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Welcome back to another compilation episode. Today we're going deep on one relationship that shapes many painting careers, whether you love it or dread it: the one between an artist and a gallery. We pulled the best, most specific moments on this topic from across the show's run, from first impressions to knowing when to walk away. No new guest today, just the collected wisdom of the artists who've actually lived this. Let's get into it. 

Guests in order of appearance:

• 111 Matt Smith
• 138 Michelle Dunaway
• 124 Hilarie Couture
• 184 Jennifer Balkan
• 176 Ellen Howard
• 121 Paul Batch
• 112 Philippe Gandiol
• 122 Russell Gordon
• 128 Sarah Yeoman
• 118 Shuang Li
• 105 S.C. Mummert
• 168 Stacey Peterson
• 164 Sandra Duran Wilson
• 123 Michael Orwick
• 144 Christine Code
• 111 Matt Smith
• 145 Erik Koeppel
• 132 Keith Bond
• 111 Matt Smith 
• 110 Robert Johnson
• 138 Michelle Dunaway
• 170 Kim Lordier

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For today's episode we sat down with Rich Nelson, a signature member of both the Portrait Society of America and Oil Painters of America, with a career that grew out of an unlikely start playing in a rock band before formal illustration training pulled him toward fine art. In this episode, he breaks down Sargent's blunt advice that you can't shortcut your way into portraiture: you have to become a real, all-around artist first, mastering anatomy, landscape, and still life before you ever specialize.  He'll also make you rethink what goes in your portfolio, with a simple rule: never show work you don't want to get hired to do more of, because clients will always call back asking for exactly what they saw. And he shares the deceptively simple habit that's opened more doors for him than almost anything else: reaching out to other artists and asking real questions, and maybe even visiting their studio. If you're anywhere near Tryon, North Carolina, don't miss Rich's stacked 42-piece solo show at the Tryon Fine Arts Center — up through October 17th and almost entirely painted from life. And this October, his Plein Air Painters of the East crew rolls into Charleston for a week that culminates in a can't-miss group show at the Meyer Vogel Gallery. 

Rich's FASO site:

richardchristiannelson.com/

Rich's Social Media:

instagram.com/richardchristiannelson/

facebook.com/RichardChristianNelson/

Rich's YouTube Channel:

youtube.com/@richnelsonpainter

Rich's Band:

richnelsonband.com/

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Welcome to a special edition of The FASO Show. If you've listened for a while, you already know the drill: near the end of almost every conversation, we ask our guest some version of the same question. What advice would you give to someone who wants to make this a full time life? Over a hundred episodes, we've collected a hundred different answers. So today, we're doing something different. No new guest, no new interview. Just the best of that advice, all in one place, back to back. Consider this your one-stop pep talk from a room full of working painters. Let's get into it!

Episodes mentioned (in order of appearance):

• 156 Shanna Kunz
• 165 Cindy Baron
• 112 Philippe Gandiol
• 179 Tanner Steed
• 142 Grace DeVito
• 144 Christine Code
• 137 Chris Krupinski
• 104 Thomas Schaller
• 121 Paul Batch
• 120 Kim Casebeer
• 145 Erik Koeppel
• 175 Emma Kalff
• 159 Barbara Jaenicke
• 167 Stephanie Marzella
• 165 Cindy Baron
• 133 Ginny Butcher
• 126 Scott Tallman Powers
• 116 Liz Haywood Sullivan
• 114 Kyle Stuckey
• 105 S.C. Mummert
• 190 Robert Goldman

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For today's episode, we sat down with Kate Van Doren, a multidisciplinary artist and registered art therapist of over 25 years, for a conversation packed with hard-won advice for artists building a sustainable creative life. Kate shares how she structures her studio practice (ritual, routine, and blocking out five hours a day, whether or not inspiration shows up), why she treats marketing and social media as a scheduled, non-negotiable task rather than something to dread, and why finding a trusted mentor matters as much as any technical skill.  Kate also opens up about her Healing Words Project, an initiative that began in 2020 during protests against femicide in Mexico and has since grown into a global collaboration with over 2,000 women and gender-expansive participants, each choosing their own words, images, and stories to reclaim their narrative.  She also explains how self-care, energy, and creative output are directly connected. It's part studio-practice playbook, part meditation on why showing up, even imperfectly, is the whole game. Finally, Kate tells us about her upcoming show at the James Baird Gallery in Pouch Cove, as well as a TED Talk on healing she has coming up in January.

Kate's FASO sites:

katevandoren.com/

healingwordsproject.com/

Healing Words Virtual Exhibit:

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=KqjMZCxyYzc

Kate's Substack:

https://katevandoren.substack.com/

Kate's Social Media:

instagram.com/katevandoren_art/

facebook.com/Katevandorenart/

instagram.com/healingwordsproject/

Kate's Youtube:

youtube.com/@katevandorenArt

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Most artists don't plan to teach. They plan to paint. To show. To sell. Teaching comes later; sometimes out of necessity, sometimes out of desperation, and sometimes almost by accident. But here's what every artist in today's episode will tell you: once they started, something unexpected happened. Teaching didn't just pay the bills. It changed them.

Today we're talking about the studio that pays for itself: the teaching side of an artist's career that rarely gets discussed openly. How do you start? When are you ready? How does it actually make you money? And what does it give back that has nothing to do with money at all?

Six artists. Six different paths into the classroom. All of them still painting, still teaching, and still surprised by what one has done for the other.

Episodes mentioned:

• 77 Aaron Westerberg
• 104 Thomas Schaller
• 116 Liz Haywood-Sullivan
• 159 Barbara Jaenicke
• 174 Matthew James Collins
• 179 Tanner Steed

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For today's episode we sat down with Robert Goldman an American painter with over 50 years of experience, known for his vibrant, design-conscious canyon and landscape works, and his deep roots in plein air and illustration. He shares his journey as an artist, shaped early by a supportive, art-filled family and a lifelong commitment to drawing and painting. He explains how studying illustration, commercial art, and life drawing, along with influential teachers and peers, gave him the technical foundation to later develop his distinctive, color-rich canyon landscapes. Robert emphasizes the importance of critique and community, describing how feedback from his brother, his wife, and fellow painters keeps his work honest and evolving. In terms of process, he advises artists to start carefully from reference, establish strong values, and then gradually let instinct and the subconscious take over so the painting can depart from mere copying. As practical career guidance, he stresses discipline—“showing up” like a regular job, taking breaks for fresh eyes, and being prepared for a long, up-and-down journey that may require side income while you build your art life. His core piece of advice is that even if you can’t always “make a living” from art, you can “make a life” with it—by staying dedicated, continually learning, and remaining open to opportunities, community, and change. Finally, Robert tells us about his participation with the Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival and The Legacy Gallery Holiday Small Works Show. 

Robert's FASO site:

robertgoldmanfineart.com/

Robert's Social Media:

instagram.com/robertgoldmanfineart/

Learn from Robert on Mastrius!

mentors.mastrius.com/user/494/RobertGoldman/profile

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Every artist knows the romanticized version of the life of the artist: the gallery shows, the canvas, the hours of creation. But the artists who actually make it will tell you something different. They'll tell you about the days when they didn't feel like showing up. The months without sales. The phone calls they had to turn down. The routines they built not because they were inspired, but because inspiration alone was never going to be enough.

Today's episode is about the one thing that quietly separates working artists from wishing artists: discipline. Because it was never about talent. Not luck. Not even passion, even though that helps. Discipline. We've pulled together some of the most honest moments from past guests on what it actually looks and feels like to build a creative life from the ground up and keep it standing in the long run.

Episodes Mentioned:

126 Scott Tallman Powers

137 Chris Krupinski 

139 Jeff Legg

167 Stephanie Marzella

175 Emma Kalff

184 Jennifer Balkan

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For today's episode we sat down with fine artist Tony D'Amico. Tony is a full-time representational painter and draftsman based in southern Connecticut whose work spans cityscapes, landscapes, coastal scenes, interiors, and everyday local subjects, all unified by his obsession with light, atmosphere, and strong design. He began his journey in art as a child, later studying graphic design, working as a commercial artist and technical illustrator, and eventually running his own marketing and design firm before transitioning gradually into fine art. Plein air painting transformed both how he sees and how he paints, forcing him to simplify quickly, capture specific moments in changing conditions, and infuse his studio work with authentic memories of place, light, and atmosphere. Tony is highly intentional in planning his compositions—often using thumbnails, photography, and Photoshop—to design compelling paintings that go beyond mere realism and invite viewers into a story. Drawing from his marketing background, he emphasizes that artists must learn to present and promote their work, build relationships with collectors and galleries, and accept rejection as a motivator rather than a verdict. For aspiring artists, he stresses persistence, continuous learning, good materials, honest self-critique, and the understanding that developing a true artistic voice and career can easily take a decade or more. Finally, Tony tells us about his upcoming shows and his revised book!

Tony's FASO site:

tonydamicofineart.com/

Tony's Social Media:

instagram.com/tonydamicofineart/

facebook.com/tony.damico.524/

Tony's Book:

tonydamicofineart.com/books

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To start off the season, we sat down with fine artist and former software developer Maureen Dunlap. Maureen shares how a childhood immersed in traditional oil painting, guided by mentor Arthur Maynard, eventually wound its way through typography, photo typesetting, and front-end development before circling back to a full-time art career. Maureen talks about rebuilding her painting practice after years away, moving from fast alla prima pieces to highly detailed, indirect paintings that draw on Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Pre-Raphaelite, and Baroque influences. She describes her richly layered seascapes, lace-draped still lifes, and narrative figurative works that often live in ornate vintage or trompe l’oeil frames, all infused with her whimsical titles and maximalist sensibility. Maureen also opens up about the realities of being a full-time artist later in life, balancing joy and financial stability, diversifying income with small works and jewelry, navigating social media and online sales, and her growing desire to teach the next generation of painters.

