself be consumed with regret when you are older because you failed to push fear aside! Creating Art from Passion There seems to be a certain element that is almost indescribable when you see artwork that comes from a place deep in a person’s soul. Have you experienced that? Art that comes from a place of passion and creativity has a certain texture to it. Artist Peter Fiore wants to encourage artists like you to find that place where you can create your artwork from. Even if you can’t profit from your passion projects, it's really important to consider creating a space where you can exercise the creative pursuits that make you come alive. Peter shares this advice in light of his years of experience as an artist and I hope you can catch a glimpse of what he is trying to convey. Make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode [1:50] I introduce my guest, Peter Fiore. [4:00] How Peter got his start as an artist. [12:30] Peter talks about his series on trees and a car crash he survived. [17:00] A relationship with nature. Support the show

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “Symbolic Art?” Are there certain assumptions and presuppositions that come to mind when you think of that phrase? My guest, Noah Buchanan uses symbolism frequently in his artwork. He is attracted to images where there is a divine force or mythological reference. In our conversation, we discuss what drew him to become an artist in the first place, what emboldened him to create artwork on a large scale, surprising reactions he’s had to his paintings, and so much more! I know artists like you will enjoy hearing from Noah’s unique perspective. Don’t forget to check out images of his paintings located at the end of this post! Inspired by Giants Who helped usher you into the world of art? Was it a fantastic art teacher? A mentor or a family member? What was it that captured your imagination and fueled your creativity? My guest, Noah Buchanan was fortunate to have a stellar art teacher who encouraged their students to marvel at and become inspired by the work of artistic giants like Albrecht Dürer and Michelangelo. It’s amazing how the passion and empowerment by one person and change the course of someone’s life. Who is that person for you? Do you think you’ll ever have that kind of impact on some else’s creative journey? Working On a Large Scale Have you ever taken your work to a large scale? I’m talking 80 inches by 62 inches LARGE. Needless to say, work on that scale is striking, to say the least. My guest, Noah Buchanan was kind enough to open up about his current project that fits that exact dimension. The figures he has created in that work are actually life-sized, which is impressive. Noah’s project is inspired by a recent trip to New York where he saw the work of 17th-century French painter, Valentin de Boulogne showcased. The sheer scale and grandeur of Boulogne’s work captured Noah’s imagination. You’ve got to hear him describe it, he takes you right there to the exhibit in New York. You can also catch images of Noah’s current project at the end of this post. Surprising Reactions All artists want their work to evoke something within the viewer. What reactions do you think your work evokes in others? Are there notable reactions that you’ve received from other regarding your artwork? Artist Noah Buchanan has on occasion created paintings for the Catholic Church. Having created artwork that would be displayed in such a sacred and worshipful setting, Noah has received some unique responses, typically by email that are markedly different from the response to the artwork he typically shows in galleries. I hope you find Noah’s stories and insights as riveting as I did! From Live Models to Using Photographs Among many artists, this is a contentious issue; live models vs. using photographs. What side of the debate do you come down on? Have you always felt that way? Are you willing to hear the other side out? My guest, Noah Buchanan use to be staunchly in the camp opposed to using photographs as did I. In our conversation, we discuss what caused our opinion to change, why we embrace the use of photography, how the change has impacted our work, and more! Whichever side you find yourself on, I think it’s helpful for us as artists to really hear out and understand where the other side is coming from and appreciate the end result on its merits regardless. Outline of This Episode [1:45] I introduce my guest, Noah Buchanan. [3:30] What led Noah to get started in painting? [7:30] How does Noah choose his motifs? [9:30] Noah talks about the project he is currently working on and it’s scale. [19:30] Notable reactions from Noah’s work. [24:00] Personal successes along the way. [36:00] Noah describes his studio process & working from photographs vs. live models. [44:Support the show

With headlines about plans to send people to Mars and other groundbreaking technological accomplishments, do you ever wonder, “What is the role of an artist in this new tech centric age?” This is one of many questions that my guest, Frank Lombardo ponders aloud with me in our conversation. Frank also opens up about how he became interested in art, what draws him to certain subjects, how he approaches galleries, and so much more! Frank has a fascinating perspective on the world and how artists bring out unique and valuable qualities to our society. I know artists like you are going to intrigued by our wide-ranging conversation. The Role of An Artist For so long, the role of an artist has been to help bring shape, image, and meaning to some of our culture’s most profound and mundane concepts. As we rapidly approach a new digital era that is starting to leave behind much of the old systems we’ve become accustomed to, what role can the artist hope to play in this radically new space? My guest, Frank Lombardo is at the point in his creative and personal journey where he has really started to consider this broader question. He hopes to see art continue to play a role in keeping our society grounded and rooted in the ways of poetry and aestheticism. Where do you think the role of the artist is heading? Facing Setbacks and Pushing Forward How do you respond when something you’ve poured your heart, soul, time, and resources into utterly fails? If you are anything like me, you can’t help but feel at the very least, that tinge of bitterness and disappointment. Is there anything to be learned or gained from these disappointments and setbacks that we all will inevitably face? Artist Frank Lombardo is no stranger to setbacks on his creative journey but he is convinced that there is something we can recover from encountering failure. In Frank’s case, he was able to come to a place where he could admit that he wasn’t getting where he wanted to go with a particular project. Once that happened, he was able to acknowledge what happened and move on, starting fresh with something new. What lessons can you learn from Frank’s story? Approaching Galleries One of the most difficult aspects of being an artist can be the process of promoting your work. Some artists take to it seemingly effortlessly, others find themselves constantly looking for ways to improve. Where do you land? My guest, Frank Lombardo shares his approach to promoting his work and holding himself to a preset plan. Frank’s goal is to approach one gallery or publication a day or do something that moves the ball forward for his artwork. This method really seems to motivate and keep Frank on track, what works for you? What can you take away from Frank’s approach? On Colorblindness and Asking for Help Is there an aspect of your workload that you need help with? It could be trouble with scheduling studio time or technical aspects of your art, or maybe for you, it comes down to promoting your artwork. What is holding you back from reaching out? In our conversation, Frank Lombardo was kind enough to discuss the topic of his colorblindness and how it has impacted the way he works in the studio. Frank says that after trying to overcome this difficulty with technology, he ultimately had to rely on help from others to better utilize his time in the studio. It was an honor to have someone as talented as Frank really open up about a sensitive subject. I am grateful for his candor and I hope you will find encouragement from his story. Outline of This Episode [1:50] I introduce my guest, Frank Lombardo. [3:00] How did Frank move toward a career as an artist? [9:30] Frank describes his artwork. [11:00] Why is Frank drawn to the subject matter he chooses? [21:00] Frank’s strategy for approaching gSupport the show

Like most artists you’ve probably wondered how you can sell your art at some point along your journey. Some artists pick it up quickly or partner with someone who can help this navigate the business side of making a living as an artist. Then there are others who really struggle with this aspect of surviving as an artist. Where do you land? Wouldn’t it be great to get some helpful professional insight on this topic? Then you’ve come to the right place! My guest, Maria Brophy has spent the last decade and a half, acting as agent and brand manager for her husband, artist Drew Brophy. In our conversation, Maria opens up about the process of moving to a full-time career as an artist, when to say no, how to position yourself as a high-value artist, and much more. I know artists like you will get a ton of value out of our fascinating and wide-ranging conversation! Know What You Want What do you want out of your career as an artist? Really!? For too long, we have been trained by society to think that what we want isn’t realistic or right. Maybe you find that you’ve pushed what you want aside for so long that you found yourself spending energy and time doing what others have directed you to do. It’s time to put that thinking behind you! Really take the time to discover what it is that you want out of your profession as an artist. Maria believes that if you learn how to take the time to hone in on what it is you really want, you’ll end up being more productive and happy in the process. Maria has lots of helpful insight like this that I know will be of great value to artists like you! Moving To A Full-Time Art Career Have you taken the plunge yet and moved into a full-time commitment to your artwork? If not, what is holding you back? I’ve been there, I know the struggle and I want to do everything I can to encourage you and support you along the way. That’s why I knew that I needed to sit down with Maria and get some tips from her to help artists like you looking for motivation. Maria has traveled this road too, she helped her husband move toward and eventually completely transition to a career as a full-time artist. In our conversation, Maria shares what this process was like as well as practical advice that you can use if you are struggling at this stage on your journey. What Would Richard Branson Do? Let’s face it, most artists aren’t cut out to be successful businesspeople right off the bat. In fact, this tension between making art and selling art can really cause a lot of sleepless nights. You are not alone! I’ve struggled with the business aspect of my art career too. In my conversation with Maria, she shared a funny tool that helps her and her husband make tough business decisions. She simply thinks to herself, “What would Richard Branson do?” It sounds funny but it really helps her frame the decision-making process based on business parameters rather than emotional or egotistical ones. I hope you get the chance to hear more of our conversation and the additional insights and tips Maria has to share. How to Sell Your Art How do you sell your art? What is your strategy? Do you have a good idea on how to show, market, and price your artwork? Could your approach use an update? In my conversation with Maria, she shares the driving mindset that will help you sell your art. Maria explains that one of the best ways to get started is to remember that your artwork is valuable to someone. Never lose sight of the fact that your creation will become valuable to someone in the marketplace! This mental shift can make all the difference in your approach to selling your art. Maria has many more tips and lessons for artists like you, make sure to listen to more of our conversation and check out her book, “Art, Money, and Success!” Outline of This Episode [1:50] I introduce my gSupport the show

