For the past 30 years, I’ve never painted on an easel. Yep, you heard that right. My entire art career has been built around painting on walls, floors, and tables—any surface that allowed me to move freely and work on multiple pieces at once. This has been my artistic language. Even in college, I asked my professors for walls instead of easels. It’s what I knew, what felt right, and where my creativity thrived.

But this year, something changed. I felt the need to shake things up in my studio. So, I went out and bought my first-ever easel. That’s right—after decades of creating without one, I finally took the plunge. And to make things even more interesting, I bought a cart to keep only the materials I need for one painting at a time, forcing myself to focus solely on that single piece.

Why the sudden shift? Because sometimes, we need to step away from what’s comfortable in order to grow.

Breaking the Habit: A New Way of Working

This whole...

I still remember the day I got the keys to my first art studio like it was yesterday. I was just a college student, and near my house, there was this old school building that was renting out classrooms to artists for next to nothing. My friend and I scraped together what little money we had and rented one of those rooms. It was big and empty, with high ceilings, its own water faucet, and massive windows along one wall that flooded the room with light. That place was pure magic.

It was in that studio that I first believed I could really be an artist. It was the first time I felt like I was growing into the person I dreamed of becoming.

The Evolution of Studio Spaces

Fast forward about 30 years, and I’ve worked in all kinds of spaces. From tiny kitchen tables to large industrial warehouses, basement corners to beautifully lit lofts, I’ve seen it all. Some studios felt like a dream come true, while others were far from glamorous. But if there’s one thing I’ve...

As I sit here reflecting on the events of this past weekend, I’m reminded of how fragile life—and art—can be. Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville, leaving devastation in its wake. The arts community wasn’t spared. Artists I know personally have lost everything—studios are destroyed, artwork is gone, and families are reeling from the chaos. Yet, amidst all this loss, one thing still remains: hope.

The Power of Hope in Times of Crisis

Hope is often the last thing we cling to. It’s the thread that keeps us moving forward, especially in the face of hardship. As artists, hope fuels our creativity. Each brushstroke, every drop of ink, paint, or pixel carries with it the potential for something beautiful, meaningful, and extraordinary. Even when our art doesn’t turn out the way we envisioned, hope keeps us trying again.

But hope isn’t just a quiet, internal feeling. It’s something we can give to others. Right now, our fellow artists...

In this episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast, host Sergio Gomez dives deep into the world of art collecting with two passionate and dedicated patrons of the arts, Steven Alan Bennett and Elaine M. Schmidt. Known for their remarkable collection of figurative realist paintings, the Bennetts have not only made a name for themselves as influential collectors but also as philanthropists who are shaping the future of women in art through The Bennett Prize.

The Bennett Prize: A Vision for Women in Art

Created in 2018, The Bennett Prize awards $50,000 to a woman artist to create her own solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings. The prize gives women artists the opportunity to shine and gain well-deserved recognition in the art world. But The Bennett Prize is more than just an award. It is a movement to elevate women painters and open new doors for them, particularly those who may have yet to reach full professional recognition. With the prize’s inaugural year seeing over...

In this episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast, host Sergio Gomez sits down with two remarkable artists, Yochi Yakir-Avin and Lisa Yves, to discuss their innovative project, "Painting Life in Pictures." This collaboration beautifully blends visual arts and theater, offering an immersive experience that evokes nostalgia and introspection.

Yochi, an accomplished visual artist, and Lisa, a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and theater writer, share how their backgrounds and artistic journeys have culminated in this unique project. Set to take place on August 30 and 31 at the Frank Gallery in Pembroke Pines, Florida, "Painting Life in Pictures" features Yochi's installations of oversized nostalgic images on sheer fabric, complemented by Lisa's evocative play. 

Tune in to hear about the inspiration behind this project, the creative process, and how their work connects with audiences on a deep emotional level.

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Join us on this exciting episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast as we sit down with the dynamic duo, Picardo and Marsha K Lucas, a creative couple who are determined to make waves in the worlds of art, fashion, music, and dance. Now based in Miami, Picardo and Marsha share their inspiring journey of collaboration and career growth in their new vibrant city.