Maureen's FASO site:

maureendunlap.com/

Maureen's Social Media:

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083217888057

instagram.com/maureenjdunlap

Maureen's Jewelry Store:

instagram.com/the.wonder.cabinet

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For our season 14 finale, we sat down with artist and veteran art-marketing writer, Lori Woodward. Lori shares how she went from burnout after art school to rebuilding her skills through workshops, portrait commissions, and writing for major magazines and art organizations. She explains how learning directly from successful peers, mentors, and collectors shaped her understanding of how the art market really works, which is very different from generic marketing advice. Lori breaks down the impact of the 2008 recession, why so many galleries and careers collapsed, and why today’s market, despite economic anxiety, is fundamentally healthier and full of new, younger collectors. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes that no amount of marketing can replace a cohesive, competitive body of work, consistent production, and a recognizable voice that develops only through years of painting, experimenting, and failing forward. She gives practical guidance on pricing, working with galleries, outdoor shows, email lists, and social media, stressing that real relationships and in‑person experiences now matter more than chasing algorithms. Ultimately, Lori encourages artists to build a realistic vision, move slowly but steadily, and design a career that fits their personality—whether that means becoming a local favorite, a gallery regular, or a small‑scale, part‑time professional who still sells meaningful work.

Sign up for Lori's Newsletter:

loriwoodward.com/email-newsletter

Lori's FASO Site:

loriwoodward.com/

Lori's Social Media:

instagram.com/woodwardartist/

Lori's Article about Pricing:

https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/how-to-price-consistently-for-art-sales-success

Lori's Blog:

loriwoodward.com/blog

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For today's episode, we sat down with Ned Mueller, an American artist and longtime illustrator-turned-fine-painter, known for his strong drawing, expressive plein air and figurative work, and decades of teaching and mentoring artists around the world. He shares his lifelong journey in art, from drawing as a child and training as an illustrator at Art Center School of Design to eventually transitioning into a fine artist with a distinct voice of his own. He talks candidly about facing serious health challenges, chronic pain, and burnout risks, and how having something meaningful to get up for—his painting practice and the support of his wife Karen—has kept him going. Drawing on decades of experience, Ned emphasizes the “four P’s”: patience, perseverance, practice, and passion, urging artists to find subjects they truly love so their excitement shows in the work. He underscores the importance of strong fundamentals—especially drawing and values—explaining that you must first learn to paint what you know, then what you see, and ultimately what you feel. Ned also advises artists to simplify by thinking in big shapes, values, and edges, to do lots of small studies (in plein air and the studio), and to keep sharpening their skills through critique groups, workshops, and consistent practice. Throughout the conversation, he offers grounded yet hopeful insight into building a sustainable art life: do the work, keep learning, accept the hard realities of the art market, and let your love for painting carry you through the long haul. Finally, Ned tells us about his online classes!

Ned's FASO site:

www.nedmueller.com/

Sign up for Ned's workshops!

www.nedmueller.com/workshops

Sign up for Ned's Newsletter!

www.nedmueller.com/email-newsletter

Ned's Social Media:

www.instagram.com/nedmueller06/

www.facebook.com/NedMuellerFineArt/

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For today's episode we sat down with Jennifer Balkan, a contemporary representational oil painter and art instructor based in Austin, with an academic background in behavioral neuroscience and sociology. She describes how a lifelong love of drawing crystallized into a serious painting practice after a transformative, self-gifted trip to Paris, which led her to take her first painting class in Austin in 2001. Despite completing a PhD and following a more “rational” career path, she felt an irresistible pull toward painting, ultimately choosing to pursue art full time even amid concern and confusion from friends and family. Jennifer explains that her scientific and sociological studies deeply inform her figurative work, especially her focus on the emotional, cerebral life beneath a subject’s expression and her love of optical color mixing and visible mark-making. She discusses how her inspiration has evolved from narrative series into a stronger emphasis on shapes, light, and color relationships, and how experimenting with different media during the pandemic revitalized her practice and fed back into her oil painting. Jennifer also highlights the central role of Atelier Dojo in her life—as both a co-created figurative hub and an atelier program that nurtures students’ individual voices. Jennifer also shares practical, grounded advice for aspiring full-time artists about embracing multiple income streams, loving the process, and committing to sustained, disciplined practice. Finally, she tells us all about her upcoming shows and workshops!

Jennifer's FASO site:

jenniferbalkan.com/

Jennifer's Social Media:

instagram.com/jenniferbalkan/

Atelier Dojo!

atelierdojo.com/

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On today's episode we sat down with Sarkis Antikajian. Born in 1933 in Amman, Jordan, Sarkis discovered French Impressionism and Van Gogh as a teenager — a spark that never left him. He immigrated to the United States at 25, spent 35 years as a pharmacist building the financial independence to paint full-time, and retired in 1994 at 62 to finally live his dream. He is now 93, and still paints every day. Deeply shaped by Van Gogh's persistence, Sarkis believes in loving the process over the outcome, staying curious at every stage of a career, and painting freely without chasing validation or market trends. He has worked across watercolor, acrylic, oil, figurative, landscape, and abstraction — always seeking new ways to see.His advice to artists: find another source of income so financial fear doesn't limit your creativity, paint often and on inexpensive materials, and stop waiting for anyone else's approval to make the work that's truly yours.

Sarkis' FASO site:

sarkisantikajianfineart.com/

Sarkis' PBS Oregon Art Beat Video:

https://www.pbs.org/video/oregon-art-beat-painter-sarkis-antikajian/

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What does it actually mean to make it as an artist? We’re not talking about the bubblegum advice you find on Instagram. We’re talking about the real work of being an artist; the day-in, day-out marathon; the changing goals artists experience as their careers progress. In this episode we wade out into the weeds of making it in the visual art business.

We’ve had the privilege of sitting down with some of the most seasoned working artists we know, and when we ask them about success, the answers always surprise us. So for this episode, we’ve pulled together some of the most honest, hard-won perspectives from past guests. These veterans share what success actually requires, what it costs, and what it turns into over time.

Episodes Mentioned:

100 Kevin MacPherson

101 Joseph Gyurcsak

105 SC Mummert

130 Scott Ruthven

140 Donald Yatomi

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For today's episode, we sat down with Todd Williams, a Nebraska-born impressionistic oil painter who discovered his calling as a child, went on to study at the Kansas City Art Institute, worked a decade as an illustrator for Hallmark, and has since spent about 25 years as a full-time fine artist represented by major galleries. His work is driven by a desire to evoke emotion at both a distance and up close, with paint quality, broken color, and expressive brushwork often carrying as much weight as the subject itself. Technically, he emphasizes the “science” of painting—values, composition, clean value planes, and his value–color–mixture approach—as the left-brain foundation that lets him later enter a childlike, intuitive “spirit of painting” mode. A major milestone was his Legacy Nebraska Collection, a five-year project tied to Nebraska’s sesquicentennial that deepened his connection to place, history, and Native American subjects, and led naturally into his current series of bold, expressive Native American portraits and Western work. His advice to artists centers on perseverance, choosing strong and simple subjects to set yourself up for success, learning from both failures and wins, and accepting the ongoing tension between painting what sells and painting what most moves you. Over time, his definition of success has shifted from financial hunger and high output toward health, spiritual grounding, contentment, and relationships—treating the studio as a sacred space and the artistic journey itself as the true destination. Finally, Todd tells us about his upcoming activities, including teaching workshops with the Indiana Heritage Arts group in Nashville, Indiana and at the Merrick County Museum in his hometown of Central City, Nebraska, participating in ongoing and future Western-themed exhibitions (such as at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville and Settlers West Gallery in Tucson), and contributing to the traveling “Painting the Arkansas Parks” exhibition organized through the Heart of America Artists for 2026–2027.

Todd's FASO site:

toddwilliamsfineart.com/

Todd's Social Media:

instagram.com/toddwilliamsfineart/

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For today's episode we sat down with Linda Doll, an 84‑year‑old lifelong multimedia artist. Linda shares how a childhood spent drawing in Brooklyn and studying at the Brooklyn Museum eventually led her to pursue art seriously after age 30, culminating in graduating with honors in painting and printmaking. She describes a pivotal moment with California watercolorist Rex Brandt, whose advice to “start with your strength” helped her stop imitating others, list her own strengths, and finally claim her unique artistic voice. Linda explains that when she began painting her family and scenes of peaceful, everyday life purely for herself, that work unexpectedly became her signature style, winning major awards, building an international reputation, and leading to teaching engagements around the world. She emphasizes that artists should find a niche at the intersection of what they love, what they’re good at, and what others respond to, while being realistic about business: pricing low at first, raising prices gradually, and building a solid collector base. Linda also shares practical and philosophical advice on staying creative over a lifetime—working in series, experimenting with multiple media, adapting to physical limitations, and maintaining a daily practice of “wetting the brush” or drawing. Above all, she urges aspiring full‑time artists to be themselves, trust their inner voice, and use their personal strengths so they’re leading with their own vision rather than constantly chasing trends. Finally, Linda tells us about her upcoming demos and urges us to keep up with her events by visiting her website!

Linda's FASO Site:

lindadoll.com/

Linda's Tutorials and Mentorship:

lindadoll.com/page/13300/videos-and-classes

Linda's YouTube Channel:

youtube.com/@lindadoll

Linda's Social Media:

facebook.com/lindaadoll/

instagram.com/lindadoll5/

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For today's episode, we sat down with Tanner Steed, a Denver-based oil painter and instructor who built a full-time career through self-directed classical training, mentorships with leading figurative artists, and a practice rooted in painting his lived experiences with a focus on strong composition and poetic mystery. Tanner shares how he built his career by treating art like any other skill in the brain—showing up daily, doing master copies, and effectively creating his own “atelier” when formal schools weren’t an option. He urges artists to paint what they genuinely love instead of chasing trends or specific collectors, trusting that sincere, well-crafted work will find its audience. A big part of his advice is to start paintings over and over to strengthen composition and value design, build or initiate community (from family collectors to plein air groups), and maintain multiple income streams through galleries, direct sales, teaching, and educational content. He also emphasizes persistence—reaching out repeatedly to mentors, reinventing yourself socially when needed, and committing to be “the last one standing” in the long game of artistic mastery. Finally, Tanner closes by mentioning current and upcoming projects, including his 100 Flowers Sale, a group show at Saks Galleries, an Art Renewal Center piece showing at Sotheby’s, workshops in Rome through Rome Art Residencies, and a future painting workshop along the Danube River cruise.