What really goes on behind the scenes when it comes to artistic development? Is it a straight path or are there a number of twists and turns along the way? What part of the process is active and what part of it is passive? My guest, Sally Strand opens up in our conversation about her journey and the process that led to her development as an artist over the last thirty years. Sally is open and transparent about the difficulties along the way but she is also quick to relish in the joy and beauty of the process as well. I know artists like you will get some helpful encouragement from Sally’s unique perspective. Evolving As An Artist How have you evolved as an artist over time? Has your artistic development been incremental or have you had specific moments that have shaped you along the way? There is no right answer to this question! Some artists make intentional shifts and some take the more gradual route. My guest, Sally Strand describes her development as more of a gradual process. The way she describes her past and how it slowly opened up to who she is as an artist today is fascinating! What will Sally’s story stir up in you? Let her story encourage and inspire you as you push forward on your journey! Overcoming Challenges Along the Way How do you react in difficult situations? What impact has that left on you as an artist? There are helpful lessons to be learned as we encounter difficulty and adversity on our creative journey. Sally Strand has learned that the best way to handle difficulty is to push forward and don’t let it bog you down or change you in a negative way. She also recounts a particularly difficult episode in her life where she struggled to understand what was happening in the world around her and how it would come to impact her artwork. I hope you find Sally’s perspective as captivating as I did! Deciding What to Say “Yes” To One of the most difficult aspects of the life of an artist is navigating your time as a friend or family member. You can feel like you are constantly torn between two worlds that you love deeply but you can’t inhabit simultaneously. How do you decide where to draw your lines? My guest, Sally Strand was kind enough to open up and explain how she works her way through this complicated and difficult area that all artists face at some point in their life. Sally’s method of dealing with this conflict is taking a moment to ask herself, “What can I not repeat?” This question allowed Sally to decide what moments in her life needed her attention and which ones could be accomplished at a later date. Habits of a Successful Artist What are the habits that have contributed to your success as an artist? Each one of us has a different spin on the answer to this question. As we continue to explore our artistic development, it can be immensely helpful to get the perspective of other artists, especially ones as experienced as Sally Strand. When it comes down to it, Sally says that scheduling her studio time and sticking to it has been a huge part of her journey of success as an artist. She doesn’t paint it as an easy task, but she does believe strongly that if you can commit to an appointed time and stick to it, creativity and inspiration have a high probability of making an appearance. Outline of This Episode [1:35] I introduce my guest, Sally Strand. [3:00] Sally talks about her start as an artist. [7:00] The struggle for meaning and purpose as an artist. [9:00] The impact of travel on Sally’s development as an artist. [14:00] Everyday life as a theme in art. [17:00] Sally talks about her decision to go back to school. [21:00] Evolving as an artist. [27:30] Overcoming challenges as an artist. [29:30] Deciding what to say “Yes” to. [31:30] What does it meanSupport the show

What does a creative journey that starts with graffiti art then moves to video game work and then ends up on a smaller scale working with acrylics look like? What lessons and tips can other artists learn from such a journey? My guest, Greg Simkins opens up about all these various transitions in his life and how he has been able to build a thriving art business with his wife. Greg’s story is fascinating and unique and I hope you can catch the lively and infectious passion that he exudes for his work. Don’t forget to catch some images of Greg’s artwork located at the end of this post! Encouragement Along the way How did you get started as an artist? Was it a gradual progression? Did you know from a young age? Or did you come to the realization later in life? Who helped you along your creative journey? Did you have mentors, friends, or family members who encouraged you along the way? My guest, Greg Simkins describes the wonderfully supportive relationship he shares with his father who was vital in encouraging and nurturing his creative impulses early in his journey. What can you learn from Greg’s story? Does the impact that other people have had on your journey as an artist inspire you to do the same for others? Graffiti Art How does a mild mannered and shy AP student find himself involved with the skating and punk rock crowd? How does this association and engagement translate to a career as a successful and respected artist? My guest Greg Simkins shares the story of how some students in high school noticed his drawings and introduced him to the world of graffiti art. From there, the encouragement of his friends and his father led to greater confidence in his artistic abilities. Greg’s story is an interesting and non-traditional one that will leave you intrigued and curious to how many other paths exist out there for artists to find their way. Working With Acrylics Do you remember the first piece you completed in a new medium? Can you remember what you learned through that process? Was it frustrating or rewarding? My guest, Greg Simkins described to me his first experience completing a piece of art using acrylics. This experience also happened to be Greg’s first foray into being commissioned for his artwork. Greg recalls the experience as being difficult and not absent of errors he had to correct along the way but ultimately, this encounter led Greg on a path to begin working with acrylics more and more. Now Greg works predominately with acrylics and looks back fondly on this moment as one of the first steps of his journey. Struggling With Time Management What do you do to structure your time as an artist? Do you try to spend some time each day in your creative flow or do you designate whole days that you can dedicate to projects? Artist Greg Simkins explained to me his struggles with navigating the complexities of raising a family and balancing his time in the studio working on his projects. At the end of the day, Greg had to get to a place where he could really learn to slow down and structure his time. He had taken his time for creative endeavors for granted when he had his father close by to assist him, but when his father moved away he found himself in a state of chaos. What lessons can you learn from Greg’s story? How will you ensure that you have time to complete the work you are passionate about? Outline of This Episode [1:35] I introduce my guest, Greg Simkins. [3:30] Greg talks about how he got his start as an artist. [13:00] The first time Greg painted with acrylics. [18:00] Moving from big scale work to a smaller scale. [20:30] Greg talks about working with acrylics. [28:00] Experimenting with different mediums. [36:00] Struggling with time management. [43:00] Running the business as anSupport the show

What is the future of painting? How will the next decade of painting stack up given the current trends compared to what’s come before? Is the painting community on a positive trajectory? Or do we need to make some course corrections? My guest, Burton Silverman joins me for part two of our conversation. Burt opens up about the impact of past artists, how he chooses his subjects, the future of painting, and so much more! Burt has such a depth of experience and knowledge I know you will find his insights and perspectives as fascinating as I did! The Future of Painting Do you have an idea of where the painting sector of the art community is headed? Does it leave you troubled or optimistic? I put this question to artist Burton Silverman and he provided a helpful and nuanced response. Burt used the word hopefully to describe his outlook and I found that really encouraging. He was also quick to add that he wants to see the future of painting push the bounds and really challenge the concept of authenticity that has been proclaimed as of late. I loved Burt’s take on our corner of the art community and hope that you find the hope and challenge as welcome as I did. The Difference Between Style and Voice What is the difference between an artist’s style and their voice? Is there a difference in your mind? How would you explain it? What illustrations would you give to describe it? Artist Burt Silverman explained how he sees the difference between style and voice in our conversation. Burt says that your style is the language by which your voice may or may not come through. He goes on to explain that if you change your language or your style, then your “voice” shifts and gets expressed with a different sound or accent to it. Burt really has a wonderful way with words and describing these complicated topics in a helpful and imaginative way. Advice to Young Artists What does it take to succeed as an artist? I’ve had just as many answers to this question as I have had guests to interview! Consider this, what would you say to someone who is just starting out on their journey as an artist? What do you think would be helpful advice for them to follow? Artist Burt Silverman struggled to answer this question because he is sensitive to the unique journey and circumstance of each artist. Having said that, he did manage to explain the importance of really knowing yourself and why artists should spend the time to plumb the depths of their interior and let that experience inform their art. Seeing Without Observing What skills are necessary for an artist to create meaningful works of art? Does it all rely on talent or is there something beyond the technical ability that makes for compelling and captivating art? Going back to the question of the future of painting and pairing it with the question about advice to young artists, Burt Silverman explained that we need more artists who practice the skill of observation. He used a wonderful line from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that says, “You see but you do not observe.” Does that line resonate with you? I think that Burt hit the nail on the head and I hold out hope for the art world and for myself - may we observe more and more each day. Outline of This Episode [1:50] I introduce my guest, Burton Silverman. [4:00] Burton and I discuss the lasting impact of bygone artists. [8:20] How Burton chooses his subjects. [15:00] What is the future of painting? [22:40] Is there a difference between your style and your voice? [32:30] What advice would Burt give to young artists? [38:30] The problem of seeing without observing. Other artists mentioned on this episode Rembrandt Support the show

