The Business of Art Podcast

https://thebusinessof-art.teachable.com/p/the-business-of-art

Susan’s Links

https://celebrateart.com

Artist Application Link

https://celebrateart.com/for-artists/

Go-Giver Books by Bob Burg

https://a.co/d/id1zHsX

Summary

In this episode of the Business of Art podcast, host Mark McKenna interviews Susan Potje, the second-

Takeaways

• Susan Potje emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships in the art world.

• Persistence in applying to art shows can lead to eventual acceptance.
• Communication and professionalism are key to maintaining trust with collectors.

Keywords

Fine art, fine artists, Celebration of Fine Art, Susan Potje, art community, pricing strategies, artist

Join the Business Of Art:

thebusinessof-art.teachable.com/p/the-business-of-art

https://linktr.ee/businessof_art

Doug’s Links

https://westernskiesgallery.com/collections/doug-monson

Summary

Doug Monson, a professional charcoal artist and gallery owner, shares his journey and experiences in

Takeaways

• Mastering drawing is essential before moving on to painting.

Keywords

charcoal art, drawing, painting, gallery, artist, art business, fostering relationships, framing art, selling

https://thebusinessof-art.teachable.com/p/the-business-of-art

Summary

Dr. Michael Duchemin has over 35 years of experience in the Western art world. He has held various

Takeaways

museum.

for museum shows.

avenues that align with your goals.

to fit different regional preferences.

develop effective strategies.

Keywords

Western art, museum shows, emerging artists, museum show director, art market, selling art, museum

https://linktr.ee/businessof_art

Lindsey's Links

https://www.lindseykustusch.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lkustusch

https://www.facebook.com/lindsey.kustusch

Summary

Lindsay Kustusch, a professional fine artist, shares her journey in the art world. She started as a child who loved drawing and coloring, and eventually pursued art school in Chicago and San Francisco. After exploring different subjects and styles, she found her passion in cityscape and animal paintings. Lindsay also discusses the significance of plein air painting and the challenges and rewards it brings. She talks about the mental aspects of being an artist and the barriers she had to overcome. Lindsay also explains the inspiration behind her butterfly paintings and the process of creating them. Lindsey Kustusch discusses her artistic process, including experimenting with different tools and techniques, and the importance of using a mirror to gain a fresh perspective on her artwork. She also shares her approach to social media and the benefits of having a newsletter to connect with collectors. Lindsey emphasizes the need for time management and finding a balance between painting, promoting, and other tasks. She also provides insights into maintaining good gallery relationships and ine importance or researcning ganenes belore approaching tem. in this conversation, Lindsey kustusch shares her insights on working with galleries and pricing artwork. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right gallery that aligns with your style and goals, considering factors such as location, the artists they represent, and their collector base. Lindsey also highlights the value of having a physical space to showcase your art and the benefits of galleries in promoting and selling your work. When it comes to pricing, she suggests considering complexity, size, and the value of your name as an artist. Lindsey encourages artists to have confidence, paint consistently, and focus on quantity to gain experience and grow their careers.

Takeaways

Lindsay discusses the mental aspects of being an artist and the barriers she had to overcome

• She explains the inspiration behind her butterfly paintings and the process of creating them. Experimenting

with different tools and fechniques can lead to new artistic discoveries

Keywords

Lindsay Kustusch, professional artist, art journey, cityscape painting, animal painting. plein air painting, mental aspects of being an artist, butterfly paintings, artistic process, techniques, social media, newsletter, collectors, time management, balance, gallery relationships, research, art galleries, pricing artwork, finding the right gallery, promoting artwork, selling artwork, art collectors, art pricing strategies, painting consistently, quantity

https://linktr.ee/businessof_art

Kwani’s Links

http://www.kwaniwinder.com

https://www.facebook.com/kwaniwinder

https://www.instagram.com/kwani_winder/

Summary

Kwani Povi Winder, a professional artist since 2013, discusses balancing her art career with being a stay-at-home mom. Coming from a lineage of potters from Santa Clara Pueblo, she was encouraged to create art from a young age. After initially pursuing a biology degree, she turned to art following her father's passing. Kwani incorporates her Native American heritage into her figurative art and involves her daughters in her creative process. She shares her daily routine, which includes painting, homeschooling, and family meals. Her husband supports her by taking on parenting duties during show preparations. Kwani details her painting process, including using grids, photography, and setting up photo shoots. She emphasizes the importance of compensating models and respecting Native culture in her work. Kwani also advises artists to explore different subjects and network within the art community.