Tanner's Sale!:

tannersteedart.com/collections/228563

Tanner's FASO site:

tannersteedart.com/

Tanner's Social Media:

instagram.com/tannersteedart/

Tanner's YouTube:

youtube.com/@tannersteedart

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For today's episode we sat down with Alyse Firefly Russell, a figurative painter whose work blends realism with surreal, colorful, often floral elements, a style that was largely shaped by years of live painting at music festivals where she learned to paint intuitively “with the music.” She explains that her path included attending an art magnet school, art college, and then gradually building a career through live painting gigs that evolved into larger festivals and gallery shows. Returning to full-time painting after a break for family health issues, she describes dealing with imposter syndrome and how winning the BoldBrush contest and reconnecting with a gallery reassured her that she is indeed a professional artist. Her core practical advice for becoming a full-time artist is to maintain consistent studio hours, treat art like a real job, and avoid burning out by overworking, since regular rest actually helps the work improve. She also emphasizes the importance of putting yourself out there by showing up at events, talking to people, and learning basic marketing because even highly skilled artists won’t sell if no one sees their work, while less technically skilled but visible artists often do well. Alyse also highlights nurturing relationships with collectors (e.g., newsletters, personal notes, holiday cards) and reminds artists that careers usually grow gradually, through small, steady steps rather than a single “big break.” Finally, Alyse tells us about her upcoming group show “Bloom: A Kaleidoscope of Botanical Beauty” at Threyda Gallery in Denver, opening May 1, 2026 and running through the end of May, with the show also viewable online at the gallery’s website.

Alyse's FASO Site:

alyserussell.com/

Alyse's Social Media:

instagram.com/alysefireflyart

facebook.com/AlyseFireflyArt/

Threyda Gallery "Bloom: A Kaleidoscope of Botanical Beauty"

threyda.com/pages/gallery

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On today's episode we sat down with James McGrew, a landscape oil painter and longtime interpretive Yosemite park ranger whose representational landscapes and wildlife paintings blend rigorous scientific understanding with a deep emotional commitment to environmental education. James shares how a lifelong bond with Yosemite and early encouragement from teachers and family pushed him toward a career in representational painting, even when art schools favored abstraction. He explains how studying biology, geology, chemistry, and environmental education deepened his understanding of light, landforms, and ecosystems, making his landscapes more convincing and meaningful. James describes his dual life as a full-time painter and seasonal Yosemite interpretive ranger, using both roles to connect people emotionally and intellectually to the natural world. He emphasizes the power of working from life, developing visual memory, and truly knowing one’s subject—whether it’s a cliff face, endangered owl, or peregrine falcon. Over time his motivation has shifted from personal inspiration to a clear conservation mission: using art as a vehicle to advocate for fragile ecosystems and endangered species. He also advises aspiring artists to be true to themselves, spend time in nature, focus on long-term perseverance, and on building real human connections—with collectors, galleries, and fellow artists—rather than chasing awards or trends. J Finally, James tells us about his upcoming solo show at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite (opening May 4), as well as group shows including the California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibition, the Art Renewal Center Salon in New York, and invitational events at Grand Canyon and Zion later this year.

James' FASO site:

jamesmcgrewfineart.com/

James' Social Media:

facebook.com/jamesmcgrewfineart/

instagram.com/jamesmcgrewfineart/

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For today's episode, we sat down with Ellen Howard, a Boise-based landscape painter, instructor, art advocate, and writer who works primarily in oils and gouache, known for her tranquil depictions of nature, water, and luminous skies. In this conversation, Ellen shares how she transitioned from a demanding venture capital career into full-time art, guided by lifelong creative influences—especially her grandfather’s travel illustrations and drawings. She explains how an invitation to an oil painting class reignited her passion, leading to years of focused study, plein air practice, and a deep commitment to painting nature’s peaceful moments, from marshlands and seascapes to sunsets and Idaho’s mountains. Ellen also describes how surgery led her to experiment with gouache, a medium whose quick-drying vibrancy and spontaneity now balances and informs her slower, layered oil work. Drawing on her business background, she emphasizes time management, relationship-building, consistent marketing, particularly newsletter marketing, and “showing up and saying yes” as crucial to building opportunities and gallery representation. She encourages artists to develop a body of work they truly love, understand where it fits in the market, be patient with career growth, and actively create their own opportunities rather than waiting to be discovered. Finally, Ellen tells us about her upcoming gouache workshop in Sun Valley, her France Alps workshop, and her participation in major exhibitions like the California Gold Medal Show and the Brinton Museum invitational.

Ellen's FASO site:

ellenhowardart.com/

Ellen's Social Media:

facebook.com/ellen.howard.5

instagram.com/ellenhowardart/

Sign up for Ellen's Newsletter!

ellenhowardart.com/email-newsletter

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For today's episode we sat down with Emma Kalff, a painter living in a tiny rural town in southwestern Colorado, where she now earns 90–95% of her income from her art after years of gradual building, side jobs, and business education. She began in sociology at Boston University, realized social work wasn’t for her, and followed her heart down to the art world in New Orleans through figure modeling, eventually receiving a rigorous classical training at the Academy of Fine Arts. Her work evolved from plein air landscapes into layered, dreamlike paintings that combine candid photographs of people with Colorado’s dramatic landscapes, allowing compositions to unfold organically rather than from strict pre-planning. Emma is currently working on a series of five large 30x40 inch linen paintings—“who, what, when, where, why”—that explore existential questions about living and making art in a socially, politically, and technologically volatile era, partly through reinterpreting historical symbols in a contemporary context. She emphasizes that a sustainable art career requires treating art as both craft and business: balancing studio time with marketing and education, diversifying income streams, engaging with local communities, and not waiting passively to be “discovered.” Throughout the conversation, she is honest about the psychological challenges—discipline, burnout, distraction from social media—while still affirming that this open-ended, uncertain time offers artists unprecedented freedom and direct access to their own audiences. Finally, Emma encourages us to sign up for her newsletter and Patreon to stay updated on her work!

Emma's FASO site:

emmakalff.com/

Sign up for Emma's Newsletter!

emmakalff.com/page/49408/newsletter-signup

Emma's Patreon:

patreon.com/cw/EmmaKalff

Emma's Social Media:

instagram.com/emmakalff/

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To end off season 13, we sat down with Matthew James Collins, a figurative painter, portrait painter, and sculptor living and working in Florence, Italy. Matthew traces his path from a creative childhood in Oak Park and frustration with contemporary-focused art school to then find classical, atelier-based training in Florence. Matthew explains how Old Masters like Titian, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Velázquez shaped his devotion to painting from life, Baroque optical effects, and the idea of following their principles—especially observation of nature—rather than copying their style. Matthew also explains how cameras and screens distort our sense of seeing, why young painters should “go cold turkey” from photographic reference when possible, and how experiencing art in person and in context is radically different from viewing it in what Matthew calls “art zoos” (museums stripped of original context). Matthew shares concrete insights on portraiture—sight-size work from life, historical palettes, thoughtful posing and lighting, and the slow, conversational sittings needed to reveal character—as well as his teaching method of painting alongside one or two students and correcting in real time. Underneath it all, the conversation keeps returning to bigger themes: the likeness of artistic voice to a lifelong "Odyssey", the role of culture and curiosity, the practical and emotional difficulty of being an artist today, and the enduring importance of making ambitious, sincere, beautifully crafted work that lives with people in everyday spaces.

Matthew's FASO site:

matthewjamescollins.com/

Matthew's Social Media:

instagram.com/matthewjamescollinsartist/

facebook.com/matthewjamescollinsartist/

Matthew's Articles:

Historical Approaches for Contemporary Portrait Practice

Dancing Faun of Pompeii: Removed From Habitat, Out of Context

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In this compilation episode, we are focusing on tips about one of the most important parts of an artistic career: collectors. Our past guests emphasize that fine art is sustained by strong, long-term relationships with collectors, not just technical skill or gallery placement. They describe collectors as people who often want a personal connection and ongoing dialogue—through conversations at shows, home salon events, and gallery openings. Many of our guests highlight using newsletters, social media, and even texting to stay in touch, share new work, and make collectors feel appreciated and involved. Several artists stress the importance of gratitude and reciprocity, from handwritten thank-you notes to remembering birthdays and asking how collectors discovered their work. Overall, collectors are not only buyers but possible friends, supporters, and “connectors” whose loyalty and enthusiasm can sustain an artist’s career over many years.

Episodes mentioned in order of appearance:

• 81 Steve Atkinson
• 87 Johanna Spinks
• 94 Karen Blackwood
• 61 Nanci France-Vaz
• 99 Heather Arenas
• 101 Joseph Gyurcsak
• 120 Kim Casebeer
• 130 Scott Ruthven
• 162 David Griffin
• 166 Miriam Schulman
• 170 Kim Lordier

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For today's episode, some of our past guests share the creative “aha” moments that transformed both their work and careers. You’ll hear how structured projects and daily discipline can unlock unexpected growth, and why understanding value matters more than obsessing over color. Our guests reveal how real artistic voice emerges naturally over time, rather than from trying to “find a style.” They also discuss the power of painting from memory and imagination instead of copying reality. Finally, they explore mindset shifts—reframing commissions, embracing the process over the product, and using creativity in marketing—as key breakthroughs on their artistic journeys.

Episodes mentioned on this episode:

• 62 Aaron Schuerr
• 77 Aaron Westerberg
• 79 William Schneider
• 118 Shuang Li
• 129 Brian Bateman
• 137 Chris Krupinski
• 139 Jeff Legg
• 144 Christine Code
• 170 Kim Lordier

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For today's episode we sat down with abstract mixed media artist Nancy Crandall Phillips, who shares her artistic journey from ceramics and fiber arts to the richly layered encaustic and mixed media work she creates today. She explains how a deep interest in the chemistry of materials (acrylic vs. oil, wax, gold leaf, papers, texture paste) and an early education in composition and edges shaped her highly tactile, artifact-like surfaces. Nancy describes her iterative, experimental process, emphasizing cycles of excitement, frustration, destruction, and rescue, and how embracing “happy accidents” and letting materials behave on their own terms is central to her work. She also discusses the emotional side of being an artist, including taking breaks from painting, dealing with frustration, and building resilience and trust in the process. Nancy also talks about the practical realities of an art career—balancing freelance accounting work with painting, entering juried shows, joining art groups, and building relationships that lead to gallery representation and auctions. Nancy closes with advice for aspiring artists to persist, cultivate community, and actively create their own opportunities, and also invites listeners to explore her work on her website and Instagram.

