In this solo episode, you will learn about the income-accelerating plan that shapes a realistic strategy for increasing your income. This four-step process is what you need to begin to more easily visualize a more profitable future. If you’re ready to dramatically up level your business IQ by gaining insights into where your income came from, where it can come from, and how you can make it happen, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Highlights
You cannot be content to just break even in your art business. (:10)
The value of creating an income-accelerating plan. (1:20)
How can you make a plan for more money when you don’t know if anyone will buy your art? (2:35)
Step 1- Figure out where your income has been coming from. (3:38)
Step 2- Analyze the numbers and what they can tell you. (6:32)
Step 3- Set your next income goal. (7:25)
Step 4- Make a plan that will allow you to achieve your new income goal. (8:51)
Join the Artist Planning Sessions to get real about the work you can realistically commit to. (9:35)
What other artists are saying about the income-accelerating process. (10:57)
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“Don’t be content to break even when running an art business.” — Alyson Stanfield
"You need money to survive and shouldn’t be ashamed to admit it.” — Alyson Stanfield
“One of the best things you can do to improve your chances of success in any area is to create a plan.” — Alyson Stanfield
“You make a plan because you’re the CEO of your art business and that’s what CEOs do.” — Alyson Stanfield
While you don’t have any control over results, you do have control over the actions you take (or don’t take) to get the results.” — Alyson Stanfield
This is extremely difficult to do when you are trying to show and sell your art. You want to do more. To add new income streams and the latest marketing platforms. The ads and social media posts want you to do more.
But more is exhausting.
My guest for this episode knows how to get what she wants without doing more. Jill Soukup, who has been a student and client of mine over the past decade, is dedicated to becoming a better artist. She methodically improves her work to make sure that her career, her business, and her life are what she wants them to be.
In this conversation, Jill and I discuss how and where she sells her work, how teaching fits in with her income plan, how she makes sure she remains profitable, and why it's important for her to keep things simple.
Highlights
Jill’s transition to full-time artist and where she shows and sells her art today. (1:51)
The inspiration behind Jill’s Western-themed art. (5:56)
Selling on Instagram is changing the dynamics of Jill’s work. (8:39)
Logistics of selling prints and giving customers what they want. (11:34)
You have to spend money to make money. (15:25)
The strategies that allow Jill to get work done without working harder. (19:31)
For Jill, doing less has resulted in even more success in her art business. (23:47)
Dedication to your craft and honing your skills is the hallmark of an exceptional artist. (29:10)
Teaching, raising prices, and decreasing her painting output keeps Jill’s income steady. (30:45)
Bookkeeping details and how Jill knows she is profitable. (37:24)
Why is simplifying so important in Jill’s business — and life? (40:56)
Insights from Jill’s typical work day and what she's working toward now. (46:14)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“As artists we ebb and flow in our process and what we’re producing.” — Jill Soukup
“This experience is teaching me to dig deeper and to see things that I wasn’t seeing before.” — Jill Soukup
“At that point I recognized that I was so overwhelmed. I wasn’t making any decisions because I had too many decisions to make.” — Jill Soukup
“At that moment I realized what really was important to me, and that all of the other things on my list were not even necessary.” — Jill Soukup
“Everything I chose to do had to meet one of my three goals and it just simplified everything. And it was such a beautiful thing.” — Jill Soukup
Jill Soukup was born in Buffalo, New York. Shortly thereafter, her family moved to Colorado, where she still resides. Jill’s affinity for horses as a young girl resulted in countless drawings and studies of them, which made for a strong drawing foundation. As a teen, she started a pet-portrait business, acquired jobs painting murals, and designed logos for local organizations. Jill graduated from Colorado State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Fine Art. There, she received awards for illustration and design and worked as an illustrator and designer for the university. She initially pursued a career in graphic design while continuing to paint part time. After 11 years as a designer, she made the switch to full-time painting. Her work continues to gain recognition as she receives awards, appears in national publications, and shows in important juried and one-woman exhibitions.
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/online-events-griffin-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
It's okay to go off-script.
In this episode, I talk with ceramic artist Patricia Griffin. If you visit her website during certain times of the year, you won't see anything for sale because she has sold out. Zero inventory. What you will see are items she has sold and an opportunity to get on her list so you don't miss a chance to purchase the next time her shop opens.
Patricia and I discuss what she refers to as events — the 3- or 4-times a year sales of her ceramics that sell out within hours and have led to a dramatic increase in income. She'll describe the philosophy behind them, the promotional timeline, the collaborations to help raise money for nonprofits, and how the events are a valuable tool for her to cultivate relationships with buyers and potential buyers.
Highlights
The book that changed the course of Patricia’s artistic life. (2:04)
Patricia’s cautious first step into selling her art. (6:35)
A visual description of Patricia’s functional stoneware. (8:52)
An overview of Patricia’s sales philosophy and the online sales events that bring in more orders than she can quickly fill. (11:20)
The learning curve that comes with selling art in a non-traditional way. (15:46)
Cultivating a studio friends list allows Patricia to connect with interested buyers. (17:47)
Timing sales events and refining the sales process. (21:50)
How many pieces does Patricia have ready to go when her events go live? (26:25)
The benefit of connecting your Instagram feed to your sales website. (27:14)
Marketing for sales events and what launch day looks like for Patricia. (28:53)
Collaborating with a non-profit does not have to mean donating your work for free. (33:05)
Hosting online events, for Patricia, has resulted in a dramatic increase in sales and skills. (34:43)
Stories of creating connections and increasing loyalty with buyers. (36:20)
How to create the deadlines that will result in increased sales. (39:16)
The success of Patricia’s most recent online event — by the numbers. (41:04)
Which social media platform brings in the greatest number of customers? (43:18)
How does Patricia balance the need to produce art for her soul and the need to produce art for her business? (46:07)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“I like the association with the people who are buying my art through online sales. I don’t know that doing it another way would cultivate the same kind of relationships that I have now.” — Patricia Griffin
“Some of these people had been on my email list for years and maybe just purchased something for the first time.” — Patricia Griffin
“Hosting online events has been really beneficial, not only to my business but also to my skills.” — Patricia Griffin
“I don’t think I would have had those commissions if it wasn’t for the online events.” — Patricia Griffin
“I’ve really felt the pull to do something else and get back to some of the experimenting that I like to do.” — Patricia Griffin
“I’m continually walking that tight line between the need to produce art in my soul and the need to produce art in my business hat.” — Patricia Griffin
Patricia Griffin is a potter-artist in the seaside community of Cambria on California's central coast. She makes functional ceramics that are hand-thrown and hand-built and etched with designs that look like woodcuts. Griffin’s work is sold primarily through shopping events held three to four times a year on her website.
