Episode #45 Chris Fornataro AKA Paint Coach

Check out the full video version! 🎥 https://www.tisch.academy/ In this episode of The Creative Endeavour, I’m joined by Stephanie Gaffney — a live wedding painter, fine artist, educator, and entrepreneur based in New Orleans. Stephanie has built an incredible business through her captivating live event paintings, where she captures the spirit of a couple’s special day in real time. But her journey goes far beyond the canvas. We talk about what it takes to turn art into a thriving career — from creating memorable client experiences to showing up authentically in your work and marketing. Stephanie shares the mindset shifts that helped her overcome creative doubt, build confidence, and become a sought-after artist in the wedding industry. We also dive into her approach to teaching other artists through her “Wedding Painter’s Blueprint” course, and how she balances creativity, business, and life. This is a must-listen if you're an artist looking to turn passion into profession, or if you’re curious about the world of live event painting. Stephanie’s energy and insight are absolutely contagious. Follow Stephanie Gaffney: 🎨 Website: https://torregrossafineart.com 📘 Education: https://stephaniegaffney.com 📸 Instagram: @torregrossafineart 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@torregrossafineart

Check out the full video version! https://www.tisch.academy/ In this episode of The Creative Endeavor, I sit down with the extraordinary painter Kathleen Hudson. Kathleen is a master of capturing light and atmosphere in her breathtaking plein air landscapes, and I’ve been geeking out over her work for a while now. We dive into her approach to painting, the techniques she uses to create such stunning realism, and the mindset that drives her creative journey. If you’re passionate about landscape painting and the art of capturing nature’s beauty, this episode is one you won’t want to miss! Kathleen Hudson's social media links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenbhudson/ Website: https://www.kathleenbhudson.com/

Check out the full video version! https://www.tisch.academy/ In this episode of The Creative Endeavour, I sit down with Nic Thurman, a classically trained oil painter whose work captures timeless beauty and emotional depth. Known for depicting wanderers and outcasts through rich, narrative-driven compositions, Nic shares his journey from studying under Odd Nerdrum to discovering his unique voice in the art world. We delve into the challenges of building a creative career, the discipline behind mastering traditional techniques, and the profound rewards of creating art that connects on a deeply human level. This conversation is packed with insights and inspiration for artists and art lovers alike. Nic Thurman's Links: Instagram: @nic.thurman Facebook: Nic Thurman Painting YouTube: Nic Thurman Official Website: nicthurman.com Tuscany Portrait Painting Workshop: kitschpaintingworkshops.com

Check out the full video version! https://www.tisch.academy/ In this episode of The Creative Endeavor, Andrew sits down with Jeff Watts, a legendary artist and founder of Watts Atelier, to discuss his remarkable journey in art education and the sacrifices that come with mastery. Known for training some of the most influential artists, including Pavel Sokov and Stan Prokopenko, Jeff opens up about his philosophy of teaching, the challenges of running an atelier in the pre-internet era, and the evolving role of traditional methods in the modern art world. With insights into the discipline required to achieve mastery, Jeff reflects on his personal sacrifices, the fleeting nature of mastery, and how his school fosters not only artistic talent but also character and resilience. This candid conversation is a treasure trove for aspiring and professional artists alike, diving deep into the intersection of creativity, intuition, and hard work. From stories of meeting legendary figures like Frank Frazetta to his thoughts on balancing intuition and intellect in artistic expression, Jeff shares wisdom earned through decades of dedication. Tune in to gain inspiration and practical advice for navigating the artistic path while striving for balance and growth. Jeff Watt's social media: @jeffreywattsart @wattsatelier www.wattsatelier.com https://www.youtube.com/@wattsatelier

Click here for the best brushes in the world!  https://www.rosemaryandco.com Check out the full video version! https://www.tisch.academy/ In this episode of the Creative Endeavour Podcast, I sit down with landscape painter Matt Smith to dive into his artistic journey. Matt shares his approach to capturing landscapes, the evolution of his style, and his deep connection to nature. From vast vistas to quiet moments of inspiration, Matt’s work embodies the beauty and energy of the natural world. We also discuss the challenges of translating nature onto canvas, his creative process, and how he uses color, light, and brushstrokes to evoke emotion. Additionally, Matt opens up about the changing landscape of art sales, exploring the balance between traditional galleries and the growing presence of online platforms for selling art. Matt shares invaluable advice for aspiring artists, offering lessons from his years of experience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about painting, the creative process, or building an artistic career! Follow Matt Smith on social media to stay connected and see more of his stunning artwork: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsmithpaintings/ Website: https://www.mattsmithstudio.com/