Nancy's FASO site:

nancycrandallphillips.com

Nancy's Social Media:

instagram.com/nancycrandallphillips

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For today's episode, we sat down with Kim Lordier, a California-based pastel artist, mom, and former flight attendant whose deep love of nature and travel strongly influences her landscape work. She began drawing and painting animals as a child, started earning money from pet portraits as a teenager, and later experienced a major turning point in 2001 when she saw a plein air demonstration and committed to painting from life. Influenced by early California and American impressionists, Kim focuses on value, shape, and expressive color, and credits key workshops—especially learning notan and studying with mentors like Skip Whitcomb—for sharpening her compositional and color skills. She speaks candidly about her longstanding struggles with negative self-talk and imposter syndrome, and how learning to detach from the “preciousness” of finished paintings and embrace the process has been her biggest creative “aha” moment. On the business side, Kim emphasizes professionalism, honoring gallery relationships, and balancing what she loves to paint with what sells, while accepting that each artist’s journey and “ladder” is unique. She advises aspiring artists to trust their instincts, avoid unhealthy comparison, respect the people working behind the scenes in the art world, and remember there is always another canvas to paint. Finally she tells us all about her upcoming shows and workshops!

Kim's FASO site:

kimfancherlordier.com

Kim's Social Media:

instagram.com/klordierart/

facebook.com/kim.lordier

Bob Newhart's "Stop it!"

vimeo.com/97370236

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For today's episode compilation we explore how artists can reframe rejection as a normal, even necessary, part of a creative career rather than a verdict on their worth. Our past guests describe rejection as an ego blow that must be met with humility, a willingness to learn, and a long-term mindset of steady improvement. Several artists share stories of painful setbacks—unsold shows, declined gallery submissions, ignored emails—but explain how these experiences fueled their determination to work harder and get better. They emphasize building a “thick skin” while still remaining open to tough, honest critique, using feedback to refine both craft and professionalism. The conversation also highlights that rejection isn’t always about the artist’s shortcomings; sometimes the fit, timing, or other person’s vision just isn’t right yet. Throughout, our past guests stress perseverance, self-awareness, and staying committed to the work itself as the healthiest way to survive and grow from rejection. All of the episodes mentioned in this compilation are linked in our show notes.

24 Kelly Eden

46 Hillary Scott

60 Gladys Roldan-de-Moras

63 Noah Buchanan

76 Chris Navarro

87 Johanna Spinks

101 Joseph Gyurcsak

121 Paul Batch

140 Donald Yatomi

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For today's episode we sat down with Stacey Peterson, a Colorado landscape painter and former chemical engineer. Stacey discusses her lifelong love of art, early influences from her creative mother and inspiring high school teachers, and how she eventually transitioned from engineering to full-time painting. She explains how problem-solving skills and professionalism from engineering transferred directly into her art career and helped her manage the business side of being a self-employed artist. Stacey shares major artistic influences, including the Canadian Group of Seven, California impressionists, and several contemporary landscape painters, as well as the pivotal mentorship with Jay Moore that encouraged her to paint what she truly loves—the outdoors. She describes her attraction to strong light effects and color in the landscape, her process of narrowing each painting to a single primary idea, and the different roles plein air studies and studio work play in her practice. On the business side, she emphasizes relying heavily on strong gallery relationships, staying active on social media for visibility and connection, and the long-term networking value of juried shows, while advising artists to keep putting in the hours since that allows one to develop a recognizable personal style. Stacey also talks about teaching, recovering from a serious leg injury while keeping up her practice with acrylic gouache studies, and shares her current focus on restocking galleries and her upcoming participation in Plein Air Painters of America and Oil Painters of America shows.

Stacey's FASO site:

staceypeterson.com/

Stacey's Social Media:

instagram.com/staceypetersonart/

facebook.com/staceypetersonart/

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For today's episode, we sat down with Stephanie Marzella, a painter living in Charleston, South Carolina, with a preference for painting intimate landscapes that pull the viewer into the scene as well as big sky landscapes that provide an escape to peace and tranquility. Stephanie discusses her artistic journey, emphasizing discipline and perseverance. She tells us how she transitioned from textile design to oil painting, and how she was influenced by the American tonalists. Stephanie highlights the importance of having a cohesive body of work, having the courage to paint what you want, and suggests making strategic moves if possible; In her case, she moved to Charleston for better artistic opportunities. She shares her experiences with social media, galleries, and the challenges of being an artist, including financial struggles and the need for a supportive environment. She stresses the significance of emotional connection in her work and the joy of seeing her paintings evoke strong reactions in viewers and discusses her spiritual approach to painting, emphasizing the emotional connection between her work and the viewer, which she believes completes the artistic process. Finally, Stephanie lists her current and upcoming exhibitions, including shows at Reinhardt Fine Art, Ballards Fine Art, and the Southeastern Wildlife Expo.

Stephanie's FASO site:

stephaniemarzella.com/

Stephanie's Social Media:

instagram.com/stephaniemarzella/

facebook.com/stephanie.marzella.5

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For today's episode, we sat down with Miriam Schulman, a New York–based artist, author of the book Artpreneur, and host of The Inspiration Place podcast. Miriam left a Wall Street career after 9/11 and has since built a long-term, sustainable art business while coaching other artists on marketing and mindset. She explains how sales training at a gym gave her the “aha” moment that sales skills are transferable and can be used to successfully sell art. A core theme of her book Artpreneur is choosing to believe you are an artist, claiming that identity early and confidently rather than waiting for external permission. Miriam identifies common mistakes artists make, especially underpricing their work and assuming “cheaper is easier to sell,” arguing instead that higher prices signal trust, quality, and a better collector experience. She strongly advocates for email marketing over social media, detailing why email vastly outperforms Instagram in engagement and how artists should collect addresses and email weekly in a personal, story‑driven way. Finally, she recommends LinkedIn and YouTube (used thoughtfully and collector‑focused) as better long‑term platforms than Instagram, and closes by urging artists to “keep marching forward,” taking consistent steps rather than freezing in fear or blaming external circumstances.

Get your free first chapter here!

schulmanart.com/believe/

Order Artpreneur here:

artpreneurbook.com

The Inspiration Place Podcast:

schulmanart.com/podcast/

Episodes mentioned:

• The Inspiration Place Episode 342: How She Sells Art on YouTube ft. Aramis Hamer
• The Inspiration Place Episode 357: The Artist's Guide to Growing on Patreon ft. Aramis Hamer

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For today's episode, we sat down with Cindy Baron, a Rhode Island-based painter, with mastery in both watercolor and oil paints in her gorgeous landscape art. Cindy shares how she identifies first as a mother and grandmother, and then as an artist. She emphasizes that passion and continual growth are the foundations of her creative life. She explains her methodical, problem-solving approach to painting, how she embraces mistakes as essential teachers, and even uses dancing and exercise in front of her works to resolve artistic decisions. Cindy reveals deeply personal health struggles, and describes how her easel, brushes, and paints became the lifeline that carried her through pain, and how for her "art is best medicine". On the professional side, Cindy offers business and marketing advice for artists—staying professional online, regularly creating new work, building relationships with galleries, and using shows, magazines, and social media strategically. She closes by urging aspiring artists not to procrastinate, to “just do it” despite fear of failure, and mentions her upcoming solo show, workshops, travels, and that her in-progress book, The Guilt Box, will further share her story.

Cindy's FASO site:

cindybaron.com

Cindy's Social Media:

facebook.com/cindy.baron.5

instagram.com/cindybaronart/

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On today's episode we sat down with Sandra Duran Wilson, an abstract painter, sculptor, author, and scientist based in Santa Fe. Sandra discusses how her dual upbringing among scientists and artists, plus early plein air experiences with her great aunt, shaped her experimental, curiosity-driven approach to art. She explains that creating is “like breathing” and that her artistic voice emerged over thousands of paintings, influenced by her background in cognitive science and early fascination with cellular structures seen through a microscope. She also discusses how intention, story, and lived experience transform craft into art, emphasizing that story can be conveyed through color, texture, layers, and emotion rather than literal representation. Sandra describes her book Awakening Your Creative Soul and related “soul spark” exercises as a manual for weekly play and experimentation, rooted partly in her years working with people in addiction and trauma recovery. Sandra also gives us tips about quieting the inner critic, using strategies like “muting” it, keeping a playful side canvas, working quickly with timers, and embracing imperfection and surrender—especially for perfectionist oriented artists. Sandra also shares how she built a career as a full-time artist through outdoor shows, teaching, writing, and relationships with collectors. Finally, Sandra highlights her upcoming Ireland workshop and a long-term installation project wrapping burned trees in painted canvases to respond to climate-change-driven wildfires.

Sandra's FASO site:

sandraduranwilson.com

Sandra's Social Media:

instagram.com/sandraduranwilson/

facebook.com/sandraduranwilsonartist

Sandra's YouTube Channel:

youtube.com/sandraduranwilson

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For our first episode of the year, we sat down with Romona Youngquist, an artist who describes herself as a lifelong “country girl” and homebody whose deepest desire has always been to paint the rural surroundings she loves, often within a 20-mile radius of her home. She recalls recognizing her calling as an artist as early as age four or five, and later feeling that oil paint was her true medium after experimenting with watercolor and acrylics in college. She also tells us about how throughout her life she held a series of unconventional jobs, but always returned to nostalgic rural landscapes, eventually realizing she could not keep a “normal” job and had to make art her livelihood. Romona explains that her paintings are driven by intuition, memory, and emotion rather than strict realism: she chases a very specific feeling in the light and design of a scene, mixing plein air sketches, photos, and childhood memories of Oklahoma’s skies and trees. She also talks about the tension between nostalgia and change, seeing herself partly as a visual historian preserving vanishing farmsteads, gardens, and rural spaces, and notes how her work has evolved toward more layering and a desire for greater simplification and abstraction. Romona offers advice to aspiring artists; she stresses building a large, solid body of work, considering financial stability, and accepting that painting is an ongoing, often difficult process where doubt never fully disappears, but commitment to one’s vision is essential. Finally, Romona tells us about her upcoming shows!