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/online-events-griffin-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
As the CEO of your art business there are things you—and only you—need to be doing to make sure that you are running your business in the most profitable and productive way possible. From running the numbers in your books to delegating the menial tasks that someone else can do so that you can focus on making art, I offer six different ways that you can ensure profitability in your art business.
Highlights
Getting serious about making money out of your art business—not your art hobby. (0:01)
Yes, you really are the CEO of your art business. What exactly does that mean? (1:42)
Art business CEOs know when and how to ask for help. (3:53)
CEOs do what they do best and they delegate the rest. (4:43)
Do you know exactly how you are spending money in your art business? (5:30)
What you will learn from analyzing your profit and loss statements. (6:37)
3 evolving art business trends you need to be aware of. (9:23)
A look at the upcoming and inspiring episodes on the Art Biz Podcast. (12:02)
Mentioned
What Is Your Art Business Costing You? (links to Liz Crane post)
Ripping Through the Veils of Illusion Around Online Art Marketplaces by Liz Crane
Resources
Complete transcript, featured artists, and listener comments
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/ceo
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
But failure is necessary for growth. If you are succeeding at everything, there is no way you're learning and growing.
My guest today is ambitious and knows what she wants, and she is not afraid to fail.
In our interview, you'll hear about Laura Petrovich-Cheney’s philosophy that failure is the result of not listening to your instinct and not doing your best. Laura talks about a few failures she has learned from, why it's helpful to have a little bit of time and space between examining failures, and the shame that gets in the way of sharing failures with other artists. We also discuss the inevitable comparisons with other artists that arise when you fail and see only their successes.
Highlights
Laura Petrovich-Cheney shares the artist journey that led her to embrace failure. (1:40)
Defining failure as a lack of listening to your intuition and not trying your best. (4:30)
The difference between failures and mistakes. (6:14)
The most productive timeline for examining your failures so you can learn from them. (11:45)
Success comes from learning to do something better. (15:05)
Compare rejection and failure — which one comes from within? (16:49)
At what point should you define an experience as a failure? (19:47)
Throw yourself a pity party, then let go and move on. (22:23)
Should you share your failures with other artists? (25:42)
Trying again, and again, and again, and knowing what to do better next time. (29:17)
Laura shares the lessons she has learned from failing so successfully. (32:43)
The benefit of asking others for help. (37:58)
What is currently holding Laura’s attention in her studio? (39:05)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
"Failure is primarily a lack of listening to your intuition.” — Laura Petrovich-Cheney
“If you really tried your best and you were only capable of a mediocre performance, that’s still your best.” — Laura Petrovich-Cheney
“Failing to learn from an experience is another failure.” — Alyson Stanfield
“In the failure, you learn how to do something better. And that sometimes is a bigger success.” — Laura Petrovich-Cheney
“Listening to your intuition and honoring who you are is so important to being successful.” — Laura Petrovich-Cheney
About My Guest
Laura Petrovich-Cheney’s work is a profound assessment of contemporary issues merging with traditional folk art practices, quilting, woodworking and her repurposed materials with environmental issues of climate change. In all of the artist’s recent sculpture, a dialogue exists between environmental and individual concerns. Much of Laura’s work is feminist in nature, incorporating traditional women’s arts such as needlework and quilting, which are then transformed through found materials. Laura’s work has been published in several national and international publications including television, books, magazines, podcasts and NPR.
Laura was born in Philadelphia and raised in Haddonfield, New Jersey. For twenty years, she has lived in Asbury Park, New Jersey. She earned her BA in Fine Arts and English Literature at Dickinson College. Laura also has an MS degree in Fashion Design from Drexel University and an MFA in Studio Arts from Moore College of Art and Design.
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/failure-cheney-podcast
Build your well-greased art biz machine: https://artbizsystem.com
Music by https://wildermiss.com
In this episode I talk with Leah Smithson about her path, which kicked into gear after her father suffered a massive stroke and she began researching how creativity works in the brain. Leah's interest in learning has led to her untraditional portrait paintings, line of jewelry, public art, and murals. You'll also hear about how she embraces technology and has been teaching herself augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR).
Leah and I discuss how she decides which risks to take on and which projects to get involved with, how she schedules her week, and how her well-meaning husband cajoled her into co-hosting a podcast with him. Leah has taken many risks in her art career, and I love her point of view — you'll never know until you try. You can decide to take a risk because even if it doesn't turn out as you'd hope — even if it's a disaster — you'll be glad you did it anyway, it's something that fits with your goals.
If you’ve ever considered which step to take next or which opportunities are right for your art business, you need to listen to this advice from an artist who has failed and continues to experience success.
