The FASO Podcast

Latest Episodes:

149 Learning & Experimentation — The Foundation of Your Process Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Join our next BoldBrush LIVE! Webinar by signing up here:
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For today's episode, we created a compilation of advice from our past guests where we discuss the importance of continuous learning and experimentation and how it becomes the foundation of your ongoing artistic process. Our guests emphasize the importance of reframing challenges as questions, embracing experimentation, and learning from both successes and failures. They also highlight the value of balancing fast and slow approaches to painting, as well as the need to adapt techniques to individual strengths and passions. The artists discuss the pressures of professional art, including deadlines and competitions, and how these can both hinder and inspire creativity. They also explore the significance of focusing on shapes, values, and the abstract qualities of a subject, rather than just its literal representation. Ultimately, this episode is all about encouraging artists to trust their creative journey, remain curious, and continually push themselves to grow and evolve.

In order of appearance:

148 Start Your Art Career — Step-by-Step Advice Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

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For this week's episode we came up with a special compilation. It's different from our past ones because in this one, we picked out all the advice in a step-by-step, chronological manner that would best help you get your artistic career started. We begin with tips about the importance of creating good work, finding a mentor to help you improve, continuous practice, and above all, painting what you love and what matters most to you. Then we move on to the importance of living below your means and having good financial support such as getting a day-job to help support you as you learn to paint and build your portfolio. Once you've built up a good repertoire of work, you can join communities, build your network, apply to exhibitions, and consider reaching out to galleries. Just as important, of course, is making sure you have a beautiful website, social media channels to upload your work, and continue to build relationships with fellow artists. Finally, our past guests remind us of the importance of treating your craft like a business and also to never forget why you began painting in the first place. We hope this episode can enlighten our listeners and be a guiding light to anyone who wishes to follow the path of the artist!

Episodes mentioned on the episode (in order of appearance):

147 Birds of a Feather — Why You Need an Artist Network Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

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For this episode, we created a compilation of our past guests discussing the importance of networking and community for artists’ personal and professional growth. We share how joining organizations, attending workshops, and participating in events like conventions and plein air gatherings foster valuable connections and learning opportunities. Personal recommendations and genuine relationships are emphasized as key to gaining gallery representation and advancing in the art world. This compilation also covers the benefits of balancing solitary studio work with fellowship among like-minded artists, both in-person and online. Initiatives such as starting local life drawing groups or online communities like Stephanie Thompson's "Broadcasting Brushers" are encouraged to overcome isolation and support artistic development. Overall, this episode underscores that sharing knowledge, nurturing relationships, and building community are essential for a fulfilling and successful artistic journey.

Episodes mentioned (in order):

146 Carmen Drake — You Are Not a Machine! Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

For today's episode, we sat down with Carmen Drake a deeply passionate and accomplished fine artist whose journey is marked by resilience, dedication, and a profound emotional connection to her work. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and never becoming a “machine,” reminding artists to create from the heart rather than for external demands. Carmen’s advice to never stop learning and to continually seek out new knowledge and inspiration is a testament to her own lifelong commitment to growth. She encourages artists to build supportive relationships within the art community, knowing that shared experiences and encouragement are invaluable. Carmen also stresses the significance of valuing one’s work and not underselling the years of training and effort that go into each piece. Her wisdom and authenticity serve as a guiding light for artists striving to find meaning, joy, and success in their creative paths. Finally, Carmen tells us about her upcoming shows!

Carmen's FASO site:

https://www.carmendrakefineart.com/

Carmen's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/carmendrakefineart/

145 Erik Koeppel — Strive for Quality & Truth Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

For today's episode we sat down with Erik Koeppel an American landscape painter celebrated for reviving the Hudson River School style through his masterful technique, philosophical approach, and dedication to traditional craft and artistry. He emphasizes the importance of studying the old masters not just to copy, but to truly understand and internalize the knowledge behind their work. Erik encourages artists to focus on the quality and truth of their art, rather than chase market trends or fame, believing that genuine dedication to craft ultimately leads to success. He offers practical advice on maintaining honest relationships with galleries, stressing the necessity of price consistency and open communication to build trust and stability. Erik also highlights the value of sketching from memory and observation, as a means to develop a personal vision and deeper understanding of nature. Above all, he inspires artists to pursue their own path with integrity, reminding them that striving for greatness and authenticity is the most rewarding journey of all. Finally, Erik reminds us to stay updated with his future exhibitions by signing up for his newsletter!
Erik's FASO site:

https://www.erikkoeppel.com/

Erik's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/erik_koeppel_art/

https://www.facebook.com/erik.koeppel

144 Christine Code — Consistency, Comparison, & Improvement Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

For today's episode we sat down with Christine Code, a fine artist and plein air painter who masterfully captures the living skies of Saskatchewan, Canada. Christine tells us about her journey of painting full-time for 20 years, having started with small sales in eBay and eventually growing her career and business through sheer dedication and willingness to improve. Christine shares her thoughtful perspective on building a successful art career, highlighting the importance of consistency and a strong work ethic. She encourages artists to paint regularly, even if only for short periods, and to always seek areas for improvement by comparing their work to the work of other artists one admires. Christine also tells us about the benefits of plein air painting, noting how it helped her refine her technique and better understand color and value. She also offers practical advice for managing commissions as well as working with galleries. Finally, Christine tells us about her upcoming exhibitions including her participation in the 2025 annual paint out hosted by Plein Air Saskatchewan as well as a charity event called "Switch."
Christine's FASO site:

