The Professional Artist Podcast: Art Business Transformations

• Commissions, Teaching, and Authentic Art: What You Need to Know

  In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, figurative realist painter Patricia Watwood is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world’s fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.Celebrated for merging classical techniques with contemporary themes, Patricia shares her journey from training at the New York Academy of Art and the Water Street Atelier to a thriving career as both an artist and educator. She also reflects on her experience with major portrait commissions, including projects for institutions like Harvard University, and the balance between client expectations and artistic vision.This episode highlights Patricia’s strategies for building a sustainable teaching practice, marketing effectively through platforms like Instagram and email, and staying authentic while navigating the business side of art. She also underscores the importance of community as a foundation for long-term professional growth.Whether your focus is expanding visibility, refining your practice, or navigating the commission process, this deep dive offers actionable lessons and inspiration for fine artists.“In terms of really nurturing your individual voice, I think it is more deeply connected to loving the self that you are, and feeling that what you have to express is good enough.”– Patricia WatwoodTimestamps 00:00 Introduction01:10 Patricia’s Journey: Balancing Classical Techniques and Modern Themes02:08 Exploring Dance of Life and Death and Art During Crisis05:13 Transition from Theater to Classical Painting07:00 Early Career: Selling Work and Developing a Personal Voice09:40 Teaching Evolution: From Atelier to Online Platforms12:55 Marketing and Visibility: Social Media, Email, and Sharing Process14:48 Femen Flora: Protest, Beauty, and Justice in Art18:24 Building a Career in Portraiture and Commission Work21:18 The Role of Community, Peer Support, and Collaboration27:01 Final Reflections: Nurturing Your Individual Artistic VoiceAccess the members-only full unabridged conversation here:https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/patricia-watwoodLinks to artworks discussed:Her artwork can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.Resources:New York Academy of Art: https://www.nyaa.edu/Equity Gallery: https://www.nyartistsequity.org/visit-equity-galleryPortraits Incorporated: https://portraitartist.com/Salmagundi Club: https://salmagundi.org/Portrait Society of America: https://www.portraitsociety.org/Connect with Patricia:Website: https://www.patriciawatwoodstudio.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciawatwood/Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letterJoin ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/joinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistacceleratorFree training and resources:Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_reportIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

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• Australian Art Curator Shares How Artists Can Get Noticed

  In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, art curator Amber Creswell Bell is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.Amber is a PAA Faculty member, curator, author, and advocate for emerging creatives. As Director of Emerging Art at Michael Reid Galleries for six years and founder of the National Emerging Art Prize, she has championed unrepresented artists and created platforms that amplify their voices.In this episode, Amber dives deep into the strategies and principles that define her work. She shares how she identifies and supports emerging artists, the methods she uses to help them find their voice and audience, and actionable ways to create platforms that foster community and growth. She also explores how artists can balance the demands of the art world with staying true to their creative vision, offering practical advice for navigating the industry while maintaining authenticity.This conversation is packed with insights and inspiration for any creative looking to advance their career and make a meaningful impact in the art world.“Don't sit back in your quiet studio and wait for it to come to you. I think the burning lesson there is that you really need to be proactive.”– Amber Creswell BellTimestamps00:00 Introduction01:10 Championing Emerging Artists and Creating Platforms02:08 Amber’s Artistic Inspirations and Cy Twombly’s Influence04:03 Approaching Galleries: Common Mistakes and Best Practices09:01 Amber’s Transition from Corporate Career to Curator13:06 Making Art Accessible: Exhibitions and Inclusive Approaches15:18 Creating Opportunities: Pop-Up Exhibitions and Collaboration17:00 Pivotal Moments: Curating First Show and Working with Michael Reid19:39 Founding the National Emerging Art Prize22:19 Writing Books: Breaking Down Barriers in the Art World27:02 The Role of Books and Digital Platforms in Promoting Art29:02 Social Media and Balancing Content Creation with Art Practice31:04 Final Advice: Be Proactive, Push Past Comfort Zones, and Stay EngagedAccess the members-only full unabridged conversation here:https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/amber-creswell-bellLinks to artworks discussed:Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.Resources:Michael Reid Galleries: https://michaelreid.com.auThe National Emerging Art Prize: https://nationalemergingartprize.comConnect with Amber:Website: https://www.ambercreswell.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber_creswell_bellLearn more about The Professional Artist Association:Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letterJoin ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/joinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistacceleratorFree training and resources:Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_reportIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

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• Commissions, Teaching, and Authentic Art: What You Need to Know