What does it take to create “Good Art?” Who decides? What elements or components are necessary to deem something good? My guest today is the renowned artist, Burton Silverman. This is part one of our two part conversation where we discuss a wide range of topics from the components of “Good Art,” discovering your artistic voice, the role of setting and presentation in art, racism and the fear of “the other,” and so much more! Burt draws from his vast wealth of experience and thoughtfulness and I know artists like you will value his contributions as much as I have. What makes for “Good Art?” How would you describe “Good Art?” Have you thought about it? Do you have a definition of it? How did you arrive at that conclusion? Artist, Burt Silverman opened up to me about what he thinks are the components of good art. Burt says that it comes down to craftsmanship and the ability to record the world in an accurate way. He further elaborates on this idea by explaining that there is an element in good artwork that transcends technical ability and taps into something deeper. In our conversation, Burt didn’t explain this “deeper” aspect further but I appreciate that he was willing to welcome an element of mystery and the unknown. The Artistic Voice A common question I get when it comes to diving deeper into the life of an artist is, “How do you discover your artistic voice?” So what was it like for you? What was your journey like that led you to move more and more into creating the art that you are passionate about? My guest, Burton Silverman was kind enough to consider this question and provide his insights. Burt says that for him it comes down to tapping into an inner sense from your gut and out of that flows the feelings that you believe you are compelled to share with the world. There are so many angles to this topic I know there will be some of you that really resonate with what Burt shared and others who come from a different approach - the diversity of thought is wonderful! Setting and Presentation What role do context, setting, and presentation have to play when it comes to viewing art work? In your opinion, does it play a role at all? Is there any difference between art that is completed and admired in the studio and artwork that is presented and shown in a gallery? How does setting impact the viewing? These are all questions and lines of thought that Burton Silverman and I discussed in our recent conversation. Burt pointed out that there is some sort of transformation that takes place from the studio setting and context to when the artwork is displayed in an intentional and meaningful way. Creating Room for Freedom and Expression What is your relationship to the concept of freedom when it comes to the creative process? Do you feel free to express yourself and work in a place outside of the lines? Or do you find yourself shackled to rules and boxes that you can’t cross? In our conversation, Burton Silverman and I talk about the role of rules and school of thought. Of course, they have an important role to play but they can also get in the way of our ability to push the limits and think outside of preconceived norms and expectations. I hope you get a sense of the freedom of expression that Burt and I discussed and make sure to come back next week for part two of our conversation! Outline of This Episode [1:50] I introduce my guest, Burton Silverman. [4:30] Burt talks about attending Fiorello Laguardia School of the Arts. [10:30] What is it that makes a work of art “good?” [15:00] Discovering the artistic voice. [24:00] The role of setting and presentation in art. [39:00] Racism and fear of the “other” [47:00] The role of rules and schools of thought. Other artists mentioned on this episodeSupport the show

Do you struggle with putting in the focused and hard work required of you as an artist? You aren’t alone! I’ve struggled with carving out the time and maintaining that focused attention to the craft that I love. All artists struggle at some point with staying focused. What has worked for you? How have you been able to push through the difficulty? My guest, Steve Da Luz opens up and shares how he has wrestled with this obstacle in his life. I value Steve’s transparency and honesty and I know that you’ll find it just as refreshing and inspiring as I did. Misconceptions of the “Art World” What does it mean to follow the guidelines of the “Art World?” Is that something that you are bound to as an artist? Who are the gatekeepers of the art world? My guest, artist Steve Da Luz discusses with me what it means to be an active participant of the art world. We come to the conclusion that there isn’t some abstract and amorphous art world “out there” somewhere, but that it’s creative individuals like you and me that make up this community of artists. I’d love to hear your thoughts on mine and Steve’s discussion and how you feel about the concept of the art world. Moving to an “Off Site” Studio What works best for you as an artist, working from a studio space at home or having an “off site” space that you can use as your creative space? Does it really matter where we end up creating our art? What role does space play in our motivations to create? Artist Steve Da Luz walks through his decision to create an “off site” studio where he can focus on his work away from his home life and all the distractions that can bring about. It was fascinating to hear from Steve as he explained why this separate location really motivated him and spurred on his creative process. I’m excited for you to hear from Steve’s intriguing insights and the unique story that he has to share. Luck Favors the Prepared I know, it’s a hot topic among many in the “Art World” but I went there again with my guest Steve Da Luz as we discussed the role of luck and talent in the career of an artist. Steve comes out strong with the opinion that if you are ever going to “make it” as an artist, you need to put in the work and as prepared as possible for that “lucky moment” if it ever arrives. He used the phrase “Luck favors the prepared” and I think that he made a lot of valid points in our discussion. Wherever you land on this topic, if it’s pure luck or if it’s solely based on talent or a combination of the two, I hope you take the time to hear from Steve’s experienced perspective. Surviving Slings and Arrows The hard work of an artist not only includes finding the time and space to practice your creative process but it also includes taking your share of ups and downs and surviving the slings and arrows tossed your way. These can be literal roadblocks and difficulties that arise in the form of finances and critics but it can also include your own demons that can trip up your artistic expression. How will you survive the slings and arrows that come your way? Take a moment and hear from Steve Da Luz as he shares his story and how he’s been able to overcome the difficulties that have come his way in his prolific career. Outline of This Episode [2:00] I introduce my guest, Steve Da Luz. [4:00] How Steve decided to develop the focus of his work. [9:30] Misconceptions of the “Art World.” [15:00] Steve talks about his decision to move to a off site studio. [19:00] The financial struggle to survive as an artist. [22:00] The role of luck and preparedness regarding success as an artist. [27:00] Not everyone is going to connect with your work. [31:00] Surviving the slings and arrows. [37:00] Facing setbacks. [42:30] Steve talks about his procSupport the show

What comes to mind when you think of narrative painting? Do you think of a particular painting or a series of paintings? What is it about painting with a narrative that captures an audience? My guest, Nathan Lewis is an accomplished narrative painter. In our conversation, Nathan and I spoke about the language of painting, multi figure paintings, painting through frustration and doubt, and so much more! I know artists like you will enjoy hearing from his unique perspective. I am really excited for you to get a glimpse into the world of narrative painting by hearing Nathan’s fascinating story and insights. The Draw to Narrative Painting Do you remember what drew you to your style or type of painting? Was it an artist that captured your imagination, a teacher that opened it up to you, or was it more of a gradual revelation? For artist Nathan Lewis, he was drawn to narrative painting through his personal pursuit of finding meaning in life. Nathan describes his attraction to art as an attraction to live a life of meaning and to find some way to interact with the world. He goes on to explain how once he got a handle on his understanding of art forms, the narrative connection just started to fall into place. Make sure you take a minute to look over Nathan’s artwork at the end of this post. Pushing Past Fear and Failure What do you do with fear of failure as an artists? Does it over take you sometimes? Do you use it for fuel? What is a helpful perspective we can have on this subject? Nathan Lewis has struggled with fear, doubt, and failure as an artist. To get through those difficult and potentially self defeating emotions, Nathan commits himself to his artwork at hand. He has found pushing through (not ignoring) those emotions and engaging in his art to be a helpful solution. What has worked for you in the past? What is your plan for when those feelings creep back in? I hope that hearing from Nathan can help you start to wrestle with these emotions in a way that’s helpful for you. The Role of Memory in Art As an artist who also works from photography I was curious to get Nathan Lewis’ perspective on what role memory has in his artwork. The fact of the matter is, there are aspects that get lost, and some aspects that get captured when we utilize photography to assist us in our paintings. Nathan explains how he enjoys using photography to take his time with a subject. This allows him to avoid the need rush to capture something that he won’t be able to remember from the subject or scene later on if he were forced to rely on his memory. I really resonated with a lot of what Nathan had to share on this subject and I hope artists like you can connect with his unique perspective. The Artist’s Social Life As an artist it can be a struggle to engage with others on a social level. There are a few factors involved in this difficulty. One is that non-artists don’t really understand the demands that our craft has on our time and availability. Another struggle arises when we only socialize with fellow artists and lose that connection with other sectors of society and culture. Which one do you find yourself more drawn to? Have you taken the time to consider why that is? In my conversation with artist Nathan Lewis, we discuss our own experiences with each side of this coin. I hope you find our conversation encouraging and helpful as you navigate how this plays out in your life too. Outline of This Episode [1:35] I introduce my guest, Nathan Lewis. [3:15] Nathan describes his work and how he got started as an artist. [8:30] What drew Nathan to the narrative style of painting? [17:00] Pushing past the fear of failure. [19:30] How Nathan chooses his motifs. [30:00] What is the role of memory in Nathan’s work? [42:30] Connecting wSupport the show

