In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, self-taught oil painter Debbie Daniels is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.

Debbie is a painter celebrated for her immersive depictions of the sea and the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands. Her work captures the movement of water, inviting viewers to feel as though they are part of the scene. A member of the Professional Artist Association, the Oil Painters of America, and the American Society of Marine Artists, Debbie has also built a vibrant artist community through the Friday Harbor Atelier.

In this deep dive, Debbie shares pivotal lessons from her artistic journey, including the power of collaboration and how accountability sustains a creative career. She also discusses how overcoming the fear of rejection and being persistent can lead to meaningful growth as an artist.

“We discuss your challenges and define your next key step. You come back next week and share whether you've accomplished it. That’s where the accountability comes in.”

– Debbie Daniels

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:50 Debbie’s Connection to the Ocean: Finding Peace Through Water

03:15 Painting Movement and Light: Evolving a Lifelong Theme

05:17 Building Community: The Mastermind Group and Artist Accountability

08:20 Founding Friday Harbor Atelier: Turning Vision into a Space for Artists

12:02 Redefining Success: Creating an Art Community Without Borders

13:30 Focus and Growth: Systems, Habits, and Pivotal Career Moments

16:22 Overcoming Fear and Rejection: The Power of Persistence

17:55 Painting for the Soul: Art Beyond Money and Recognition

19:07 Creativity in Community: Connection, Courage, and Shared Purpose

19:46 Outro: Gratitude and Call to Inspire Others

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:

https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/debbie-daniels

Links to artworks discussed:

• Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.

Resources:

• Oil Painters of America: https://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/
• American Society of Marine Artists: https://www.americansocietyofmarineartists.com/

Connect with Debbie:

• Website: https://www.debbiedanielsart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiedaniels4567/?hl=es

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration:
• https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free 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=2025-06
• Free 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_report

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