New Podcast Episode: Elizabeth Robbins - Paint from the Heart

On today's episode, we sat down with Elizabeth Robbins, a floral still life artist whose passion for flowers began during her childhood and has now remained her favorite subject to paint. Elizabeth tells us about her path going from being an athlete to picking up a brush and never setting it down while studying decorative arts all the way through her shift into fine art. She also talks to us about how painting not only helped her support her family full time after her husband's sudden passing, but it also helped her find healing and inspiration in the creative process. Elizabeth also reminds us to paint from the heart and to present yourself as a professional artist, even if you're not full-time yet by having such things as a website and an organized portfolio. She also emphasizes the importance of using online platforms to get your work seen since that can become a major sales channel either for your work or for your courses or workshops. Finally, Elizabeth tells us all about her online classes on InspiredtoPaint.com as well as her upcoming workshop!

Brienne M. Brown - Authenticity: Your Best Sales Tool

In this episode 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.

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.

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.

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.