My First 6 Months as a Full Time Artist

[@arcanics1971]

Hey, please hit the like button if you enjoy the channel. It might not seem like much but it helps the channel every time you interact in any way.

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you Scott! And yes, please do give it a like if you think others will enjoy this! :D

[@ryanoconnor7957]

I liked it but you shouldn't use a computer voice to do the voice over

[@vitodesimone2738]

What school did you attend?

[@Beggars-Belief]

I always hit the like button, I never understand why 5,000 people watch a video and enjoy it can’t be asked to tap the like, I know some might not like but in all honesty most do like the videos, anyway have a good day/evening all

[@norwoodneddy]

Thanks Chelsea, a great informative insight into realistic Impressionism. I have re run your video three times so far and am now on my second try. So pleased you have set me off.

[@evelynbrogli830]

One of your best videos yet. I love and believe that you are speaking from your heart.

[@LisaZoe86]

Last winter I felt that something was truly missing in my life and I started painting again. I have been drawing and painting all my life on and off as well as writing. But it hadn't been part of my life those past years anymore. This Last winter though I was somehow desperate to create and to create something worthwhile, something that brought joy into my own life as well as into the lifes of others. Also something I was good at somehow. I wanted both to get lost in an activity and to be completely myself doing it. Painting has always been something that I enjoyed doing - with others as well as alone-, something people have encouraged me to do and is something that speaks to my inner child. As I am painting, I am discovering the world around me with fresh eyes. Everything is marvelous. And I am learning something new every day! I am growing again. It makes me feel truly alive. Now I am trying out new things all the time and I have been learning so much this past couple months. And it's been KZbin videos from many talented artists - like you - that inspired and helped me the most to find this joy again. 🎨🖌️❤️

[@garystiltner1597]

Your more than good at what you do. It nice to see how you work in your colors. I love your paintings.

[@iamthebetty2451]

I listen to your tube while driving. Not looking at it. Just listening to them. So easy to listen to. Thanks for sharing your journey

[@jennji3902]

Watching these videos has really helped push me to realize that I need to do this for myself also. Thank you so much for creating this content and sharing your story, I can't tell you how encouraged and inspired I am to take hold of my life and finally walk towards the calling I know I have as an artist.

[@hgzmatt]

Don't give up, Jen! Right there with you.

[@jen3566]

The “Don’t Keep Your Day Job” podcast has been rebranded into Abundant Ever After for anyone wondering. Hey Chelsea, this video hit home. Life seemed to pile on from 2020-2023 without stop until spring of ‘24. I went to get my watercolor paints in June only to have the horrible realization that… it had been so long and we had moved, that *I had no idea where my paints were.* I had a good little frustration cry that life had come to this, and set about making my business plan. I’m planning a family and hopefully will be having kids alongside phase 2 of my art career, so it’s a lot of intention to map out. But I’ve prayed a lot about it, and have a very serious playlist of you, Kelsey Rodriguez, Mimimoo, and countless others kind enough to give advice and share experiences like this. I’m on my way to my own form of dream job and it’s going well. Just have to do the work and be mindful. Thanks so much, especially seeing how far you’ve come since posting this video.

[@NineEyedOracle]

This particular video makes me SO sad because all I've ever felt is the burnout you describe in this video. I am... woefully envious of those like yourself whom it is a rare occurrence for. I am in awe. And in wonder for how and why life selects those they do to feel like me vs. feeling like you. I'd never wish for you to feel MORE burnout though, just to be clear!

[@wertyydc]

This was so good and informative! So many gems on how to stay focused and productive that I'll definitely use for now on. Thank you so much Chelsea!

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you so much for your comment! It made my afternoon.

[@wertyydc]

@@ChelseaLang I'm glad it did. The video made my day💗. The same way you like listening to podcasts and audiobooks is the same way I enjoy listening to your videos haha. It definitely gets me in the art-making/creative mode along with the podcasts you've mentioned!

[@janinafisher101]

Another excellent video! Thank you for your stories and recommendations, and beautiful paintings!

[@sasa_candyy]

Thanks for your genuine sharing of the struggles you faced before you decided becoming a full time artist. You have a very comforting voice and made me imagine the “unforgettable summer” you mentioned.