Click here for the best brushes in the world!  https://www.rosemaryandco.com Check out the full video version! https://www.tisch.academy/ Josh Clare is an acclaimed landscape painter known for his masterful use of light and texture to capture the beauty of nature. In this episode, we dive into his journey as an artist, his unique perspective on balancing creativity and business, and even bond over a shared love for Calvin and Hobbes. Whether you're an artist, an art lover, or simply curious about the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom. Check out Josh Clare here:  https://www.joshclare.com https://www.instagram.com/jclareart/

Click here for the best brushes in the world!  https://www.rosemaryandco.com Join us for Art Business Mastery LIVE! Go pro with your art, do NOT miss out! https://store.streamlinepublishing.com/products/2025-art-marketing-event Check out the full video version! https://www.tisch.academy/ In this episode of The Creative Endeavour, I had the privilege of sitting down with the legendary Eric Rhoads—publisher, artist, and host of the "Art Marketing Minute" and the "Plein Air" podcast. Eric shared his invaluable insights into the art world, from building successful creative careers to mastering the art of goal setting, offering lessons that resonated deeply with me. We explored his journey as an entrepreneur and artist, uncovering the mindset shifts and strategies that have driven his success. Whether you're an aspiring artist, seasoned professional, or simply looking for practical advice on achieving your goals, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the most influential voices in the art community! You'll find Eric EVERYWHERE! Check out these links: https://www.youtube.com/@PleinAirMag https://pleinairconvention.com https://www.outdoorpainter.com https://www.instagram.com/ericrhoads/ https://fineartconnoisseur.com

Click Here for the Gold Standard in Artists Brushes https://www.rosemaryandco.com/ Check out the full video version! https://www.tisch.academy/ This week, I’m thrilled to be joined by Norwegian artist Joakim Wanrup, whose plein-air adventures across the stunning Norwegian wilderness. Joakim’s work celebrates nature in its rawest. From mountain peaks to serene snowscapes, he takes his easel and brushes into the wild, capturing the beauty of the landscape directly from life. His passion for plein-air painting is matched only by his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the field. In this episode, we’ll dive into Joakim’s artistic journey, his techniques for working on location in challenging (and freezing!) environments, and the profound inspiration he draws from the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who just loves hearing about creative adventures, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platforms and join us as we explore the incredible plein-air world of Joakim Wanrup! Joakim's Socals: https://www.youtube.com/@joakimbergstrom4347/videos https://www.instagram.com/jogsflash/?hl=en

Click Here for the Gold Standard in Artists Brushes https://www.rosemaryandco.com/ Check out the full video version! https://www.tisch.academy/ I’m thrilled to announce that my good mate, Ben Dellabarca, will be joining me on the next episode of The Creative Endeavour! Ben is an extraordinary artist, and his medium of choice—charcoal—has brought a bold and unique voice to the world of art. What truly sets Ben apart is his unwavering commitment to working from life. Whether it’s a windswept landscape, a rugged portrait, or the fleeting play of light and shadow, Ben captures the essence of the moment with a directness and honesty that’s nothing short of breathtaking. His approach to charcoal is mesmerizing, blending precision with a raw, almost sculptural quality that makes his work so distinctive. You may have seen Ben and me collaborating in some of my past videos, where his talent and sharp sense of humor always bring a spark of creativity to the table. This time, we’re diving deeper—talking about his journey as an artist, the challenges he’s faced, and his unique perspective on capturing the world in shades of black and white. We’ll also chat about the New Zealand art scene, his creative process, and what it’s been like accompanying me on plein air adventures. Ben’s ability to observe and translate what he sees into bold, dynamic works of art is bound to resonate with anyone passionate about connecting with their environment through creativity. This is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in to The Creative Endeavour wherever you get your podcasts, and let’s get inspired by Ben’s incredible journey together. Ben Dellabarca's Links: https://www.instagram.com/dellabarca_art/ DYED Studio: https://www.instagram.com/dyedstudio/ https://dyedstudios.com/  

Click Here for the Gold Standard in Artists Brushes https://www.rosemaryandco.com/ Check out the full video version! https://www.tisch.academy/ This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredibly inspiring Kirsten Mirrey, an amazing Edinburgh-based artist renowned for her breathtaking wildlife paintings. Growing up in rural Scotland, surrounded by animals and immersed in nature, Kirsten developed a deep connection to the natural world that now fuels her creative journey. Despite being told she wouldn’t make it as an artist, Kirsten’s story is a testament to the power of self-education, determination, and a relentless passion for improvement. Her work not only brings endangered species to life in stunning cinematic detail but also makes a difference—raising vital funds for conservation projects worldwide. Join us for an inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the magic of art! You won’t want to miss it. Kirsten Mirrey's Socail Media: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenmirrey/ https://kirstenmirreyart.com/