Tony and Ted hang out with legendary painting support craftsman and guru Simon Liu. When it comes to stretched canvas, there is only one person to talk to. We are grateful to Simon for sitting down and recording with us. Simon set us straight on how to properly stretch a canvas and talked shop about all fine painting supports. He backs all of this information up with unassailable logic built on a foundation of a few variables. Super fun conversation - we learned a lot and hope you will too.

The Suggested Donation Podcast is back with all-new episodes! Our first guest is the incredibly talented artist Greg "Craola" Simkins. In this episode, we discuss Greg’s early influences and inspirations, including his experiences in the Southern California graffiti scene. He also shares insights into his creative process, which enables him to produce amazing paintings. We’re sure you’ll enjoy this fantastic episode! Thanks to Trekell Art Supplies for the support.

https://gregsimkinsart.com

https://www.trekell.com

In collaboration with UNC Asheville’s 15th Annual Drawing Discourse, we sat down with the great artist, Christopher Gallego. We had a wide ranging conversation that centered on but not limited to drawing. Chris is incredibly knowledgeable and generous with sharing his ideas and experience. We are excited to share this episode with you all.  Thanks to Chris, UNC Asheville, and Tamie Beldue! We hope you enjoy it!

We sit down with our dear friend, Artist, and Author Patricia Watwood and chat about her excellent new book, “ The Path Of Drawing. Lessons for Everyday Creativity and Mindfulness”. The book Introduces a practice to enhance mental and spiritual well-being to enrich one’s life through drawing and creativity. A beautiful and thoughtful book and we enjoyed talking to Patty about it.

Suggested Donation is back with celebrated sculptor and Athens Sculpture Atelier Director Robert Bodem. We discuss Rob’s approach, called “Drawing in Space” which he developed as the Director of Sculpture at the Florence Academy of Art and has continued to refine in Athens. He has a book coming soon that covers his approach for anyone unable to study in person with him. Rob discusses his journey from abstract to figurative sculptor and how this informed his process and perspective on working from life from the figure. Rob is a great friend and we hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did.

In collaboration with UNC Asheville’s 14th Annual Drawing Discourse, we recorded with Israeli artist Sigal Tsabari. While our conversation focused on drawing, Sigal has a profound way of thinking and talking about art in general that we are excited to share. Thanks to Sigal, UNC Asheville, and Tamie Beldue! We hope you enjoy it!

http://www.sigaltsabari.com

https://aah.unca.edu/exhibitions/drawing-discourse/14th-annual

Integrated Growth, 2017, oil and pencil on paper, 106X107 cm

Gravity, 2009, pencil on paper, 70x52 cm

Internal Transparency, Pencil, charcoal and pastel on paper, 2021-2022, 70X70

139

I Drew Myself a Field, 2020, Pencil on Paper, 76X56

The Suggested Donation crew sits down and has a lively chat with the talented California-based narrative artist and friend Carl Dobsky about his work. Definitely a fun one for us. Thanks to the fine folks at Trekell Artist Supply for the support as always. https://www.trekell.com

Suggested Donation is back with another sizzling hot podcast. We recorded with Jay Newman, the author of the recently released and highly acclaimed thriller Undermoney, which looks at the intersection of finance, military, and politics. Art is peppered throughout his book and we discuss the role that money plays in the art world and the role that art plays for its collectors. Jay, having spent a career in finance before beginning his first book, has a unique insight into the relationship between art and money and power and corruption all of which we explore in our conversation. We hope you enjoy this one!

It is not an overstatement to say that Amaya Gurpide’s work has redefined the medium of drawing: Her exploration of materials expands the boundaries of what is possible for works on paper. She is the Artistic Director of the Lyme Academy and teaches online workshops independently. Her work and teaching are both widely admired and sought after and we were so honored to get the chance to record a conversation with her as part of UNC Asheville’s 13th Annual Drawing Discourse.

We sit down and have a great chat with artist, teacher, author of the excellent book, “The Art of Still Life”, and a friend of the show, Todd Casey.

Suggested Donation sits down with the great artist and teacher Kamille Corry. We really enjoyed our time chatting about Kamille's amazing art, teaching, and living the artist lifestyle. Enjoy!