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Artful Painter
Published by Carl Olson
- Arts
- Visual Arts
Art lessons for artists, collectors, and people who love art.
Listen on Apple PodcastsPublished by Carl Olson
Art lessons for artists, collectors, and people who love art.
Listen on Apple Podcasts1 hr 14 min
What gives a painting the power to stop us in our tracks? For artist Brad Teare, it’s more than subject matter. It’s the energy of the paint itself—the texture, the color, the visible record of the artist’s hand, and the courage to embrace authenticity over perfection. Brad Teare is a Utah-based painter whose expressive landscapes are known for their vibrant color, bold palette-knife work, and richly textured surfaces. Before dedicating himself to fine art, he enjoyed a successful career as an illustrator, creating work for clients including The New York Times and Random House. Today his paintings are represented by galleries throughout the American West and have been featured in numerous museum exhibitions and invitational shows. In this episode of The Artful Painter, I sit down with Utah landscape painter Brad Teare to explore the philosophy behind his distinctive, richly textured paintings. Brad shares how his career evolved from illustration and woodcut printmaking to becoming one of today’s most recognizable painters of the American West. Along the way, we discuss how seeing Vincent van Gogh’s paintings in person changed his understanding of what paint could do, why artists should resist the temptation to imitate their heroes, and how finding your own artistic voice is a journey every artist must take alone. One of my favorite moments in our conversation comes when Brad describes texture as more than a visual effect. Every stroke of paint records a decision, preserving the history of its creation and inviting viewers to connect with the artist in a deeply human way. It’s a fascinating discussion about why original paintings possess a presence that photographs and reproductions can never fully capture. Whether you’re a painter searching for your own voice, a collector interested in what makes original artwork so compelling, or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful conversations about creativity, I think you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this episode. In this episode: How Brad transitioned from a successful illustration career into fine art Why seeing Van Gogh’s paintings in person transformed his approach to painting The role of texture in creating emotional impact How woodcut printmaking continues to influence his paintings Why authenticity matters more than technical perfection What collectors see—and feel—when standing in front of an original painting Thanks for listening to The Artful Painter. If you enjoy these conversations, please consider sharing the podcast with a fellow artist or art lover. Links Brad Teare Website: https://bradteare.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradteare/ Other Links Maynard Dixon Home & Studio: https://thunderbirdfoundation.com/visit-the-maynard-dixon-home-and-studio/ About the Artful Painter Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ Make a donation: https://theartfulpainter.com/donate Send an email: https://theartfulpainter.com/contact This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 2 min
Doom scrolling on YouTube may usually be a waste of time but occasionally you stumble across a real, hidden gem. That happened to me a few weeks ago. I like watching YouTube videos about art and art history (and, truthfully, many other subjects). You know the way YouTube works - it takes your watch history and tries to predict other videos you might want to watch. YouTube wants you to keep watching videos - forever would be ideal for them. This was the case with my guest in this episode of The Artful Painter . YouTube suggested to me a video on a channel called Painting Therapy , by artist and cinematographer Thomas Windsor . That expression - painting therapy - hooked me. I clicked, and I watched, and I watched, and I watched. YouTube’s algorithm was happy, and I was enthralled by what I saw and heard as Thomas painted on camera. The binge has started and I kept watching and listening to Thomas. At one point, I left one of his videos playing as I worked on a large painting. I could not see what he was doing so I just listened to him talking in the background. I usually find it highly distracting to paint with words sounding off in the background. The words through me off so it’s something I rarely ever do. I can’t listen to podcasts while I paint, nor can I listen to songs with vocals. It’s weird I know - but that’s just me. But Thomas was an exception to the rule. After this experience, I knew I had to have Thomas Windsor on the podcast. I reached out to him and he graciously accepted. So, I’m happy to share with you our conversation in this edition of The Artful Painter. Wow! I learned a lot about Thomas in this conversation. Turns out, his day job is running a film production company. He is a cinematographer and produces commercial videos. Painting is a side-calling, but a very important one to Thomas. To whet your appetite, here are a few things we talk about: Thomas Windsor’s background in filmmaking and commercial production Growing up in a strict household with limited media exposure Committing to “a painting a week” Why Thomas intentionally avoided formal art training Painting as self-education and self-discovery The connection between filmmaking and painting Why painting feels more personal and vulnerable than filmmaking The difference between technical perfection and emotional authenticity The influence of Vincent van Gogh on Thomas’s thinking about art and emotion Creativity as a direct emotional expression rather than a technical exercise The dangers of overthinking and perfectionism “Painting Therapy” and art as emotional regulation Depression, sensitivity, and the search for meaning Observing everyday beauty and “being an artist” in daily life The importance of presence, attention, and wonder That’s a lot to process in about an hour, but, shazaam! What an hour it was for me to converse with Thomas. I hope you enjoy this episode. Links Thomas Windsor Website: https://thomaswindsorstudio.com/ Film Production Website: https://epiclightmedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomaswindsorstudio/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomaswindsorstudio/ Painting Therapy channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thomas_Windsor Epic Light Media channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EpicLightMedia Other Links Vincent Laforet Website: https://www.vincentlaforet.com/ Vincent Laforet on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaGfb_6taciyILmlJFxecvA Philip Bloom Website: https://philipbloom.net/ Philip Bloom on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/philipbloom Rodney Charters: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0153552/ About the Artful Painter Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
