On today’s episode, Ed connects with the great artist Jill Soukup for a conversation about everything from her professional journey as an artist, to her love of teaching, to the diverse set of influences that fuel her creativity.

Jill has been a long-standing member of the Ranchlands community for well over a decade– she teaches one of our most sought-after workshops at the Zapata Ranch, and she’s a frequent visiting artist at the Chico Basin Ranch. Year after year, Jill has demonstrated her ability to not only produce stunning, one-of-a-kind art, but also to teach artists of all skill levels how to fully tap into their own creative potential.

Whether you are an aspiring artist or simply a person who loves horses and western landscapes, you’ll appreciate Jill’s outlook and approach to her art. Her curiosity and commitment to creativity are infectious, and we appreciate her taking the time to share some of her hard-earned wisdom with us.

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Topics Covered:

• 2:45 - Jill’s childhood art business
• 5:00 - Career choices heading into college
• 6:30 - Lifelong love of horses
• 8:30 - Pros and cons of art school
• 15:45 - How teaching helps Jill’s art
• 18:15 - Importance of simplicity
• 20:50 - Learning about horse skeletons
• 25:20 - The backstory of Jill’s Zapata workshop
• 27:30 - Painting at the Chico
• 29:30 - Sources of inspiration
• 31:30 - Favorite podcasts
• 36:00 - The business of art
• 38:00 - Business advice for aspiring artists
• 40:45 - Jill’s artistic process
• 47:30 - Artists that Jill admires
• 50:15 - Thoughts on the evolution of her art career
• 54:45 - Why should city dwellers care about conservation
• 57:00 - Common misconceptions about ag
• 1:02:35 - Favorite music
• 1:03:45 - What is giving you hope