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you Losa, that is such a kind thing to say! It truly was quite idyllic -- I wish I could just bring you all back in time with me. :)

[@Cin2023]

So relaxing. Thank you for this AND your stories. Simply beautiful! 🤗

[@RAKIART]

It's a really wonderful portrait...you composed very nice thanks for sharing 👏👏👌👌

[@josepeka1189]

Hi Chelsea, I congratulate you not only for your fantastic artistic talent but also for beautifully presenting your videos. Your tone of voice in describing and explaining So calmly speaks volumes. It is so enjoyable to watch and learn from your videos. I thank you so much for sharing your down to earth feelings while painting. Jose from Melbourne . Australia

[@bodawei425]

Chelsea, your painting is not only an enchantment to the eyes. It is medicine!

[@VanGoghs_LeftEar]

Thank you for sharing your journey. Its so beautiful and your work is absolutely remarkable.

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you so much Vicki! :D

[@miumi_v]

This resonate so hard. Been to some summer ateliers and felt defeat as everyone there has a better financial background to fuel their art journey. Your videos remind me that dream can still come true. I pick up the oil paint again after watching your channel.

[@tr33m00nk]

Thanks. Inspirational & informative resources listed!

[@dawn6954]

This painting is really really beautiful. Stunning

[@davidsheer1239]

Chelsea, I enjoy watching you painting as much as listening to you sharing your story and point of views. I am so happy to have discovered your channel here.

[@Bi11electric]

Yes, I'm a portrait artist! Yes, I also listen to the Strike novels - and it's now book 7 🙂 Love your work xx

[@sienamoreno3776]

this was a really beautiful talk and a beautiful painting. I appreciate you speaking so honestly about the process. I really relate and I found it helpful and inspiring. Also you have a beautiful voice perfect for asmr. Also there arent many young female classical painters on youtube so Im so happy I found you.

[@erichill9174]

Another great painting with an inspiring message as well!

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you Eric! :D I always love making these. :)

[@nikitasharan5317]

So glad found your channel! Your videos feel personal to me. To be a full time artists is all I want to do. It's been so demotivating lately couldn't even get myself to paint. Your journey is truly inspiring and your paintings are absolutely gorgeous.

[@joao_belmont]

Thanks for the video Chelsea, I've really been enjoying the channel

[@DabblebagTheArtofAnnaBarnhart]

Yes! Love the Savvy Painter podcast.

[@susaneskridge7409]

Your work is wonderful! Thank you for these videos. They are so encouraging. I am 78 and started painting about three years after drawing for a year or two in graphite. I would love to make money with my art but i am not much of a marketer and really don’t know how except to post work. I had my Instagram and Fb taken over by a guy. I am having to start over with that. Pretty discouraging. Your KZbin’s are so encouraging and are really making me want to get going. Thank you.

[@wehadatime]

I want to have an art career SO BAD this video is very inspiring - Thank you for posting these, they give me hope!

[@TriniRoyQuiReyes]

Me too lol

[@claudiafinelle7252]

horses and dancers?! I cant wait to see what you do with them! I love those subjects! And Im enjoying those colors come alive as you banish. thank you for being so open.

[@ChelseaLang]

Yay! Thank you! I'm so excited to dive in but it is so energizing knowing others can't wait to see them! Thank you so much for all of your kind words. :)

[@inceptor_arts]

i watched a 30 minute long video....without actually realising it....power of a good storytelling skills !!!

[@anncinderey9797]

Thank you

[@arielrgh]

Amen sis. I am closer today than where I want to get, and much further away from my starting point in January 2018, but obviously still not living from my art. Obviously I cannot attend the same atelier you did as I already told you how many miles away I am, but I will attend something here in my city someday. Now back to my point: WOW. That was awesome. I absolutely loved your painting, and although every aspect of it is impressive on its own, I guess what I liked best about it were the colours. Now I find pretty much everything I painted last year (at least the oils) seems gray to me. I have always loved colourful paintings and I really want to get a bit of that on my own paintings. Thanks for uploading this Chelsea, you had me at my full attention while watching this. :)

[@ChelseaLang]

Ariel you have touched my heart with your comment. I know that sounds cheesy but I couldn't think of a better way to say it. Thank you. 🙏 I think your insight is so on point, but also funny because in a way what I wound up finding beautiful about the reference I was painting from was that it was actually much grayer than I thought, so I spent a ton of time trying to tone down parts of the painting so that other bits of color could 'sing.' It's something I'm still working on, and the paradox I think is really interesting -- that a lot of the most colorful, vibrant paintings are much more subdued and desaturated than we might think. It's a balance I'm constantly trying to understand. As far as ateliers go, I would not worry about finding one near you. My time at the atelier was very brief, and while it did teach me a lot about just how 'learnable' and 'teachable' realist drawing and painting are, it was not what enabled me to go full-time as an artist. If you do find an atelier that gets you excited, that's amazing, but there are always really amazing online resources that are such an amazing value. Sadie Valeri teaches a lot of the exact same methods that I learned that summer, and you can access her lessons anywhere or anytime, no matter where you live or how much free time you have. :)

[@camerafishingcountry6903]

I teared up when you talked about being shocked that something could dampen your flame for so long- reminded me of a block I had for about a year as well and experiences with being demoralized. Thank you for sharing your journey it helps hearing your experiences with all this.

