New Podcast Episode: Nick Eisele - Slow Down and Know Thyself

On today's 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!

Stephanie Birdsall - Conscious Painting & the Power of Intention

In this episode, we sat down with Stephanie Birdsall, a floral oil painter and pastel artist with a keen eye for creating a sense of romantic atmosphere in her work thanks to her use of natural daylight. She tells us about her artistic journey including her time at the City and Guilds of London Art School as well as her experiences with Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik, David Leffel, and Sherrie McGraw. We also discuss how to navigate the art world including building credibility, producing high-quality work, and finding the right galleries. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of confidence, conscious painting, and being intentional with your work. She also shares with us her deep love of teaching others and also tells us about the advantages of joining painting societies and clubs in order to network and learn from like-minded individuals about how to improve at your craft. Finally she tells us all about her upcoming workshops!

Tina Garrett - Guiding You to Your Authentic Voice

In this episode, we sat down with Tina Garrett who tells us all about her upcoming online mentorship where you will be nose to canvas watching her work and solve problems in her own paintings as well as also watching her critique your work as well as others' works while helping you create a more streamlined and personalized process for your own paintings. Tina talks to us all about her wonderful online mentorships and the successes of her past students, how she was inspired by her own past of having mentors and wanting to pay it forward, and finally she emphasizes the importance of looking back into your own childhood to dig out the true inspiration that will help your artistic voice sing.