55 min
There’s a moment in life when something shifts—quietly, almost accidentally—and it takes on an unexpected new direction. For Dr. Debbie Mueller , that moment came on a rainy day in Sarasota, Florida, with a reluctant brushstroke and a “really bad painting.” It changed everything for her. In this episode of The Artful Painter , I converse with Debbie Mueller to explore her remarkable transition from a career in medicine to becoming a full-time artist. Though she found her work as a doctor in a successful OB-GYN practice rewarding, that one “really bad painting” sparked a decade-long journey that eventually lead to her leaving medicine and to pursue painting full-time. Debbie’s paintings are known for their luminous quality, thoughtful composition, and inviting sense of presence. She exhibits nationally, teaches workshops, and continues to expand her reach through galleries and competitions. Here are a few tantalizing talking points Debbie shares in her conversation: Why it’s never too late to start painting How Debbie transitioned from medicine to full-time art The power of daily painting challenges (and what they teach you) A step-by-step breakdown of her painting process How to balance self-critique without self-sabotage Why community matters—especially for solo artists How rejection (even at high levels) is part of the journey Your first painting doesn’t have to be good—it just has to begin something Growth comes from volume and repetition, not perfection Strong artists develop self-awareness, not just technical skill Limiting your palette can actually expand your creativity Emotional connection matters just as much as technical accuracy The bottom line: sometimes, all it takes is one small decision to begin. I’m sure Debbie is in for an exciting ride of her life as she pursues fine art painting full-time. I’m so glad to share with you Debbie’s story in this delightful and inspiring conversation. Links: Debbie Mueller Website: https://www.debbiemuellerart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiemuellerart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latebloomerartist/ Other Links: Strada Easel Challenge: https://www.stradaeasel.com/pages/january-2026-strada-31-day-challenge Monhegan Island, Maine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monhegan%2C_Maine Oil Painters of America (OPA): https://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/ About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 0 min
In this episode of The Artful Painter, I sit down with Western artist Nicholas Coleman to talk about what actually drives his painting process — it's not just technique, but also curiosity, memory, history, and places that won't let go of you. Raised in the studio of his father, Michael Coleman, Nicholas grew up surrounded by Native models, reference materials, taxidermy, and the working realities of the art business. What stayed with him wasn't just technique — it was a deep respect for history and for the places that shaped it. In this episode, we discuss his return to the Coors Western Art Exhibit, the tension between authenticity and trend-chasing, his recent exploration of African wildlife inspired in part by painters like Wilhelm Kuhnert, and why he sometimes ignores deadlines to get a painting "out of his head." We also talk about art school battles, conservation history, spaghetti westerns, and what happens when an artist receives a fifty-page contract connected to George Lucas. Have I got your attention now? If you care about painting, place, and preserving something larger than yourself, this conversation will resonate. Nicholas Coleman is certainly my kind of artist! Links: Nicholas Coleman Website: https://www.nicholascolemanart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholascolemanart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicholascolemanart Other Links: Bloody Bozeman: The Perilous Trail to Montana's Gold : https://amzn.to/4rer2UQ Henrik Coleman: https://www.henrikcoleman.com/ Mediocre Amateurs: https://www.youtube.com/@mediocreamateur About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 5 min
In this edition of the Artful Painter, I have the privilege of talking with s. m. chavez (Sean Michael Chavez). He is a native New Mexican artist known for his rich contemporary-western oil paintings that celebrate both the culture and landscape of the American Southwest. Born and raised in New Mexico, his work reflects a deep connection to the region's history and culture. Chavez is especially known for his depictions of vaqueros – figures that are deeply rooted in Southwestern and Hispanic history. Vaquero is Spanish for "cowboys." Chavez's soothing color palette of beautiful grays and muted colors, coupled with strong design skills honed from his background in illustration come together to allow him to bring his figures and landscapes alive. His distinctive voice blends traditional Western art influences with a refreshingly contemporary approach. It's no surprise then that Chavez has caught the eye of collectors of contemporary Western art. His work has been exhibited at major venues such as The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Albuquerque Museum of Art, The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, The Couse-Sharp Historic Site, and The Briscoe Western Art Museum, and soon the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale of January 2026. In this engaging interview, s. m. chavez shares insights into his artistic journey, discussing the influence of his New Mexico roots and the historical narratives that shape his work. He reflects on the challenges and joys of being an artist, the importance of authenticity, and the role of literature and history in his creative process (a word you will hear Chavez use frequently in our discussion). Chavez also touches on the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity, and the evolving nature of his career. Links: s. m. chavez Website: https://paintingsofthewest.