[@camerafishingcountry6903]

I realized something while watching this, that it's called the Artist's Journey not the Artist's Destination. I've been listening to all this judgement over the years from people who are picturing an Artist as Da Vinci for example but Da Vinci as we know the artist now- not the journey it took to get to this world known figure in art. I've been compared to and judged based on someone who is long dead, not an artist who is living. When people have been discouraging me, it's never based on artist's like Chelsea.

[@elizabethbyars1106]

Oh my Chelsea! I am so excited about listening to you as my painting companion! And I am excited to have your list and others here. But its your very listenable voice and delivery plus well considered, organized content. It's time for me to slow down for resting so I'm saving the rest of the video for tomorrow. I'm just too excited about all I'll get to learn here. Thank you so much. Really.

[@alexandrapatricio2727]

Thank you and congratulations . your work is wonderful.

[@moomoomagee]

So glad I found you. Audiobooks great idea to get me painting. Love podcasts. Beautiful painting! Loved seeing your process.i love hearing interviews like savvy artists, artful painter, Eric Rhodes interviews.

[@rabbitandcrow]

Favorite painting podcast: Suggested Donation - www.suggesteddonationpodcast.com/

[@TriniRoyQuiReyes]

Wow this portrait makes me want to paint so much . If only...

[@gayleswellness2225]

This is so beautiful! I love your style!

[@juniperwoodgreen4090]

Utterly spellbinding and exquisitely beautiful. On the other hand I would have, if I could have, lessened the size of the left hand. Beautifully cooked, oinked and plucked. Lol...

[@claudiafinelle7252]

I just started following you on instagram and just finished two of you videos. Thank you for posting and sharing all this. Your work is truly phenomenal. I normally don't care for animal paintings but your cats are the best Ive ever seen. They are fantastic paintings.

[@ChelseaLang]

You are so welcome, and more importantly, thank you!! All of your comments made my evening that much brighter. I appreciate every word and will channel that good energy into my work. :)

[@Nonorama]

really enjoy your voice overs. You use your voice well, like a little audiobook. The content is also really neat, something I like listening to, when I draw. You got yourself a new subscriber.

[@ChelseaLang]

Wow, thank you! That compliment means SO much because I know how uncomfortable I was with my own voice when I started, and even now I'm always working to strengthen it. Thank you again for the kind words, and for subscribing! :D

[@Nonorama]

@@ChelseaLang Yeah, I also don't like to hear myself. But I guess the secret is just doing it and repeating it until it gets better..or at least yourself get more comfortable with it ^^ You got it down, trust me ^^

[@trudiatherton7112]

Great video. I have only just found you- so thrilled, always lovely too find more of 'my people'

[@kenanmorg4677]

Something like magic happened when you hit the painting with the Gamvar gloss...I was unfamiliar with that product but I will start using it now. Your portrait was already a beautiful image but the gloss really deepened the colors and gave the whole work a finished quality. I've never had an art lesson in my life so this is all new to me. Thanks for this.

[@moomoomagee]

faves. "Pleinair podcast". "the place we find ourselves" great counseling podcast. "Says you" for fun . Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson. Also sermons. Love how you handle the background.

[@TheArrieman]

Such a beautiful portrait

[@suzannebonham583]

"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. You'll be painting for hours. They'll have to pry you off your chair. And thank you for this lovely video -- your work is amazing. You've earned all the success you have.

[@tomaskianicka3343]

Thank you, Chelsea for sharing your story.

[@ฟ้าฟ้าฟ้า-พ2บ]

So amazing . Thank you so much for sharing your talent . I loved this VDO .

[@taylorsanders1545]

I loved this video thank u so much for the audiobook and podcast lists!! A podcast I love is “Artists without Dayjobs”

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Beautiful! Found your channel through a comment you left on Kendyll Hillegas video

[@glaparl]

Thank you, Chelsea...