Picardo, an Afro Caribbean multidisciplinary artist, mesmerizes with his drumming performances, spoken word storytelling, and rhythmically composed paintings. His work creates a powerful visual experience, engaging viewers through an expressive dialogue of color, gesture, and organic lines. Picardo shares his unique process of using art to express his emotions and experiences, revealing how visualization became his storytelling mechanism during his journey of learning English.

Marsha K Lucas, an abstract painter, branding model, dancer, and performer, brings her own creative flair to the partnership. As an independent artist...

Have you ever experienced that moment when opportunity knocks, but the way you ask could either open the door wide or leave it barely ajar? Let me share a personal anecdote from my own gallery, a tale of a direct plea that captured attention but lacked the finesse needed to seal the deal.

The Bold Card and the Missed Connection

Picture this: I walk into my gallery to find a card on my desk, a message proclaiming, "Dear Mr. Gomez, here's my art, let's make lots of money." A straight-shooter, no doubt. It caught my eye, but here's the twist—it didn't land the positive response the artist sought. Why? The art of asking goes beyond being bold; it's about understanding how, when, and why.

In the realm of the artist's plea, the what was there, but the how fell short. Asking isn't just about you; it's about considering the person on the other side. What's in it for them? Timing is everything, and the approach matters. Unfortunately, this artist missed those crucial nuances, leaving...

Join hosts Sergio Gomez and Drew Harris in an insightful episode featuring researcher and mixed media artist, Rashmi Ghosh. Together, they delve into Rashmi's captivating "Descent into India’s Incredible Stepwells" project.

As Rashmi prepares for her Solo Art Exhibition in 2024 in Pune, Maharashtra, curated by Nalini Malaviya, we explore the inspiration behind the Stepwells Project and its current stage. 

In this conversation, we touch on the genesis of the project, the challenges of creating a cohesive body of work, and the exciting journey ahead. Join us as we navigate the intersection of art, history, and cultural exploration in Rashmi's artistic world. Tune in for an engaging discussion on The Artist Next Level Podcast!

About Rashmi Ghosh

Rashmi Ghosh, a Chartered Accountant by profession, transitioned from a successful career in finance to pursue her lifelong passion for visual arts, accumulating over two decades of experience in teaching. Having undertaken a Fine...

Hey, fellow creatives! Let's talk about the magic that unfolds when you decide to reshape your mornings. Your art career deserves more than a caffeine-fueled dash into the chaos of the day. I get it because I've been there – immersed in the news and scrolling through social media before my eyes fully adjusted to daylight. But guess what? It was like sprinting before tying my shoelaces – disastrous and exhausting.

The Morning Reset That Transformed My Art Career

Remember those days when NPR news headlines were the first notes of your day's symphony? Or perhaps, like me, you found yourself knee-deep in the world of Facebook and Instagram updates before even grabbing breakfast. It was my routine, but it left me feeling like I was perpetually playing catch-up. I realized I needed to shift the narrative.

I waved goodbye to my morning news rituals and bid adieu to the endless scroll. Instead, I started prioritizing what truly mattered – nurturing my spiritual and mental...

Unveiling the Power of Your First Thoughts

Hey there, fellow creatives! Let's dive into a game-changing concept that's been a game-changer for me in navigating the twists and turns of my artistic journey – The Big Idea Revolution.

Every Season, A Creative Gift: Life is a series of seasons, each offering a unique gift – the chance to explore something new, a dazzling excuse to ward off the looming shadow of boredom. Why not seize this opportunity to revitalize your artistic spirit?

In Bed with Ideas: Picture this: the clock strikes 5 or 6 am, and you're still cozied up in bed. Instead of reaching for your phone, let your mind wander. Before the world bombards you with its challenges, think about the main idea for your day. This simple ritual has been my compass, leading me to discover the big ideas that fuel my creative fire.

From Bed to Canvas: Imagine if your first thoughts of the day were a positive force, steering you away from the chaos that awaits. What if your day...