Romona's FASO site:

romonayoungquist.com

Romona's Instagram:

instagram.com/rlyoungquist/

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In our final episode of the year, we sat down with David Griffin, a fine artist with a love of capturing the nostalgic scenes of his childhood. David shares his journey from pre‑med student and college baseball player in Lubbock, Texas to becoming a successful illustrator and, later, a fine artist rooted in realism and storytelling. He recounts formative experiences at the Illustrators Workshop in New York, his years sharing a Dallas studio with top illustrators, and the lessons they taught him about composition, narrative, and creating “a place for the eye to rest.” David explores how memory, truth, and heritage—big skies, ranch life, and family artifacts—shape his work and give it emotional honesty. A major focus is David’s new long-term project, “The Art of Wandering,” where he will document how mental and physical wandering with a sense of wonder leads to ideas, large paintings, and deeper relationships with collectors and fellow artists. David also dives into the idea of art as a lifelong calling, discussing struggle, hard work versus talent, the trap of imitating others, and the importance of finding one’s own authentic voice by pursuing one's own heart. David closes by reflecting on art as a conversation without words, his hope that truthful work outlives the artist, and his gratitude for the creative community and opportunities ahead.

David's FASO site:

davidgriffinstudio.com

David's Social Media:

instagram.com/davidrgriffin

facebook.com/david.griffin.5

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For today's episode, we sat down with realist oil painter and former radiologist Carl Bretzky, who shares his journey from growing up interested in art and photography, through a medical career in interventional radiology, to becoming a full-time artist in 2016. He explains how studying with Joe Paquet and participating in plein air events around the country shaped his love for landscape, urban scenes, and especially nocturnes, which he believes are often easier and faster to paint than daytime scenes due to their homogeneous darks and clear value transitions. Carl discusses his use of the rule of thirds and his approach to composition, often reimagining scenes—like his piece Hotel Laguna Nocturne—in the studio to adjust skies, colors, and clouds for stronger visual impact. Carl also tells us about his use of the prismatic palette, rooted in the teachings of Frank Vincent DuMond, and how understanding prismatic color shifts and subtle gradations helps create convincing light, atmosphere, and distance. Finally, Carl offers advice on building an art career through instruction, plein air competitions, galleries, networking, and social media, emphasizing saying yes to opportunities, maintaining an active studio practice, and cultivating community with other artists.

Carl's FASO site:

carlbretzke.com

Carl's Social Media:

instagram.com/carlbretzkeart

facebook.com/carl.bretzke.3

Carl's Videos:

Instructional Videos

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For this week's episode, we made a compilation of our past guests reflecting on how early influences, mentors, and disciplined study shaped their art, and how they often feel driven to keep growing rather than staying comfortable. They describe learning fastest by painting from life—especially in plein air—tackling unfamiliar subjects, simplifying values, and using subtle color temperature shifts instead of high-contrast effects. Throughout the episode, our past guests stress intentional decision-making in composition and color, the importance of not overworking a piece, and the deep community and life-changing connections formed through workshops and shared painting experiences.

Episodes mentioned:

158 Cynthia Rosen

156 Shanna Kunz

155 Scott D. Prior

154 Julie Davis

151 John Morra

138 Michelle Dunaway

137 Chris Krupinski

136 Bill Davidson

127 Jill Basham

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For today's episode we sat down with Barbara Jaenicke, an accomplished fine artist known for her impressionist landscapes created in oil and pastel. Originally from New Jersey, Barbara moved to Atlanta and later to Bend, Oregon, where the scenery continues to inspire her work. Her journey began with various art media and developed into a passion for capturing light, atmosphere, and reflective elements in nature. After careers in advertising and marketing, Barbara gradually transitioned into full-time painting, applying business and organizational skills to support her art practice. She emphasizes relentless skill development, time management, and perseverance as keys to succeeding as an artist. Barbara believes that genuine drive and a love for beauty are essential, encouraging artists to stay inspired and tackle both the creative and business sides of their careers. Finally, Barbara tells us about her upcoming  workshops as well as her solo show at Cole Gallery in Edmonds, Washington, which features coastal and mountain scenes!

Barbara's FASO site:

www.barbarajaenicke.com/

Barbara's Social Media:

instagram.com/barbaracourtneyjaenicke/

Barbara's Book:

Painting the Poetic Landscape

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For today's episode, we sat down with Cynthia Rosen, a successful palette knife artist who began painting seriously after raising six children and having previously worked as an art educator, first exploring realism before moving into abstraction and plein air painting. After a break from art to focus on family, Cynthia returned to painting through mural projects, eventually discovering her passion for plein air and the palette knife technique. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of continuous growth, problem-solving, and self-awareness in her creative process, often working on multiple canvases at once. Cynthia credits social media, particularly Facebook art groups, and networking at plein air events with helping her build a successful career later in life. She also discusses her teaching philosophy in workshops, her belief in balancing hard work and luck, and reminds artists that it's the heart that drives the work. Finally, Cynthia tells us where we can see more of her artwork and to stay posted for her upcoming shows and workshops!

Cynthia's FASO site:

cynthiarosen.com/

Cynthia's Social Media:

instagram.com/rosencynthia/

facebook.com/cynthiarosen.art

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For today's episode, we sat down with Chantel Lynn Barber, an award-winning contemporary artist and educator, renowned for her expressive acrylic portraits and dedication to inspiring creativity in others. Chantel discusses her artistic journey, emphasizing her transition from oil to acrylic paints due to practicality and personal preference. She highlights her 20-year career, including running a storefront business and creating various art forms like furniture painting and glassware. Chantel stresses the importance of using high-quality materials, such as professional-grade acrylics, and shares her techniques for maintaining paint consistency. She also touches on the emotional and financial aspects of being an artist, advocating for self-respect and strategic marketing to reach the right audience. Chantel believes success is about continuous growth and not stagnation, and she values the personal and professional development that comes from her art. She also discusses her definition of success as an artist, emphasizing the importance of creating joyful and uplifting work that resonates with others while also nurturing her own soul. She highlights the value of beauty in enriching lives and the necessity of self-care and positive self-talk in the face of artistic challenges while reminding artists that they should let go of perfectionism. She also advises setting goals, networking with other artists, and being open to new opportunities. Finally, Chantel mentions her upcoming exhibitions and workshops!

Chantel's FASO site:

chantellynnbarber.com/

Chantel's Social Media:

instagram.com/fineartofchantel

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On today's episode, we sat down with Shanna Kunz, a seasoned landscape artist based in Ogden, Utah, with more than 30 years of painting experience. Her early love for art was nurtured by a family immersed in the outdoors, which deeply influenced her connection to landscapes. After studying at Utah State University, Shanna transitioned from figure painting and creative pursuits like seamstressing into watercolor and later, oil painting, developing a distinctive, atmospheric style. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, experimentation, and reminds artists to never give up and always show up at the easel. Shanna also highlights the therapeutic and reflective nature of painting, encouraging both herself and her students to embrace failure, self-discovery, and community. Dedicated to nurturing others, she mentors artists in her Mindful Art Mentoring program, champions lifelong growth, and advises perseverance as the foundation for a fulfilling creative career. Finally, Shanna tells us about all of her upcoming shows!

Shanna's FASO site:

shannakunz.com

Mentorship with Shanna:

mindfulartmentoring.com/

Shanna's Social Media:

instagram.com/shannakunz/

facebook.com/shanna.allen.kunz.hernandez

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On today's episode we sat down with Scott W. Prior, a full-time artist based in Oceanside, California, celebrated for his evocative paintings that capture everyday scenes. Scott discusses his journey as a full-time artist, reflecting on his transition from illustration to fine art and the influences that shaped his work. He emphasizes the importance of capturing everyday moments and the joy he finds in both painting and new creative pursuits like ceramics. Scott recounts the challenges and perseverance required to build his career, highlighting support from his wife and important moments of validation. He discusses the significance of discipline, networking, and joining artist communities for personal and professional growth. Scott encourages artists to pursue their passion for the love of art rather than for financial gain, warning against chasing commercial trends. Finally, Scott tells us about his upcoming events, including a return to the Paint Maui show in February 2026.

Scott's FASO site:

scottwprior.com/

Scott's Social Media:

instagram.com/scottwprior

facebook.com/scottwpriorartist

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In this episode, we sat down with Julie Davis, a landscape painter with a deep fascination with trees. Julie shares her inspiring journey from law and education to becoming a celebrated landscape artist, specializing in trees. She describes how plein air painting and mentorship shaped her artistic process, turning personal challenges into creative strengths. Julie reflects on balancing family life while nurturing her passion for art through early-morning painting and freelance work. She emphasizes the value of joining artist organizations, networking at shows, and the profound impact of supportive communities. Julie encourages artists to embrace lifelong learning, view mistakes as opportunities, and follow their curiosity. Finally, Julie tells us about her upcoming exhibitions and ways to connect with her work.

Julie's FASO site:

juliedavisstudio.com/

Julie's Social Media:

instagram.com/juliedavisstudio/

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For today's episode, we sat down with artist Patricia Watwood to hear about the creation of her upcoming solo show "The Fey Wild," a show deeply rooted in mythology, theatre, and the magic of childhood wonder. Patricia shares how reconnecting with her younger, imaginative self and raising non-binary children have enriched her perspective and inspired a world of artistic freedom and inclusive representation. Through her evolution from classical precision to bold, painterly expression, she celebrates joy, play, and the courage of creative authenticity. The Fey Wild becomes a haven for bodily autonomy, gender fluidity, and boundless self-expression, reflecting the hope and idealism of new generations. Patricia emphasizes that art, especially in challenging times, serves as an antidote to fear and a catalyst for collective joy and resilience. Ultimately, she invites us to delight in creativity, cherish the freedom to dream, and share beauty that uplifts our communities. The show will be on display at Equity Gallery in New York City starting November 6, 2025.