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you, Gary! :D

[@srnbrereton]

I liked your video because to me a like button is like a virtual hug! I think your very talented and inspirational for that you deserve a great big hug and well done for putting your heart out there. 😷

[@helenamiles8180]

Great comments and Podcast recommendations. Many thanks for ur insights

[@alfiealpha]

very nice and inspiring words. I could relate a lot to what you said. This is a constant war in my mind. I am not ready financially ready to give up my full-time job for art. I really wish I could. However, it is difficult to sustain myself with only art sales. It is so difficult! I even work my ass off with art videos too, and all I get is just 200views. I am working hard and I had burn-offs but not so many results. Don't know what else I could do...But anyway, a big kudos to you for taking that huge decision and going, full-time artist. you deserve it

[@dawnemile4974]

Great job. So inspiring.

[@giovannanaidoo6194]

You are a GENIUS !

[@firozehnotash3172]

Every thing is great. Thanks

[@rogermccollough8787]

truly nice paintings

[@KatieGarnerArt]

It's beautiful! I loved hearing an update. How is your work load? Do you still have enough commissions lined up? I have 5 commissions at once and I've never had more than 2 at a time. I am feeling things shifting for me and it's exciting. I'm fascinated by the fact that it's just you and your have the freedom to decide your own schedule! Working around being a mother of 7 kids and a husband and an unpredictable sleep schedule because I have 2 babies, is a challenge but I think my day would like a lot like yours if it were just me. I also don't have to pay the bills with my income, but my earnings help out the family and I'm just enjoying building my career as fast as I reasonably can. Thanks for being inspiring!

[@KatieGarnerArt]

PS You should read the Orphan Keeper

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you, and thank you for the book recommendation! :D My waitlist has been looking good, but unfortunately I need to be able to go take photos for most commissions, and I have not wanted to risk anyone's health in order to do so, so I've been focusing on personal projects for the time being. I think things are beginning to look up though, and I cannot wait to get back to it! How are you doing at home? Is everyone staying sane? Healthy?

[@hueyscoin]

I don't know if you've written a book already, but you seem to be a great story teller as well or a narrator in some film :D . Thanks for sharing your gift!

[@timcat61]

Thank you for sharing your work

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you Tim for your kind comment! :D

[@vitodesimone2738]

You didn't mention the school you attended, are you afraid to say it.

[@oziomaz]

Awesome video and narration. Liked.

[@ralaylacreates7797]

I really enjoy your painting style . You create really stunning works. I loved the “Bob” series. We began the audio book “Expeditionary Force” (Craig Alanson) not long ago and enjoy it just as much

[@angelawraybeam5691]

Where is the atelier? Sounds so wonderful! I live in the south too. I'm loving your videos!

[@ChelseaLang]

Hi Angela, would you be willing to send me a Facebook message? I'd be happy tell you the details there. :) I'm over at facebook.com/chelsealangart

[@juliewilson7656]

@@ChelseaLang I was curious, also.

[@ChelseaLang]

Julie Wilson send me a message on my FB page. :)

[@shrikantphadke9123]

Wonderful and very informative. Kindly show your pallet all the time during painting so we understand your painting process

[@RatusMax]

Love your story. I got into digital painting last year when I lost my job. I got pretty decent pretty fast.

[@StephenMinervino]

Mistborn and the stormlight archives by Brandon Sanderson! Super good fantasy novels, and the stormlight archives are SUPER LONG so you'll have plenty of material to get through.

[@ChelseaLang]

I have it on my list! :D I'm so excited to have a big series to dive into.

[@arcanics1971]

I can definitely second those recommendations.

[@ChelseaLang]

Good to know, thank you! :D

[@actress-dancer]

If you haven't read it yet, the Eragon series is a cool fantasy story with dragons. I was listening to it while painting, and I liked it.

[@kathyvick2710]

Wow! You’re amazing!!!

[@sandracarroll6233]

Very beautiful, love it.

[@gemunujayasinghe618]

Thank you so much for sharing your work . I am from Sri Lanka .

[@rebeccarowlandson7126]

I will definitely be trying audio books when I paint I have never tried that 🙂

[@anniefenny8579]

Wow,it's stunning art

[@lissethheredia1992]

love it!

[@ADITYAARTACADEMY]

Beautiful ❤️

[@melissabaker6527]

Yes I'm very interested in an workshop

[@hotlineoperator]

Thank you, this is best video for a long time.

[@ChelseaLang]

You are so welcome. Thank YOU! :)

[@AmericanArtWorld]

Hey Chelsea, great painting. How long do you wait before you apply the varnish? I love you videos and paintings are master class . I am learning alot from you . I recently started oil painting and learning wonders it does.

[@Kimberly-uq9pl]

How many hours does it take you to complete a painting this size? Sounds like you listened to 3 or 4 audiobooks while painting it... wondering how many hours? Thanks! Love your work and your advice for all of us artists trying to make it in the world!