Highlights
Leah Smithson shares her art and the family experience that led her to focus more on her own creativity. (1:19)
Unpacking the effects of art and creativity on the brain. (5:05)
The evolution of Leah’s art in the face of emotion and self-expression. (6:46)
Income streams and impact that Covid-19 had on Leah’s work. (10:55)
Taking calculated risks in art and tuning in to what you want for your art business. (14:52)
Learning from Leah’s failures. (17:10)
How to identify the right opportunities for your art business. (22:08)
The role of research in Leah’s art. (27:55)
Creating digital art experiences with AR and VR. (31:43)
Leah’s typical work week balances studio work, social media, podcasting and community projects. (36:37)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
"The faster you get it out there, the quicker you can make progress." — Leah Smithson
“I try to balance an educated decision with being tuned in to what I really want to do, so even if it doesn’t go well at least it was because it was something I wanted to do.” — Leah Smithson
“Even when I fail I can still be happy with the decision I made.” — Leah Smithson
“I’ve learned that the next time I take a risk, it needs to be something that I really want to do. And even if it’s a disaster, I’m happy I did it anyway.” — Leah Smithson
About My Guest
Having moved around as a kid, Leah Smithson's style comes from a patchwork of influences from classical painting to cyberpunk. Through her murals, painting, NFT CryptoArt, and sculpture she often uses nature and portraiture to express the complexities of being human. She’s not afraid to take up new technology.
Leah was born in Tennessee. She has lived in Atlanta, the Bay Area of Northern California, and now calls L.A. home. She co-hosts the Vessel: Art as a Doorway podcast with her husband.
Artists are innate problem solvers.
My guest for this episode is one of those artists. The list of what Michael Gadlin has done (legally) to earn a living as a working artist for more than 20 years is impressive. He sells originals, consults, teaches, designs, builds websites, and even hosted a show on public television. He has also sat on boards and committees in his local Denver art community.
Michael was gifted with what seems to be an endless supply of energy. I came at him with one topic and his mind connects it to numerous other experiences. The result is a wide-ranging interview. Michael waxes philosophically about the life of an artist, and you won’t want to miss his take on the lessons he learned from other working artists, the artist's collaboration with viewers, gallery representation, why it's important to be part of a community, and much more.
Highlights
Michael Gadlin reflects on his journey as an artist and the key role of mentors along the way. (1:32)
The lessons Michael learned from reaching his first major studio goal. (6:28)
The payoff that comes with showing interest in every opportunity that crosses your path. (9:34)
Michael describes his approach to both figurative and non-representational art. (12:23)
Experimenting, problem solving creatively, and collaborating with the art community. (18:55)
You cannot be a one-person band and succeed in your art business. (27:00)
Figuring out who you are as an artist (beyond the art that you make). (29:20)
What does it mean to be an integral part of the art community? (31:24)
Positioning yourself in the places that will allow you to shape the decisions that are being made in your community. (37:28)
When can you truly consider yourself an artist? (43:18)
Creating a legacy with your art and with your life. (46:01)
Constant hustling — Micheal shares his multiple income streams. (47:36)
Staying organized and getting things done starts with finding the right tools. (52:13)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Michael Gadlin began his art education at the Art Students League of Denver, followed by Metropolitan State University, Denver, and New York’s prestigious Pratt Institute of Art & Design in Brooklyn. He was awarded a residency at La Napoule Art Foundation in France. Gadlin sits on the board of directors at both Denver’s MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) and PlatteForum, an artist’s residency in the city. He has won numerous awards throughout his career as an artist, including the youngest artist ever to win Best of Show at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Gadlin’s work now hangs in the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art’s permanent collection among other city and government collections.
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/problem-solver-gadlin-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
If so, you’re not alone. We are hard-wired for the protection that will keep us safe, but avoiding risks can also keep you small when you give up the power of decision-making. Avoiding risks can hold you back from becoming the artist you are meant to be in the world. In this solo episode, I will introduce our theme for the month — taking risks — and explore why taking risks is a critical step to growing your art business. Listen as I highlight the indicators that you are limiting yourself in your art business, the questions you need to ask yourself when facing new (and potentially risky) opportunities, and the simple steps you can take today to start moving toward the risk that just might bring the next level of success that you’ve been dreaming about.
Highlights
Transition from managing your mindset to taking risks in your art business. (00:07)
Are you allowing your built-in sensor to impede your growth? (1:24)
Challenge yourself to grow by getting a little more uncomfortable. (3:58)
Growth demands risks, especially in your art business. (6:12)
Simple first steps that will knock you out of your comfort zone. (7:48)
Questions to ask yourself when facing a tough risk-taking decision. (10:22)
Upcoming podcast episodes that will inspire you to take meaningful risks. (11:56)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“You’re not likely to take risks without the proper mindset.” — Alyson Stanfield
“I challenge you to get a little uncomfortable with your art, with your marketing and in your life.” — Alyson Stanfield
“Growth demands risks. Don’t even think about moving up a level without being prepared to face the little risks.” — Alyson Stanfield
If that thought has ever crossed your mind, this episode is for you. My guest is corporate-world-turned-full-time-artist Christa Forrest, and our topic is one that most of us experience at some point in our art careers and businesses: Imposter Syndrome.
Christa is a big advocate for "fake it til you make it," but that doesn't mean that she doesn't have doubts and insecurities. In this episode, you'll hear how Christa developed thick skin by showing her work at art festivals, why she is laser focused on building her email list, and how she overcomes feelings of inadequacy in her art practice.
Highlights
Christa Forrest describes the process of turning women into goddesses, and leaving her corporate job. (2:20)
Building an art business while preparing to quit your full-time job. (6:05)
Christa shares the income streams that allowed her to focus solely on her art. (10:56)
The tipping point — pinpointing your focus and selling your work. (13:23)
How to develop the thick skin that is required of serious artists. (17:29)
Tips for creating an online presence that makes more money. (21:05)
Imposter syndrome — what it means and where it’s most likely to appear in an artist’s world. (24:08)
Tools that will help you find the courage to fake it til you make it. (30:05)
Is imposter syndrome keeping you from making — and meeting — your goals? (33:42)
Overcoming the moment when imposter syndrome takes over. (41:44)
The support system that helps Christa stay grounded amidst her weaknesses. (44:14)
A look at what is keeping Christa’s attention in the studio now. (45:51)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“I had to figure out what I have to offer and what problem do I have to solve out there before I started my actual business.” — Christa Forrest
“It was really important to me at that time to be able to say ‘I’m an artist’.” — Christa Forrest
“If I can build my email list, I know I can build my income.” — Christa Forrest
“Failure is the only way we get better. We hardly ever learn from successes.” — Alyson Stanfield
About My Guest
Christa Forrest is an artist specializing in pastel, oil, acrylic and mixed media art. After spending 20 years in a finance career, she decided to follow her true passion and become a full-time artist. Christa spends her time sharing her passion with others, teaching others to be creative and exploring the world's landscape, recreating it onto canvas. Her work is a combination of realism, exploration, experimentation and pure fun.
