The FASO Podcast

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In our final episode of the year, we sat down with David Griffin, a fine artist with a love of capturing the nostalgic scenes of his childhood. David shares his journey from pre‑med student and college baseball player in Lubbock, Texas to becoming a successful illustrator and, later, a fine artist rooted in realism and storytelling. He recounts formative experiences at the Illustrators Workshop in New York, his years sharing a Dallas studio with top illustrators, and the lessons they taught him about composition, narrative, and creating “a place for the eye to rest.” David explores how memory, truth, and heritage—big skies, ranch life, and family artifacts—shape his work and give it emotional honesty. A major focus is David’s new long-term project, “The Art of Wandering,” where he will document how mental and physical wandering with a sense of wonder leads to ideas, large paintings, and deeper relationships with collectors and fellow artists. David also dives into the idea of art as a lifelong calling, discussing struggle, hard work versus talent, the trap of imitating others, and the importance of finding one’s own authentic voice by pursuing one's own heart. David closes by reflecting on art as a conversation without words, his hope that truthful work outlives the artist, and his gratitude for the creative community and opportunities ahead.

David's FASO site:

davidgriffinstudio.com

David's Social Media:

instagram.com/davidrgriffin

facebook.com/david.griffin.5

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For today's episode, we sat down with realist oil painter and former radiologist Carl Bretzky, who shares his journey from growing up interested in art and photography, through a medical career in interventional radiology, to becoming a full-time artist in 2016. He explains how studying with Joe Paquet and participating in plein air events around the country shaped his love for landscape, urban scenes, and especially nocturnes, which he believes are often easier and faster to paint than daytime scenes due to their homogeneous darks and clear value transitions. Carl discusses his use of the rule of thirds and his approach to composition, often reimagining scenes—like his piece Hotel Laguna Nocturne—in the studio to adjust skies, colors, and clouds for stronger visual impact. Carl also tells us about his use of the prismatic palette, rooted in the teachings of Frank Vincent DuMond, and how understanding prismatic color shifts and subtle gradations helps create convincing light, atmosphere, and distance. Finally, Carl offers advice on building an art career through instruction, plein air competitions, galleries, networking, and social media, emphasizing saying yes to opportunities, maintaining an active studio practice, and cultivating community with other artists.

Carl's FASO site:

carlbretzke.com

Carl's Social Media:

instagram.com/carlbretzkeart

facebook.com/carl.bretzke.3

Carl's Videos:

Instructional Videos

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For this week's episode, we made a compilation of our past guests reflecting on how early influences, mentors, and disciplined study shaped their art, and how they often feel driven to keep growing rather than staying comfortable. They describe learning fastest by painting from life—especially in plein air—tackling unfamiliar subjects, simplifying values, and using subtle color temperature shifts instead of high-contrast effects. Throughout the episode, our past guests stress intentional decision-making in composition and color, the importance of not overworking a piece, and the deep community and life-changing connections formed through workshops and shared painting experiences.

Episodes mentioned:

158 Cynthia Rosen

156 Shanna Kunz

155 Scott D. Prior

154 Julie Davis

151 John Morra

138 Michelle Dunaway

137 Chris Krupinski

136 Bill Davidson

127 Jill Basham

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For today's episode we sat down with Barbara Jaenicke, an accomplished fine artist known for her impressionist landscapes created in oil and pastel. Originally from New Jersey, Barbara moved to Atlanta and later to Bend, Oregon, where the scenery continues to inspire her work. Her journey began with various art media and developed into a passion for capturing light, atmosphere, and reflective elements in nature. After careers in advertising and marketing, Barbara gradually transitioned into full-time painting, applying business and organizational skills to support her art practice. She emphasizes relentless skill development, time management, and perseverance as keys to succeeding as an artist. Barbara believes that genuine drive and a love for beauty are essential, encouraging artists to stay inspired and tackle both the creative and business sides of their careers. Finally, Barbara tells us about her upcoming  workshops as well as her solo show at Cole Gallery in Edmonds, Washington, which features coastal and mountain scenes!

Barbara's FASO site:

www.barbarajaenicke.com/

Barbara's Social Media:

instagram.com/barbaracourtneyjaenicke/

Barbara's Book:

Painting the Poetic Landscape

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For today's episode, we sat down with Cynthia Rosen, a successful palette knife artist who began painting seriously after raising six children and having previously worked as an art educator, first exploring realism before moving into abstraction and plein air painting. After a break from art to focus on family, Cynthia returned to painting through mural projects, eventually discovering her passion for plein air and the palette knife technique. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of continuous growth, problem-solving, and self-awareness in her creative process, often working on multiple canvases at once. Cynthia credits social media, particularly Facebook art groups, and networking at plein air events with helping her build a successful career later in life. She also discusses her teaching philosophy in workshops, her belief in balancing hard work and luck, and reminds artists that it's the heart that drives the work. Finally, Cynthia tells us where we can see more of her artwork and to stay posted for her upcoming shows and workshops!

