In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, PAA Associate Member and contemporary artist Zhuang Hong-yi is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.

Zhuang is an internationally acclaimed artist known for his vibrant, color-shifting Flowerbeds and sculptural canvases that merge Eastern sensibility with Western contemporary aesthetics. Splitting his time between China and Europe, he draws from cultural memory, nature, and ritual to create works that symbolize joy, peace, and prosperity.

A frequent presence in major institutions - including the Venice Biennale and museums across Europe and Asia - Zhuang has built a career that bridges continents while mentoring the next generation of artists.

In this deep dive, Zhuang opens up about cultivating an adventurous creative life, one defined by curiosity, risk-taking, and the courage to evolve. He reflects on how experimentation fuels his growth, how relationships shape his artistic authenticity, and how freedom in the studio translates into resilience in his career.

This episode offers powerful insights for artists seeking to expand their practice, embrace discovery, and build a sustainable path rooted in both ambition and play.

“Art itself should be more about adventure. It is also about discovering it. It is new things you cannot always repeat.”

— Zhuang Hong-yi

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:27 Nature and Travel as Inspirations for Art

03:00 Shift from Traditional to Experimental Art

06:05 The Importance of Memory and Impressionism in His Work

09:15 The Success of the Flowerbed Series

12:00 The Evolution of His Artistic Style Over Two Decades

15:45 The Role of Galleries and Teamwork in His Career

18:30 Differences in Art Preferences: Chinese vs. European Collectors

21:00 The Influence of Environment on His Artwork

23:30 Advice for Aspiring Artists on Experimentation and Ambition

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:

https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/zhuang-hong-yi

Links to artworks discussed:

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

Connect with Zhuang

• Website: https://www.zhuanghongyi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhuanghongyiart/

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary painter and PAA Associate Member Adam David Taylor is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.

Adam is a British artist whose abstract dreamscapes are inspired by the dramatic coastal landscape of Western Wales. Blurring the boundary between the tangible and the imagined, his work balances structure and spontaneity.

A graduate of the Cardiff School of Art, Adam achieved a career milestone when he was personally selected by renowned painter Sean Scully to exhibit at Flowers Gallery in London.

In this deep dive, Adam shares how he rediscovered his creative voice after a decade in music, rebuilding his life around painting from a small coastal town.

He offers insights into managing multiple international gallery representations, maintaining authenticity in his work, and developing the discipline and mindset essential to a minimalist creative practice.

This episode offers powerful reflections for artists seeking to pursue their craft with quiet conviction, embracing both fear and freedom as integral parts of the creative flow.

“I think luck exists, but you have to create the right circumstances. It takes hard work, a strong body of work, and experience to be ready when it strikes.”

-Adam Taylor

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Adam Taylor's Artistic Journey

01:45 Creative Process and Painting Techniques

05:22 Transition from Music to Painting

08:30 Building a Painting Career in Rural Wales

10:56 The Impact of Lockdown on Creativity

13:42 The Role of Gallery Representation

16:50 Pricing Artwork and Navigating Multiple Galleries

19:30 Thoughts on the Importance of Instagram

21:22 Experimentation with Limited Resources During Lockdown

23:36 Advice for Emerging Artists

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/adam-taylor

Links to artworks discussed:

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

Resources:

• Cardiff School of Art: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/school-of-art-and-design/
• Gallery Red (Spain): https://www.galleryred.com/
• &Gallery (Edinburgh, Scotland): https://andgallery.co.uk/

Connect with Adam

• Website: https://www.adamtaylorartist.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam_david_taylor/

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary figurative painter Michelle Doll is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.

Michelle is an acclaimed artist whose emotionally charged paintings explore intimacy, empathy, and the quiet beauty of human connection. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey, she transforms everyday moments into poetic reflections on tenderness. Her work has been exhibited internationally and recognized with major honors, including the Lillian Orlovsky and William Freed Grant.

In this deep dive, Michelle shares how reconnecting with your inner world can spark creativity and healing, how authenticity in your studio practice shapes genuine relationships, and how to build a sustainable career that supports both artistic freedom and emotional well-being.