Do you have questions about oil painting and the best materials to use? Look no further, it’s here! Robert Gamblin, Mary, and Pete Cole join me to answer your biggest questions about oil painting and more! I’m so excited for you to hear their helpful insights into some really great topics. You’ll hear them go over questions about pigments, stories about pigment sources, why some paints have more oil separation, some great information on oil paints and toxicity, and much more! This will serve as a great resource for artists like you to keep in your back pocket. Learn how you can connect with Gamblin and utilize their great resources! A Dedicated Focus on Oil Painting You’ve heard that old phrase, “Jack of all trades and master of none” right? That’s what comes to mind when I hear Robert Gablin talk about why his company solely focuses on oil painting instead of branching out to provide water colors, acrylic paints, and other materials. Instead of being a jack of all trades, Robert and his team have decided to focus on being a master of one, oil paint products. Their narrow focus has paid off, they have displayed an amazing passion for detail and improvement on their niche subject. Just hearing from Robert, Mary, and Pete I could tell that they really know their field - they are the experts when it comes to oil paint! Is the New Blue Worth it? If you follow news about pigments and breaking developments around that subject like I do, then you’ve heard of the new “YInMn Blue” that was discovered at Oregon State University. This new color was discovered in 2009 as a byproduct of an experimentation. Since this news has recently been making the rounds on social media again it led me to get Robert Gamblin’s take on the new color and if they’ve found it worth it to start producing the color themselves. Robert explained that they found that it is not effective to produce the color for a few reasons. Their primary reason is the enormous cost it requires to create the color. This is due to the fact that the color requires three compounds and two of them are rare earth minerals. Robert’s vast knowledge was on display during our conversation and I know that artists like you will find his insights very helpful. Mitigating Toxicity Risks Do you find yourself concerned about your health when it comes to your time in the studio? Are you nervous about how your lifestyle as an artist will impact your health in long run? What would it mean for you to have supplies that are responsible, not only for the environment but for artists like you? My guests from Gamblin are happy to share with artists like you that their line of high-quality products are free of toxins. They want to see more artists use products that are sustainable and health conscious. Don’t let your time in the studio get clouded by concern for your health. Hear from the Gamlin team and how their products could be the best fit for you! What is FastMatte? Don’t you hate it when you are in a creative flow and you have to make the decision to pause and let your paint dry before you can proceed? What if there was a way to avoid that pause and continue with your creative momentum? That’s where Gamblin’s helpful product, FastMatte come in. FastMatte colors are a unique type of oil colors, every color dries fast, every color dries matte. These qualities make them perfect for underpainting techniques. FastMatte also serves as an excellent way to come back to oil painting for those painters who have switched to acrylics because of the need for a faster drying rate. I was seriously impressed with this helpful solution that Gamblin has developed and I hope you get the chance to find out for yourself! Outline of This Episode [0:15] I introduce today’s special Q&A session with the Gamblin team. [2:30] Robert GambSupport the show

Have you ever wondered what urban paintings out of Tehran might look like? What about the status of the art community in Iran in general? My guest, Ehsan Maleki is an Iranian artist whose painting primarily focus on urban settings and nature. In our conversation, he describes “Iranian Miniature” paintings, the impact that artist Mahmoud Farshchian has had on him, why abstract art is so hard to talk about, the role of personality in artwork, and much more! Ehsan was very gracious with his time and really helped me climb into the perspective of the Iranian art community. I’m certain artists like you will get a lot of enjoyment from our conversation. Iranian Miniature Art What is Iranian miniature art? My guest, Ehsan Maleki launched into a very concise and helpful explanation of what this art form entails. Iranian miniature art has a long history stretching back to the 10th century. It was mainly used as the illustration for poetry books so it is traditionally very small in size. The paintings are usually of gardens, lovers, and other idyllic settings. The shapes and lines in Iranian miniature art usually have no angles and are depicted with more curves and wavy lines. Another aspect of these paintings is that these works of art are usually highly detailed. It was a joy to hear such a detailed and fascinating description of this pocket of art history and form, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Why is Abstract Art so Hard to talk about? Have you ever had a difficult time discussing abstract art? Do you feel like you have a good handle on what abstract art is and the role it plays in the art community yet still have a hard time talking about it with confidence? You aren’t alone! Ehsan Maleki and I both spend some time in our conversation talking about abstract art and how it has left its impact on us. At the same time, we wrestle with discussing it because of its abstract and hard to grasp nature. Ehsan puts forth the thought that to a degree, all art is abstract - and I agree! Rethinking Art Sometimes the people closest to an industry or content need to rethink the way they approach the subject. This is something that the art community needs to consider as well. Have we lost sight of what’s really important? Is our collective understanding and perception of art due for a reimagining? My guest, Ehsan Maleki believes that just such a rethinking is necessary. In our conversation, he explains how he has perceived the focus sway too much toward money and other endeavors that the focus on creating and experimenting with art is falling by the wayside. Even if you don’t agree with Ehsan’s assessment, the questions he’s bringing up are important to consider. Art and Personality How much of your personality do you let shine through in your art? Is it something that you actively bring with you when you create or is just passively there leaving its faint trace on your work? I have had the great privilege of interviewing artists who have a wide range of opinions on this subject. My guest, Ehsan Maleki wants his art to be about more than just himself. He really wants to be able to step out of the way and enable his viewer to really connect with the vision that he had in his mind when he was creating the painting. Catch a glimpse of Ehsan’s paintings in the images at the bottom of this post! Outline of This Episode [1:30] I introduce my guest, Ehsan Maleki. [10:00] Ehsan describes the “Iranian Miniature” art. [16:30] Ehsan talks about how he got his start with art. [19:00] Why did Ehsan decide to focus on the “western” style of painting? [22:00] Art and nature. [28:00] Why is abstract art so hard to talk about? [32:00] Ehsan talks about his subject material. [42:00] Ehsan’s rituals when he approaches the canvSupport the show

Do you find yourself in the abstract or figurative art group? Most artists end up in one group or the other, but there some who start in one group and migrate to the other. My guest, Mario Naves is an accomplished painter, art critic, and teacher. In our conversation, Mario opens up about his journey from starting out as a figurative artist and moving more toward abstract art perspective. Mario also goes over reactions to seeing his old artwork, shedding perfectionism, his creative process, and much more! I know artists like you will enjoy hearing from such a talented voice like Mario. Reflecting on Past Artwork Have you ever taken a trip down memory lane with your artwork? Doesn’t it almost feel like it was someone else who made those pieces? Artist Mario Naves told me a story in our conversation about a time when he was reflecting on one of his paintings that hangs in one of his friend's homes. While some artists might cringe or feel uncomfortable looking back on work they produced years ago, Mario looks back on that work fondly. He describes that moment as one of recognition but also of separation. It was fascinating to hear Mario talk about this unique and almost out of body like experience that he had while looking at this old painting of his. Make sure to get a glimpse of Mario’s artwork in the images at the end of this post. Giving Yourself Permission to be YOU Some artists thrive on the pressure and high expectations that they receive from others and also the person they see in the mirror. Do you find that to be helpful motivation in your creative journey? Artist Mario Naves told me that in his younger years he found himself wrapped up in his own expectations and the expectations that others had of him, lately, he’s been shedding expectations. Mario describes himself as a “recovering perfectionist” and attributes most of this change to his age. Now he feels the freedom and permission to really open up and do what he really wants to do deep down when he approaches the canvas. From Figurative Art to Abstract Art Every artist is on a journey. Some of us do a lot of “exploring” when we are younger and some find that impulse to branch out and “explore” later in their career. Mario Naves grew up focusing on figurative and representational art. Then there came a point where he started to branch out and move toward experimenting with abstract art. When I tried to pin down when and how Mario started to move toward abstract art, he wasn’t able to really point to a specific moment, it seems that it was more of a gradual change for him. I had a wonderful time exploring this change and evolution that Mario went through and I know that artists like you will enjoy our conversation. Unpredictability and Structure The beauty of the creative processes is that there is a large range of diversity in theory and practice in the art world. Much like the contrast and different approach that abstract and figurative art gives us, Mario Naves and I discussed unpredictability and structure in our conversation. It seems like these two thought processes and ways of art creation and viewing the world conflict with each other. In a way, these two approaches do contradict each other but they can also be housed in the same mind of an artist. This tension can seem like it’s impossible but Mario and I discuss how this couldn’t be further from the truth. Outline of This Episode [1:30] I introduce my guest, Mario Naves. [5:15] Mario talks about his work. [10:30] What is Mario looking for when he goes to the canvas? [13:30] Mario’s surprise when looking back at his old paintings. [18:30] Shedding perfectionism. [23:00] How does Mario spend his time in the studio? [25:00] Mario’s artistic process. [29:30] WhatSupport the show

