To kick off the new year, we sat down with Susan Hope Fogel, an artist who works primarily in watercolor and oil, drawing inspiration from her natural surroundings in the lower Hudson Valley. She describes her journey into art, from early artistic validation in childhood to pursuing teaching and then transitioning to a full-time art career. Susan discusses her exploration of different mediums, particularly her experimental approach to watercolor that allows for spontaneity and happy accidents while reminding us that there is growth within chaos. She emphasizes the importance of finding multiple income streams to support an artistic career and advises aspiring artists to seek out mentors and continuously learn new techniques. Susan also highlights the value of local community connections and engaging with audiences through open studios and exhibitions. Finally, Susan tells us about her upcoming workshops!

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