[@johnmarble3177]

Thank you for your story. I enjoy watching your KZbin videos. I noticed you had a can of acetone. What do you use this for?

[@ababy6074]

New subbie, oil painter portrait artist from Australia! I know what it is like to lose the inspiration and the energy - it leads to eventually dying inside.

[@Srossartist]

Audio book: Joe Dispenza “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” (AMAZING)

[@rickcroucher]

My favorite audiobook is BOY'S LIFE by Robert McCammon. It's magical.

[@arcanics1971]

I can't paint with an audiobook on. I am still struggling with audiobooks. Listening to somebody read makes me want to read! I also don't like to do anything else when I am absorbing a good book. The last audiobook I tried was Sailing To Sarantium by Guy Gavriel Kay. I ended up going out and buying the physical copy after a short while. On the plus side I can donate physical books to the local Library service, but they can't take audiobooks unless they are on an optical disc· I'm also pretty careful with music too. I am pretty sure it effects what I paint and how. (Tori Amos leads to serene and subtle, Anthrax to quick and brutal- to use two very different examples.) I can listen to talks and verbal essays though. TED/TED X etc or KZbin vids that don't really require me to look at the screen and podcasts. I tend to just pick these almost at random when I do listen. But mostly I like to paint with no background media at all. I usually end up humming and singing to myself- or talking to myself about the painting. The idea of taking a break if your head is not where it needs to be is really good advice. It saves a lot of time and anxiety.

[@ChelseaLang]

That makes a lot of sense. In my case I love audiobooks because I need something to do with my hands when I read, which makes sitting down to a physical book kind of hard. I just can't sit still and stay calm. But I totally understand the flip side of that of just wanting to focus on the book -- I think that's a trait to be grateful for. :) And I definitely hear you on the music, because I've felt it affect me that way for sure. Did you like Sailing to Sarantium? Should I check it out?

[@arcanics1971]

@@ChelseaLang If you like either Historical Fiction or Fantasy Fiction, then yes you should check it out. GGK is a wonderful writer. His books are fantasy really, but books like Sailing... and Children of Earth and Sky, are more about interesting people in times of great change. There's no knights and sword fights, just fascinating people living in a pseudo classical era world and dealing with the complexities of political and personal change.

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you for the summary! :D I can't wait to check it out.

[@tvong81]

amazing!

[@janpolakacute]

I love the outcome. I have a question, in the canvas do you paint a base or directly paint the object? Thank you!

[@dianegremillion8918]

I've been watching your videos and I really love your work, especially this one! How did you find your style? And how long do you let your painting dry before you varnish it?

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you so much! I actually have a course that walks you through how to find your own style based on how I discovered mine -- it's enough content that I couldn't summarize it here, but I can say that it came from knowing above all else what my primary influences were and what kind of work I'd LOVE to make above anything else. :) As far as varnish, I wait until paintings are dry to the touch, so anywhere from 1 week to 1-2 months.

[@deniseracine6788]

What academy did you study at? Your summer sounds exactly like mine while studying at the Academy of Realist Art in Toronto (I also listened to Sex snd the city videos at the time 😊). I could totally relate to the emotions and feelings you expressed so well.

[@icandothis1238]

I'm gonna suggest you listen to Gone With the Wind if you haven't already. Or relisten, as I have 3 times. Plus it's like 52 hours so there is that.

[@dawnemile4974]

What are you painting unto the finished portrait? Also how long do you wait after painting to apply this finish?

[@dawnemile4974]

I listen to Billie Eilish's greatest hits. All her songs tell a story and her voice is very soothing.

[@philipcoleman282]

Do you work with a fixed palette or select the colours to match the mood.

[@babba7117]

Liked and Subscribed!

[@neggit2063]

Do you apply varnish shortly after the oils dry? do you used special oils or do you wait a few months?

[@godiejosef3788]

Wow

[@philipcoleman282]

How many paintings a week do you have to complete for it to be viable. That was my desire. Capturing pose and expression with paint. At 13 Art and Physics clashed, I had to take the latter. Spent almost a lifetime in Engineering. I did squeeze a Photography HND in, again focused on people. My marks was exceptional in many areas, so I did have an Artistic viewpoint. Wrong choice. I am still seeking my dream.

[@breezyIslands22]

Are you a writer? Great storytelling!

[@jeffreyross8855]

OMG you are a Doll I love your work and your voice and videos AND I think you are a absolute beautiful woman I live in Bali and also an artist painting in oils You are gorgeous, single?? I am 😎🤷🏼‍♂️

[@ArtByHazel]

Love this.