In today's episode, we feature a compilation of past guests sharing their perspectives on how passion fuels their creative journeys, emphasizing its role as the heartbeat of their work. They discuss how passion not only inspires them to start projects but also sustains them through challenges and self-doubt. Several artists highlight how their deep emotional connection to their craft transforms their work into a form of self-expression and purpose. The episode explores the idea that passion is contagious, often resonating with audiences and creating meaningful connections. However, some guests also reflect on the balance required to avoid burnout, acknowledging that passion must be nurtured alongside discipline and self-care. Ultimately, the compilation underscores that passion is the invisible thread weaving together creativity, resilience, and fulfillment in the artistic process.

Shuang Li - Slow and Steady Brings Success

In this episode we sat down with Shuang Li, a classically trained Chinese-born artist who captures the world around her in an impressionistic approach. Shuang tells us about her transition to a full-time art career after working in graphic design and IT. She discusses the importance of patience, persistence, and passion when pursuing a career in the arts and reminds us that slow and steady will bring you success. She also shares with us how her background in design has influenced her painting approach, particularly in understanding value patterns and composition. Shuang emphasizes the value of starting with local art organizations and gradually building a reputation before applying to prestigious national shows. She also highlights the role of marketing tools like newsletters and her website in connecting with collectors and students. Finally, Shuang tells us about the local painting exhibition she's preparing with her fellow local watercolorists!

Poppy Balser - A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

In this episode we sat down with Poppy Balser, a Canadian painter with a deep love of the capturing the ocean and its wild nature in her work. She tells us about how she transitioned from a career as a pharmacist to become a full-time artist. She also discusses her early artistic influences, the gradual process of pursuing painting, and the importance of building a supportive community of fellow artists, quoting, "a rising tide lifts all boats". Poppy emphasizes the importance of being kind to yourself as you learn the craft and to take your time developing your skills before putting your work out there. She also gives advice for aspiring artists on the importance of having a consistent newsletter, marketing strategies, and overcoming challenges. She emphasizes the value of observation, patience, and perseverance when painting subjects like the ocean. Finally Poppy tells us about her upcoming workshops!

Liz Haywood-Sullivan - Master the Art of Goal-Setting

Get your artistic goals ready for today's guest: Liz Haywood-Sullivan, a realist painter with a deep love of pastels, teaching others, and being an advocate for the arts. Liz shares her with us her background transitioning from a design career to becoming a renowned pastel artist. She also discusses the challenges of balancing her art practice with running art organizations, and the importance of setting realistic goals to maintain productivity. Liz gives us her very best tips on how to set goals for the new year as an artist as well as the importance of reviewing your past year to help you prioritize better. She tells us about creating a north star to aim for and charting your course with short term and long term goals. Liz also emphasizes the cyclical nature of creativity and the need for self-care, as well as the value of teaching to supplement her art income. She reflects on the lasting impact of art and the personal fulfillment of the creative process. Liz provides advice for aspiring artists to be kind to themselves and work within their natural rhythms. So get ready with some pen and paper to take some notes and start planning your goals for the year ahead!

Susan Hope Fogel - Serendipity, Chaos, & Growth

To kick off the new year, we sat down with Susan Hope Fogel, an artist who works primarily in watercolor and oil, drawing inspiration from her natural surroundings in the lower Hudson Valley. She describes her journey into art, from early artistic validation in childhood to pursuing teaching and then transitioning to a full-time art career. Susan discusses her exploration of different mediums, particularly her experimental approach to watercolor that allows for spontaneity and happy accidents while reminding us that there is growth within chaos. She emphasizes the importance of finding multiple income streams to support an artistic career and advises aspiring artists to seek out mentors and continuously learn new techniques. Susan also highlights the value of local community connections and engaging with audiences through open studios and exhibitions. Finally, Susan tells us about her upcoming workshops!