Takeaways

• Kwani Povi Winder's journey as an artist began with the encouragement of her artistic mother and a high school art teacher who inspired her.

• She initially pursued a biology degree but switched to art after her father's passing, realizing the importance of art in her life.

• Kwani incorporates her Native American heritage into her artwork, focusing on figurative art.

• As a stay-at-home artist, Kwani has found ways to involve her daughters in her art career and foster their creativity. 

• Homeschooling can be a good fit for artist parents, as it allows for flexibility and the ability to travel

• Having a supportive partner is crucial for artist parents, as they can help with parenting duties and provide emotional support

• There are different paths to success as an artist, and it's important to find what works best for you

• Using grids and working from photos can be helpful in the painting process

• Participating in shows and using social media platforms like Instagram can be effective marketing strategies for artists. 

• Preparing for a painting involves setting up a photo shoot and considering lighting and composition.

• Working with models can be challenging, but it's important to compensate them and respect their boundaries.

• Native American heritage plays a significant role in Kwani's art, and she strives to represent Native culture respectfully.

• Artists should consider outsourcing certain tasks to save time and focus on their strengths.

• Networking and building relationships in the art community can lead to opportunities and support.

Keywords

professional artist, stay-at-home mom, Native American heritage, figurative art, involving children in art, artist, mother, homeschooling, painting, art activities, photos, Instagram, painting, photo shoot, composition, art models, Native American heritage, artist identity, art representation, art business

https://linktr.ee/businessof_art

TJ’s Links

https://www.cunninghamfineart.com

https://www.instagram.com/tj.cunningham

Summary

In this episode, Mark interviews artist TJ Cunningham about his artistic journey. TJ shares how his passion for art began at a young age, with a pivotal moment being the sale of a sculpture at a diner that inspired him to pursue an art career. He discusses his college art studies, challenges faced in the art world, and his decision to leave galleries to build direct relationships with customers. Emphasizing the importance of treating customers like friends, TJ details his daily routine and creative process, highlighting plein air studies, Photoshop use, and the significance of strong design and accurate values in his realistic landscape paintings.

TJ also talks about his mentors, teaching experiences, and the online community he created called The Art Journey. He underscores the value of learning from others, maintaining routines, and balancing family life with painting. Mark and TJ discuss how teaching adds meaning to their work and its financial benefits. They address the importance of connecting with other artists and offer advice to beginners: read business books, develop your craft, and recognize that painting requires hard work and practice. Focus on creating great work, continuously learning, and marketing your art without relying solely on galleries.

Keywords

artist journey, passion for art, selling art, leaving galleries, building customer relationships, daily routine, art process, landscape painting, plein air studies, reference photos, Photoshop, composition, design, values, visual flow, focal point

Takeaways

Believe in Yourself: Confidence in your abilities is crucial for success.

Cultivate Customer Relationships: Building strong customer connections is essential for a thriving art business.

Consistency and Dedication: Regularly creating art improves skills and leads to success.

Daily Routine and Task Management: A structured routine helps manage various aspects of an art career.

Independent Selling: Transitioning from galleries to direct sales gives artists more control over their business and customer relationships.

Plein Air Studies: These are valuable for capturing the realism and feel of a landscape.

Photoshop as a Tool: Useful for composing and manipulating reference photos.

Strong Design and Accurate Values: Crucial for successful paintings.

Visual Flow and Focal Points: Important for guiding the viewer's eye through the painting.

Composition Principles: Using rules like the rule of thirds and the golden ratio enhances overall composition.

Learn from Others: Gaining knowledge from other artists and mentors is valuable.

Teaching: Adds meaning and fulfillment to an artist's work and can be financially beneficial.