Patricia's FASO site:

patriciawatwoodstudio.com

Equity Gallery:

nyartistsequity.org

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For today's episode, we sat down with Christopher Remmers, a full-time painter and educator based in Bellingham, Washington, known for his style of mythological realism. His work explores themes of meaning-making, myth, and storytelling, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Joseph Campbell. Christopher emphasizes the importance of commitment to craft, deep personal exploration, and creating art that connects people to awe and inspiration. He tells us his opinon about the use of AI in art, seeing it as a tool but advocating for authentic creative process and originality. Christopher also stresses the importance of adaptability, boldness, and building relationships in the art world, sharing his experience of transitioning from a builder to a full-time artist. In addition to his artistic practice, Christopher prioritizes quality and relationship-building in his career and encourages artists to take their work seriously and adapt to changing industry trends. Finally, Christopher promotes his upcoming project, "Water Wars: How to Avoid," focusing on water rights in Bellingham, and mentions his Conscious Creativity Academy and involvement with the Conru Art Foundation in Seattle.

Christopher's FASO Artful Squarespace website:

• christopherremmers.com

Christopher's Conscious Creativity Academy:

• christopherremmers.com/courses

Christopher's Social Media:

• instagram.com/christopherremmers
• facebook.com/christopher.remmers

Links mentioned by Christopher:

• conruartfoundation.org

We're starting off season 12 with John Morra, a professional oil painter who specializes in still life. John shares how he initially undervalued still life painting, until he discovered masters like Chardin, sparking his deep appreciation for the genre. He recounts his personal transformation at the Prado Museum in Madrid, realizing art’s magical potential and reshaping his ambitions from science to painting. Through stories of art school and mentorship, John emphasizes the importance of learning foundational skills, painting as much as you can, and embracing both failure and experimentation. He also offers practical strategies to overcome creative blocks, such as inventing new genres, emulating past masters, and working in supportive peer groups. John balances this with advice on navigating the art market, encouraging artists to find fulfillment in their work while also considering commercial realities. He concludes by urging artists to consistently finish their paintings, seek affordable living arrangements, and remain open to both knowledge and experience in their lifelong artistic development.

John's FASO site:

johnmorrapainting.com/

John's social media:

instagram.com/johnmorra/

facebook.com/JohnMorraPainting/

To finish off season 11, we created a compilation of basic art marketing tips for artists to consider as they begin their career. Our past guests state that artists should focus on developing authentic, personal relationships with their collectors, often by communicating directly through email newsletters. Many pasta guests also attest to the importance of building and regularly growing an email list for maintaining long-term connections and driving sales outside of social media platforms. They also emphasize the importance of presenting oneself as a professional through a polished website and a consistent portfolio to help foster trust with galleries and clients. Also, consistent and strategic pricing, without undercutting galleries or offering variable discounts, supports an artist's reputation and business relationships. Separating administrative and creative tasks, and managing one's schedule effectively, enables artists to maximize their productivity and balance business demands. Finally, our guests remind us that artists should continue to adapt to changes in the art market, such as increased social media and marketing responsibilities, which is vital to thrive as a professional artist today.

Episodes mentioned in order of appearance:

37 Catherine Bobkoski

42 Tina Garrett

60 Gladys Roldan-de-Moras

74 Arthur Gain

81 Steve Atkinson

96 Brienne Brown

97 Elizabeth Robbins

114 Kyle Stuckey

117 Poppy Balser

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For today's episode, we created a compilation of advice from our past guests where we discuss the importance of continuous learning and experimentation and how it becomes the foundation of your ongoing artistic process. Our guests emphasize the importance of reframing challenges as questions, embracing experimentation, and learning from both successes and failures. They also highlight the value of balancing fast and slow approaches to painting, as well as the need to adapt techniques to individual strengths and passions. The artists discuss the pressures of professional art, including deadlines and competitions, and how these can both hinder and inspire creativity. They also explore the significance of focusing on shapes, values, and the abstract qualities of a subject, rather than just its literal representation. Ultimately, this episode is all about encouraging artists to trust their creative journey, remain curious, and continually push themselves to grow and evolve.

In order of appearance:

136 Bill Davidson

131 Todd Casey

132 Keith Bond

128 Sarah Yeoman

129 Brian Bateman 

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For this week's episode we came up with a special compilation. It's different from our past ones because in this one, we picked out all the advice in a step-by-step, chronological manner that would best help you get your artistic career started. We begin with tips about the importance of creating good work, finding a mentor to help you improve, continuous practice, and above all, painting what you love and what matters most to you. Then we move on to the importance of living below your means and having good financial support such as getting a day-job to help support you as you learn to paint and build your portfolio. Once you've built up a good repertoire of work, you can join communities, build your network, apply to exhibitions, and consider reaching out to galleries. Just as important, of course, is making sure you have a beautiful website, social media channels to upload your work, and continue to build relationships with fellow artists. Finally, our past guests remind us of the importance of treating your craft like a business and also to never forget why you began painting in the first place. We hope this episode can enlighten our listeners and be a guiding light to anyone who wishes to follow the path of the artist!

Episodes mentioned on the episode (in order of appearance):

• 74 Arthur Gain
• 142 Grace DeVito
• 92 Blair Atherholt
• 107 Rob Rey
• 40 Susan Lyon
• 64 Oliver Sin
• 47 Eric Armusik
• 96 Brienne Brown
• 118 Shuang Li
• 127 Jill Basham
• 85 Stephanie Birdsall
• 90 Raul Campos
• 123 Michael Orwick
• 94 Karen Blackwood
• 64 Oliver Sin
• 101 Joseph Gyurcsak
• 98 Warren Chang
• 97 Elizabeth Robbins
• 117 Poppy Balser
• 138 Michelle Dunaway
• 127 Jill Basham

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For this episode, we created a compilation of our past guests discussing the importance of networking and community for artists’ personal and professional growth. We share how joining organizations, attending workshops, and participating in events like conventions and plein air gatherings foster valuable connections and learning opportunities. Personal recommendations and genuine relationships are emphasized as key to gaining gallery representation and advancing in the art world. This compilation also covers the benefits of balancing solitary studio work with fellowship among like-minded artists, both in-person and online. Initiatives such as starting local life drawing groups or online communities like Stephanie Thompson's "Broadcasting Brushers" are encouraged to overcome isolation and support artistic development. Overall, this episode underscores that sharing knowledge, nurturing relationships, and building community are essential for a fulfilling and successful artistic journey.

Episodes mentioned (in order):

• 81 Steve Atkinson
• 85 Stephanie Birdsall
• 86 Ruth Fitton
• 127 Jill Basham
• 129 Brian Bateman
• 130 Scott Ruthven
• 133 Ginny Butcher
• 140 Donald Yatomi
• 143 Stephanie Thompson

For today's episode, we sat down with Carmen Drake a deeply passionate and accomplished fine artist whose journey is marked by resilience, dedication, and a profound emotional connection to her work. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and never becoming a “machine,” reminding artists to create from the heart rather than for external demands. Carmen’s advice to never stop learning and to continually seek out new knowledge and inspiration is a testament to her own lifelong commitment to growth. She encourages artists to build supportive relationships within the art community, knowing that shared experiences and encouragement are invaluable. Carmen also stresses the significance of valuing one’s work and not underselling the years of training and effort that go into each piece. Her wisdom and authenticity serve as a guiding light for artists striving to find meaning, joy, and success in their creative paths. Finally, Carmen tells us about her upcoming shows!

Carmen's FASO site:

https://www.carmendrakefineart.com/

Carmen's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/carmendrakefineart/

For today's episode we sat down with Erik Koeppel an American landscape painter celebrated for reviving the Hudson River School style through his masterful technique, philosophical approach, and dedication to traditional craft and artistry. He emphasizes the importance of studying the old masters not just to copy, but to truly understand and internalize the knowledge behind their work. Erik encourages artists to focus on the quality and truth of their art, rather than chase market trends or fame, believing that genuine dedication to craft ultimately leads to success. He offers practical advice on maintaining honest relationships with galleries, stressing the necessity of price consistency and open communication to build trust and stability. Erik also highlights the value of sketching from memory and observation, as a means to develop a personal vision and deeper understanding of nature. Above all, he inspires artists to pursue their own path with integrity, reminding them that striving for greatness and authenticity is the most rewarding journey of all. Finally, Erik reminds us to stay updated with his future exhibitions by signing up for his newsletter!

Erik's FASO site:

https://www.erikkoeppel.com/

Erik's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/erik_koeppel_art/

https://www.facebook.com/erik.koeppel

For today's episode we sat down with Christine Code, a fine artist and plein air painter who masterfully captures the living skies of Saskatchewan, Canada. Christine tells us about her journey of painting full-time for 20 years, having started with small sales in eBay and eventually growing her career and business through sheer dedication and willingness to improve. Christine shares her thoughtful perspective on building a successful art career, highlighting the importance of consistency and a strong work ethic. She encourages artists to paint regularly, even if only for short periods, and to always seek areas for improvement by comparing their work to the work of other artists one admires. Christine also tells us about the benefits of plein air painting, noting how it helped her refine her technique and better understand color and value. She also offers practical advice for managing commissions as well as working with galleries. Finally, Christine tells us about her upcoming exhibitions including her participation in the 2025 annual paint out hosted by Plein Air Saskatchewan as well as a charity event called "Switch."

Christine's FASO site:

https://www.christinecode.com/

Christine's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/christinecodefineart/

https://www.facebook.com/christinecodefineart/

On today's episode we sat down with Stephanie Thomson, a brilliantly passionate artist who has masterfully navigated her creative journey with intelligence and dedication, transforming her artistic dreams into a thriving career through strategic workshop experiences and continuous learning. She also tells us about her "Broadcasting Brushers" project which demonstrates her commitment to artistic community, providing global artists with access to high-quality life drawing experiences through high-resolution camera use and interactive streaming. Stephanie challenges traditional narratives about artist development, proving that personal growth and professional excellence can beautifully coexist. Her portraits reflect not just technical mastery but a profound understanding of human emotion and connection. Throughout the conversation, she reveals a refreshingly humble approach to artistic development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a gap between artistic vision and current skill level as a crucial mechanism for continuous improvement. Stephanie's journey is a compelling narrative of passion, persistence, and the transformative power of embracing lifelong learning in one's artistic pursuit. Finally, Stephanie tells us where life painting enthusiasts can sign up for her Patreon and experience her Broadcasting Brushers group!

