On today's episode, we sat down with Russell Gordon, an artist living in upstate New York who is deeply inspired by nature and seeks to express the beauty of nature through his paintings of fauna and flora. Russell discusses his experience at the Schuler School of Art in Baltimore and emphasizes the importance of training and persistence, sharing that it took six years after art school for him to begin to find success in his artistic career. He highlights the challenges of self-doubt and the necessity of a supportive environment. He advises aspiring artists to train rigorously, seek out the right gallery fit, and to have persistence, passion, and patience. Russell then tells us about the new direction he is taking in his work, which involves anthropomorphizing animals and placing them in human roles, inspired by childhood memories and illustrators like Beatrix Potter. Finally, Russell tells us about his upcoming shows where we can see his beautiful new work!

Paul Batch - Forget the Trends, Remember Your Passion

In this episode, we sat down with Paul Batch, a contemporary artist with a love of painting beautiful atmospheric landscapes. Paul discusses his journey as an artist, including how he discovered his passion for painting after being inspired by a professor's portrait. He talks about the challenges of balancing art and life, the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of rejection, and the value of having a support system. Paul shares advice for aspiring artists, emphasizing the need for financial stability, continuous improvement, and a willingness to take risks. He also advises aspiring artists to focus on painting what is important to them and not get caught up in trends. Finally, Paul tells us about his upcoming workshops!

Kim Casebeer - Facing Challenges with Perseverance

In this episode, we sat down with Kim Casebeer, a landscape painter who works primarily in oils, often depicting vast western vistas with dramatic skies. Kim discusses the importance of design and composition in her work, influenced by her background in graphic design. She also shares her experience with a significant commission from Mountain Trails Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming, a triptych of large panels totaling four feet by nine feet. She highlights the challenges and rewards of large-scale painting, including the need for patience and perseverance. Kim also recounts her experience transitioning to a full-time artist, emphasizing the value of teaching, maintaining relationships with galleries, and the role of social media and newsletters in connecting with collectors. She advises aspiring artists to be authentic and find their personal style, often through learning from different mentors or workshops as well as painting from life. Finally, Kim tells us about her upcoming workshop and two-person gallery show!

Passion - The Driving Force of the Artist

In this 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!