The Business of Art Podcast Mark McKenna

Business of art links:
https://linktr.ee/businessof_art

Megan’s Links
https://meganwimberley.com

https://www.facebook.com/meganwimberleyfineart

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

https://cowgirlartistsofamerica.org

Summary
Megan Wimberley, a contemporary Western and wildlife artist, shares her journey from growing up around horses to pursuing a career in art. She discusses her educational experiences, the impact of art education on her career, and her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Megan emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, managing stress, and being gentle with oneself. She also highlights the value of seeking support from therapists, faith communities, and art communities. The conversation covers the importance of mindfulness, self-care, and stress management for artists, as well as the mission of Cowgirl Artists of America to increase opportunities and representation for female Western artists. It also delves into the complexities of gender representation in the art world and the need for awareness and inclusivity. The conversation provides insights into the challenges faced by women artists and the impact of cultural biases on art representation. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including advice for new artists, the importance of business procedures, the role of social media, pitfalls to avoid, and the balance between art and running an art business. The discussion also delves into the artist's approach to painting, the evolving process, and the challenges of finding balance and self-care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, seeking help from therapists or coaches, and the value of authenticity in sharing the struggles of the artistic journey.

Takeaways
Megan's journey from growing up around horses to pursuing a career in art
The impact of art education on Megan's career and her approach to learning and experimentation
Megan's experience with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and her holistic approach to health
The importance of setting boundaries, managing stress, and seeking support from therapists, faith communities, and art communities Mindfulness and self-care are essential for artists to manage stress and maintain mental well-being.
Cowgirl Artists of America aims to increase opportunities and representation for female Western artists, providing resources and a supportive community.
The conversation highlights the complexities of gender representation in the art world and the need for awareness, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity.
Challenging biases and promoting inclusivity in the art community is crucial for creating a more diverse and representative space for artists of all backgrounds. The importance of doing the 'ugly work' before the 'pretty work' in art and the need for patience and dedication.
The significance of setting up good business procedures, tracking inventory, and having systems of procedure in place for artists.
The value of being gentle with oneself, taking time off, and seeking financial planning advice or mentorship.
The role of social media in an artist's career, including the importance of thoughtful captions, showing personality, and maintaining a clear business focus.
The challenges of finding balance between running an art business and pursuing the artistic process, and the importance of self-care and seeking help from therapists or coaches.


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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

 


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https://linktr.ee/businessof_art



KRYSTII'S LINKS

https://krystiimelaine.com

https://www.facebook.com/krystiimelainefineart

https://instagram.com/https://www.instagram.com/krystii.melaine

 

WORKSHOP AUGUST 2024

https://boothmuseum.org/booth-art-academy/

 

SUMMARY

Krystii Melaine, an Australian-born wildlife and portrait artist, shares her journey from being a fashion designer to pursuing her lifelong passion for painting. She emphasizes the importance of building skills as an artist and finding one's own voice. Krystii discusses the challenges of being an artist and the need for constant improvement and reinvention. She advises aspiring artists to dedicate time to their craft, even if it's just small studies, and to be critical of their work. Krystii also talks about her recent shift in focus to painting large-scale canvases that reflect her own experiences and ideas. Krystii shares her experience of transitioning from wildlife art to creating large-scale Western art and abstracts. She discusses the importance of taking risks and following your artistic vision, even if it means going against the norm. Krystii also talks about the challenges faced by women artists in the industry and the need for women to be assertive and proactive in pursuing opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of being reliable, easy to work with, and treating art as a business. Overall, Krystii's journey serves as an inspiration for artists looking to push their boundaries and achieve success.

 

TAKEAWAYS

Build your skills as an artist and find your own voice

Dedicate time to your craft and be critical of your work

Constantly strive for improvement and reinvention

Start small and gradually work your way up

Paint what truly inspires you and reflects your own experiences

Challenge yourself and don't be afraid to take risks 

Take risks and follow your artistic vision, even if it means going against the norm.

Women artists need to be assertive and proactive in pursuing opportunities.

Be reliable, easy to work with, and treat art as a business.

Networking and building relationships with other artists and galleries is crucial for success.

Persistence and perseverance are key in the art world.

 

KEY WORDS

artist, painting, fashion designer, wildlife art, portrait art, traditional realism, art market, art, career transition, taking risks, artistic vision, Western art, abstract art, artist challenges, women artists, assertiveness, art opportunities, art business, artist entrepreneur 


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https://linktr.ee/businessof_art



RICHIE’S LINKS

https://www.richiecarterfinearts.com https://www.instagram.com/richiecarterfinearts/ https://www.facebook.com/richard.d.carter.9



BOOK REFERENCE

“Steal Like an Artist” – by Austin Kleon



SUMMARY

Richie Carter, a young artist from Montana, shares his journey and experiences in the art world. He grew up in a rural community and developed a love for creating things from a young age. He pursued a BFA in painting from the University of Montana, where he faced challenges with the post-modern conceptually based art approach. Despite the difficulties, he persevered and continued to paint, eventually finding inspiration in plein air painting and the landscapes of Paris. Richie has studied with artists like John Poon, Maggie Siner, and Daniel Keys, who have influenced his artistic development. The conversation covers three main themes: the generosity of artists in sharing knowledge, the importance of painting from life, and the process of selling artwork. The guests emphasize the willingness of artists to share information and shortcuts they have learned throughout their careers. They encourage artists to start locally and show their work in their own communities. The conversation also explores the benefits of painting from life, whether it's landscapes or live portrait models, as it teaches valuable lessons and keeps artists humble. Lastly, the guests discuss the process of selling artwork, highlighting the importance of starting small and building a foundation in the local community. In this conversation, Mark and Richie discuss the importance of finding one's own artistic voice and not being afraid to be influenced by other artists. They emphasize the need to explore and experiment with different styles and techniques, while also staying true to oneself. They share personal experiences of discovering their own voices as artists and offer advice for those starting out. Richie also talks about his upcoming art show and workshops.



