For today's episode, we sat down with Steve Atkinson, an illustrator turned fine artist with a deep-rooted love for the stories of the American West. He tells us all about his past as an illustrator and the lessons that it carried over; from the artistic techniques that help him tell stories through his work, to the discipline and business aspects that help him sell his artwork today. He also reminds us of the practical matters involved in the business of selling art, such as asking for the sale, not being afraid to promote yourself, building relationships with possible collectors, and to always network whenever possible. Finally, he tells us about his mission to pass it forward by teaching others on his YouTube channel and his awesome upcoming workshops at the Bosque Art Center in Clifton, Texas and at Tapatio Spring Hill Country Resort in Boerne, Texas.

Vladislav Yeliseyev - Liberation and Striving for a Masterpiece

In this episode we sat down with Vladislav Yeliseyev, a watercolor and plein air artist who emphasizes the importance of capturing the natural beauty of a place and evoking a particular mood or emotion in the viewer. He tells us about his artistic journey including his education in fine arts and architecture at the Moscow Architectural Institute. He also explains the difference between craft and fine art, why travel can really broaden your horizons both literally and figuratively as an artist, and how experimentation can lead to a masterpiece thanks to the liberation of expression. He also reminds us that developing your style is like developing your own unique handwriting: it happens with time and repetition and isn't forced. Finally, he tells us about his awesome online courses and incredible upcoming painting cruise workshop through the Italian Riviera and France!

William Schneider - Don't "Try" to Find Your Voice, Let it Emerge

In this episode, we sat down with William Schneider, a realist painter and renaissance man at heart with a passion for painting, music, and experimentation to find out how things work. Bill tells us all about his beginnings as a touring musician, how he started a financial business, and then later became a full-time artist. He reminds us of the importance of working a day-job you actually enjoy while you build up your art career, proper gallery etiquette so you always have a good relationship with your gallery, and why you shouldn't try to find your voice and instead let it come on its own as you create more paintings. He also recounts the importance of being curious about other things outside of painting and art because it may just tie in perfectly into your work. Finally, Bill tells us about his upcoming demos at the International Association of Pastel Societies and at the Plein Air Convention.

Vicki Sullivan - Stay Persistent and Press On

On this episode we're joined by Australian portrait painter Vicki Sullivan. We discuss how she began her path as an artist thanks to the support of her grandmother, some excellent advice for anyone looking to become a portrait painter who takes on commissions, and she reminds us of the importance of persisting and continuing on your path with determination and spirit. We also talk about why it's important to seek out good business advice from professions outside of the arts, and to remember that even if some people don't like your work, there's always someone who will. Finally, Vicki tells us about her brand new instructional video "Painting Realistic Portraits" on Streamline.

Aaron Westerberg - The Importance of Authenticity

On this episode, we sat down with Aaron Westerberg, an oil painter based in California who became interested in art after discovering traditional drawing classes and wanting to pursue the techniques of masters like John Singer Sargent and Richard Schmid. We discuss his journey of becoming an artist through self-study and teaching, his creative process, and how social media has helped him sell paintings directly to collectors. He emphasizes the importance of painting what you love in order to be authentic, and also the importance of keeping costs low as an artist. Finally, he gives us some excellent tips for anyone looking to become a full time artist and he tells us all about his upcoming solo show in June at Arcadia Gallery.