Balance and Routine: Important for managing family life and painting.

Community Connection: Connect with other artists to combat loneliness.

Business Knowledge: Read business books to understand the business side of art.

Developing Skills: Painting is a skill that can be learned and improved.

Focus on Great Work and Learning: Continuously create and learn.

Selling Art: Focus on selling products, not time, and consider marketing and advertising independently.

https://linktr.ee/businessof_art

Frank’s Links

http://serranofineart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/frank.serrano.18

https://www.instagram.com/serranoartist/

Summary

Frank Serrano is a full-time artist with over 30 years of experience. Starting young, he studied business and initially owned a screen printing business, allowing him to pursue fine art part-time. Eventually, he transitioned to fine art full-time, joining art organizations and painting landscapes and seascapes, leading to his first gallery representation. Frank emphasized the importance of good work, confidence, inventory when approaching galleries, and marketing through social media.

The conversation explores the shift in the art industry due to social media and online galleries. Frank shares his experience transitioning from traditional galleries to selling through his website and social media. He discusses the benefits and challenges of using social media for marketing and selling art, including posting high-quality work and engaging with potential buyers.

Frank emphasizes the significance of plein air painting and the value of painting from life to develop artistic skills and capture nuances of color and atmosphere. He discusses his journey, including teaching, writing books, networking with other artists, and continually learning and improving.

Frank shares his approach to painting, using a limited palette and focusing on values. He provides tips for plein air painting, such as staying compact and being prepared. He discusses the essentials of plein air painting, emphasizing simplicity and preparation, and the importance of capturing the scene quickly due to fleeting light.

Frank talks about finding where Maynard Dixon painted and the challenges of plein air painting. He discusses the role of studies in his studio work for color and value reference and emphasizes craftsmanship and brushwork. He shares experiences of learning from artists like Richard Schmidt and Clyde Aspevig, and advice from his father and a collector about staying humble, putting work out there, and continuing to paint.

Takeaways

Frank Serrano has been a full-time artist for over 30 years.

He transitioned from screen printing to pursuing fine art full-time.

The importance of good work, confidence, and enough inventory when approaching galleries.

Social media is significant for marketing oneself in today's art market.

Social media has changed the dynamic of marketing and selling artwork, allowing artists to reach a wider audience and sell directly.

Posting high-quality work and engaging with potential buyers on social media can lead to sales and opportunities.

Plein air painting allows artists to capture the nuances of color and atmosphere from life.

Developing a strong reputation in the art industry requires careful financial planning and strategic decision-making.

Teaching workshops can provide additional income and opportunities for artists.

Networking and continuous learning are important for growth.

A limited palette simplifies color mixing and creates color harmonies.

Values are crucial for successful painting.

Staying compact with the right equipment is helpful for plein air painting.

Preparing paints and materials before heading out saves time and allows for more effective work.

Plein air studies can be used as references for color and value in studio work.

Learning from other artists can greatly influence one's work.

Meeting and connecting with other artists provide opportunities for growth and learning.

Staying humble, putting work out there, and continuing to paint are important for artistic growth and success.

Keywords

Frank Serrano, full-time artist, artist journey, screen printing, fine art, landscape painting, seascape, gallery representation, art marketing, social media, art industry, online galleries, selling art, art gallery, plein air, oil painting, painting atmosphere, teaching art, writing books, networking, continuous learning, painting approach, limited palette

https://linktr.ee/businessof_art

Albin’s Links

https://albinveselka.com

https://www.facebook.com/albin.veselka

https://www.instagram.com/albin_veselka/

Summary

Albin Veselka, a full-time artist, shares his journey and the evolution of his work. He started drawing animals as a child and developed a fascination with creating images with lines. He initially focused on wildlife and predators but later shifted to figurative art. Over time, he realized the importance of storytelling in his work and the power of narrative. Albin emphasizes the value of support from his wife and the need to balance family responsibilities with pursuing his passion. He also discusses the shift away from dependence on photo references and the freedom to create without perfect reference material. The conversation explores the balance between realism and abstraction in painting. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding the fundamentals of art and the value of formal education in developing artistic skills. They emphasize the need for continuous learning and growth as an artist, using reference materials to supplement their work and fill in gaps. The conversation also touches on the joy of experimentation and the freedom to create unique and personal expressions in art. In this final part of the conversation, Albin discusses his process of creating artwork and shares advice on marketing and selling art. He emphasizes the importance of developing relationships with collectors and being genuine in interactions. Albin also encourages artists to work hard, learn from life, and focus on creating a product that excites them. He advises against stressing about the future and instead encourages artists to stay hopeful and keep moving forward.

