Commissions, Teaching, and Authentic Art: What You Need to Know
In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, figurative realist painter Patricia Watwood is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world’s fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.Celebrated for merging classical techniques with contemporary themes, Patricia shares her journey from training at the New York Academy of Art and the Water Street Atelier to a thriving career as both an artist and educator. She also reflects on her experience with major portrait commissions, including projects for institutions like Harvard University, and the balance between client expectations and artistic vision.This episode highlights Patricia’s strategies for building a sustainable teaching practice, marketing effectively through platforms like Instagram and email, and staying authentic while navigating the business side of art. She also underscores the importance of community as a foundation for long-term professional growth.Whether your focus is expanding visibility, refining your practice, or navigating the commission process, this deep dive offers actionable lessons and inspiration for fine artists.“In terms of really nurturing your individual voice, I think it is more deeply connected to loving the self that you are, and feeling that what you have to express is good enough.”– Patricia WatwoodTimestamps 00:00 Introduction01:10 Patricia’s Journey: Balancing Classical Techniques and Modern Themes02:08 Exploring Dance of Life and Death and Art During Crisis05:13 Transition from Theater to Classical Painting07:00 Early Career: Selling Work and Developing a Personal Voice09:40 Teaching Evolution: From Atelier to Online Platforms12:55 Marketing and Visibility: Social Media, Email, and Sharing Process14:48 Femen Flora: Protest, Beauty, and Justice in Art18:24 Building a Career in Portraiture and Commission Work21:18 The Role of Community, Peer Support, and Collaboration27:01 Final Reflections: Nurturing Your Individual Artistic VoiceAccess the members-only full unabridged conversation here:https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/patricia-watwoodLinks to artworks discussed:Her artwork can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.Resources:New York Academy of Art: https://www.nyaa.edu/Equity Gallery: https://www.nyartistsequity.org/visit-equity-galleryPortraits Incorporated: https://portraitartist.com/Salmagundi Club: https://salmagundi.org/Portrait Society of America: https://www.portraitsociety.org/Connect with Patricia:Website: https://www.patriciawatwoodstudio.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciawatwood/Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letterJoin ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/joinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistacceleratorFree 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=2025-06Free 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_reportIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.
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