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smchavezart/ Other Links: A Harvest of Reluctant Souls: Fray Alonso de Benavides's History of New Mexico, 1630 : https://amzn.to/4beLYpt Herb Jeffries in the movie The Bronze Buckaroo (1939): https://youtu.be/NMn21nICdro?si=PQMAUucUtkP6rEPZ About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 2 min
In each episode of The Artful Painter , the tagline (or show description) is: "Art lessons for artists, collectors, and people who love art." However, most of the episodes published so far have focused on artists and their stories. It's time to switch that up a bit and focus on collectors. In this episode I converse with two wonderful people I met a few years ago at a workshop hosted by the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia. They are: Doug and Susie Haugen, art lovers who have a passion for art, art collecting, and forging friendships with living artists whose works adorn their walls in their Ackworth, Georgia, home. Whether you are a collector or artist, you will be inspired by the Haugen's enthusiasm for supporting today's living artists. To me, one of the primary take-aways from this conversation is the importance of cultivating connections and friendships with artists and others who love art. Visiting artists in their homes, visiting galleries, and going to art shows are all a part of their joy of collecting. The bonds of friendship with living artists become an important part of the story behind each painting they display in their home. In this episode of The Artful Painter , I have the privilege of engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Doug and Susie Haugen about their journey becoming avid art collectors. They discuss the growth of their collection, the significance of Western art (both traditional and contemporary), and the personal connections and friendships they've formed with artists. The Haugens share stories of their favorite pieces, the artists they've met, and the meaningful experiences that have shaped their collection. Cozy up with your earbuds and a cup of coffee and listen to Doug and Susie's inspiring story. This one will make you smile. Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaugen56/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susie.haugen Booth Western Art Museum: https://boothmuseum.org/ About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
54 min
The Artful Painter returns! It's good to be back in the saddle again. My friend, Chris Kolupski kindly and patiently agreed to help me dust off my recording equipment and bring the Artful Painter back to life. Chris was originally featured back in episode 56 published back in 2021. That was a couple of years before we loaded up the wagons and moved to the Western Slope of Colorado. In this edition of the Artful Painter, Chris Kolupski talks about his unique artist education experience he calls: "Paint Out West." To me, Chris Kolupski is The Indiana Jones of Outdoor Painting – and for good reason! He's not only an excellent landscape painter and educator, he is an adventurer who loves painting the American South West. Of course, any adventure can certainly come with its own perils. Chris calmly takes these mis-adventures in stride. In this episode he shares the following experiences: He crashed his car into a cow in the middle of the night in New Mexico! Chris made daring attempts to rescue a camera that fell over a cliff! He escaped prosecution after getting caught inadvertently trespassing while teaching a class. In the middle of Navaho land, Chris founds himself on a horse that doesn't want him on his back And then there's that time he got told off by a rude photographer in Arches National Park! Tune in for a blend of humor, inspiration, and practical advice. I'd like to welcome you to this edition of The Artful Painter! Links: Chris Kolupski Paint Out West with Chris Kolupski: https://www.chriskolupski.com/page/30053/paint-out-west-on-demand Website: https://www.chriskolupski.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriskolupski/ Featured earlier on The Artful Painter: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/chris-kolupski-56 Other: Artist JR Sanders: https://www.instagram.com/jrsandersart/ Books by Author Craig Childs: The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light : https://amzn.to/4mXFnTt House of Rain: Tracking a Vanished Civilization Across the American Southwest : https://amzn.to/4m9JiLK Tracing Time: Seasons of Rock Art on the Colorado Plateau : https://amzn.to/4m8RonO Virga & Bone: Essays from Dry Places : https://amzn.to/42nLRCE Stone Desert : https://amzn.to/4npuDwY About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 11 min
