For today's episode we sat down with Brian Bateman, a 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!

Sarah Yeoman - The Importance of Creative Routine

In this 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!

Jill Basham - Embrace the Process & Experimentation

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!

Scott Tallman Powers - Get Yourself Out There

In this 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!

Mary Aslin - Process Over Outcome

In this 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!