What is intuitive painting? How does the intuitive process work? It has been said that the goal of intuitive painting is to allow yourself the space to be inside color, paint, and process while locating the inner core of your creative self. My guest, Alan Feltus is an intuitive painter who has a rich depth of experience to share with our Savvy Painter audience. In our conversation, we discuss the impact Sari Dienes had on him growing up, his move to Italy, his creative process using mirrors, his advice for young artists, and so much more! I can’t wait for you hear from Alan and learn from his wonderful insights. Growing up with Sari Dienes Can you imagine growing with the unique opportunity to learn from an artist like Sari Dienes? What would it be like to watch her work? Artist Alan Feltus opened up to me about his childhood and how he learned from the talented Sari Dienes. Alan talks fondly of spending time with her and watching her creative process. No artist learns in isolation and without an influence, they can point back to. Some artists don’t get that influential person in their life until they are much older, Alan got to experience this time with Sari early in his life. Who is that person for you? Do they know the impact they’ve had on you? The Freedom and Opportunity of an Artist What drew you into the life of an artist? Were you captivated by the creative process? Did you have a hero that you looked up to and wanted to create like they did? Or was it the freedom and opportunity that the artist's lifestyle provides? When I sat down to talk with artist Alan Feltus, he described that one of his favorite aspects of being an artist is the freedom that he was able to exercise. Early in his career Alan and his wife Lani decided to move to Italy. They seized the opportunity because they both were represented by galleries at the time and they wanted to utilize their freedom to settle in a place that they could choose. You’ve got to hear Alan describe this time in his life, the passion and excitement that Alan exudes is infectious! Intuitive Painting The chance to climb into an artist’s brain and really get to understand what makes them tick is a privilege that I relish. I’ve always been enthralled by intuitive painting and artists like Alan Feltus. In our conversation, Alan described his process that includes the use of mirrors. He is constantly adapting and changing his process to get that unique angle that he’s never captured before. I found Alan’s process, including an on the spot description of how he would paint me in our interview, fascinating. To get a glimpse of Alan’s work, make sure to check out his images included at the end of this post! YOU Make your Art Unique! As we expand in this increasingly globalized world, it has become evident to many that there really isn’t a “new” way to make art, or so it seems. Everyone is influenced by someone else and that influenced can be traced back and so on. To break the monotony, artist Alan Feltus encourages younger artists to let their personality shine through in their work. He explains that some of the most captivating and unique art out there incorporates the artist's unique story. Don’t hide behind what’s easy, do the hard work of looking inward and using that as fuel to create something only you can! Outline of This Episode [1:30] I introduce my guest, Alan Feltus. [3:30] Alan talks about the impact that artist Sari Dienes had on him as a child. [17:30] What led Alan to decide to study art and become an artist? [21:00] Alan talks about studying in Rome on the Rome Prize Fellowship. [25:30] Why did Alan and Lani decide to move to Italy? [30:30] Alan’s process using mirrors. [42:00] What is Alan working on right now? [46:30] Alan’s advice fSupport the show

Have you ever wondered how a self taught artist fares in today’s art scene? Do they have the same difficulties and opportunities as artists who have been through the traditional route? What unique lessons can we learn from this subset of creators who defy conventional expectations? My guest, Julian Merrow Smith is a self taught artist who has plenty of insight to share about his journey. In our conversation, we touched on his move to France, how he taught himself how to paint, why he decided to start teaching workshops, how he works through disappointment, and much more. I can’t wait for you to get to know the side of Julian that came out in our interview! Creative Inspiration What inspires you to create your artwork? Is it people, places, concepts, or something else? When I get the chance to peer into the mind of an artist I enjoy the wonderful opportunity to explore what inspires them, what really makes them come alive. It intrigues me to hear what inspires various artists as they approach their canvas. Artist Julian Merrow Smith shared with me that he likes to use what he sees around him each day at his home in the countryside of France. He draws inspiration from peaches at this point in the season when I spoke with him. Catch a glimpse of Julian’s work captured in the images section at the end of this post! Discovering What NOT to do It’s always a privilege when I get to sit down and talk to artists whose career path has been different than my own. I love hearing from artists who discovered their passion for art late in life and from others who found their way as a self taught artist. Julian Merrow Smith took the time to share with me his journey and the lessons he has taken away from the experience of teaching himself how to paint. One of the key insights that Julian shared with me is how he was able to discover his unique voice and creative path by putting in the long hard hours and by deciding after each completed work what aspect he did NOT want to continue to produce from that painting. Julian was kind enough to share many more insights and lessons from his art career - I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! From Self Taught Artist to Teacher Can you imagine the pressure and stress that comes with teaching students to do what you’ve only discovered how to do on your own? Imagine you have no frame of reference to look back upon, no formal teaching in the subject matter in which you are being asked to teach. Self taught artist Julian Merrow Smith found himself in that very scenario. Students and established artists alike have been drawn to Julian’s work and want to learn from him. In proper response, Julian has begun offering workshops. The unique circumstance is not lost on Julian, in our conversation we discussed his feelings of serving as a teacher in a subject where he didn’t have one. Momentum can be KEY How do you keep the ball moving as an artist? What practices do you turn to that keep you coming back to the canvas over and over again to hone your craft? I’ve heard from artists over and over again that once they’ve stepped away from their work for a period of time, they find it very difficult to return. Yet, I also have heard from well-known artists that stepping away for a period of time has been essential for their mental and emotional capacity to continue to create. In my conversation with Julian Merrow Smith, we discussed how this topic has played out in his creative journey. There may not be a one size fits all solution, but the KEY is figuring out what works for YOU. Outline of This Episode [1:40] I introduce my guest, Julian Merrow Smith. [3:30] How Julian got his start as an artist. [8:30] Why did Julian move to France? [11:00] Julian talks about teaching himself how to paint. [13:00] How do you fiSupport the show

What comes to mind when you think of art and play? Do you consider art as a playful act? Imagine how this shift in mindset can bring forth a wide range of freedom and joy in the creative process. My guest, artist Jeremiah Palecek takes time in our conversation to detail how he appreciates the role of art and play. If you’ve been around the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that this is one of my favorite subjects! I had a wonderful time discussing this topic and a wide range of other subjects in our conversation. Make sure to check out images of Jeremiah’s artwork at the end of this post! A Family of Artists Who helped shape your creative imagination as a child? Was it a parent or grandparent? Did it take longer for you to discover your creative spark? Maybe for you, it was a teacher that helped usher you in on your journey as an artist. For Jeremiah Palecek, it started at an early age surrounded by art in his grandmother's house. But it wasn’t just his grandmother, Jeremiah’s father also took an active role in helping to shape his exposure to various artists. On top of all these wonderful experiences and influences in his early years, Jeremiah also shared with me that he married a fellow artist. With all of these wonderful influences, it’s interesting to see how Jeremiah’s journey has led him to where he is today, creatively speaking. Don’t take for granted the influence you could have on the next generation of young artists! Art as a Playful Act Carl Jung once said, “The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect, but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity.” Does this perspective on art and play resonate with you? Do you find that your creative inspiration comes from a deep place of “inner necessity?” Artist Jeremiah Palecek describes his process saying, “I jump in before my ideas are fully formed.” During the course of our conversation, I got the sense from Jeremiah that this idea of following the “inner necessity” is something that he is very comfortable with as it influences his projects and the way he prepares for a new series of paintings. It was wonderful to get Jeremiah’s perspective on art and play and I know artists like you will enjoy it too! Technology, Facial Recognition Software, and Art One of my favorite things about the Savvy Painter community is the diverse symphony of perspectives and influences that we get to celebrate. The range of artists vary so vastly from landscape work to framework, from shapes to portraits, and on and on I could go. My guest, Jeremiah Palecek is no exception to the celebration of unique perspectives. Jeremiah is currently working on a fascinating project that draws inspiration from facial recognition technology and how computers view human faces. We spent some time in our conversation centered on this fascinating and peculiar angle on portraits and the human face, I know you will find it as interesting as I did! Consistency and the Creative Process Do you struggle with finding the right rhythm to create your artwork? Are you looking for a way to cut through all the noise and figure out what it will take to hone in on your creative process? One KEY way to stay on course and cut through the noise is to practice consistently. Imagine the ground you could cover if you could set aside a consistent slice of time each day to work on your art? Sure, there will always be time for excuses and give yourself the grace of the occasional exception - but don’t underestimate the power of consistency! Don’t just take my word for it - my guest, Jeremiah Palecek attests to the creative energy that is unlocked when you give yourself the permission to show up at the same place and time each day to allow your creative vision to unfold. So what are you waiting for? Try it out! Outline of This Episode Support the show