Kami Mendlik's exquisite landscape paintings shimmer and vibrate with animated light and color. Her life-long journey of curiosity and keen observation of the natural world began when she was a young child. The Minnesota farmland she grew up on was fertile not just for crops, but also for a young mind curious about the wonders of the land that was her home. She was entranced by the beauty of nature's rhythm and harmony and its myriad colors. Kami thinks of herself as a lifelong student. Each seeming advance of knowledge leads to more questions and a never-ending quest to answer them in her paintings. Her passion is the study of color. However, she does not keep what she learns to herself. Over the years she has taught well over 1,000 students a process to help achieve the illusion of light and vibration in their paintings. Over ten years in the making, she has codified the lessons she has learned about color in a new book titled: Color Relativity–Creating the Illusion of Light With Paint. This gorgeous new book is due to be released towards the end of the summer of 2022. In this episode, Kami reveals that she has struggled with dyslexia. However, the challenge of dyslexia did not prevent her from developing a deep love of books, and the writing of Color Relativity. She opens up about what is involved in creating, editing, and publishing a quality art book. If you were to observe Kami Mendlik painting outdoors or in her studio, just as she begins to make her colors dance, you might see a smile flicker upon her face, a slight inhale of a calming breath, and, then, with quiet abandon see her Surrender to the Process . Links: Kami Mendlik Website: https://www.kamimendlik.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamimendlik/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kami.polzin New Book: Color Relativity–Creating the Illusion of Light With Paint : https://www.colorrelativity.com/ About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 49 min
Greg Newbold is a fine art painter and illustrator based near Salt Lake City, Utah. Greg says that for him, "art is a soulful expression." His hope is that a piece of him comes out at the end of his brush onto the surface of a painting and connects with the spirit of the viewer. Greg's compelling visions of the American West are distilled through the filter of his own life experiences. Building upon that, he applies his own unique creative filters of simplification, light, color, shape, and texture. This creative alchemy results in paintings that feature bold composition, strong value structure, sensitive color, and intriguing narrative. Greg's evocative, contemporary paintings are eagerly desired by collectors from around the globe. Greg characterizes his approach to painting as Stylized Realism. Greg explains how his experience as an illustrator helped him develop a diverse vocabulary that he can draw upon for his oil paintings. He explains that doing the hard work of putting in the brush mileage he put into his illustrations and paintings allowed his unique voice to appear naturally. Greg gained valuable insights into how many famous artists worked as he developed the illustrations in a series of children's books authored by his wife, Amy. The first of these books is titled, If Picasso Painter a Snowman. That successful volume was followed up by, If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur, which includes a recreation of Coolidge's famous Dogs Playing Poker painting reimagined as Dinosaurs Playing Poker. For each book, Greg did a deep dive into the methods of famous artists so that he could create the whimsical paintings used in each book. Greg is comfortable with both traditional and digital techniques. He embraces the use of technology where it makes sense to do so in his art. Greg and his wife Amy are also active in encouraging youth in schools with their delightful lectures about art and art-making. Greg loves to award each student with their own copy of a Creative License. The students are encouraged to express themselves and create art in their own voice, in their own way. No one can tell them they have to do it just one way because now they have their own Creative License. Personally, I think no matter how young or old we are, we can all use Greg's Creative License! Painting outdoors is an important component of Greg's artmaking. Even more important to Greg is also painting outdoors with others who are much better than he is. It is key to his artistic growth. Greg explains why he is drawn to painting landscapes inspired by the South West. He discusses how he develops a painting and how he upscales a painting from a study and the challenges involved in doing so. He talks about the materials he likes to use, and the effects his mark-making leaves on the surface of each of his paintings. Just as the ancient cliffs of sandstone show evidence of the effect of the relentless forces of water and wind, so do the tactile, expressive marks upon the surface of a Greg Newbold painting give Evidence of Process . Links: Greg Newbold Website: https://www.gregnewbold.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregnewboldart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregnewboldart/ Other Mentions: Brian Rutenberg: Episode 11 of The Artful Painter: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/brian-rutenberg-11 Brian Rutenberg's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnjLpl20hRnPxkQf5UvBMcw Rose Irelan: https://www.roseirelan.com/ Priya Gore in Episode 70 of the Artful Painter: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/priya-gore-70 Bill Farnsworth in Episode 18 of the Artful Painter: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/bill-farnsworth-18 Len Chmiel in Episode 42 of the Artful Painter: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/len-chmiel-42 Len Chmiel in Episode 12 of the Artful Painter: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/len-chmiel-12 Frank Serrano in Episode 61 of the Artful Painter: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/frank-serrano-61 Paul Foropoulos in Episode 49 of the Artful Painter: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/paul-foropoulos-49 David Boyd, Jr. in Episode 13 of the Artful Painter: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/david-boyd-jr-13 Forty Illustrators and How They Work , by Ernest W. Watson: https://amzn.to/3mVpX4A (paid link) About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 14 min
