New Podcast Episode: Raul Campos - Build Your Own World

On today's 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.

Orlando Whitfield - All That Glitters: A Story of Friendship, Fraud and Fine Art.

In this episode we sat down with Orlando Whitfield, author of the book "All That Glitters: A Story of Friendship, Fraud and Fine Art", where he tells readers all about his past as an art dealer, gallerist, and his complicated friendship with Inigo Philbrick, a disgraced art dealer who committed the largest art fraud in American history. In his riveting book, Orlando aims to dispel misconceptions about the art market while sharing his personal experiences within the market as well as the meteoric rise and downfall of his friend. An HBO series is also in the works based on Orlando's book!

Nick Eisele - Slow Down and Know Thyself

In this episode we sat down with Nick Eisele, a classically trained oil painter who focuses on intimate still life paintings, often incorporating skulls and metallic objects. He tells us about his studies at the Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore and his love of manipulating lighting and backgrounds in his work. He talks how studying animation in college and his interest in cinema influenced his observation of forms and use of lighting techniques in his paintings. We also talked about Nick's artistic journey as well as some tips on how one can improve at their craft. He also reminds us of the importance of slowing down and getting to know how your brain works as well as maintaining authenticity to your artistic voice, mental well-being, and finding sustainable ways to supplement income through a side job or other things related to your art. He also suggests entering juried competitions and using social media platforms as a way of gaining exposure for your work. Finally, Nick tells us about some possible of pop-up workshops in Texas this coming July!

Johanna Spinks - Cultivating Curiosity & Human Connection

In this episode we sat down with British born portrait artist Johanna Spinks. Johanna shares with us her journey of becoming a professional portrait painter after careers in journalism and makeup artistry. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and improvement, citing her mentor Everett Raymond Kinstler's emphasis on values, curiosity, and doing one's homework. She also stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with mentors and leaving ego aside to receive constructive criticism for growth. Johanna also reminds us to protect one's mental well-being as an artist facing criticism, especially online. We also discuss tips for starting a career as a portrait painter, working with agents, honoring client expectations, and the power of capturing people's stories through portraiture. She gives us marketing strategies and advice on contracts, productivity, and balancing creativity with social media demands. Finally, Johanna tells us all about her upcoming workshop in a chateau in France focused on Renaissance gilding techniques.

Ruth Fitton - Discipline and the Journey Towards Growth

In this episode we sat down with Ruth Fitton, a realist British portrait painter with a love of naturalist melacholic narrative painting. Ruth and I discuss her beginnings as a classical musician turned full-time artist, some key overlaps in terms of discipline between music and art, her greatest influences, and excellent advice for anyone seeking to improve at the craft of painting. We also talk about the importance of maintaining a clearly defined social media page which allows the algorithm to better connect your work to the right viewers. She also emphasizes the importance of networking in person whenever possible as well as on social media. Finally, Ruth tells us about her exciting upcoming solo show at Panter and Hall in London!