New Podcast Episode: Michelle Dunaway - Pursue Excellence, Not Perfection

For our last episode of this season, we sat down with Michelle Dunaway, a professional fine artist who creates deeply authentic portraits and landscapes, travels internationally to teach workshops and paint, and is passionate about capturing the essence of her subjects through a unique, emotionally resonant artistic approach. She discusses the journey of developing artistic skills while maintaining a unique creative vision, highlighting the need to balance technical proficiency with authentic self-expression. Michelle shares insights from her mentors, particularly Richard Schmid, about pursuing excellence rather than perfectionism and the value of vulnerability in art. Her artistic process involves careful observation, pre-planning compositions, and leaving space for spontaneous creativity, with a focus on capturing the essence of her subjects. Throughout the conversation, Michelle emphasizes the importance of staying curious, present, and true to oneself, viewing art as a continuous journey of discovery and personal growth. Finally Michelle tells us about her upcoming workshops, including online sessions and Africa-based workshops, focusing on immersive experiences and cultural integration in art!

Chris Krupinski - Time & Consistent Effort

In this episode, we sat down with Chris Krupinski, a watercolor artist and graphic designer who has been creating art throughout her life, transitioning from oils to watercolors when her children were young. She emphasizes the importance of daily practice, discipline, and staying true to one's artistic vision, believing that time and consistent effort are key to artistic growth. Chris approaches her paintings methodically, focusing on intricate details, dramatic lighting, and purposeful color choices, which she attributes to her background in graphic design. She diversifies her income by maintaining a graphic design business while pursuing fine art, and markets her work through national competitions, social media, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Her artistic philosophy centers on being fully immersed in her work, doing everything to the best of her ability, and avoiding the trap of imitating others' styles. Finally, Chris reminds us to sign up to her newsletter to stay updated with her gorgeous new work and fantastic advice!

Bill Davidson - Be Passionate & Keep it Playful

In this episode, we sat down with Bill Davidson, a former lawyer turned passionate plein air artist, with a love for painting and teaching. He emphasizes the importance of playfulness and a growth mindset in learning art and pursuing it either as a hobby or a career. He tells us about his unique approach to painting that focuses on mastering values and shapes before introducing color, using techniques like creating gray puddles and designing compositions in black and white. Bill highlights the significance of plein air painting, not just as an artistic practice but as a transformative social experience that builds friendships and provides continuous learning opportunities. His teaching philosophy centers on breaking down artistic challenges, avoiding harsh self-criticism, and maintaining curiosity and passion throughout the creative process. He advises artists to take risks, attend workshops, and not be afraid of making mistakes, believing that style develops naturally over time through consistent practice and exploration. Finally, Bill offers resources like his newsletter "Bill's Tip Jar", his upcoming workshops, and videos to help artists improve their skills and enjoy their artistic journey.

The Art of Income - Strategies from Successful Artists

In this episode, we created a compilation of our past guests sharing their personal journeys of building sustainable careers in the art world, emphasizing the importance of starting small and being adaptable. They discuss various strategies for supplementing income, including teaching workshops, taking commissions, leveraging social media, and participating in juried competitions. Our guests candidly explore the financial challenges of being a full-time artist, advising newcomers to have a safety net, save money, and be prepared for fluctuating income. Many recommend starting with small projects like pet portraits, entering local shows, and gradually expanding one's network and opportunities. Personal stories highlight the significance of finding one's unique artistic voice and being willing to pivot when necessary. The overarching message is one of resilience, creativity, and the importance of persistence in pursuing an artistic career.

Palette & Purpose - Turning Passion into Profession

In this episode, we created a compilation of advice from past podcast guests who tell us about the practical and creative aspects of pursuing an art career. They share insights on developing artistic skills, such as painting from life, practicing consistently, and mastering fundamental techniques. They emphasize the importance of passion, dedication, and continuous learning, advising aspiring artists to find mentors, join art groups, and not be discouraged by challenges. They also discuss the need to be authentic, develop a unique style, and not be overly focused on financial success. Overall, this compilation provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the artistic journey, highlighting both the creative and practical aspects of becoming a professional artist.