On today's episode we sat down with Blair Atherholt, a representational oil painter who specializes in still life paintings inspired by the old masters. Blair tells us about his education at the Schuler School of Fine Art as well as how his exposure to fine art and his experience at the Schuler School led to a shift in his focus from concept art to traditional art. He also reminds us of the importance of falling in love with the work and to paint what you're truly passionate about and interested in because that passion will come through in the work. Blair also advises us to pay attention to trends on social media, but to remain authentic and put your own personal spin on things to carve out your own content. He also emphasizes the importance of not feeling pressured to show everything on social media and to embrace your failures and to use them as an opportunity to grow and improve in your art. Finally, Blair tells us about his upcoming workshop at Aura IV Tattoo and Gallery in Austin, Texas as well as his participation in a summer salon at Canary Gallery in Birmingham, Alabama.

Samuel Hoskins - The Artist as a Vessel for the Unknown

In this episode we sat down with Samuel Hoskins, a realist artist based in the pacific northwest whose goal is to use his art as a bridge between dreams and material reality. Sam tells us all about his journey before and after graduating from the Florence Academy as well as experimenting with different mediums and exploring spiritual and philosophical themes in his art. He reminds us that as creatives we are vessels for ideas and images that we share with the world around us to connect with others. We also discuss the importance of overcoming blocks by having a dedicated studio space and also the value of self-care, balance, and continually learning through different environments and experiences. Samuel also tells us all about his YouTube channel where he shares tutorials on making medium and even lead white paint from scratch as well as time lapses of his work. He shares advice for aspiring artists on having the right mentality when attending art school and figuring out one's personal artistic goals. He recommends gaining experience through small local shows before pursuing larger opportunities. Finally, Sam tells us about his booth at the upcoming Bellevue Arts Museum Art Fair and his upcoming show in his hometown of Salem, Oregon at Salem Art Association.

Raul Campos - Build Your Own World

In this episode we sat down with Raul Campos, a neo-Baroque painter whose work features dark, multi-figurative scenes in an effort to reach timeless iconography. He tells us all about why he became a painter and how studying with Odd Nerdrum affected his work. He also emphasizes the importance of developing your personal voice through honesty and reflecting on your own culture rather than copying others. He also gives us the valuable tip of world-building within your own paintings to create a consistent universe that ties all of your work together. Finally, Raul talks about some of the challenges of the art market, balancing creativity with commercial considerations, understanding the value of art, and the unique cultural and social aspects of the Mexican art scene.

Orlando Whitfield - All That Glitters: A Story of Friendship, Fraud and Fine Art.

In this episode we sat down with Orlando Whitfield, author of the book "All That Glitters: A Story of Friendship, Fraud and Fine Art", where he tells readers all about his past as an art dealer, gallerist, and his complicated friendship with Inigo Philbrick, a disgraced art dealer who committed the largest art fraud in American history. In his riveting book, Orlando aims to dispel misconceptions about the art market while sharing his personal experiences within the market as well as the meteoric rise and downfall of his friend. An HBO series is also in the works based on Orlando's book!

Nick Eisele - Slow Down and Know Thyself

In this episode we sat down with Nick Eisele, a classically trained oil painter who focuses on intimate still life paintings, often incorporating skulls and metallic objects. He tells us about his studies at the Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore and his love of manipulating lighting and backgrounds in his work. He talks how studying animation in college and his interest in cinema influenced his observation of forms and use of lighting techniques in his paintings. We also talked about Nick's artistic journey as well as some tips on how one can improve at their craft. He also reminds us of the importance of slowing down and getting to know how your brain works as well as maintaining authenticity to your artistic voice, mental well-being, and finding sustainable ways to supplement income through a side job or other things related to your art. He also suggests entering juried competitions and using social media platforms as a way of gaining exposure for your work. Finally, Nick tells us about some possible of pop-up workshops in Texas this coming July!