TAKEAWAYS

Follow opportunities that present themselves, as they can have a significant impact on your career.

Be kind and compassionate to yourself as an artist.

There are multiple paths to success in the art world, including university education and workshops.

Learning the fundamentals of drawing, value, color, and atmospheric perspective is essential.

Find inspiration in nature and the places that resonate with you.

Building relationships with other artists can lead to valuable learning experiences and friendships. Artists ar

generous in sharing information and shortcuts they have learned throughout their careers.

Painting from life, whether it's landscapes or live portrait models, teaches valuable lessons and keeps artists humble.

Starting small and showing artwork in the local community is a great way to begin selling artwork.

Emulate and learn from artists you admire, but find your own voice and develop your own techniques. Don't be afraid to be influenced by other artists, but also find your own artistic voice.

Experiment with different styles and techniques to discover what resonates with you.

Personal growth as an artist comes from pushing through challenging periods and embracing the process.

Building an online presence and networking with galleries can help get your work seen.

Teaching workshops can be a valuable way to share knowledge and connect with other artists.



KEY WORDS

Richie Carter, artist journey, creativity, painting, realism, art education, artist challenges, plein air painting, Paris, art workshops, John Poon, Maggie Siner, Daniel Keys, generosity, artists sharing knowledge, painting from life, selling artwork, art community, artistic voice, artistic exploration, artistic experimentation, personal growth, art show


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https://linktr.ee/businessof_art



SUMMARY

Mark McKenna, a Western artist, shares his journey into the art world and his love for painting animals. He discusses how he initially considered a career as a dentist but was encouraged by a mentor to pursue art. Mark emphasizes the importance of painting what you love and painting consistently. He also talks about the significance of framing and the business side of being an artist. Mark shares his experience as a teacher and the influence of mentors like Greg Beecham. He mentions his upcoming online content and his involvement with galleries and art shows.



MARK'S LINKS

https://markmckennastudios.com

Facebook.com/markmckennastudios

Instagram.com/markmckennastudios



TAKEAWAYS

Follow your passion and paint what you love.

Consistency is key in developing your skills as an artist.

Invest in quality framing to enhance your artwork.

Learn about the business side of being an artist, including marketing and record-keeping.

Mentors play a crucial role in an artist's growth and development.

Teaching and attending workshops can provide valuable learning experiences

Balance family life and art by having a supportive partner.

Stay updated on upcoming shows and events to connect with art collectors.

Create online content to reach a wider audience and share your artistic process.



KEY WORDS

Mark McKenna, Mark McKenna Studios, The Business of Art, Western art, painting, animal art, art career, art mentor, art education, artist workshops, art business, framing art, online art courses, art galleries, art shows


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https://linktr.ee/businessof_art



SUMMARY

Dave Santillanes, a landscape artist, shares his journey from being a graphic designer to becoming a full- time artist. He emphasizes the importance of painting outdoors and the impact it had on his work. Dave discusses the challenges of balancing a day job with his passion for art and offers advice for aspiring artists. He also explains his creative process, which involves starting with plein air studies and then developing larger studio pieces. In this conversation, artist Dave Santillanes discusses his approach to painting, including the importance of creating smaller studies before tackling larger pieces. He also talks about the challenges of maintaining freshness and brevity in larger paintings and shares his preferred tools and materials. Santillanes emphasizes the significance of shadows in creating atmosphere and offers advice for artists looking to market their work and build relationships with collectors. He encourages artists to embrace the journey and focus on the quality of their work.



DAVE’S LINKS

https://dasanti.com

https://www.facebook.com/dave.santillanes

https://www.instagram.com/davesantillanes.art



TAKEAWAYS

Embrace the journey and understand that becoming a successful artist takes time and dedication.

If you have to work a day job, make sure it's not soul-crushing and allows you to maintain your passion for art.

Start with plein air studies to capture the essence of a scene and then develop larger studio pieces.

Photos can be a helpful reference, but it's important to analyze color and values from plein air studies.

Having a supportive family can play a crucial role in nurturing a passion for art. Creating smaller studies before tackling larger paintings can help solve color issues and save time and energy.

Maintaining freshness and brevity in larger paintings can be challenging, but it's important to find the right balance.

Shadows play a crucial role in creating atmosphere in paintings, and studying shadows can greatly improve an artist's work.

Social media and participating in shows can be effective ways to market artwork and connect with collectors.

The art career is a journey, and it's important to enjoy the process and focus on the quality of the work.



KEY WORDS

Dave Santillanes, landscape artist, Artist journey, graphic design, full-time artist, painting outdoors, balancing your day job, creative process, painting, art studies, challenges as an artist, atmospheric perspective, art tools, art materials, marketing your art, art collectors, art galleries, art shows


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