New Podcast Episode: 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.

Chris Navarro - Confidence, Faith, & Ignorance: The Keys to Success

On this episode, we sat down with Chris Navarro, a professional bronze sculptor with a passion for Western art. Chris tells us all about his past as a bull and buck rider, his serendipitous discovery of his love of sculpting, the 3 ingredients to becoming a great artist, and how he always uses rejection as a motivator for getting his work to the next level. Finally he tells us about the importance of having a good reputation and keeping your word as an artist to your collectors, and we hear all about his new projects and his participation at the upcoming Briscoe Night of the Artists!

Otto Sturcke - Be Tenacious and Have Patience

In this episode we sat down with Otto Sturcke, an artist based in southern California whose work focuses on creating allegorical narratives reminiscent of the Dutch masters, albeit with a discerning nod to his own culture and lived experiences during his life. We discuss his time in the military and how it influenced both his work and his daily routine, how he tenaciously took any job and did everything he could to turn his dream of becoming a full-time artist into a reality, why human connection can take your work and marketing skills to a whole new level, and he reminds us of the importance writing down your goals and making a plan so you can stay on track and become a better artist. Finally, he tells us about his awesome board game called Mad Monster Bash and his upcoming pastel workshop!

Arthur Gain - Pearls of Wisdom: Dive Deep & Unlock Your Voice

In this episode we sat down with Arthur Gain, a portrait painter who absolutely lives and breathes painting in every way both as an artist and as an instructor. We discuss how meditation helped him realize his true calling in life which was representational painting, the useful nature of making portraits of your favorite movie or TV characters, and how he personally manages his time to keep track of all his projects. Finally we discuss his upcoming 8-week online painting bootcamp, some excellent marketing advice when it comes to social media, and finally he reminds us of why it is so important to paint what you truly love.