This episode offers insight and inspiration for artists seeking to create from a place of truth, compassion, and balance… both on and off the canvas.

”Find something that's not going to stress your art. If your art is stressed, then you can't bring your good energy into the studio and make the work that you want to make.”

-Michelle Doll

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Creating a Safe Studio Environment

03:32 Experiencing Moments of Connection Through Art

05:44 Emotional Healing and the Creative Process

10:21 Important Artworks and Their Impact

12:10 Balancing Artistic Freedom and Financial Stability

14:05 Insights on Teaching and Mentoring Artists

17:21 Navigating the Challenges of Funding and Grants

19:44 Commissioned Work: Expectations vs. Reality

22:08 The Importance of Stability for Artistic Expression

23:24 The Role of Stress in Artistic Practice

24:34 Reflection on Creativity and Inner Care

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:

https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/michelle-doll

Links to artworks discussed:

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

Resources:

• New Jersey City University: https://www.njcu.edu/
• New York Academy of Art: https://nyaa.edu/
• Artwork Archive: https://www.artworkarchive.com/
• NFA (NALAC Fund for the Arts): https://www.nalac.org/grants/nalac-fund-for-the-arts/

Connect with Michelle:

• Website: https://www.michelledoll.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellelynndoll/

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, sculptor and designer Jason Freeny is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.

Jason is an American artist celebrated for his imaginative anatomical dissections of toys and pop-culture icons. Blending childlike wonder with scientific precision, his work invites viewers to rediscover the familiar through a lens of curiosity and play. A graduate of Pratt Institute, Jason began his career in illustration before transitioning to sculpture, where he built a global following through collectible toy designs, brand collaborations, and exhibitions that fuse nostalgia with innovation.

In this deep dive, Jason shares candid insights from his evolution as both artist and entrepreneur… from discovering his signature voice and transforming a viral idea into a sustainable career, to building a global brand around designer toys and licensed collaborations. He also opens up about finding balance between creativity and commerce in an ever-changing digital landscape.

This episode offers refreshing perspective and practical advice for artists navigating visibility, authenticity, and longevity in a world driven by trends and technology.

“Don’t spend all your energy chasing some algorithm online, because that algorithm will beat you every single time. So just do what you enjoy, because in the end, that’s all that matters.”

– Jason Freeny

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:38 Jason’s Artistic Identity: Blending Playfulness, Anatomy, and Design

02:05 Exploring Signature Works: The Anatomical Barbie Doll

06:34 Early Influences: Family, Education, and Discovering Industrial Design

09:35 From Painting to Sculpture: Shifting Creative Direction

10:28 Working in Design and the Toy Industry: Lessons in Creativity and Commerce

12:25 The Breakthrough Moment: Balloon Dog Anatomy and Viral Success

14:10 Finding Originality: Evolving Style and Self-Discovery

16:40 Building a Global Brand: Licensing, Collaboration, and Growth

20:59 Navigating Marketing and Visibility in the Digital Age

24:21 Adapting to Technology: 3D Printing, Production, and Limited Editions

26:21 Final Reflections: Authenticity, Curiosity, and True Creative Success

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:

https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/jason-freeny

Resources:

- Mighty Jaxx: https://www.mightyjaxx.com/
- Pratt Institute: https://www.pratt.edu/
- University of Maryland: https://www.umd.edu/

Connect with Jason:

- Website: https://www.jasonfreeny.com/
- Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gummifetus/

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a comment. We read every single one.

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary figurative painter Noah Buchanan is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.

Noah is a renowned painter celebrated for his mythological and biblical narratives, inspired by Caravaggio’s dramatic use of chiaroscuro. With an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, his emotionally charged works explore the interplay of light, shadow, and the human experience. Noah’s paintings have been exhibited internationally, held in major collections, and featured in prominent art publications, making him a leading figure in contemporary realism.

In this episode, Noah shares key insights into his artistic evolution and career. He talks about balancing family life with a prolific art practice, building lasting relationships with galleries and collectors, and attracting art critics and writers to cover his work. Through his experiences, he offers valuable lessons for navigating the art world.