https://www.christinecode.com/

Christine's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/christinecodefineart/

https://www.facebook.com/christinecodefineart/

143 Stephanie Thomson — Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode we sat down with Stephanie Thomson, a brilliantly passionate artist who has masterfully navigated her creative journey with intelligence and dedication, transforming her artistic dreams into a thriving career through strategic workshop experiences and continuous learning. She also tells us about her "Broadcasting Brushers" project which demonstrates her commitment to artistic community, providing global artists with access to high-quality life drawing experiences through high-resolution camera use and interactive streaming. Stephanie challenges traditional narratives about artist development, proving that personal growth and professional excellence can beautifully coexist. Her portraits reflect not just technical mastery but a profound understanding of human emotion and connection. Throughout the conversation, she reveals a refreshingly humble approach to artistic development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a gap between artistic vision and current skill level as a crucial mechanism for continuous improvement. Stephanie's journey is a compelling narrative of passion, persistence, and the transformative power of embracing lifelong learning in one's artistic pursuit. Finally, Stephanie tells us where life painting enthusiasts can sign up for her Patreon and experience her Broadcasting Brushers group!

Stephanie's FASO Site:

https://www.stephaniepaigethomson.com/

Stephanie's "Broadcasting Brushers":

https://www.broadcastingbrushers.com/

Stephanie's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/stephaniepaigethomson/

142 Grace DeVito — It Takes Time & Discipline Jul 30, 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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In this episode, we sat down with Grace DeVito, fine artist who shares her remarkable artistic journey from illustration to becoming a renowned portrait painter, revealing the dedication and passion required to master one's craft. Her transition from working in commercial art to creating deeply personal and meaningful portraits demonstrates the power of perseverance and continuous learning in an artist's career. Grace's approach to portraiture goes far beyond mere representation, capturing the essence and spirit of her subjects with a nuanced understanding that transforms each painting into a timeless piece of art. Her insights into the commission process illuminate the intricate dance between artistic vision and client collaboration, showing how a true artist can navigate the delicate balance of personal expression and professional commitment. With wisdom gained from decades of experience, Grace offers aspiring artists invaluable advice about the importance of dedicated practice, developing a unique artistic voice, and understanding that true mastery comes from thousands of hours of intentional work. Her story is a testament to the enduring value of traditional art in a digital age, proving that human connection, craftsmanship, and emotional depth can never be replaced by technology. Finally, Grace announces her upcoming workshops at the Scottsdale Artists' School, the Franciscan Life Process Center, and at the Kinstler Studio in Connecticut.

Grace's FASO site:

https://www.gracedevito.com/

Grace's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/gmdevito/

https://www.facebook.com/grace.devito.98

141 Mark Shasha — Truth, Love, Beauty, & Freedom Jul 23, 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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On today's episode, we sat down with Mark Shasha, a vibrant, passionate artist whose life embodies the true spirit of creative pursuit, weaving together illustration, painting, and storytelling with an infectious joy and unwavering commitment to artistic truth. Mark shares insights from his artistic journey, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passion and staying true to oneself as an artist. He offers valuable advice about the creative process, highlighting the need for artists to be critical of their own work and continuously seek personal growth and connection. Mark emphasizes how creativity is not just about technical skill, but about capturing the essence of life through his Bohemian philosophy of pursuing truth, beauty, freedom, and love. Throughout the conversation, Mark shares his experiences of navigating the art world, from being a starving artist to becoming a successful painter and illustrator, demonstrating that persistence and genuine passion are key to artistic success. His approach encourages artists to focus on connecting with others through their work, viewing art as a means of expressing deeper truths and human experiences. Finally, Mark tells us about his upcoming participation in the Cape Ann Plein Air event in October and his plans for studio work in the summer and fall.

Mark's FASO site:

https://www.markshasha.com/

Mark's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/mark_shasha_arts/

Mark's Book "Night of the Moonjellies":

https://www.markshasha.com/book/3026/night-of-the-moonjellies

140 Donald Yatomi — Don't Stop Creating Jul 16, 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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For today's episode, we interviewed Donald Yatomi a multifaceted artist whose journey from graphic design to illustration to concept art and fine art exemplifies creative resilience and passion. His advice to aspiring artists centers on carrying a sketchbook everywhere, capturing fleeting ideas, and never stopping one's artistic pursuit. Donald emphasizes the critical importance of networking, highlighting that success often depends more on who you know than what you know. He candidly shares insights about handling rejection, noting that sometimes a rejection says more about the viewer's limitations than the artist's talent. Throughout his career, from working at DreamWorks to creating album covers for metal bands, Donald has demonstrated the value of diversifying artistic skills and income streams. His most profound wisdom lies in understanding that artistic success isn't just about money, but about maintaining creative freedom and continuously pursuing what you love. Finally, Donald tells us about his upcoming solo exhibition at Frame of Reference Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana, on August 7th!

Donald's FASO site:

https://www.donaldyatomi.com/

Donald's Digital Artwork:

https://www.artstation.com/dyatomi

Donald's Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/donaldyatomiart/