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/imposter-syndrome-forrest-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
In our conversation Megan and I unpack the many layers of elitism in the art world, from the traditional artist models that need to be permanently retired to the concern that too many artists are undervaluing and underpricing their work. There is a lot that needs to change, and this conversation is the perfect starting point for any artist who is interested in exploring and contributing to this difficult dialogue.
Highlights
Megan Auman shares the studio practice that evolved from her childhood artmaking. (2:19)
‘This is the story that we’re not paying attention to.’ Is elitism running rampant in the art world? (4:52)
Megan defines the elite art world (with a capital A) and the inclusive artworld for the rest of us. (8:58)
The definition of art from 50 years ago just isn’t cutting it by today’s standards. (15:29)
A look at the many levels of elitism in the art world, and what exactly is wrong with all of them. (17:12)
What effect does the democratization of the art world have on the monetary value of an artist’s work? (23:54)
The importance of valuing what you make enough to be paid for that value. (25:54)
The basis of gender inequality in the art world. (27:45)
Defining elitism in the art world, why it’s worth ranting against, and what we can do about it. (28:40)
Reaching the point that you can confidently call yourself an artist and make your art truly accessible (not affordable). (35:00)
If anyone could be an artist, how can we differentiate the makers of the world and value what those makers make? (41:36)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“When I talk about elitism in the art world, it’s not actually the art world that I inhabit.” — Megan Auman
“There is this level of gatekeeping that happens and it’s a problem because only certain, very specific kinds of people get paid and supported in making their art.” — Megan Auman
“It’s a matter of whether or not you believe that what you’re doing has enough value that you should be paid for that value.” — Megan Auman
“What I want is for more people to claim what they do as art, and for us as a culture to value that art. Meaning that we put our money where our mouth is.” — Megan Auman
“Calling yourself an artist does not preclude you from also spending money on other people’s art. — Megan Auman
About My Guest
Megan Auman is an artist, metalsmith, teacher, writer, and business coach. She designs jewelry that is simultaneously bold and easy to wear. Though trained as a metalsmith, Megan draws endless inspiration from textiles and fashion, seeking to recreate the ease and fluidity of fiber and textiles in metal. She works predominantly in steel, forming each element and link by hand from wire, then torch welding each joint. Other welded metals, including silver and bronze, are sometimes used to add variety and contrast to her designs. Megan received a BFA in metals from Syracuse University and an MFA in metals and jewelry from Kent State University. While studying at Kent, she developed a love for working with steel and torch welding, which led to the development of her current line.
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/elitism-auman-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
You are your brand, and with the ever-increasing emphasis to be seen on video and social media, it’s not only important that you look your best, it’s critical that you feel your best. Looking your best can help with feeling your best, and my guest today knows how to make sure that happens. Brooke Harker has been working with artists over the past year as the organizer of Saturday Night Live Art Shows. You’ll hear how, after some traumatic events, Brooke regained confidence with other people and in front of the camera with the help of a makeup lesson and a whole lot of interior work as well.
Highlights
‘I make cityscapes that are portals into other worlds.’ Brooke Harker shares her work and updates from Saturday Night Live Art Shows. (2:27)
Face your fear of the camera by focusing on the fun. (7:16)
Looking confident as an artist does not start with emphasizing your looks. (11:50)
Making a 180-degree shift by focusing on the internal first. (16:09)
‘See yourself as a beautiful piece of art — you are a blank canvas.’ (21:52)
Brooke shares the routine that helps her feel prepared for anything. (24:16)
Refocusing your attention on others starts with taking care of yourself. (29:10)
The benefits of being seen as an artist, and sharing rather than hiding. (32:00)
Telling your story is shaping the future of art history. (36:30)
Finding the courage to take the first step to feeling your best inside and out. (37:35)
Everyone sees you and hears you, so figure out how to own it. (40:55)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“I had a sense of purpose that was bigger than, ‘how do I feel and what’s comfortable for me?’” — Brooke Harker
“If a person says, ‘I’ll do it when I feel comfortable, I’ll do it when I feel confident, then they might not do it. You’ve just got to do it anyway.” — Brooke Harker
“It’s definitely possible to be in a very low place and shift to a higher energy, more positive place. We get to choose which place we’re in.” — Brooke Harker
“See yourself as a beautiful piece of art — you are a blank canvas.” — Samina Malik
“There’s a clarity that comes with sharing that doesn’t come with hiding.” — Brooke Harker
About My Guest
Brooke Harker is a contemporary artist based in Los Angeles, California. Her lively paintings of cities and coastal scenes are characterized by energetic brushstrokes in ink and thick oil paint applied with palette knives. These vibrant depictions of daily life capture a sense of motion and highlight moments of synchronicity. Harker calls herself a historian of the ordinary. Her paintings are a collaboration with all of the people who’ve contributed to a place over time: architects, engineers, city workers who’ve placed street signs and pedestrians whose colorful fashion landed in view at the perfect moment. All of their individual actions brought together one moment, fated to be captured on canvas. Follow Brooke on Instagram: @brookeharker.