“If I was going to survive successfully in both realms as a family member and as a professional painter, I needed to be really focused and diligent about my studio hours. So I started to be more disciplined about scheduling my time as a painter.” – Noah Buchanan

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction

02:02 “Dreaming Girl”: Light, Shadow, and Symbolism

04:55 The Creative Process: Channeling the Divine in Art

07:37 Studio Workflow: Models, Drawing, and Daily Practice

11:19 “The Night Harvesters”: Embracing Shadows and Jungian Influence

14:37 Preparing Work for Galleries and Letting Go of Control

19:16 Gallery Relationships and Balancing Artistic Freedom

22:39 Recognition, Critics, and Building Visibility

24:18 “The Melancholic Painter”: Family and Allegory in Art

27:13 Balancing Art and Family Life

30:06 Reflections on Time, Discipline, and Professional Growth

33:08 Staying Authentic: Art, Passion, and Purpose

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:

https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/noah-buchanan

Links to artworks discussed:

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

Resources:

• New York Academy of Art: https://nyaa.edu/

Connect with Noah:

• Website: https://www.noahbuchananart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noah.buchanan/

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, mixed-media artist George Hall is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.

After a successful career as a textile designer, George transitioned to full-time painting, building a thriving online art business and reaching collectors worldwide through his creative mindset and digital expertise.

In this episode, George shares actionable strategies for turning a single successful artwork into a flourishing business, and best practices for using social media to connect with collectors and galleries. He also reveals key mindset shifts and daily habits that can help support your creative growth and sustain your artistic journey.

“If you can control what you think, you can control what you do. And having a positive mindset is so important, especially with art.”

– George Hall

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and George Hall’s Artistic Journey

01:06 From Textile Designer to Painter

02:51 The “Funk Series” and Becoming a Full-Time Artist

03:11 Building an Online Art Business

04:44 Selling Art During the Pandemic and Online Growth

05:57 Mastering Social Media and Gallery Relationships

07:00 Resilience, Rejection, and Embracing Technology

08:17 Finding His Signature Style and Creative Evolution

10:07 The Birth of The Optimist and Its Impact

14:27 Business Mindset and Sustaining Creative Success

16:28 The Role of Social Media and Community in Art

21:42 Positivity, Vision Boards, and Living a Creative Life

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:

https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/george-hall

Links to artworks discussed:

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

Resources:

• Blue Thumb: https://bluethumbart.com/
• Saatchi Art: https://www.saatchiart.com/

Connect with George:

• Website: https://www.georgehallart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/george_hall_art/

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/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

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, curator and art consultant Rodney James is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.

Rodney is an Australian curator, writer, and art historian specializing in 19th- and 20th-century art. His work focuses on developing innovative exhibitions, guiding artists in presenting their work effectively, and fostering lasting connections within the art community.

In this deep dive, he shares practical advice on how artists can collaborate with curators and critics to strengthen their visibility and professional growth.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to better understand curatorial practice and expand their reach as an artist.

“The key is to have a couple of mentors or people that connect with your work that you allow them to develop with you. There is nothing more privileged for a critic, writer, or curator than to go on a journey over a long time with an artist.”

– Rodney James

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Rodney's Early Inspiration: Mark Rothko and the Power of Art

03:23 Transition from Academia to Curatorial Work

05:00 The Role of Academia in Shaping Rodney's Career

08:14 Art Criticism and Its Relevance in the Modern Era

10:49 Building Relationships Between Artists, Critics, and Curators

13:12 Rodney's Pivotal Exhibition: The River and Cultural Collaboration

16:52 Collaborative Efforts with Museums and Institutions

19:14 Visibility and Marketing for Artists in a Changing Landscape

21:14 Community Engagement and the Transformational Power of Art

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:

https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/rodney-james

Links to artworks discussed:

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

Resources:

• National Gallery of Victoria: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/
• Powerhouse Museum: https://www.darlingharbour.com/see-do-stay/powerhouse-museum

Connect with Rodney:

• Website: https://www.rodneyjamesart.com.au/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodneyjames_art/

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/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

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.