Priya Gore's extraordinary paintings of birds and wildlife are breathtaking. Her paintings are full of color, vibrancy, and energy. She says painting large allows her whole body to become fully engaged in the flow and gesture of painting. The process of painting is like a joyous dance, each lyrical movement breathes life into the birds that are often the subject of her art. It was against improbable odds that Priya would become the artist she is today. She came from a large family in a small village in India. In India, she says much of your future is already decided before you are conceived – either you must become a doctor or an engineer. Though as a young child she had a deep love for art, she became an engineer. Despite the challenges of a highly technical career, she sought out time to sketch wherever her work took her. She eventually settled in Australia where she currently resides. The Australian wilderness and its unimaginable landscapes, tropical rainforests, and diversified wildlife inspired her to paint. Now as a new mother, she has finally left her engineering career to pursue as she calls it - "a new bold and beautiful phase" of her life as a full-time fine art painter. When you see Priya Gore's beautiful, animated paintings, you easily sense her exuberance. In your mind's eye, you can see her before the canvas with her brushes applying each dab of paint with a graceful, flowing gesture – imbuing her painting with A Dash of Wilderness! Links: Priya Gore Website: https://www.karibufineart.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karibufineart Jerry Mishler: https://jerrymishler.com John Pototschnik: https://www.pototschnik.com/ Artful Painter Podcast: John Pototschnik - Paintings That Speak to the Heart https://youtu.be/dD6Kuvy9rmg About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 17 min
Craig Stephens is an artist who delights in painting everyday things. I started following Craig after a chancing upon his Instagram account. I was instantly drawn to his small oil paintings of french fries, toy dinosaurs, peanut butter sandwiches, sneakers, hamburgers, and other everyday objects. I knew this was a painter I wanted to talk with! Craig Stephens was born in Sacramento, California in 1963. He received his B.A. in art studio in 1993. During his undergraduate years, he had the privilege of taking classes from Gary Pruner, Roy DeForest, David Hollowell, and Wayne Thiebaud. He began teaching high school art classes in 1996. I'm pretty sure that in high school I would have loved having Coach Stephens as my art teacher! Craig spent over twenty years teaching high school kids, most of whom had never held a paintbrush intending to paint something realistically. Naturally, they would wonder what to do. This got him started on thinking about what he does when he paints. The result? A new book titled: The Beginner's Guide to Oil Painting: Simple Still Life Projects to Help You Master the Basics . Inspired by artist Duane Kiser's painting-a-day practice, Craig has completed a small painting on nearly a daily basis since 2006. When asked why he paints French fries, toy dinosaurs, avocados, or dead astronauts on old paint can lids, he says: "I started to realize that painting could be the whole idea . What you paint doesn't really matter." Thus, he paints whatever is at hand - not because of the object itself, but rather, because he is Drawn to Form . Links: Craig Stephens Website: https://www.craigstephensart.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigstephensart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craigstephensart YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphHbYc6lKnUBY-yKtW4Tyg Book: https://amzn.to/38RXtFa (paid link) About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 7 min
Kim Lordier is an extraordinary pastel painter whose works are cherished by collectors from around the world. Her path to becoming a full-time painter took flight in unexpected ways. Beginning with earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree she became – a flight attendant! Soon, though, she returned with firm resolve to making fine art her life's work. For the first two decades of her painting career, she focused primarily on the landscape – both from life in and in her studio. Filled with rich color, her landscapes demonstrate her unique spirit of mark-making. In time, her love of horses began to fill her paintings. Fascinated with the strength and grace of the horse, Kim conveys their power and gentility by painting them in their surroundings. Her work has been showcased on the cover of Art of the West, PleinAir Magazine, Southwest Art, The Pastel Journal, Western Art and Architecture, and Fine Art Connoisseur. Kim is a Signature Member of the California Art Club, the Pastel Society of America, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and a Distinguished Pastelist of the Pastel Society of the West Coast. A coveted workshop instructor, Kim leads workshops across the country. Kim's pastel paintings certainly arrest the viewer's heart with shimmering light, texture, and beauty. Kim Lordier's paintings capture the spirit of nature with deep reverence and allow the viewer a beautiful glimpse into her artist-heart that reflects An Inner Strength . Links: Kim Lordier Website: https://www.kimfancherlordier.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klordierart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.lordier Olmsted Gallery: https://www.olmstedgallery.com/paintings/kim-lordier Donation Acknowledgements: Dan Siegel: https://www.dansiegelmusic.com/ Priya Gore: https://www.karibufineart.com/ Tom Brown: https://www.tombrownwatercolors.com/ Vianna Szabo: https://www.viannaszabo.com/ Amy Evans: https://www.amyevansart.com/ About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 50 min
Brian Buckrell is a full-time Canadian painter. After a long, successful career as a Professor of Veterinary Medicine, he made the decision to switch to a career doing one of the hardest things known to humankind: painting fine art. The transition wasn't easy - especially doing so much later in life while in his sixties. He admits there were times he felt like quitting. However, he stuck with it. Brian doggedly continued developing his painting skills. Recognizing the importance of learning the fundamentals of the craft, he attended many workshops and enrolled full-time at the highly acclaimed Jeff Watts Atelier. Buckrell's determination and dedication to the craft finally paid off. Today, despite challenging health issues that both he and his wife, Cathy, have to deal with, he enthusiastically creates bold, beautiful, expressive paintings of the great outdoors that they so much enjoy together. Because of the joy viewers experience in seeing his art, Brian's colorful paintings grace the homes of many collectors