First posted: http://artbizsuccess.com/see-yourself-harker-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
To help you determine what makes you an official artist, I’m joined today by abstract painter James Holmes. James is sharing three criteria that he created before he could call himself an artist, and he makes it clear that owning the title isn’t quite as complicated as it may seem.
Highlights
Mentioned
Resources
Quotes
About My Guest
James Holmes is a Denver-based visual artist. As an abstract painter James shared, "I paint from the inside out. I believe painting from the inside out allows me to outwardly communicate my inner life. Everything I internalize, the experiences I have, the people in my life, my hopes, dreams, and faith are all reflected from heart, mind, and soul through the prism of my intuitive lenses resulting in artistic expressions utilizing a variety of media." James maintains a studio in Denver’s Golden Triangle arts district, and exhibits at the Veterans Arts Council Gallery, Centura Health Healing Gallery, and other venues. James is a Trustee of the Denver Art Museum and Executive Director of the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation.
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/artist-mindset-holmes-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
But my conversation today with Lilianne isn't only about the book. It's the story of how the book came to be — which is a lesson in itself — and has its roots in her decision to be a copyist at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, copying Courbet's scandalous painting, L'Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World). She learned valuable lessons, exercised her courage muscle, and became a better artist as a result. The experience led to the writing of the book that so engrossed me. Lilianne and I talk about all of that and how she juggles her art and writing. She also shares tips for pitching to podcasts, which are equally valuable for other media pitches.
Highlights
Lilianne shares the timeline of her artist journey. (3:22)
The difference between a consistent studio practice and making consistent work. (5:56)
The premise and genesis of Lilianne’s book L'Origine. (9:15)
A full list of Lilianne’s reasons not to become a copyist of this scandalous painting. (13:08)
The fascinating rules for being a copyist at the Musée d’Orsay. (16:36)
Overcoming the most uncomfortable aspects of this endeavor, including the unsolicited comments from museum visitors. (20:21)
Main differences between male and female reactions to the painting. (25:43)
The inspiration that comes from writing about your painting. (26:55)
Turning a once-in-a-lifetime artist experience — and the painting that provided it — into a novel. (29:40)
What makes a piece of art timeless and relevant? (35:13)
If this artwork is shocking today, imagine how it was received in the 1800s. (40:20)
Lilianne explains why her copy of L'Origine du Monde is not currently on display. (42:12)
Lessons learned from interacting with such famous and controversial artwork. (43:38)
What does Lilianne’s studio practice look like now? (46:43)
The secret to pitching your idea in a way that gets results. (48:10)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“Writing is like painting with words.” — Lilianne Milgrom
“This painting gave me the sense of empowerment, which at the beginning felt like an embarrassment, and it turned out to be this enormous feeling of liberation and empowerment.” — Lilianne Milgrom
“This certainly changed my life. As far as my art, it's made me fairly fearless.” — Lilianne Milgrom
“The written word and art, they can’t be separated because you’re going to need to express yourself.” — Lilianne Milgrom
About My Guest
Lilianne Milgrom was born in Paris, grew up in Australia, and currently resides in the United States. Milgrom holds two degrees from Melbourne University and an associate art degree from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. She exhibits her artwork around the world and is the recipient of multiple awards. In 2011, she became the first authorized copyist of Gustave Courbet's controversial painting L'Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World), which hangs in the Orsay Museum in Paris and draws over a million visitors a year. After rendering a near-identical copy of Courbet's masterpiece, she spent close to a decade researching and writing L'Origine.
In this episode I talk with Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin about how their Cold Wax Academy got off the ground. They were my guests way back in episode 9 from 2017 when we discussed the publication of their book, Cold Wax Medium. Their collaboration has only deepened since that time, and in this interview you’ll find out what makes their combined efforts work so well.
Rebecca, Jerry, and I discuss the format of Cold Wax Academy, how they make decisions together, how they find new members, and what they would do differently with the benefit of hindsight. We also talk about one of my very favorite topics—systems—and the technology they use to keep their joint venture going.
Highlights
Rebecca and Jerry reflect on the timeline of their collaboration. (2:37)
Rebranding your business with the help of professionals. (6:18)
Making the transition from live teaching to the online Cold Wax Academy. (11:04)
Replacing income lost from cancelled live workshops. (12:37)
The pandemic-induced “oh crap” moment that changed everything. (17:03)
How to know when it’s time to hire help. (20:19)
Collaborating with another person in every important aspect of your business. (24:08)
Tools that maximize your communication efforts. (26:53)
A high level overview of the offerings of Cold Wax Academy. (29:00)
The key to making a paid membership work. (33:57)
How to determine what content to offer for free and what to charge for. (37:58)
Adjusting your offerings starts with knowing what your audience wants. (38:47)
A look at the numbers of the Cold Wax Academy community. (43:37)
Lessons learned from the timing and building of a business. (45:34)
What’s coming up next for Cold Wax Academy. (49:42)
Mentioned
Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations by Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin
Episode #9: How Two Artists Self-Published and Are Promoting a Successful Book Together
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/collaborating-coldwax-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
Quotes
“We have this great collaboration and I couldn’t have known ahead of time how exciting it would be to develop this program.” — Rebecca Crowell
“Hiring a third person has given us more energy to devote to the business itself.” — Jerry McLaughlin
“What we produce is infinitely better because we’re both doing it together.” — Jerry McLaughlin
“As we go we’re learning more and more about how to interact with people and how to involve members.” — Rebecca Crowell
About My Guests
Rebecca Crowell has been a professional artist for thirty years and is widely known for her innovative painting techniques involving cold wax medium and oils. She teaches these methods both in the US and internationally. Her work is handled by fine art galleries in Chicago, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Telluride, and Dublin, Ireland and is found in hundreds of private, public, and corporate collections. Rebecca holds an MFA in Painting and lives in rural west-central Wisconsin.
