In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, figurative realist painter Patricia Watwood is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world’s fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.

Celebrated for merging classical techniques with contemporary themes, Patricia shares her journey from training at the New York Academy of Art and the Water Street Atelier to a thriving career as both an artist and educator. She also reflects on her experience with major portrait commissions, including projects for institutions like Harvard University, and the balance between client expectations and artistic vision.

This episode highlights Patricia’s strategies for building a sustainable teaching practice, marketing effectively through platforms like Instagram and email, and staying authentic while navigating the business side of art. She also underscores the importance of community as a foundation for long-term professional growth.

Whether your focus is expanding visibility, refining your practice, or navigating the commission process, this deep dive offers actionable lessons and inspiration for fine artists.

“In terms of really nurturing your individual voice, I think it is more deeply connected to loving the self that you are, and feeling that what you have to express is good enough.”

– Patricia Watwood

Timestamps 00:00 Introduction

01:10 Patricia’s Journey: Balancing Classical Techniques and Modern Themes

02:08 Exploring Dance of Life and Death and Art During Crisis

05:13 Transition from Theater to Classical Painting

07:00 Early Career: Selling Work and Developing a Personal Voice

09:40 Teaching Evolution: From Atelier to Online Platforms

12:55 Marketing and Visibility: Social Media, Email, and Sharing Process

14:48 Femen Flora: Protest, Beauty, and Justice in Art

18:24 Building a Career in Portraiture and Commission Work

21:18 The Role of Community, Peer Support, and Collaboration

27:01 Final Reflections: Nurturing Your Individual Artistic Voice

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:

https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/patricia-watwood

Links to artworks discussed:

• Her artwork can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.

Resources:

• New York Academy of Art: https://www.nyaa.edu/
• Equity Gallery: https://www.nyartistsequity.org/visit-equity-gallery
• Portraits Incorporated: https://portraitartist.com/
• Salmagundi Club: https://salmagundi.org/
• Portrait Society of America: https://www.portraitsociety.org/

Connect with Patricia:

• Website: https://www.patriciawatwoodstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciawatwood/

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free training and resources:

• Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
• Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report

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