New Podcast Episode: Kevin Macpherson - Paint for Yourself and Stay Curious

To celebrate our hundredth episode, we sat down with Kevin Macpherson, a fine artist with a deep dedication to his craft and a desire to pay forward the knowledge he has gained over his successful career as a professional artist. In this episode, Kevin discusses his lifelong passion for art, how physical challenges like poor eyesight influenced his impressionistic style, and his innovative "magic grid" technique that enhances his compositions. He also recounts how meeting teachers and mentors changed his perspective on his vision for his work as well as traveling extensively throughout his life. He also tells us about his new book "Reflections on a Pond" which took over 10 years to complete. The book chronicles a full year of the view of the pond in his backyard, thus turning it into a poetic journal of his work. Kevin emphasizes the importance of painting for yourself, staying curious, and to paint what inspires you, not just chase the market. He also shares his advice for aspiring artists to focus on continuous improvement rather than perfection as that is the key to having success. Finally, Kevin tells us about his upcoming workshops at his home studio!

Heather Arenas - Put Your Self on the Canvas

In this episode we sat down with Heather Arenas, a figurative oil painter who loves telling stories through her work. She discusses her journey from medical school to becoming a full-time artist, emphasizing the importance of practice, community, and finding one's unique voice. Heather also shares insights on her creative process, artistic influences, and maintaining relationships with galleries and collectors. She also advises aspiring artists to put themselves on the canvas and persist through the highs and lows of an art career. Finally, Heather shares exciting news about her artwork being included in the lunar time capsule and her online workshop!

Warren Chang - True Art is Sincere

In this episode we sat down with Warren Chang, a California based Fine Artist, best known for his paintings depicting the fieldworkers of Monterey County. Warren tells us about his background and his transition from illustration to fine art. We also discuss the importance of narrative painting and the use of photography as a reference. Warren emphasizes the importance of sincerity and moral purpose in art, influenced by the philosophy of Leo Tolstoy. He also tells us about the challenges of transitioning from illustration to fine art, including the need for supplemental income through teaching. Warren also shares some of his insights on marketing, exhibiting work, and building relationships with collectors who are drawn to an artist's body of work. Finally, Warren tells us all about his mentorship program focused on creating narrative paintings!

Elizabeth Robbins - Paint from the Heart

In this 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.

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.