  In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, figurative realist painter Patricia Watwood is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world’s fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.Celebrated for merging classical techniques with contemporary themes, Patricia shares her journey from training at the New York Academy of Art and the Water Street Atelier to a thriving career as both an artist and educator. She also reflects on her experience with major portrait commissions, including projects for institutions like Harvard University, and the balance between client expectations and artistic vision.This episode highlights Patricia’s strategies for building a sustainable teaching practice, marketing effectively through platforms like Instagram and email, and staying authentic while navigating the business side of art. She also underscores the importance of community as a foundation for long-term professional growth.Whether your focus is expanding visibility, refining your practice, or navigating the commission process, this deep dive offers actionable lessons and inspiration for fine artists.“In terms of really nurturing your individual voice, I think it is more deeply connected to loving the self that you are, and feeling that what you have to express is good enough.”– Patricia WatwoodTimestamps 00:00 Introduction01:10 Patricia’s Journey: Balancing Classical Techniques and Modern Themes02:08 Exploring Dance of Life and Death and Art During Crisis05:13 Transition from Theater to Classical Painting07:00 Early Career: Selling Work and Developing a Personal Voice09:40 Teaching Evolution: From Atelier to Online Platforms12:55 Marketing and Visibility: Social Media, Email, and Sharing Process14:48 Femen Flora: Protest, Beauty, and Justice in Art18:24 Building a Career in Portraiture and Commission Work21:18 The Role of Community, Peer Support, and Collaboration27:01 Final Reflections: Nurturing Your Individual Artistic VoiceAccess the members-only full unabridged conversation here:https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/patricia-watwoodLinks to artworks discussed:Her artwork can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.Resources:New York Academy of Art: https://www.nyaa.edu/Equity Gallery: https://www.nyartistsequity.org/visit-equity-galleryPortraits Incorporated: https://portraitartist.com/Salmagundi Club: https://salmagundi.org/Portrait Society of America: https://www.portraitsociety.org/Connect with Patricia:Website: https://www.patriciawatwoodstudio.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciawatwood/Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letterJoin ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/joinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistacceleratorFree training and resources:Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_reportIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

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• Turning Your Art Into a Profitable Business (Without Selling Your Soul) with Ashley Longshore

  In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, pop artist Ashley Longshore is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.Ashley is a self-taught painter, entrepreneur and author whose bold, satirical works have earned her the title of the "feminist Andy Warhol." Her innovative approach bypasses traditional galleries, allowing her to build a thriving career on her own terms. She has collaborated with major brands like Gucci and Bergdorf Goodman, while empowering countless artists to embrace their individuality.Ashley dives deep into the fearless strategies that have shaped her journey. From creating without limits and mastering direct-to-collector sales, to building confidence in pricing your work and negotiating collaborations, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to inspire your own artistic career.“The world absolutely needs you, and your vision of the world is so important. The only way you'll fail is if you stop and don't let anybody tell you how to do it. You do it your own way.”– Ashley LongshoreTimestamps:00:00 Introduction01:10 Building a Business Without Gatekeepers02:05 Creative Process and Artistic Inspiration04:00 Taking Control: Self-Representation and Entrepreneurship05:40 The Role of Social Media and Email in Expanding Reach06:45 Overcoming Rejection and Finding Your Audience08:00 Talking About Money: Pricing and Negotiation10:10 Collaborations and Working with High-Profile Clients13:00 The Importance of Persistence and Creative Integrity15:40 Thriving as a Non-Traditional Artist18:20 Final Reflections: Self-Belief and Taking ActionAccess the members-only full unabridged conversation here:https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/ashley-longshoreLinks to artworks discussed:Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.Connect with Ashley:Website: https://ashleylongshore.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleylongshoreart/Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letterJoin ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/joinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistacceleratorFree training and resources:Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_reportIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

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• The Hidden Power of Instagram for Fine Artists with Dina Brodsky

  In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary realist miniaturist Dina Brodsky, a faculty member of the Professional Artist Association, shares the key lessons that have shaped her career as a painter, curator, and community builder.With an MFA from the New York Academy of Art and years of refining her unique craft in New York City, Dina has seamlessly blended the centuries-old tradition of miniature painting with a modern, deeply personal approach. Her work not only reflects her artistic passion but also her dedication to fostering collaboration within the art world.From building a thriving online art community to balancing creative passion with the demands of commercial work and parenthood, Dina opens up about the strategies that have helped her navigate the challenges of a multifaceted career.Whether it’s forging meaningful artist connections, carving out time for personal projects, or taking control of your career trajectory, Dina offers practical advice for artists striving to create both impactful work and a fulfilling life.“Don't wait for life to happen to you. Because you could be waiting for a really long time. So if you want to make something happen, just take it into your own hands. Curate your own show, reach out to people, find a space or do it online… whatever it is. Life is short and fragile…and anything could happen at any moment.”– Dina BrodskyTimestamps:00:00 Introduction01:00 Dina’s Background and Artistic Journey02:07 Sketchbook Practice03:10 Love for Miniature Painting and Early Challenges05:20 Starting the "Paint Anyway" Movement07:30 Balancing Passion Projects, Commercial Work, and Parenthood10:10 Achieving Stability and Choosing Projects12:00 Teaching, Research, and Building a Body of Work13:55 Community Initiatives and Viral Art Projects16:40 Navigating the Art World and Creating Independent Systems19:00 Final Reflections: Taking Initiative and Building a Career on Your Own TermsAccess the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/dina-brodskyLinks to artworks discussed:Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/01YCbScWBo8Resources:Birds for Sophia Project: https://www.birdsforsofia.org/Connect with Dina:Website: https://www.dinabrodsky.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinabrodsky/Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letterJoin ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/joinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistacceleratorFree training and resources:Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_reportIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

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