With the impact of social media and the ability to get instant feedback from your audience and fanbase, an important question for artists to consider is “What are you willing to compromise?” If the majority of your followers don’t find your new experimental process or project interesting or if they go so far as giving you negative feedback, what do you do? Do you give in to popular opinion or do you follow your convictions? This problem is unique to the issue of having your artwork exposed to the public via social media. Artist John Wentz and I spent time going deep into this subject during our conversation. He has some great points to address when considering the level of engagement an artist should have with their digital audience given the difficulties that can arise. Social Media and the inability to Slow Down One of the drawbacks to living in such an increasingly modernized and advanced society is the impact of social media on our ability to slow down. Every spare moment can be filled by pulling out that smartphone and checking Facebook or Twitter. Can you imagine how this has impacted the way we think and process what should be quite moments in our lives? Consider the implications of not being able to slow down and be present, that can drastically change the creative and artistic process. My guest, John Wentz believes that the impact of social media has distracted us in more ways than we realize. He says that we need to be vigilant of this influence and work intentionally to create those spaces, especially as artists, to be present and at peace in mundanity and stillness. Appropriation vs. Influence What is the difference between appropriating art and being influenced by it? What does it mean to understand, appreciate, and respect someone's artwork and genuinely let it influence you without appropriating it? Artist John Wentz devoted some time in our conversation to this topic and how he sees it’s impact on the art world. He focused more on the meaning behind the use of an individual who sees work they resonate with and tries to incorporate that into what they are trying to create. John also posits the idea that maybe social media is the new art and we are more of a hive mind now rather than when we use to operate more as individuals. Our conversation was a fascinating one that I thoroughly enjoyed and I know you will too! The benefit of stepping away How do you take care of yourself creatively, emotionally, mentally, etc.? What is your plan to avoid burning out and getting turned off of the work that you do? If you don’t have one in place, it might be a good time to consider creating a plan to help you recharge. Artist John Wentz spoke with me about a recent period in his life where he was able to step away from painting and take a two-month break. John speaks of this break from the creative process as being extremely helpful and rejuvenating. He found that when he was able to step away for a period of time when he returned to his work at the easel, he was able to really reconnect to his inner place of motivation. The Draw of New York Many artists find themselves drawn to the city of New York. There are a number of factors involved with this draw, from the dense population to the history, and even the iconic nature of the city, what’s not to love? John Wentz devotes a large portion of his current work that is being shown in galleries to the city of New York. He tries not to be too “heady” with the concepts that he puts forth but you can tell in our conversation that his passion and fascination with city really shines through. I was able to really connect with John on this note because he mentioned that he enjoyed just sitting back in Union Square and watching people go by all day long. Outline of This Episode [1:40] My introduction to this week’s gueSupport the show

Have you discovered your passion in life? What is that one thing that lights you up like nothing in the world can? Imagine going through life without realizing or experiencing your passion in a consistent way. Deborah Paris realized one day that she wasn’t following her passion in life. From that moment on she set out to make a change in her career and focus on what really mattered to her. She went from a career practicing law to connecting with her desire to become an artist. Deborah’s message to people unsure of their future and career is to follow your passion. Don’t let another day go by without taking the steps to really engage in what matters to you. A Reaction Beyond Words Can you think of the most powerful response to your artwork that you’ve ever received? Some artists have a few of these interactions to choose from and others haven’t had any notable reactions at all. In my time interviewing artists, it really does vary - there doesn’t seem to be a pattern to how people respond. In my recent conversation with artist Deborah Paris, she shared with me a particularly notable reaction she received to someone who purchased her artwork. This reaction was so strong, the individual couldn’t even speak and put into words the emotion she was experiencing. To me, that is a beautiful story. There are times we experience beauty in this world that no words can do justice describing. Easing into a Workflow How do you approach your daily or weekly work patterns? Do you jump right in and find that the creative juices start flowing right away or do you find that you need some time to prepare and ease into your workflow? I had the great opportunity to sit down with artist, Deborah Paris as she opened up about how she approaches her workload each day. Deborah’s approach is to tackle the simple things first and then build up to the more challenging aspects of her day and the work that she is creating. To see the amazing products of Deborah’s workflow, make sure to catch images of her work at the end of this post! Sharing Wisdom with Others If you were to write a book, what would the subject be? What topic do you have the experience and wisdom on to share with the world? That seems like a very bold and out there question but like the life of an artist, a writer has to create from the core of their being. My guest, Deborah Paris is writing a book about her journey of discovering her passion in life. She told me that she doesn’t want to write another “How to Book” but maybe a “Why to Book…” Inviting others along that journey of discovering what they were meant to do in this life. I’m looking forward to Deborah’s book and think you will too! Enjoying the Work You’ve heard that old saying; “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Have you found this saying to be true in your life? Do really love what you do day in and day out? Artist, Deborah Paris is just now getting to experience this truth in her life. She started her professional career practicing law but then pivoted to her dedicating her focus to a career in art. The transition wasn’t a perfect one but it helped Deborah really understand what she was meant to do. If you are struggling in finding your path when it comes to a career as an artist, I know Deborah's story will resonate with you. Outline of This Episode [1:20] My introduction to my guest, Deborah Paris. [3:00] How Deborah got her start as an artist. [7:00] Deborah talks about making the shift from a law career to an art career. [9:30] Skills that helped from Deborah’s law career. [17:00] Memorable responses to Deborah's work. [22:50] What does Deborah look for in a subject for her paintings? [31:00] Deborah’s process for painting. [36:00] Does Deborah plan sevSupport the show

Often it can take an artist years to discover their “Artistic voice.” It comes to each artist in a different way, some find it by learning from mentors and instructors over years, others find it by teaching the nuances of art theory or art history. There are so many beautiful paths that different individuals take to discover their unique artistic voice. My guest, Nancy Gruskin had a fascinating story to tell as she spoke with me about her journey to discovering and sharing her artistic voice. She didn’t take the “Typical” route to her career as an artist but it makes total sense for Nancy and it's an inspiring one that I know you will enjoy! Getting “Established” as an Artist Part of the process of discovering your voice as an artist is getting to that place where you feel “Established.” Similar to finding your voice, getting established comes at different points for each artist. For Nancy Gruskin, her career as an art history instructor has played a significant role in her journey and arriving at that place of feeling established in her career. She talks about how teaching and bringing value to students even when her art isn’t selling is still validating for her. Nancy was very forthcoming in sharing her thoughts and feelings in our conversation and I know her story will have an impact on other artists that get the chance to hear from her. Acrylic Wash and Finding What Works How did you discover what medium or process works best for your creative expression? Have you stuck with that same method for years or have you adjusted and changed it over time? My guest, Nancy Gruskin shares how she had modified and stumbled upon different approaches in her paintings and artwork over the years. In our conversation, Nancy told me how she stumbled into working with acrylic wash and how working with acrylic works much better in her home studio than working with oils like she did in the past. It was great to hear from Nancy and how she has adjusted her approach over the years and is still finding her creative impulses shine through that adaptation. Creative Inspiration Some artists share that they find their creative inspiration in some of the most mundane aspects of their life, others still find that inspiration strikes through the abstract. There is no “Right way” to tap into that creative inspiration, each artist must find what it is that inspires them. My guest Nancy Gruskin shared a touching moment from her life that inspired one of her paintings. Nancy’s story just goes to show you that you can’t bottle the creative process! It was great to hear how yet another individual uses the flow and circumstance of their life to create something beautiful. Make sure to catch images of Nancy’s paintings at the end of this post! Overcoming Self-Doubt It takes a lot of courage to bare your soul and share with a large audience a glimpse into your inner thoughts and feelings. Is that something you can imagine doing? My guest, Nancy Gruskin felt bold enough to share that she struggles with self-doubt from time to time. In our conversation, Nancy told me that she felt like she wouldn't’ have anything noteworthy to share with a wider audience. This could not have been further from the truth! I had a wonderful time speaking with Nancy about her journey to become an artist and how she has tackled other challenges along the way. I know you will also enjoy hearing from such a transparent, unique and bold artistic voice! Outline of This Episode [0:50] I introduce my guest, Nancy Gruskin. [2:00] Nancy’s journey to becoming an artist. [10:30] How has Nancy’s background with Art History influenced her artwork? [13:00] Finding your voice. [18:00] Nancy talks about being included in a group art show. [22:00] Feeling “Established” as an artist.Support the show

What does “Being present” mean to you? Do you find that it is easy or difficult to be present in your studio time? With the cacophony of noise and distractions in our world, to be is present and in the moment could be considered an act of defiance. Artist Joseph Todorovitch is dedicated to honing in on what it means to be present with his artwork and to center on that place of stillness and focus. In our conversation, Joseph was open and transparent about his journey and how he finally found himself at a place where he is comfortable but still challenged. What does it take to be a good draftsman? The work of a draftsman is full of focus and clarity. It’s not an easy process that should be taken casually. I was curious what Joseph Todorvitch’s take would be when I asked him about the qualities and skill sets necessary to succeed as a draftsman. Joseph shared that it takes a particular type of motivation that comes from a desire to represent something faithfully. He also shared the importance of engaging in exploration and dedicated practice in the process as well. The two aspects of that Joseph ultimately highlights in our conversation is how critical it is to continue with a robust and thriving curiosity as well as a drive to be present and in the moment. Slowing Down and Being Present It takes a lot of dedication and practice to succeed in any given field of study. Malcolm Gladwell is famous for having written that it takes about 10,000 hours of practice to become masterful at a particular discipline. In our conversation, Artist Joseph Todorovitch shares what he would like to impart to his students as he tries to convey what it means to be a dedicated artist. Ultimately it comes down to the ability of the student to be patient with the process and put in the time to get their work finished. In our society, we want to move things along at a breakneck pace but Joseph teaches the necessity of slowing down and being present. Healthy body, Healthy mind The connection between our physical healthiness and the state of our creative mind can sometimes get downplayed. But the truth is, there is a huge link between how healthy and active an artist is and how they feel creatively. Artist Joseph Todorovitch is convinced that his ability to push himself creatively in the studio is due to the fact that he starts his day working out and pushing himself physically. This practice is part of his effort to clear out all the noise, once he has had his workout Joseph is much more focused on being present in the studio. Because of the power he’s found in this practice, Joseph encourages his peers and those coming up in the art community to make sure they take the time to care for their physical health which can only help the creative process. Advice for New Artists A huge advantage for many artists starting out in today’s art scene is the ability to tap into the insight and advice from artists who have been on the scene longer. With many artist writing books, giving lectures, and interviews the opportunities are endless. Into this plethora of voices offering their advice is Joseph Todorovitch. Joseph wants to help new artists get a good head start in their career. He suggests that these artists starting off consider their work ethic, work habits, and the materials they work with day in and day out. You can tell that Joseph has given these subjects great thought from his vantage point in his career as an artist thus far. Outline of This Episode [0:10] My introduction to today’s guest, Joseph Todorovitch. [2:00] How Joseph started down the path to becoming an artist. [5:00] Early influences from other artists. [9:00] Joseph’s post-college path. [16:30] What it takes to be a good draftsman. [21:30] Concepts that Joseph would like to impaSupport the show