Stephanie's FASO Site:

https://www.stephaniepaigethomson.com/

Stephanie's "Broadcasting Brushers":

https://www.broadcastingbrushers.com/

Stephanie's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/stephaniepaigethomson/

Grace's FASO site:

https://www.gracedevito.com/

Grace's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/gmdevito/

https://www.facebook.com/grace.devito.98

Mark's FASO site:

https://www.markshasha.com/

Mark's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/mark_shasha_arts/

Mark's Book "Night of the Moonjellies":

https://www.markshasha.com/book/3026/night-of-the-moonjellies

Donald's FASO site:

https://www.donaldyatomi.com/

Donald's Digital Artwork:

https://www.artstation.com/dyatomi

Donald's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/donaldyatomiart/

To start off the new season, we sat down with Jeff Legg, an accomplished artist whose journey began with an innate passion for art, nurtured by an inspirational mentor who recognized his exceptional talent from a young age. After mastering classical techniques through rigorous training at Atelier Lack in Minneapolis and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Jeff demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial spirit by successfully running a bicycle business before courageously pursuing his true calling as a fine artist. His paintings are characterized by a profound symbolic depth, metaphysical beauty, and an extraordinary ability to capture mystery and emotion through luminous, transparently layered techniques that set him apart from his contemporaries. He advocates for working from memory and imagination, encouraging artists to break free from rigid techniques and develop a unique voice by consistently creating, with his mantra being to "just paint" and trust that your individual style will naturally emerge. He also stresses the importance of pursuing art that one loves, rather than trying to create something purely original or market-driven. Finally, Jeff tells us about his upcoming solo exhibition "Alchemy of Light and Shadow" at the Spiva Center for the Arts, showcasing his remarkable artistic evolution through a stunning collection of paintings that represent the pinnacle of his creative journey.

Jeff's FASO site:

https://www.jefflegg.com/

Jeff's Upcoming Show:

https://spivaarts.org/exhibition/jeffrey-c-legg-alchemy-of-light-and-shadow/

Jeff's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/jefflegg_art/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Jeff-Legg-100062958714196/

For our last episode of this season, we sat down with Michelle Dunaway, a professional fine artist who creates deeply authentic portraits and landscapes, travels internationally to teach workshops and paint, and is passionate about capturing the essence of her subjects through a unique, emotionally resonant artistic approach. She discusses the journey of developing artistic skills while maintaining a unique creative vision, highlighting the need to balance technical proficiency with authentic self-expression. Michelle shares insights from her mentors, particularly Richard Schmid, about pursuing excellence rather than perfectionism and the value of vulnerability in art. Her artistic process involves careful observation, pre-planning compositions, and leaving space for spontaneous creativity, with a focus on capturing the essence of her subjects.  Throughout the conversation, Michelle emphasizes the importance of staying curious, present, and true to oneself, viewing art as a continuous journey of discovery and personal growth. Finally Michelle tells us about  her upcoming workshops, including online sessions and Africa-based workshops, focusing on immersive experiences and cultural integration in art!

Michelle's FASO site:
https://www.dunawayfineart.com/

Michelle's Workshops:
https://www.dunawayfineart.com/workshops

Michelle's Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dunawayfineart/

Chris' FASO site:
https://www.chriskrupinski.com/

Chris' Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/chris.krupinski/

Bill's FASO site:
https://www.billdavidson.biz/

Bill's Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/billdavidsonartist/

Bill's Videos:
https://www.billdavidson.biz/page/10111/bill-davidson-painting-videos

---

In this episode, we created a compilation of our past guests sharing their personal journeys of building sustainable careers in the art world, emphasizing the importance of starting small and being adaptable. They discuss various strategies for supplementing income, including teaching workshops, taking commissions, leveraging social media, and participating in juried competitions. Our guests candidly explore the financial challenges of being a full-time artist, advising newcomers to have a safety net, save money, and be prepared for fluctuating income. Many recommend starting with small projects like pet portraits, entering local shows, and gradually expanding one's network and opportunities. Personal stories highlight the significance of finding one's unique artistic voice and being willing to pivot when necessary. The overarching message is one of resilience, creativity, and the importance of persistence in pursuing an artistic career.

Episodes mentioned:

• 40 Susan Lyon
• 61 Nanci France-Vaz
• 65 Tony Pro
• 69 Scott Burdick
• 77 Aaron Westerberg
• 78 Vicki Sullivan
• 88 Nick Eisele
• 92 Blair Atherholt
• 96 Brienne Brown
• 104 Thomas Schaller
• 128 Sarah Yeoman

---

For today's episode we created a compilation of advice from past podcast guests who tell us about the practical and creative aspects of pursuing an art career. They share insights on developing artistic skills, such as painting from life, practicing consistently, and mastering fundamental techniques. They emphasize the importance of passion, dedication, and continuous learning, advising aspiring artists to find mentors, join art groups, and not be discouraged by challenges. They also discuss the need to be authentic, develop a unique style, and not be overly focused on financial success. Overall, this compilation provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the artistic journey, highlighting both the creative and practical aspects of becoming a professional artist.

Episodes mentioned:

• 110 Robert Johnson
• 120 Kim Casebeer
• 122 Russell Gordon
• 123 Michael Orwick
• 124 Hilarie Couture
• 125 Mary Aslin
• 126 Scott Tallman Powers
• 127 Jill Basham
• 128 Sarah Yeoman
• 129 Brian Bateman
• 130 Scott Ruthven
• 131 Todd Casey
• 132 Keith Bond
• 133 Ginny Butcher

Ginny's FASO site:
https://www.ginnybutcher.com/

Ginny's Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/ginny.butcher.fine.art/
https://www.facebook.com/GinnyButcherArt/

Keith's FASO site:
https://keithbond.com/

Keith's Social media:
https://www.instagram.com/keith.bond/
https://www.facebook.com/KeithBondFineArt

For today's episode we sat down with Todd Casey, a fine artist, author, and teacher who embraces a way of living that values creativity, personal expression and continuous self-improvement. Todd shares his artistic journey from graphic design to atelier training, emphasizing the importance of curiosity as an excellent catalyst for personal growth. He discusses the value of developing both fast and slow painting techniques, and the benefits of exploring different mediums and approaches without being constrained by rigid artistic rules. Throughout the conversation, Todd stresses the significance of creating art for personal passion rather than external validation, highlighting that the joy of the creative process is more important than potential fame or financial success. He advises aspiring artists to remain open to opportunities, take risks, and focus on their own growth and introspection. Finally, Todd tells us about his upcoming live demo at the Guild of Boston Artists on May 17th as well as his Patreon and reminds us to keep up to date by checking out his website and social media!

Todd's FASO site:
https://toddcasey.faso.com/

Watch Todd Paint live on May 17th!
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/77nusbr

Todd's Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/toddmcasey/

https://www.facebook.com/toddmcaseyart

Todd's Books:
https://toddcasey.faso.com/books

Order your exclusive da Vinci BoldBrush paintbrush set!
https://brushoffer.com/collections/boldbrush

Learn the magic of marketing  with us here at BoldBrush!
https://www.boldbrushshow.com/

Get over 50% off your first year on your artist website with FASO:
https://www.FASO.com/podcast/
---
For today's episode, we sat down with Scott Ruthven, a landscape painter from Colorado who transitioned from a high-tech business career to becoming a full-time artist after rediscovering his passion for painting. He emphasizes the importance of painting from life, particularly through plein air work, which helped him develop his observational skills and capture the nuances of light and landscape. Scott's journey involved building his art business gradually, selling directly to collectors, and maintaining a professional approach that includes goal-setting, consistent communication, and nurturing relationships with art enthusiasts. He advises aspiring artists to paint frequently, start small, avoid overwhelming themselves, and focus on creating authentic work that resonates with their personal vision. He also tells us about the power of the "one thing" that artists can be doing daily to get closer to meeting their goals. Finally, Scott tells us about his upcoming workshops and exhibitions, including a plein air event in Redstone, Colorado, and the Colorado Governor's Show at the Loveland Museum.

Scott's FASO site:
https://www.scottruthven.com/

Scott's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ScottRuthvenFineArt

Scott's Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/scottruthvenfineart/

https://www.facebook.com/ScottRuthvenFineArt/

Order your exclusive da Vinci BoldBrush paintbrush set!
https://brushoffer.com/collections/boldbrush

Learn the magic of marketing  with us here at BoldBrush!
https://www.boldbrushshow.com/

Get over 50% off your first year on your artist website with FASO:
https://www.FASO.com/podcast/
---
For today's episode we sat down with Brian Bateman, an historical artist who specializes in aviation and Western art, focusing on bringing past events to life through meticulously researched and detailed paintings. He discovered his passion for art in fifth grade and has since dedicated his career to capturing historical moments with precision and emotional depth. Throughout his journey, Bateman emphasizes the importance of mastering fundamental artistic skills, being tenacious, and staying open to learning and criticism. He works between the aviation and Western art genres to maintain financial stability, highlighting the challenges artists face in marketing and selling their work. Bateman stresses the significance of finding a subject matter one is truly passionate about and developing a unique artistic style that reflects personal experiences and emotions. He discusses the role of social media, galleries, and networking in promoting art, while also sharing insights into his creative process, which involves spontaneity and avoiding over-refinement. Finally, Brian tells us about his upcoming shows with Settler's West Gallery and The Coeur D'Alene Miniature Show and his hopes to have a workshop in the near future!

