New Podcast Episode: Karen Blackwood - Observe, Absorb, Capture the Feeling

On today's 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.

Samuel Hoskins - The Artist as a Vessel for the Unknown

In this episode we sat down with Samuel Hoskins, a realist artist based in the pacific northwest whose goal is to use his art as a bridge between dreams and material reality. Sam tells us all about his journey before and after graduating from the Florence Academy as well as experimenting with different mediums and exploring spiritual and philosophical themes in his art. He reminds us that as creatives we are vessels for ideas and images that we share with the world around us to connect with others. We also discuss the importance of overcoming blocks by having a dedicated studio space and also the value of self-care, balance, and continually learning through different environments and experiences. Samuel also tells us all about his YouTube channel where he shares tutorials on making medium and even lead white paint from scratch as well as time lapses of his work. He shares advice for aspiring artists on having the right mentality when attending art school and figuring out one's personal artistic goals. He recommends gaining experience through small local shows before pursuing larger opportunities. Finally, Sam tells us about his booth at the upcoming Bellevue Arts Museum Art Fair and his upcoming show in his hometown of Salem, Oregon at Salem Art Association.

Raul Campos - Build Your Own World

In this episode we sat down with Raul Campos, a neo-Baroque painter whose work features dark, multi-figurative scenes in an effort to reach timeless iconography. He tells us all about why he became a painter and how studying with Odd Nerdrum affected his work. He also emphasizes the importance of developing your personal voice through honesty and reflecting on your own culture rather than copying others. He also gives us the valuable tip of world-building within your own paintings to create a consistent universe that ties all of your work together. Finally, Raul talks about some of the challenges of the art market, balancing creativity with commercial considerations, understanding the value of art, and the unique cultural and social aspects of the Mexican art scene.