Some artists love to tell a very intentional and direct story with their artwork, and some focus on embracing the unknown. Artist Lani Irwin has a fascinating relationship with her paintings and their seeming tension of embracing the known and embracing the unknown. Lani’s work is very focused when it comes to the shapes and figures she creates but the unknown comes in when you step back and look for an underlying narrative or dialogue in her work, it’s not there. Lani likes to revel in the fact that her work embraces this tension, you can’t pin it down, you can’t define exactly what she is trying to say. Sometimes Lani wishes she had a story to tell in her paintings, and sometimes she loves the fact that there is nothing to tell. Letting the Painting Speak Many artists come to the canvas with an idea in mind and let it evolve over time or they just bring to life that original idea that existed in their head. Lani Irwin doesn’t go to the canvas with an idea in mind, rather she starts with a gesture or an object, or even a series of objects and she lets them speak to her. From that point, inspiration ebbs and flows as she listens to what the painting wants. The way Lani describes her process is fascinating and almost like a whirlwind because things will change very quickly as she listens to and adapts her approach to the painting. As she described her process, I was instantly transported to her studio and I could image this process unfolding and I hope you get that sense too. Make sure to catch images of her artwork included at the end of this post! Every Step Revealing the Artist Sometimes we can get so keyed into figuring out what that one moment or that one inspiration is that led someone down the path they chose. To be fair, there are many artists and other professionals that can clearly point to a moment of inspiration that acted as a catalyst for them on their career trajectory. Then there are artists like Lani Irwin who look back and find that it wasn’t just one moment that led to her decision to become an artist. For Lani, it's a compilation of events, ideas, and impulses that have guided her journey, she looks back at every step and sees it as an arrival. Quality over Quantity Even though her advice for younger artists might be geared around encouraging them to spend a lot of time in the studio, Lani Irwin has found that her time is now better spent with intense focus and precision. She finds that in order to maximize her time in the studio she needs to build up to it, honing all of her creative inspirations into that moment. One way Lani does this is by simply folding a paper crane before she goes into the studio, she does this as a meditative practice that centers her and brings her inspiration and focus. Work Hard and Know Your Voice There are many pressures placed on art students in the current industry climate. They tend to feel a very acute pressure to build a body of work and make a big splash in the art world. But for many, that seems hopelessly out of reach and a massive burden to bear. Artist Lani Irwin encourages young artists to put in the hard work and long hours, not only to produce a large body of work but to refine and master their craft. She also stresses the need for young artists to really understand who they are and what their artistic “Voice” will be. Outline of This Episode [0:45] My introduction to today’s guest, Lani Irwin. [2:30] Lani talks about how she started to become an artist. [7:00] The impact that moving from place to place had on Lani. [12:00] Why did Lani decide to settle in Italy? [15:00] Lani talks about her artwork. [27:00] What narrative or dialogue exists in Lani’s work? [33:00] Knowing and Unknowing in Lani’s paintings. [38:30] Lani’s time in the Support the show

John Seed is an art writer, art and art history professor, and an artist in his own right. In our conversation we discuss his formative experience learning under Nathan Oliveira, his time working in galleries, what it was like hanging paintings by renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Eric Fischl, and so much more. It was an honor to speak with such a gracious and talented artist and writer, I know you will have a great time learning about his progression from art teacher to art writer as well as all the great insights and lessons he has to share from his years in the art world. From Art Teacher to Art Writer It’s been said that every step we take in life is one of arrival. To hear John Seed explain how he found his way from being captivated with art at a young age, to working in art galleries, then teaching art and finally to writing about the subject is an engrossing story. Though each step along the way you really get the sense that John was meant to tell the story of artists because of his deep respect and genuine fascination with the creative process. If you are anything like me, spending time with John’s story will help fan the flames of creativity and passion for the art that you were meant to create. John’s First Assignment as an Art Writer Have you ever had on of those moments where it seems that the stars aligned to set you on a particular course? When I heard John Seed describe his first assignment as an art writer it seemed like a date with destiny type of encounter. John shares how he found a painting at a thrift store that grabbed his attention, he purchased the painting and proceeded to sell it on Ebay for a modest profit. It turns out that the buyer on Ebay was a private art dealer - John and this individual struck up a friendship. Soon after, this art dealer paid John $1000 to write an article about a well known artist in Hawaii who committed suicide at a young age. Over the course of the next year, John wrote an in depth article that ended up winning the Society of Professional Journalists Award for the best art article published in Hawaii that year. Leaving a Legacy as an Art Writer We all want to leave some sort of mark on the world. Most of us want the world to have been a better place because of the art we’ve created and the way we’ve treated others. Each one of us has to find that unique legacy that we want to leave behind. John Seed’s legacy rests primarily but not exclusively in his work as an art writer and an art teacher. He relishes in the fact that he has been able to have an impact on his art students in a similar manner that teachers like Nathan Oliveira had on him as a young student. But when John thinks of his legacy, he goes to his writing. He wants his impact to revolve around the public understanding and appreciating representational painters and other artists he knows who aren’t getting the type of exposure to the general public that he’d like to see. Tips for Artists who want to tell their story Many artists love to express their personal story through their artwork. As beautiful and symbolic as that expression can be, more and more artists are seeking to share their personal story through the written word. Art writer John Seed wants to help artists express themselves through the exercise of writing their story. John suggests that artists start by sharing their story on their websites. This can be done in big ways and in subtle ways depending on the comfort level of the artist. John also encourages artists to spend time with other artists and interview them to hear other artists tell their stories in their own words. Outline of This Episode [0:15] My introduction to today’s guest, John Seed. [1:30] John shares how he started getting involved with art. [8:30] Lessons John learned studying underSupport the show

I’ve always been intrigued by layered paintings. I don’t know if you’ve had that same draw but there is something about the textures and the grooves that draw you in and makes you wonder why the artist added that piece or that mark in a way that is unique in its own right. My guest, Chris Liberti has a similar draw and fascination with layered paintings. In our conversation, Chris describes why the layered effect has such an influence in his work. I also share how it connects to a personal story in my life. Connecting artwork to a personal space Do you have a favorite place you like to work on your art besides the studio environment? What is it about that place that resonates with you in a way no other place does? Artist Chris Liberti shared with me that one of his favorite places to go and paint is in his parent's basement. Didn’t see that coming did you? The way Chris describes this space and why he likes to go back and paint a particular utility sink is really touching. As he describes what that artwork and that space meant to him, I was instantly transported to that location. I have a feeling that Chris’ story and the way he looks at his artwork will resonate with artist like you. Preparing for a Gallery Show I’m sure many artists like you wonder if your habits and processes for preparing for a gallery show are similar to other artists or if YOU are the weird one. Luckily, I caught my guest Chris Liberti in the middle of his process preparing for an upcoming gallery show. Chris was kind enough to indulge my questions about how he prepares and what he likes to do to get his work and himself personally ready for the sometimes herculean feat of showing his work. I found it fascinating to get a peek into Chris’ process and I know you will enjoy it too! Working through the artistic process I know many artists will resonate with that famous line from a U2 song “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…” That seems to be an accurate description when discussing the artistic process and understanding what an artist is trying to connect with or convey with their artwork. Chris Liberti discussed with me how he focuses on the colors he uses and how he lets them sort of “Speak” to him along the way as he is creating his artwork. You’ve got to hear how Chris talks about his process, it’s fascinating and unique, also don’t miss examples of Chris’ fabulous work at the end of this post below. Parenting as an Artist There are many different aspects of an artist that gets drawn out when they become a parent. I’ve had the pleasure of talking to both mothers and father who are artists and each brings a very unique and fascinating perspective on how parenting has influenced and even changed their approach to their artwork. Chris Liberti has two little girls and in our conversation, he touches on their influence in his artwork as well as how being a parent has shaped his time and his perspective. It was intriguing to hear from yet another parent who incorporates their artwork and their time with their children work in a balanced way. Outline of This Episode [0:35] My introduction to today’s guest, Chris Liberti. [4:00] What inspires and drives Chris as an artist? [7:30] Chris talks about working in his studio and how he starts a project. [12:00] Artwork that Chris is particularly attached to. [15:00] Chris talks about the layered effect of his paintings. [20:00] Mediums Chris uses. [24:00] Projects Chris is currently working on. [27:30] How Chris prepares for a gallery showing. [34:30] Artists that have influenced Chris. [37:20] What is Chris trying to convey or connect with in his work? [44:00] How being a parent has influenced Chris’ work. Other artists mentioned on thSupport the show