Brian's FASO site:
https://www.brianbatemanartstudios.com/

Brian's social media:
https://www.instagram.com/batemanartstudios/#
https://www.facebook.com/brian.bateman.161

Brian's upcoming shows:
https://www.cdagalleries.com/events.html
https://www.settlerswest.com/exhibitions

Order your exclusive da Vinci BoldBrush paintbrush set!
https://brushoffer.com/collections/boldbrush

Learn the magic of marketing  with us here at BoldBrush!
https://www.boldbrushshow.com/

Get over 50% off your first year on your artist website with FASO:
https://www.FASO.com/podcast/
---

For today's episode, we sat down with Sarah Yeoman, a full-time watercolorist and instructor with 45 years of painting experience, who discovered her passion for watercolor after also exploring various artistic mediums like music and sculpture. We discuss her artistic approach which focuses on capturing the essence of subjects through light, shadow, and abstract shapes, particularly evident in her renowned crow and Adirondack series paintings. Sarah emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, encouraging artists to commit to a creative routine and finding their unique visual voice rather than copying others' styles. She tells us about her creative process which involves embracing unpredictability, especially in watercolor, where she uses intentional drips, large brushes, and works on an angle to create dynamic, fluid paintings. For our viewers, Sarah gives us a quick demonstration on how she starts out her crow paintings! Sarah also tells us how she has balanced her art-making with teaching, using workshops and online classes to supplement her income and share her artistic philosophy. Finally, Sarah tell us about her upcoming shows and upcoming workshops including one coming up at the end of this month where she will be teaching how she paints blue poppies!

Sarah's FASO site:
https://www.sarahyeoman.com/

Sarah's upcoming workshops:
https://www.sarahyeoman.com/workshops

Sarah's social media:
https://www.facebook.com/sarahyeomanart/

To premiere season 10, we sat down with Jill Basham, an artist from Maryland's eastern shore with a passion for experimentation and an expressive structural way of painting beautiful realistic landscapes and cityscapes. Jill tells us about her transition from urban planning to painting later in life, initially exploring drawing classes after being a stay-at-home mom. Her artistic approach emphasizes experimentation, embracing failure, and avoiding predictable techniques, which she believes is crucial for artistic growth. She recommends emerging artists take drawing classes, work with limited palettes, and focus on embracing the process of creating art rather than fixating on the final product. She also recommends for artists to seek out other artists and build a network in the art world, which can help in terms of career and also technique. Finally, Jill tells us about her upcoming shows, including the American Society of Marine Artists' exhibition in Oregon and the Oil Painters of America National Exhibition in Florida. And she also tells us about her upcoming workshop at the Booth Museum in Georgia!

Jill's FASO site:
https://www.jillbasham.com/

Jill's Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/jilltascherbasham/
https://www.facebook.com/jill.t.basham

Jill's upcoming workshop:
https://www.jillbasham.com/workshop/35322/getting-unstuck-2-day-workshop

On today's episode we sat down with Scott Tallman Powers, a fine artist specializing in western scenes who is always looking to capture the connection between humans and their environment. Scott discusses his artistic journey, from studying at the American Academy of Art to transitioning from illustration to becoming a professional painter. He emphasizes the importance of painting from life, understanding abstract foundations, and the balance between realism and narrative storytelling. Scott highlights the challenges of meeting deadlines while maintaining quality, the benefits of plein air painting, and the necessity of diversifying income streams through workshops, commissions, and selling smaller studies, while also maintaining strong relationships with collectors through genuine communication. He also reminds artists to get yourself out there and find a good artist community to motivate and inspire you to continue on your journey. Finally, Scott tells us about his upcoming workshop and exhibitions, including a collaborative landscape and figure workshop with Scott Christensen and his participation in The Briscoe Museum Night of the Artists Show and The Prix de West!

Scott's FASO site:
https://www.scottpowersfineart.com/

Scott's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/scotttallmanpowers/

Scott's upcoming workshop:
https://adventureofpainting.thrivecart.com/capturing-nature-and-the-human-spirit/

The Briscoe Museum Night of the Artists:
https://briscoemuseum.org/noa2025/

2025 Prix de West:
https://pdw.nationalcowboymuseum.org/

On today's episode we sat down with Mary Aslin a full-time professional artist who creates representational paintings inspired by the beauty of nature and light. Mary shares her journey of becoming a professional artist, including overcoming self-doubt, building technical skills, and finding her voice. She tells us about the tips she likes to give her students including the fact that there are no mistakes and to focus on the process over the outcome. She also emphasizes the importance of treating art as a business, using tools like a website and newsletter to connect with collectors. Mary advises aspiring full-time artists to focus on creating their best work, participate in art shows, and consider teaching. Finally, Mary tells us about her mentorship on Mastrius and her upcoming workshop in Crete!

Mary's FASO site:
https://www.maryaslin.com/

Mary's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/maryaslinfineart/

Mary's Mastrius Mentorship:
https://www.maryaslin.com/workshop/38775/small-group-mentoring-through-mastrius

On today's episode we sat down with Hilarie Couture, a figurative artist who has had an extensive and varied career path, including stints as a street portrait artist, hairdresser, auctioneer, and historic preservationist. She rediscovered her passion for painting later in life and has since become a full-time artist, working primarily in pastel and oil. Hilary emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, remembering to always focus on the fundamentals, experimentation, and building connections within the art community. She also offers advice to aspiring artists about balancing financial stability and artistic ambitions, as well as the value of thinking creatively about marketing one's work and seeking out opportunities in even the most common places. Finally Hilarie tells us about her studio sale!

Hilarie's FASO site:
https://www.hcouturearts.com/

Hilarie's Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/hcouturearts1/

Hilarie's Newsletter sign up:
https://www.hcouturearts.com/email-newsletter

For today's episode we sat down with Michael Orwick, a contagiously cheerful artist with a deep passion for capturing the atmospheric beauty of the Pacific Northwest through his unique "illuminated tones" style. Michael emphasizes the importance of embracing experimentation and fun in the artistic process, advising aspiring artists to focus on what they love and not be afraid to make mistakes. He shares his journey from studying illustration, to working in restaurants and bars, to full-time painting and traveling while pursuing humanitarian efforts. He also highlights the value of having diverse income streams as an artist to help one have more freedom to create on one's own terms and reminds us of the importance of having a work-life balance based on your personal needs. Finally, Michael tells us about his online classes and upcoming workshops!

Michael's FASO site:
https://www.michaelorwick.com/

Michael's Online Classes:
https://www.michaelorwick.com/workshops

Michael's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/michael_orwick/

For today's episode, we sat down with Russell Gordon, an artist living in upstate New York who is deeply inspired by nature and seeks to express the beauty of nature through his paintings of fauna and flora. Russell discusses his experience at the Schuler School of Art in Baltimore and emphasizes the importance of training and persistence, sharing that it took six years after art school for him to begin to find success in his artistic career. He highlights the challenges of self-doubt and the necessity of a supportive environment. He advises aspiring artists to train rigorously, seek out the right gallery fit, and to have persistence, passion, and patience. Russell then tells us about the new direction he is taking in his work, which involves anthropomorphizing animals and placing them in human roles, inspired by childhood memories and illustrators like Beatrix Potter. Finally, Russell tells us about his upcoming shows where we can see his beautiful new work!

Russell's FASO site:
https://www.gordonartstudio.com/

Russell's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/russellwgordon/

On today's episode we sat down with Paul Batch, a contemporary artist with a love of painting beautiful atmospheric landscapes. Paul discusses his journey as an artist, including how he discovered his passion for painting after being inspired by a professor's portrait. He talks about the challenges of balancing art and life, the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of rejection, and the value of having a support system. Paul shares advice for aspiring artists, emphasizing the need for financial stability, continuous improvement, and a willingness to take risks. He also advises aspiring artists to focus on painting what is important to them and not get caught up in trends. Finally, Paul tells us about his upcoming workshops!

Paul's FASO site:
https://www.paulbatchpainting.com/

Paul's Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/paulbatch/

Paul's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/PaulBatch

Paul's Zoom Painting Demo:
https://www.paulbatchpainting.com/page/24850/zoom-painting-demonstration

For today's episode we sat down with Kim Casebeer, a landscape painter who works primarily in oils, often depicting vast western vistas with dramatic skies. Kim discusses the importance of design and composition in her work, influenced by her background in graphic design. She also shares her experience with a significant commission from Mountain Trails Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming, a triptych of large panels totaling four feet by nine feet. She highlights the challenges and rewards of large-scale painting, including the need for patience and perseverance. Kim also recounts her experience transitioning to a full-time artist, emphasizing the value of teaching, maintaining relationships with galleries, and the role of social media and newsletters in connecting with collectors. She advises aspiring artists to be authentic and find their personal style, often through learning from different mentors or workshops as well as painting from life. Finally, Kim tells us about her upcoming workshop and two-person gallery show!

Kim's FASO site:
https://www.kimcasebeer.com/

Kim's Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/kimcasebeerartist/
https://www.facebook.com/KimCasebeerFineArt/
https://bsky.app/profile/kimcasebeer.bsky.social

• 70 Kathie Odom
• 74 Arthur Gain
• 77 Aaron Westerberg
• 85 Stephanie Birdsall
• 87 Johanna Spinks
• 95 John Lasater IV
• 96 Brienne Brown
• 105 S.C. Mummert

---

On today's episode, we sat down with S.C. "Chris" Mummert, a full-time professional artist living in San Diego who specializes in American traditional Western painting with a dreamlike, romanticized quality. He shares with us his journey from aspiring artist to successful full-time painter, emphasizing the importance of discipline, continuous improvement, and strategic marketing. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from part-time to full-time art, as well as his unique creative process involving photo shoots, maquettes, and collaborations with galleries. Mummert stresses the value of feedback and experimentation, and encourages aspiring artists to embrace uncertainty and trust that the universe will support their authentic pursuits. He also speaks about the emotional impact of viewing art in person versus online, and the lessons he's learned from artistic masters like Norman Rockwell and his personal mentors. Finally, Chris tells us all about his amazing new book "The 30-Minute Artist", a book inspired by his own desire to build up his skill and discipline that he compares to a personal painting gym. The book is available now to purchase on Amazon! The link is in the episode description.

S.C. Mummert's book "The 30-Minute Artist":
https://www.scmummert.com/books

S.C. Mummert's Website:
https://www.scmummert.com/

S.C. Mummert's Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/mummertstudios/

S.C. Mummert's Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/mummertstudios/