The FASO Podcast

Latest Episodes:

159 Barbara Jaenicke — Push Through the Self-Doubt Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

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

Barbara's FASO site:

www.barbarajaenicke.com/

Barbara's Social Media:

instagram.com/barbaracourtneyjaenicke/

Barbara's Book:

Painting the Poetic Landscape

158 Cynthia Rosen — The Heart Drives the Work Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

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

Cynthia's FASO site:

cynthiarosen.com/

Cynthia's Social Media:

instagram.com/rosencynthia/

facebook.com/cynthiarosen.art

157 Chantel Lynn Barber — Let Go of Perfectionism Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

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

Chantel's FASO site:

chantellynnbarber.com/

Chantel's Social Media:

instagram.com/fineartofchantel

156 Shanna Kunz — Never Give Up! Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

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

Shanna's FASO site:

shannakunz.com

Mentorship with Shanna:

mindfulartmentoring.com/

Shanna's Social Media:

instagram.com/shannakunz/

facebook.com/shanna.allen.kunz.hernandez

155 Scott W. Prior — Network & Put in the Work Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

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

Scott's FASO site:

scottwprior.com/

Scott's Social Media:

instagram.com/scottwprior

facebook.com/scottwpriorartist

154 Julie Davis — Stay Curious & Be a Student Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

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

Julie's FASO site:

juliedavisstudio.com/

Julie's Social Media:

instagram.com/juliedavisstudio/

153 Patricia Watwood — The Fey Wild Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

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

Patricia's FASO site:

patriciawatwoodstudio.com

Equity Gallery:

nyartistsequity.org

152 Christopher Remmers — Myth, Meaning, & Mastery Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

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For today's episode, we sat down with Christopher Remmers, a full-time painter and educator based in Bellingham, Washington, known for his style of mythological realism. His work explores themes of meaning-making, myth, and storytelling, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Joseph Campbell. Christopher emphasizes the importance of commitment to craft, deep personal exploration, and creating art that connects people to awe and inspiration. He tells us his opinon about the use of AI in art, seeing it as a tool but advocating for authentic creative process and originality. Christopher also stresses the importance of adaptability, boldness, and building relationships in the art world, sharing his experience of transitioning from a builder to a full-time artist. In addition to his artistic practice, Christopher prioritizes quality and relationship-building in his career and encourages artists to take their work seriously and adapt to changing industry trends. Finally, Christopher promotes his upcoming project, "Water Wars: How to Avoid," focusing on water rights in Bellingham, and mentions his Conscious Creativity Academy and involvement with the Conru Art Foundation in Seattle.

Christopher's FASO Artful Squarespace website:

christopherremmers.com

Christopher's Conscious Creativity Academy:

christopherremmers.com/courses

Christopher's Social Media:

Links mentioned by Christopher:

conruartfoundation.org

151 John Morra — Embrace Experimentation & Failure Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

We're starting off season 12 with John Morra, a professional oil painter who specializes in still life. John shares how he initially undervalued still life painting, until he discovered masters like Chardin, sparking his deep appreciation for the genre. He recounts his personal transformation at the Prado Museum in Madrid, realizing art’s magical potential and reshaping his ambitions from science to painting. Through stories of art school and mentorship, John emphasizes the importance of learning foundational skills, painting as much as you can, and embracing both failure and experimentation. He also offers practical strategies to overcome creative blocks, such as inventing new genres, emulating past masters, and working in supportive peer groups. John balances this with advice on navigating the art market, encouraging artists to find fulfillment in their work while also considering commercial realities. He concludes by urging artists to consistently finish their paintings, seek affordable living arrangements, and remain open to both knowledge and experience in their lifelong artistic development.

John's FASO site:

johnmorrapainting.com/

John's social media:

instagram.com/johnmorra/

facebook.com/JohnMorraPainting/

150 Art Marketing 101 — Basics for Artists Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Join our next BoldBrush LIVE! Webinar by signing up here:
https://register.boldbrush.com/live-guest
Order your exclusive da Vinci BoldBrush paintbrush set!
https://brushoffer.com/collections/boldbrush
Learn the magic of marketing with us here at BoldBrush!
https://www.boldbrushshow.com/
Get over 50% off your first year on your artist website with FASO:
https://www.FASO.com/podcast/
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To finish off season 11, we created a compilation of basic art marketing tips for artists to consider as they begin their career. Our past guests state that artists should focus on developing authentic, personal relationships with their collectors, often by communicating directly through email newsletters. Many pasta guests also attest to the importance of building and regularly growing an email list for maintaining long-term connections and driving sales outside of social media platforms. They also emphasize the importance of presenting oneself as a professional through a polished website and a consistent portfolio to help foster trust with galleries and clients. Also, consistent and strategic pricing, without undercutting galleries or offering variable discounts, supports an artist's reputation and business relationships. Separating administrative and creative tasks, and managing one's schedule effectively, enables artists to maximize their productivity and balance business demands. Finally, our guests remind us that artists should continue to adapt to changes in the art market, such as increased social media and marketing responsibilities, which is vital to thrive as a professional artist today.

Episodes mentioned in order of appearance:

37 Catherine Bobkoski

42 Tina Garrett

60 Gladys Roldan-de-Moras

74 Arthur Gain

81 Steve Atkinson

96 Brienne Brown

97 Elizabeth Robbins

114 Kyle Stuckey

117 Poppy Balser