Jerry McLaughlin has been a working visual artist for twenty years and has exhibited at galleries throughout the U.S. His work is in collections around the world. An expert in all things cold wax, he focuses his major energies on painting, teaching, and writing. Trained as a pediatric intensive care physician, he also holds a certificate in adult education from the University of Washington. Jerry lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Kelly M. O'Brien has been selling a lot of work since 2015, in a way that surprised her at the time. And while she has continued that work, she has added new work—what she calls emerging work— since deciding to go back to graduate school in 2017 to earn her MFA.
With such great commercial success it seemed like an unusual time to return to grad school, but now that she has been out of school for over a year, Kelly is ready to talk about her decision to take that big step and what she learned in the process. Join our conversation as we talk about the ins and outs of juggling two very different art businesses, what her daily practice is like, and where her work is headed.
Highlights
Kelly M. O’Brien shares her art path and the works that have gone viral. (1:49)
Finding more meaning and depth in your art. (5:47)
Changing the focus of her work resulted in Kelly creating two different practices. (8:08)
Finding the right time and the right approach to return to graduate school. (11:51)
The value of intentional planning sessions to help you grow as an artist. (17:15)
The biggest benefits of returning to school. (20:02)
How to determine if an MFA is right for your career. (23:45)
Balancing money-making ventures with your education. (24:49)
How to respond to the stigma surrounding serious artists who work to make money. (26:27)
Changes in Kelly’s practice as a result of earning her MFA. (28:32)
A look inside Kelly’s approach to her daily practice in the studio. (31:04)
Learning a visual vocabulary that will shape the statement of your work. (34:47)
Kelly shares an overview of what is holding her attention in her studio. (38:18)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Kelly M. O’Brien is an American mixed-media sculptor who lives and works near Bristol, England. She completed a Master of Fine Art (Distinction) at Bath Spa University in 2019. Kelly is co-founder of A Gathering of Unasked Possibility, a collaborative project fostering active hope through creative practitioners, and runs PaperJoy Studio, offering bespoke paper art originals and hand-embellished prints for hospitality and important residential projects.
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/mfa-obrien-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
Lea K. Tawd did some of my favorite kind of cleaning out last year. She cleaned out obligations and associations that were taking her away from the work she was meant to do in this world, and the payoffs increase as her income streams multiply. She unlocked the secrets to a more abundant money mindset.
In our conversation Lea and I talked about what she eliminated in 2020 that allowed her to dive deeper into her creativity and step into her art business more fully. We discuss the book she wrote, how she structures her days as a mom with a 6-year-old who has to show up for the virtual classroom, and how she quickly replaced the income from an outside source she had been holding onto out of fear.
Highlights
Lea K. Tawd shares her journey in art, motherhood, and self-care. (1:57)
Getting back on track when you’re feeling off-centered. (6:02)
Lea recounts the various income streams of her pre-pandemic artwork. (11:10)
What happens when you stop doing the work that you are afraid to let go of? (14:40)
How to clean out old obligations in order to turn your ideas into an income stream. (17:44)
Creating spaces, rituals and schedules that will increase your energy. (21:19)
Lea shares the ways that increasing her focus has also increased her income. (23:50)
Advice for letting go of an income stream that you don’t love. (27:58)
How to overcome a big, scary thing so that you can do the work you want to do most. (29:26)
Cultivating the relationships that will support you through the hardest times. (33:17)
Lea shares what is currently holding her attention in the studio. (34:27)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Lea K. Tawd is an author, mixed media artist and Reiki master teacher. She seeks out the beauty in every woman and uses that vision to create mixed media art that inspires and heals. The finished pieces are a Utopian vision of inner beauty manifested that serve as a reminder to take care of yourself, to find moments of peace, kindness, and self-love. Lea often paints directly on wood, so the wood grains help to inform the finished piece. As a Reiki Master Lea uses Reiki in the creation of her art and combines the two to help others find deep inner healing and recover their creativity in private sessions, workshops, and retreats.
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/money-breakthrough-tawd-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
Kelly and I scheduled our conversation to discuss her "life edit," which involved getting rid of what no longer served her. It quickly became apparent that ridding herself of stuff when she had to downsize her studio is something she had been preparing herself for in the many years leading up to that moment.
This conversation is about coming out on the other side of a long struggle stronger than you were previously. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of one artist's positive spirit, discover the tools she used to facilitate the process, and hear about the people she relied on along the way.
Highlights
Kelly Milukas reflects on her journey from athletics to music and to art. (1:57)
Kelly works with scientists and starts researching stem cells for a commission for a biopharmaceutical company. (8:30)
A shift in health can create a shift in focus for any artist. (12:15)
Embracing the tools that are available to you can help you get through anything. (16:52)
Forging through the messy middle to come out stronger on the other side. (21:26)
Can 17 seconds or a deeper breath change your mindset? (25:23)
How to know when to power through and when to pull back. (28:55)
The power of giving yourself permission to feel your biggest emotions. (32:48)
Cleaning out physical objects to move your art business forward. (34:50)
Creating an organized studio that works for you on any budget. (41:10)
A look inside all that is keeping Kelly busy in her new studio. (45:00)
Mentioned
Resources
Full show notes including photos and listener comments
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/stronger-milukas-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
If you are ready to deep clean your art business, to release what isn’t serving you and banish all that is getting in the way of your productivity and creativity, then you won’t want to miss the insights and inspiration from these successful artists.
Highlights
April is the month to focus on cleaning out your art business. (0:01)
Is there one single best way to get organized? Heather Powers says no. (2:23)
Tips to help you get started on cleaning out and organizing your spaces. (6:09)
Redefining your relationship with things so that you can let go. (10:41)
How to prepare your studio for a big move. (14:50)
Take control of your business so that it works for you, even if it means emptying out your galleries. (19:16)
Control your income by controlling your inventory. (23:29)
Connecting with buyers outside of the galleries. (27:02)
Releasing old work so you can focus on what is most meaningful. (28:21)
Increasing your creativity begins with cleaning out the cobwebs. (34:32)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Today’s solo episode focuses on the secret weapon of a successful art business — your art biz handbook. An art biz handbook is the number one way to organize every aspect of your business. If you’re looking for ways to stay on top of the never-ending tasks that every artist faces, this episode is for you. You’ll hear the step-by-step process that will keep you in control of every aspect of your schedule, how I have evolved systems that weren’t working for me, and the satisfaction, productivity, and control that you can come to expect from an art biz handbook that is working for you.