around the world. Acrylic is Brian's medium of choice. Modern innovations and developments in acrylic paint provide an exciting medium and playground for Brian to explore and experiment. It allows him to paint quickly what he loves to paint in the way he wants to paint. And, most of all – have fun! Now in his late seventies, Brian Buckrell proves that it's never too late to paint and have the Freedom to Play . Links: Brian Buckrell Website: https://www.brianbuckrell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbuckrell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrianbuckrellArt/ Books: Alla Prima - Everything I Know About Painting – And More , by Richard Schmid https://www.richardschmid.com/Alla-Prima-II-By-Richard-Schmid-p/skuap.htm Conversations With Nature Oil Painting in the Tradition of Plein Air , by Kevin Macpherson https://amzn.to/35WBtIl (paid link) Fill Your Oil Paintings with Light & Color , by Kevin Macpherson https://amzn.to/3Jp2AKE (paid link) Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils , by Kevin Macpherson https://amzn.to/3qebLWv (paid link) Mentions: McMichael Canadian Art Collection: https://mcmichael.com Draftsmen Show (YouTube channel): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfvIqreCk628yB9mp3e_ABQ Barry John Raybould's Virtual Art Academy: https://www.virtualartacademy.com ACDSee Photo Editing Software: https://www.acdsee.com/en/index/ ArtRage Vitae: https://www.artrage.com Procreate app: https://procreate.art Watts Atelier of the Arts: https://www.wattsatelier.com Gabor Svagrik's Concept to Canvas Podcast: https://anchor.fm/gaborsvagrik The Artful Painter Episode 50 Featuring Gabor Svagrik: Show Notes: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/oberg-smith-whitcomb-young-50 Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4-eQotveTmk The Artful Painter Episode 33 Featuring John Lasater: Show Notes: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/john-p-lasater-iv-33 Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IX46SGKkQ8E The Artful Painter Episode 21 Featuring Skip Whitcomb: Show Notes: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/skip-whitcomb-21 Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7gRitYn0xL8 Greek Artist Paul Foropoulos: https://foropoulosstudiosoffinearts.com/about The Artful Painter Episode 49: Paul Foropoulos - Painting Along Life's Path: Show Notes: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/paul-foropoulos-49 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EEED_X-Ep6U Painting the Old Dairy King in Delta, Colorado (on YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs6Mqx2mrXw The Artful Painter Episode 64 - Robert Henri - A Secret Identity: Show Notes: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/robert-henri-64 Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZyCIi_PeQUk Sarah Burns Studio YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFPLTtIjOex_23jvGEUET8A About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 40 min
Mitchell Albala is a fine art painter, noted author, and beloved workshop instructor. His first book, Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice , is a well-worn reference in my personal library since 2009 when it was first published. Mitchell now has an exciting new book available, The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color . When I received this book a couple of months ago and read it, I knew this would also be a treasured – and much used – volume in my library. This is a one-and-a-half-hour-long episode and it's much like taking a mini-workshop from Mitchell. For example, In this edition of the Artful Painter, some of the topics Mitchell covers include: His journey from the first book to his latest book and how changes in his approach to teaching became the foundation of the new book. The use of notan for capturing the basic shapes and patterns that drive a composition. How plein air painting supports Mitchell's studio work. Direct observation versus "informed modification." The perils and pitfalls of working with photos and how to get the best results from using them in the studio. The picture window format and how different aspect ratios affect the directional energy of a composition. Telling the viewer everything they need to know in a painting versus asking the viewer to participate in the perceptual process. Color strategies, simplification, abstract impressionism, and so much more! In addition to Mitchell's love of teaching, he is also an accomplished fine art painter. His work is driven by three visual imperatives: the inherent abstraction within nature, pattern, and unified light. The landscape is an ideal subject with which to pursue his interest. Mitchell Albala's mastery of these visual imperatives is evident in his beautiful, evocative paintings that are filled with Mystery and Atmosphere . Links: Mitchell Albala Website: https://mitchalbala.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LandscapePaintingEssentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellalbala/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MitchAlbala Books: The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color , by Mitchell Albala https://amzn.to/3ueT4oF (paid link) Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice , by Mitchell Albala https://amzn.to/3r89ahz (paid link) Mentions: Dan McCall https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/dan-mccaw-45 Barry John Raybould http://barryjohnraybould.blogspot.com/2008/10/notan-sketch.html John Hoffman https://hoffmannwatercolors.com Aliona Price Website: https://alionaprice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alionaprice_art/ Cheryl Peddie: https://www.cherylpeddie.ca About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 0 min