Cynthia's FASO site:

cynthiarosen.com/

Cynthia's Social Media:

instagram.com/rosencynthia/

facebook.com/cynthiarosen.art

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For today's episode, we sat down with Chantel Lynn Barber, an award-winning contemporary artist and educator, renowned for her expressive acrylic portraits and dedication to inspiring creativity in others. Chantel discusses her artistic journey, emphasizing her transition from oil to acrylic paints due to practicality and personal preference. She highlights her 20-year career, including running a storefront business and creating various art forms like furniture painting and glassware. Chantel stresses the importance of using high-quality materials, such as professional-grade acrylics, and shares her techniques for maintaining paint consistency. She also touches on the emotional and financial aspects of being an artist, advocating for self-respect and strategic marketing to reach the right audience. Chantel believes success is about continuous growth and not stagnation, and she values the personal and professional development that comes from her art. She also discusses her definition of success as an artist, emphasizing the importance of creating joyful and uplifting work that resonates with others while also nurturing her own soul. She highlights the value of beauty in enriching lives and the necessity of self-care and positive self-talk in the face of artistic challenges while reminding artists that they should let go of perfectionism. She also advises setting goals, networking with other artists, and being open to new opportunities. Finally, Chantel mentions her upcoming exhibitions and workshops!

Chantel's FASO site:

chantellynnbarber.com/

Chantel's Social Media:

instagram.com/fineartofchantel

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On today's episode, we sat down with Shanna Kunz, a seasoned landscape artist based in Ogden, Utah, with more than 30 years of painting experience. Her early love for art was nurtured by a family immersed in the outdoors, which deeply influenced her connection to landscapes. After studying at Utah State University, Shanna transitioned from figure painting and creative pursuits like seamstressing into watercolor and later, oil painting, developing a distinctive, atmospheric style. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, experimentation, and reminds artists to never give up and always show up at the easel. Shanna also highlights the therapeutic and reflective nature of painting, encouraging both herself and her students to embrace failure, self-discovery, and community. Dedicated to nurturing others, she mentors artists in her Mindful Art Mentoring program, champions lifelong growth, and advises perseverance as the foundation for a fulfilling creative career. Finally, Shanna tells us about all of her upcoming shows!

Shanna's FASO site:

shannakunz.com

Mentorship with Shanna:

mindfulartmentoring.com/

Shanna's Social Media:

instagram.com/shannakunz/

facebook.com/shanna.allen.kunz.hernandez

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On today's episode we sat down with Scott W. Prior, a full-time artist based in Oceanside, California, celebrated for his evocative paintings that capture everyday scenes. Scott discusses his journey as a full-time artist, reflecting on his transition from illustration to fine art and the influences that shaped his work. He emphasizes the importance of capturing everyday moments and the joy he finds in both painting and new creative pursuits like ceramics. Scott recounts the challenges and perseverance required to build his career, highlighting support from his wife and important moments of validation. He discusses the significance of discipline, networking, and joining artist communities for personal and professional growth. Scott encourages artists to pursue their passion for the love of art rather than for financial gain, warning against chasing commercial trends. Finally, Scott tells us about his upcoming events, including a return to the Paint Maui show in February 2026.

Scott's FASO site:

scottwprior.com/

Scott's Social Media:

instagram.com/scottwprior

facebook.com/scottwpriorartist

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In this episode, we sat down with Julie Davis, a landscape painter with a deep fascination with trees. Julie shares her inspiring journey from law and education to becoming a celebrated landscape artist, specializing in trees. She describes how plein air painting and mentorship shaped her artistic process, turning personal challenges into creative strengths. Julie reflects on balancing family life while nurturing her passion for art through early-morning painting and freelance work. She emphasizes the value of joining artist organizations, networking at shows, and the profound impact of supportive communities. Julie encourages artists to embrace lifelong learning, view mistakes as opportunities, and follow their curiosity. Finally, Julie tells us about her upcoming exhibitions and ways to connect with her work.

Julie's FASO site:

juliedavisstudio.com/

Julie's Social Media:

instagram.com/juliedavisstudio/

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For today's episode, we sat down with artist Patricia Watwood to hear about the creation of her upcoming solo show "The Fey Wild," a show deeply rooted in mythology, theatre, and the magic of childhood wonder. Patricia shares how reconnecting with her younger, imaginative self and raising non-binary children have enriched her perspective and inspired a world of artistic freedom and inclusive representation. Through her evolution from classical precision to bold, painterly expression, she celebrates joy, play, and the courage of creative authenticity. The Fey Wild becomes a haven for bodily autonomy, gender fluidity, and boundless self-expression, reflecting the hope and idealism of new generations. Patricia emphasizes that art, especially in challenging times, serves as an antidote to fear and a catalyst for collective joy and resilience. Ultimately, she invites us to delight in creativity, cherish the freedom to dream, and share beauty that uplifts our communities. The show will be on display at Equity Gallery in New York City starting November 6, 2025.

Patricia's FASO site:

patriciawatwoodstudio.com

Equity Gallery:

nyartistsequity.org