When most people think of art and spirituality, they think of religious art. But what if there was a more subtle approach to art and spirituality that subverts the more common public expectations? Dozier Bell creates wonderful works of art that often convey a sense of “Presence.” She doesn’t feel the need to overtly draw the viewer's attention to the concept of God, rather she creates in a way that resonates with her spiritual experience and the way she sees the world. Once you get the chance to see Dozier’s artwork you will get a feel for the concept that she tries to convey, make sure to view some selections of her work at the end of this post. Fitting into a new environment Have you ever wanted to travel to a new location and get rooted into a new culture? Imagine the impact that would have on your worldview and artistic development. Dozier Bell had always wanted to spend time abroad expanding her skills and knowledge along with her creative pursuits. She finally got the chance when she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship and traveled to Germany in the mid 90’s. This experience had a profound impact on Dozier. She spoke at length with me about what it was like fitting into a new environment and gaining new creative inspirations along the way. This also happened to be the time in Dozier’s life where she taped into an exploration of art and spirituality. Missing the Mystery in Art The most beautiful aspect of art can be described as expressing through images what cannot be expressed through words. This is the wonderful and mysterious space of creative expression. Artist Dozier Bell revels in this sense of wonder and mystery. In fact, she believes these aspects of mystery and wonder are fading in an art world that increasingly trains students to have an articulated answer to what they’ve created. Dozier encourages artists to connect or reconnect to that sense of mystery, to truly explore it and resist the urge to define and quantify it. Finding Your Voice as an Artist One of the most difficult things to do as an artist is to find your “Voice.” You can learn many different techniques and find yourself influenced by other artists, but at the end of the day, you need to discover your unique artistic voice. Dozier Bell recounts an episode from her time in graduate school where she struggled to clarify what her voice would become. She talks about how grateful she is to a mentor who helped her see that she was spending time going in the wrong direction creatively. Dozier’s thoughts and insights into what it means to find your voice as an artist are very authentic and relatable, it was a pleasure to have such a candid conversation with her. Facing “Painter’s Block” Just as many writers tackle “Writer’s block” in different ways, various painters have their own methods to deal with “Painter’s block.” Some find it helpful to get an external perspective, while others find it helpful to plot away and stay faithful to the process, and others still consume a lot of chocolate. Artist Dozier Bell recently faced her own episode of painter’s block and she took the time to discuss that experience with me in our conversation. If you’ve struggled with this experience in the past, you might find our conversation encouraging and helpful. Outline of This Episode [0:30] My introduction to today’s guest, Dozier Bell. [2:00] Dozier talks about the beginning of her art career. [3:40] How Dozier’s time in Germany impacted her. [19:30] Dozier talks about her spiritual journey and how it impacts her art. [28:00] Losing a sense of mystery. [33:00] How Dozier develops a motif. [36:30] Dozier talks about finding her “voice.” [43:30] Dealing with getting “stuck.” Other artists mentioned on this episode Support the show

Have you ever struggled with “Artist’s block?” We’ve all heard about how difficult and frustrating “Writer’s block” can be for an author who is used to having the words flow out on the page, but do artists ever face a similar difficulty? Jason Cytacki is a talented artist and educator who bravely opens up about his difficulty facing artist’s block at a particular chapter in his career. Jason’s transparency, honesty, and ultimately hopeful perspective are a breath of fresh air. I had a wonderful time discussing his work, personal journey, and everything in between. Art Inspired by the American West Often many artists are inspired by things that impacted them as children or early in their life. For some artists it’s the ocean, for others it’s human faces, other still it’s landscapes, and on and on we could go. For Jason Cytacki one aspect of his childhood that has inspired his artwork is the entertainment genre of westerns. This inspiration has led to Jason creating some amazing pieces of art that incorporate that tv and movie genre and even comment on it. The way Jason describes his relationship to the American West and the western genre is intriguing and I know you will appreciate his unique and creative perspective. Make sure to catch images of his work at the end of this post! Exploring Artist’s block Have you ever been stuck? Whether it’s getting stuck relationally, geographically, or professionally, it really sucks. What lessons have you learned from those occurrences in your life? Jason Cytacki goes right to the heart of this difficult and personal subject for many creative individuals. He talks about a chapter in his career when he faced a professional crossroads and he really couldn’t figure out which way to go. Jason goes on to describe this feeling of being in a new setting and almost having to rediscover his creative inspiration. Eventually what helped Jason work through this experience of artist’s block was getting an external perspective from people he trusted like his wife. If you’ve ever faced this frustrating experience, I think that you will find Jason’s story encouraging. Compound Growth as an Artist You’ve heard of the financial concept of “compound interest” but what about the artistic concept of “compound growth?” Do skill and creativity grow over time in steady increments in a similar fashion that interest grows in an investment account? In our conversation, my guest Jason Cytacki and I discuss the role of technical and creative growth and development over the course of an artist’s career. We both look back and chart how we’ve grown and how the concept of compound growth is one that rarely gets discussed in many artist circles. Hard work and Persistence that pays off There are a lot of opinions out there that go back and forth on the topic of “success” and the artist. Whether you land more on the “luck” side of the debate or on the “hard work” side of the debate, it’s helpful to hear from artists themselves and how they describe their journey. Getting their perspective on the subject grants unique insight into how they view their work and their place in the art community. My guest, Jason Cytacki spent time in our conversation to explain how he views the role of hard work and persistence in relation to his journey toward success. Outline of This Episode [1:30] My introduction to today’s guest, Jason Cytacki. [2:20] Jason talks about how he got his start as an artist. [10:00] Challenges when approaching the canvas. [15:00] Jason talks about his work inspired by the American West. [23:40] Memorable responses to Jason’s art work. [29:00] Facing “Artist's block.” [37:00] Compound growth and getting an external perspective. [41:00] Art work from a living artist that Jason would loSupport the show

Why don’t we see more women painting women? The subject of some of the best paintings and sculptures throughout history has been the female form. However, the majority of those works of art have been created by men. This has led to a distinct bias in how women are portrayed in an artistic fashion. My guest, Alia El-Bermani hopes to change that portrayal and give the power of female representation back to women artists! "Women Painting Women" explores how contemporary women painters are handling women as subjects. The blog was founded by artists Alia El-Bermani, Diane Feissel and Sadie Valeri. Check out the link to the blog in the “Resources” section at the end of this post! Lessons learned as an artist working in a gallery You’ve heard the perspective of gallery owners on this website before. I’ve had the fortune of interviewing some AMAZING gallery owners. In this conversation, there is a little bit of a twist on the gallery perspective. My guest, Alia El-Bermani spent some time early in her career working in an art gallery. Given this unique perspective as an artist having worked in an art gallery, Alia shared with me some key lessons she learned from her time working there. One lesson that she shares is the realization that it truly is a two-sided relationship between the artist and the gallery. Too often the perception is that of a one sided relationship but that wasn’t what Alia observed. She generously shares more insights from her time in the gallery over our wide-ranging conversation. Unique Challenges Faced by Women Women have a uniquely different experience in the workplace than men. They have to fight and claw their way to earn the same type of recognition and respect that their male counterparts enjoy. My guest, Alia El-Bermani and I discuss the different treatment that we’ve experienced in the art world because of our gender. Our goal was, to be honest, and open with how we’ve been treated and to shed a light on the uniquely difficult career trajectory that women face in the art industry. It’s not always easy to be so open and transparent but my hope is that it will be beneficial and informative for followers like you! Following the path of artistic inspiration What do origami, snowflakes, and painting have in common? Strange combination right? For my guest, Alia El-Bermani the answer is; inspiration. All three of these creations ended up influencing Alia one day to embark on a new art project. She followed her creative impulse and asked for artists in her community to mail her paper snowflakes, like the ones you made in school as a kid. This idea came to her after playing with an origami kit that one of her children had laying around the house. The product of Alia’s experiment is fascinating, I have been blown away and inspired by her story and I hope you will be too! Personal Value and Art Value One of the common missteps that younger artists can tend to make is to shy away from putting a value on their artwork. The other side of that is usually falling for the comparison trap by seeing if they measure up to successful artists that they admire. My guest, Alia El-Bermani faced these difficulties early on in her art career. As she looks back, she wants to encourage artists of all walks to really own and appreciate their story. Alia also stresses the need for artists to feel free to confidently make a living by selling their art. Outline of This Episode [0:45] My introduction to today’s guest, Alia El-Bermani. [2:50] Alia’s decision to become an artist. [6:40] The post-college career path. [10:00] Lessons learned working in an art gallery. [15:00] Women painting women. [22:30] Unique challenges faced by women. [31:50] Alia’s studio schedule. [35:30] Incorporating paper into the paintSupport the show