Ariana Richards delights in expressing her creativity in both painting and acting. Encouraged by her family at an early age, she developed an intense interest in the arts. She developed her painting skills even though as a young child she was busy acting. Ariana has appeared in over 30 movies and television shows – including portraying the young computer wizard Lex in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. She went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and Drama at Skidmore College. Her painting skills earned her the honor of being one of the youngest artists to become a member of the California Art Club. She is also a member of the Portrait Society of America. Ariana's creative roots in the arts can be traced to one of her early ancestors: Renaissance painter Carlo Crivelli who lived during the 1400s. With a deep respect for the old masters and a keen appreciation of the Impressionists, Ariana has developed her own sensitive, expressive voice that is an amalgamation of both worlds. Her beautiful portraits gently capture a fleeting gesture of the subject. Her landscapes and seascapes encapsulate the beauty and light of a moment in time. The gorgeous result of Ariana Richard's finely honed creative voice is Poetic Realism . Links: Ariana Richards Website: https://galleryariana.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalleryAriana/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianarichards/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/galleryariana YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GalleryAriana/videos IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000611/ Mentions: California Art Club: https://www.californiaartclub.org Carlo Crivelli: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlo_Crivelli Stan Winston: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Winston Lynn Gertenbach: https://www.lynngertenbachart.net Jeremy Lipking: https://www.lipking.com New Associate Producers: Mark Hubbard: http://markhubbardart.com Linda Miller: http://lindamillerfineart.com Karen Fletcher: https://www.instagram.com/kfletchart/ About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
32 min
Robert Henri's book The Art Spirit inevitably makes it in any artist's top ten artbook recommendations. As passionate students of Art, we know Robert Henri. His paintings make up an extraordinary body of work. He is considered the "father" of the Ashcan School - a loose alliance of artists whose approach to painting had more in common with journalism than stuffy, academic Traditionalism. Henri taught in many art schools. By some estimates, he taught more than a thousand students – including Edward Hopper and George Bellows. He was universally beloved as a teacher by his students. Today we continue to benefit from his teaching preserved in the pages of The Art Spirit . We have one of Henri's students to thank for preserving Henri's teaching: Margery Ryerson. She compiled a collection of his lecture notes, letters, and commentary together into the inspirational book The Art Spirit . It continues to be a valuable source of instruction and inspiration nearly 100 years after it was first published in 1923. The original text entered the public domain in 2019. What a remarkable gift! We all certainly know Robert Henri. Or, do we? Links: Robert Henri Museum and Art Gallery https://www.roberthenrimuseum.org/ Robert Henri Museum YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcjVC7KzIBQWa4jeMHTaPpA Nebraska Committee for the Humanities Betty McKeone | May 2, 1985 – The Rebirth of the Cozad Revelation and The History of the Hendee Hotel in Cozad, Nebraska https://2ba173f2-e500-4d32-bb26-643eaf56c0f3.filesusr.com/ugd/289a72_b5a0bd664c13485e911b93b93dfcedd8.pdf Mari Sandoz Book: Son of the Gamblin' Man: The Youth of an Artist https://amzn.to/3cu9PBX (paid link) The Story Catcher (PDF download): https://2ba173f2-e500-4d32-bb26-643eaf56c0f3.filesusr.com/ugd/289a72_b5a0bd664c13485e911b93b93dfcedd8.pdf The Lexington Clipper-Herald Print Olive: A man who lived by the gun, died by the gun , by Danny Gruber https://lexch.com/news/local/print-olive-a-man-who-lived-by-the-gun-died-by-the-gun/article_1250904d-d8ca-5720-86d3-53ab80d74908.html About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 8 min
Scott L. Christensen must paint - it is core to his very being. His keen eye and probing curiosity of nature reveal a deep love of not just being outdoors – but, rather, immersed in it with all senses engaged. His response to the landscape is visceral. He wants the viewer to feel a deep emotional connection with the landscape. The viewer is not a mere passing observer of a Christensen painting, but is also a participant in the scene – curious, seeking answers to their own internal questions. Nature's beauty presents a cacophony of options. This excites Scott – he looks forward to the process of problem-solving and experimentation that long precedes making the first mark of a painting. Outdoor painting is just the beginning of the process. Developing ideas is fundamental to Scott's approach. Through this process of ideation, Scott seeks to find the key of a painting just as a composer decides the key of a song. It's a process that Scott Christensen appropriately likens to Managing Chaos . Links: Scott L. Christensen Website: https://www.christensenstudio.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.christensen.33 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottchristensenstudio/ Adventure of Painting Website: https://www.adventureofpainting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventureofpainting/ Mentions: Rob Kapilow https://www.robkapilow.com Beyond the Easel with Christine Lashley and Scott L. Christensen https://www.christinelashley.com/event/138100/beyond-the-easel-bte William (Bill) F. Reese: http://www.williamfreese.com/index.html Coach Chris Carlisle https://twitter.com/coachcarlisle?lang=en Quarterback Russell Wilson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Wilson Pete Carroll https://www.seahawks.com/team/coaches-roster/pete-carroll The Civil Wars cover of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean https://youtu.be/441mR2zsQbg Puddle's Pity Party https://www.youtube.com/user/PuddlesPityParty Tennessee Whiskey - Dean Dillon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abzh4-nhWD4 Ida, movie directed by Pawel Pawlikowski https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXhCaVqB0x0 Gunsmoke TV series https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047736/ Doug Dirkson acting coach and artist: http://douglasdirksonfineart.com/about Alfred Hitchcock & Method Acting - Did Method Actors Not Belong In Hitchcock's Movies? – Robert Bellissimo At The Movies https://youtu.be/SQBt7ZQeHc4 Richard Sherman football cornerback https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Sherman_(American_football) Seattle Seahawks https://www.seahawks.com/ James Burke: Connections https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_XC_zVpvdmoZJRq4ShWLKhEAa1ofTO4s Vermeer Painting Restoration Reveals a Portrait of Cupid Hidden for Over 350 Years https://mymodernmet.com/vermeer-dresden-painting-restoration/ Federick W. Becker https://store.sternfinearts.com/fbecker.html Edgar Payne https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Alwin_Payne Kevin Macpherson https://www.kevinmacpherson.com/ Russell Chatham https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Chatham Clyde Aspevig https://www.clydeaspevig.com/ Quang Ho https://quangho.com/ Jason Saunders https://www.saundersfineart.com/ Carol Anderson https://www.carolynanderson.com/ David Dibble https://www.dibbleart.com/ T. (Tim) Allen Lawson https://tallenlawson.com/ Scott Burdick https://www.scottburdick.com/page/15559/scott-burdick Susan Lyon https://www.susanlyon.com/ About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
59 min
Britt Snyder focuses on capturing memories and feelings on canvas. Though influenced by late 19th century impressionism, Britt's paintings are clearly a modern take of impressionistic figurative, still life, and landscape painting. His portrayal of the human figure resembles a character who once inhabited our dreams of the night, and now their features slowly dissolve from our waking memory. His paintings reference classical painting, photography and pop culture with an emphasis on capturing and presenting moments in time and presenting the core essence of the portrayed subject. Just as a film director of a feature film uses the concept of the "wandering eye" in a shot – a view of the actor's eyes without revealing what the actor sees – Britt invokes a similar feeling of curiosity and mystery in his paintings. We want to know what his subject sees and feels. We are left with questions as his figure glances beyond the edge of the canvas. When you view one of Britt Snyder's paintings, you begin to hear in your mind the music of life, and in the periphery of your vision you discern that there is A Sense of Something More. Links: Britt Snyder Website: https://www.brittsnyder.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittsnyder_painter/ Maybaum Gallery: https://www.maybaumgallery.com/artists/82-britton-snyder/ Books: Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas , by Eric Fischl: https://amzn.to/3klDQHV (paid link) Just Kids , by Patti Smith: https://amzn.to/3gdBqtD (paid link) About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 21 min
Frank Serrano's paintings have a sense of atmospheric depth that seem to extend far beyond the two dimensional surface of a canvas. As you look at one of his Western landscape paintings, it's as if you can feel the summer heat enveloping California's Owens Valley. You feel a breeze gently tugging at your soul as you gaze in awe upon the purple glow of the fading light of the setting sun cast upon the immense Eastern Sierras. This is Edgar Payne country. Inspired by Payne as well as artists Sam Hyde Harris, Frank Tenney Johnson, Maynard Dixon and others, Frank's paintings reflect his own developed style filled with incredible passion that beautifully capture the dramatic atmosphere and stunning light that infuses the vast landscape of the West. Frank says that painting on location enriches his life. His paintings do not exist as mere pictures. They are like a cinematic film that stirs your heart with a deep emotional response to the story that unfolds before you of the epic Western landscape and the people who inhabit its vast spaces. Years of outdoor painting has honed Frank's sensitivity to the landscape. Frank Serrano's keen sense of observation and heartfelt emotional response to the Western landscape enable him to paint not only the scene before him, but also The Air Between Things . Links: Frank Serrano Website: https://www.serranofineart.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serranoartist/ Books: Plein Air Painting in Oil , by Frank Serrano: https://amzn.to/36Agt6M (paid link) Starting Out In Oil Painting , by Robert Moore: https://amzn.to/3em8Epo (paid link) Fill Your Oil Paintings with Light & Color , by Kevin Macpherson: https://amzn.to/36HYCe0 (paid link) About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 hr 29 min
Kevin Kehoe began his remarkable career as a fine art painter just a little over eight years ago. Though he had attended Art Institute of Boston, it would be another 30 years before he would pick up his paint brushes again. With the loving support of his wife, he abandoned a successful career in advertising to pursue fine art painting full time. Kevin refers to himself as a painter with a camera. However, his thoughtfully composed photos are merely a jumping off point for his exquisite, expansive paintings that stir the heart. His goal is not to simply render a photo into a painting. Rather, Kevin seeks to express his subject matter – as he puts it – "like an emotionally conjured image." His paintings are about how he wants to recall a moment in time in his mind and heart. Struck by the epic and awe-inspiring vistas of the American West, his paintings often capture the wonder and wanderlust of the West. Kevin says of the West: "In short, it's where you lose yourself to find yourself… The West is good medicine." Indeed, in this stress-filled world, Kevin Kehoe's magnificent paintings are just the right prescription and dosage we need of Western Therapy. Links: Kevin Kehoe Fine Art Paintings: http://www.kkpainter.com/ Fine Art Photography: http://kevinkehoe-simplebeauty.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinkehoeart/ Other Mentions: Booth Western Art Museum https://boothmuseum.org Leica V-Lux 5 20MB Superzoom Digital Camera with 25-400mm f/2.8-4 ASPH Lens: https://amzn.to/3h8IUxE (paid link) About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/ This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.