Takeaways

The importance of support from loved ones in pursuing a career in art

The evolution of Albin Veselka's work from wildlife to figurative art and storytelling

The freedom of creating without perfect reference material

The balance between family responsibilities and pursuing a passion Understanding the fundamentals of art is essential for artistic growth and development.

Formal education in art can provide valuable knowledge and skills, but it is not the only path to becoming a successful artist.

Continuous learning and experimentation are crucial for artists to develop their unique style and voice.

Reference materials can be used to supplement and enhance artistic creations, filling in gaps and providing inspiration.

The balance between realism and abstraction allows artists to create unique and personal expressions in their work. 

Developing relationships with collectors is crucial for selling art

Being genuine and treating people with respect can lead to meaningful connections

Working hard, learning from life, and staying focused are key to success as an artist

Don't stress about the future, stay hopeful and keep moving forward

Keywords

Albin Veselka, artist journey, wildlife art, figurative art, storytelling, photo references, realism, abstraction, painting, art fundamentals, formal art education, continuous learning, reference materials, artistic experimentation, art process, marketing art, selling art, developing relationships, learning from life

Join the Business of Art:

https://www.facebook.com/meganwimberleyfineart

https://www.instagram.com/megan.wimberley/

https://cowgirlartistsofamerica.org

https://linktr.ee/businessof_art

SUMMARY

Jennifer Gennari, a classically trained artist, shares her journey from childhood to becoming a renowned animal painter. Her passion for art began with Disney's 'The Little Mermaid,' leading her to pursue illustration at Ringling College. She later transitioned to painting and found her niche in animal portraits. Jennifer's routine, inspiration, and dedication to her craft are evident in her approach to painting and her commitment to capturing the essence of each animal. The conversation covers the process of creating art, the freedom to experiment, and the impact of traditional art education on artistic expression. It delves into the importance of breaking free from rigid rules and finding one's unique artistic voice. The conversation covers the importance of avoiding boredom in art, the impact of automation on creativity, strategies for staying fresh, and insights into the business side of art. Jennifer emphasizes the need for authenticity, patience, and a full life experience to fuel creativity.

JENNIFER'S LINKS

https://www.jennifergennari.com

http://instagram.com/jen_art

https://drawingamerica.com/instructors/gennari/

TAKEAWAYS

Jennifer's journey from childhood to becoming a renowned animal painter

The impact of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' on Jennifer's passion for art

Jennifer's transition from illustration to painting and finding her niche in animal portraits

The importance of routine, inspiration, and dedication in Jennifer's approach to painting

Jennifer's commitment to capturing the essence of each animal in her portraits The process of creating art involves experimentation and finding one's unique approach.

Traditional art education can influence an artist's mindset and approach to art.

Breaking free from rigid rules and allowing oneself to experiment is essential for artistic growth and expression.

Discovering and embracing one's unique artistic voice is a journey that continues throughout an artist's career. Avoiding boredom in art is crucial for maintaining creativity and freshness.

Authenticity and a full life experience are essential for fueling creativity and maintaining artistic integrity.

Patience is key in the journey of art, and understanding oneself is crucial for staying true to one's artistic vision.

The business side of art requires a balance between financial considerations and artistic integrity, with a focus on authenticity and genuine passion for the work.

KEYWORDS

Jennifer Gennari, fine artist, animal painting, classical realism, art journey, art inspiration, dedication, art career, art process, artistic expression, traditional art education, artistic experimentation, artistic voice, art, creativity, artistic authenticity, art business, social media, painting commission, fine art, oil painting