To kick off season 9, we sat down with Brienne Brown, a plein air painter with a love for both oils and watercolor. Brienne shares her journey from a career in the sciences to becoming a full-time artist, explaining how her background in science has helped her art and teaching. She also discusses the the importance of finding one's artistic voice through consistent practice, comparing it to developing your own handwriting. She also described her transition from oils to watercolor and her introduction to plein air painting, which became one of her main callings. She also tells us about her sales strategies emphasizing the importance of connecting with people and how authenticity is your greatest sales tool. We also talked about the supportive nature of art communities, seeking out small-business classes, and the need to focus on personal fulfilment and authenticity rather than just financial success or pleasing others. Brienne also shares her advice for those seeking to become full-time artists, including the importance of improving their craft, networking, and finding supplemental income streams. Finally, Brienne tells us about her upcoming participation at the Catalina Wildside Show and the Laguna Plein Air Painters Invitational.

John P Lasater IV - Be Bold and Follow Your Vision

In this episode, we sat down with John Lasater, a realist painter with a deep love for plein air. We discuss John's artistic journey, from his previous career as a graphic designer, to discovering his passion for painting, to overcoming challenges and finding his unique voice. We also discuss the spiritual and emotional aspects of art, emphasizing the importance of connection, authenticity, and continuous learning. John also shares insights into his artistic influences, techniques, and approach to painting landscapes and portraits, including the use of memory and imagination. We also talked about the value of art history and studying the work of masters, as well as the importance of developing one's own style and vision by continuously asking yourself what do you truly love. John also provides advice for those seeking to pursue a career in art, emphasizing the need for determination, risk-taking, and aligning one's lifestyle with one's passions. Finally, John tells us about his upcoming workshops and his Facebook group community!

Karen Blackwood - Observe, Absorb, Capture the Feeling

In this episode we sat down with Karen Blackwood, an artist who specializes in seascapes and whose work evokes joy and happiness thanks to her love of the crashing of the waves on the New England coast. Karen tells us about her trajectory from studying the arts, then going into advertising, and going back into pursuing a career in fine art. She also tells us about her transition from portraiture and figurative work to landscapes and seascapes where she found a deep connection to the power and energy of the ocean. Karen emphasizes the importance of observation, sketching, and recreating the feeling of a scene in her paintings to achieve a sense of completion. She also recounts how she found social media to be a powerful tool in launching her career, connecting with galleries and collectors, while also reminding us not to expect overnight success. She also tells us about how she maintains her relationships with her collectors through consistent communication, inviting them to her studio, and also keeping in touch via her newsletter. Finally, Karen tells us about her upcoming plein air workshop in Cape Cod in 2025 and invites us to her salon!

Frank Ordaz - Believe in Your Gifts and Have No Fear

In this episode we sat down with Frank Ordaz a fine artist with a deep love of connecting with others through story and through his work. Frank shares with us his personal journey and his personal philosophy on being a complete human being in every aspect of life. He discusses the importance of confidence, believing in your "giftings", and finding your own artistic voice. He also reflects on his experiences working as an illustrator at George Lucas' studio Industrial Light & Magic where he worked on such films as Star Wars Return of the Jedi, ET, and Indiana Jones, and he also tells us about the lessons he learned about excellence and continuous improvement. Frank emphasizes the value of community, personal connection, and creating art that is meaningful and appreciated by others. He also reflects that finding your tribe is easier today thanks to social media, so you may as well paint what you love. Finally, Frank tells us about all his upcoming shows and events at Broadmoor Galleries in Colorado Springs, another at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, American Narratives, and a few others.

Blair Atherholt - Fall in Love with the Work

In this 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.