Highlights
An overview of the value of a high-quality, clearly defined art business system. (0:01)
Documenting your systems — why you need an art biz handbook. (2:07)
Your system doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. (4:56)
Steps that will make your systems more reliable. (6:12)
Practical examples of systems that have simplified processes in my art business. (9:01)
How to prioritize the process of capturing your procedures. (10:11)
Why your art biz handbook will never be finished. (12:35)
Mentioned
Episode 68 — Procedures for Art Commissions with Sema Martin
Episode 78 — How to Increase Your Productivity and Creativity with Art Business Systems
Episode 79 — Tools to Shape Up Your Art Business with Jennifer Printz
Episode 80 — Systems to Effectively Managed a Dizzying Increase in Your Art Business with Betty Franks
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/art-biz-procedures-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
At the time of this recording, Betty has over 120,000 Instagram followers and sells paintings almost as fast as she makes them. In this episode, we discuss the digital and analog systems that she depends on to support her growth. She generously shares her real numbers, the new postage system she just started using, her daily and weekly routines, and how she organizes all of the digital images of her paintings.
Highlights
Betty Franks shares the moment she fell in love with mixed media and decided to start her art career. (2:20)
How to find your own style and way of making art. (7:20)
Staying organized through the process of handling a personal and business name change. (12:25)
Betty shares her business goals that resulted in a 400% increase in sales. (18:20)
A breakdown of Betty’s income streams and marketing tools. (21:03)
How to know when it’s time to hire help for your art business. (28:13)
Developing routines that stabilize your creative and practical routines. (31:10)
Simple systems to help manage your inventory. (35:25)
Building an email list that works for your business. (42:55)
How to know when it’s time to make process changes for the better. (47:37)
A look at what is keeping Betty’s attention in the studio. (52:24)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Betty Franks was born in Toronto, Canada and raised in San Jose, California. She is a self-taught abstract artist who started painting when she turned 50. Although it seems late in life to take up painting, the timing was just right for her. After a long career in customer service management, Franks was ready to unleash her creative side. Today her work focuses on her love of fields of flowers and flowers in general. She aims to share the emotion she feels about her subject.
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/managing-growth-franks-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
Not only is Jennifer Printz a practicing artist with an enviable record of exhibitions, but she's also an assistant professor at Florida International University in Miami. She has two full-time jobs. I've watched Jennifer whip her business into shape by getting organized and creating reliable systems.
In this episode, I talk with her about how she compartmentalizes her two jobs. We also discuss the planning process she uses, the digital and paper tools she relies on to stay organized, and why writing by hand is critical for her and her students.
Highlights
Jennifer Printz reflects on the wide variety of her artwork and her work as a professor. (2:02)
The importance of modeling art for Jennifer’s students and the lessons they are learning as a result. (5:53)
Practical tips for separating your day job from your art business. (8:40)
The value of taking time for an artist’s day, connecting with artists virtually, and creating physical space for your creativity. (11:33)
Taking your art business beyond the plateau to the next level with coaching and positive feedback. (16:50)
Planning out a quarter at a time to free up your mental space for creativity. (22:30)
Day-to-day systems that will help you get and stay organized and productive. (27:21)
Jennifer’s process around keeping an updated inventory of her pieces. (33:42)
Strategic organization of all the moving parts of an exhibition. (38:29)
Playing into your personality strengths to maximize your art business systems. (42:35)
What is the first step to take when your systems are breaking down? (45:04)
A look inside the works that are currently holding Jennifer’s studio attention. (47:12)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“When I hit a certain level of success I felt the need to get a more objective viewpoint to help me move to a new level of success.” — Jennifer Printz
“If we’re always doing what we’ve always done and the results are what we always got, then it’s time to reevaluate.” — Jennifer Printz
“It made sense to shift to a new system so I could put more effort into my creative practice.” — Jennifer Printz
“In order to build strong relationships, in order to have a successful exhibition, I need to access other parts of me and not let the part of me that’s against organization get in the way.” — Jennifer Printz
About My Guest
Jennifer Printz unifies photography and drawing to make poetic works that reflect the unseen structures of the universe. In 2004 she was awarded a Puffin Foundation Grant, followed by a Dendo Fellowship in 2016. She has participated in regular residencies in the US, at the Frans Masereel Centre/Flemish Center for the Graphic Arts in Kasterlee, Belgium, St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, Valletta, Malta, and La Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris, France.
Jennifer is also an educator, teaching a wide range of two-dimensional media at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as courses on public art and professional practices. Currently, she is on the faculty of Florida International University in Miami.
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/biz-tools-printz-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
Creating a streamlined art business system isn’t hard, it just takes dedicated time.
In this solo episode, I want to help you get started. I’m sharing three powerful benefits to implementing solid systems into your art business and five questions that you need to ask yourself when creating that better system. And to help you see that systems work, I’ll tell you about a few artists who have created systems that work. It worked for them, and I can promise the time you spend on your systems will be worth it as your creativity and productivity in your art business continue to increase.
Highlights
The why behind effective art business systems. (0:01)
Understanding the ecosystem and metasystems within your art business. (2:10)
Three clear benefits of installing systems in your art business. (3:35)
Five questions to ask yourself when implementing a new system. (5:50)
How to clearly define what you want to see happen. (6:38)
Clear timelines create clear results (7:01)
What tools and technology do you need to acquire to create your system? (7:26)
Who can assist you in meeting your goals? (8:13)
What are the exact steps needed to make your system hum? (8:34)
Upcoming podcast guest artists who have successfully implemented systems into their art business. (9:11)
A homework assignment to get you started with your new system. (9:51)
All that the Art Career Success System can offer your art business. (10:58)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/organize-with-systems-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
We think we have to post more, research hashtags, invest in advertising, create a lead magnet, learn to write better copy, or forget about a restful night's sleep. It’s true that you probably do have to do some of those things in order to attract more followers and subscribers, but you might also benefit from being open to doing things a little differently to increase those numbers.
In this episode, I talk with Trudy Rice about how she has grown her Instagram and email list by cross-promoting other brands. Trudy uses a platform called Ampjar, but the underlying lesson is to find like-minded people and share each other's art, products, and services. Trudy refers to this as “shouting them out,” and in our conversation, she highlights what it takes to get set up with the service, and how it has impacted her success in a major way.
Highlights
Trudy Rice details her Australian flora and fauna art, teaching, and other current projects. (2:13)
Taking original prints and paintings to a homewares line. (4:28)
Quantifying the growth of a successful art business through a variety of income streams. (6:18)
The primary systems and marketing channels Trudy uses for her sales. (8:25)
Details about the Ampjar mailing system and the karmic aspect to shout-outs. (11:37)
The algorithms behind the Ampjar shout-out system. (13:57)
How to systematically simplify the process of promoting your business. (17:39)
Prompting other artists while promoting yourself. (21:16)
The variety of brands that Trudy promotes through Ampjar. (22:18)
How to connect with new and international audiences through shout-outs. (23:57)
Tracking the success that has come by integrating new systems. (26:08)
The importance of collaborating with other artists with any system that works. (29:23)
How to do the work once and benefit from it over and over again. (30:17)
Trudy shares her project and collaboration plans for 2021. (33:35)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/karma-rice-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
My guest for this episode is Romy Owens, an artist and curator who makes site-specific installations, as well as smaller objects, in reaction to place, community, and transformation. Last fall I had the opportunity to visit Under Her Wing was The Universe, her enormous public sculpture that was installed in 2020 in Enid, Oklahoma.
In this episode I talk with Romy about her commitment to raising $100,000 for that outdoor public sculpture and native prairie landscape as a gift to her hometown. As it turns out, $100,000 was just the beginning, and while it all worked out in the end, it wasn’t exactly easy getting there. Not only did Romy have to raise a lot more money than originally projected, she had to stand up to the naysayers in the community.
Romy is an artist that knows how to effectively measure success. Community collaboration, fundraising, overcoming controversy and yes, using spreadsheets are just a few of the topics that you won’t want to miss in this conversation.
Highlights
Romy Owens shares the leap of faith she has taken with her art and with her community. (3:30)
Conceiving the project Under Her Wing was the Universe. (9:55)
Relationships that informed the piece and Alyson’s reaction to seeing it in person. (12:10)
Naming the piece and finding value in all that is revealed in the universe. (16:06)
Securing space for the project and making the connections that brought city approval. (20:04)
Funding from the city and how Romy planned to cover the rest. (23:50)
Launching a GoFundMe fundraiser. (26:40)
Meeting tight deadlines and overcoming obstacles along the way. (28:26)
Overcome your fear of hearing “no” when raising funds. (30:33)
Handling the controversy that comes with creating interesting art. (33:02)
Key collaborators and supporters in creating a piece of this scale. (36:27)
Keeping track of your progress with a system that actually works. (41:09)
Measuring success and setting goals in specific and meaningful ways. (43:24)
Ideas for generating interest in your art. (49:32)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Romy Owens is an artist and curator living in Enid, Oklahoma. She makes site-specific installations, as well as smaller objects, in reaction to place, community, and transformation. Her curatorial work attends to a similar focus. Both Owens' artistic and curatorial practices are presently centered around community art designed to impact social change, using art as a method to broaden our understanding of specific issues.
This week, my guest is Simonne Roy, a contemporary American impressionist painter grounded in the plein air painting tradition. For years, Simonne has been inviting VIPs into her home, which she had transformed into a gallery, for a one-night party. The money and effort she invested in the event resulted in good sales and relationships. Each year's success built on that of previous years.
When Covid struck, her hopes for a successful home gallery show in 2020 were dashed, until, like many scrappy entrepreneurs, Simonne found a different way to make it happen. She decided to hold the VIP appreciation without the party.
In this episode, you'll hear how Simonne gave people a private experience that few people get to have with art, which she calls the Quiet Gallery Experience. If she measured its success by the amount of sales only, she could have counted it a success. But sales were almost secondary because Simonne measures her success by the goodwill she created with her subscribers and collectors.
Listen closely to hear what she did to set the stage and make it special, what she would do differently next time, and how she netted the same amount of money from the participation of fewer people.
Highlights
Simonne Roy shares the journey that led to her art business and her current income sources. (2:28)
Transforming a house into an intimate, personalized home gallery. (7:10)
The inspiration that saved Simonne’s gallery experience during Covid. (13:42)
How can greater vulnerability result in more meaningful connections? (20:05)
Scheduling a full day of showings and Simonne’s goal for each visitor. (21:51)
Preparing any space for a full gallery experience. (25:22)
Results from the gallery included sales, a teaching offer and increased connections. (29:29)
Reducing overhead for an event can still result in positive net sales. (34:10)
Marketing an event and creating a thoughtful gift for your customers. (36:14)
Simonne shares the lessons she learned for next time. (38:11)
A peek at what is holding Simonne’s attention in the studio now. (38:34)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Simonne Roy describes herself as a contemporary American impressionist painter grounded in the plein air landscape painting tradition. She is also a Francophile, and has lived in France for extended periods over the years—adding quintessential French subjects such as pastries, breads, and cheeses to her nature-inspired paintings.
A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, Roy lives in Lewisburg, where she maintains her studio and home gallery.