Episode 11 - Frank Serrano Interview
Published 2024-07-09
Frank’s Links:
serranofineart.com/ www.facebook.com/frank.serrano.18 www.instagram.com/serranoartist/
Summary
Frank Serrano is a full-time artist with over 30 years of experience. He started his artistic journey at a young age and studied business in school. He initially owned a screen printing business, which gave him the freedom to pursue fine art on the side. Eventually, he made the decision to transition into fine art full time. Frank joined various art organizations and painted landscapes and seascapes, which led to his first gallery representation. He emphasized the importance of having good work, confidence, and enough inventory when approaching galleries. He also mentioned the significance of marketing oneself through social media in today's art market. The conversation explores the shift in the art industry due to the rise of social media and online galleries. Frank Serrano shares his experience of transitioning from traditional galleries to selling his work through his website and social media platforms. He discusses the benefits and challenges of using social media for marketing and selling art, including the importance of posting high-quality work and engaging with potential buyers. Frank also emphasizes the significance of plein air painting and the value of painting from life in developing artistic skills and capturing the nuances of color and atmosphere. Frank Serrano discusses his journey as an artist, including how he started teaching and writing books. He emphasizes the importance of networking with other artists and continuously learning and improving. Serrano also shares his approach to painting, including his limited palette and focus on values. He provides tips for plein air painting, such as staying compact and being prepared. In this final part of the conversation, Frank Serrano discusses the essentials of plein air painting and the importance of being prepared before going out to paint. He emphasizes the need to keep it simple and compact, with a limited palette and essential outdoor gear. Frank also shares his process of preparing his paints and materials before heading out to paint. He highlights the fleeting nature of light and the importance of capturing the scene quickly. He also talks about his experience of finding the exact location where Maynard Dixon painted and the challenges of painting plein air. Frank also discusses the role of studies in his studio work and how he uses them for color and value reference. He emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship and brushwork in his paintings and the influence of other artists on his work. Frank shares his experiences of meeting and learning from renowned artists like Richard Schmidt and Clyde Aspevig. He also discusses the advice he received from his father and a collector, which emphasized the importance of staying humble, putting your work out there, and continuing to paint.
Takeaways
Frank Serrano has been a full-time artist for over 30 years
He started his artistic journey at a young age and studied business in school
He transitioned from owning a screen printing business to pursuing fine art full time
Frank emphasized the importance of having good work, confidence, and enough inventory when approaching galleries
He also mentioned the significance of marketing oneself through social media in today's art market
Social media has changed the dynamic of marketing and selling artwork, allowing artists to reach a wider audience and sell their work directly.
Posting high-quality work and engaging with potential buyers on social media can lead to sales and opportunities.
Plein air painting is a valuable practice for artists, as it allows them to capture the nuances of color and atmosphere from life.
Developing a strong reputation and name in the art industry requires careful financial planning and strategic decision-making.
Teaching workshops can provide additional income and opportunities for artists.
Craftsmanship and brushwork are important aspects of painting, and learning from other artists can greatly influence one's own work.
Meeting and connecting with other artists can be a valuable experience and provide opportunities for growth and learning.
Staying humble, putting your work out there, and continuing to paint are important for artistic growth and success.
All Comments (12)
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Fantastic
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Happy to hear you are doing Laguna in October! One of my favorite events to keep tabs on. If I wasn't headed to Italy, it would be tempting to head to the coast. LOTS of great painters! Thanks for the conversation. Great comments about the importance of learning from other artists... with some great tips on how to do it.
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This is absolutely amazing to listen to!! Thank you so much Mark and Frank!!
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This is another wonderful conversation that inspires and encourages visual artists. Mark, you are doing such a wonderful job! Love these episodes!
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I actually purchased one of those seascape DVD's when I first started painted !
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Oh cool, I wrote some articles for Workshop Magazine and I think I still have the one with Frank on the cover. I was so sad when that magazine was no longer published. It was my favorite.
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Great channel man, thanks for doing these.
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I’m almost through. Enjoyed hearing about Frank’s backstory (backstories actually). He has such wisdom in business and painting. I bought his Walter Foster book - has to be many years ago now. His point about making sure your art stands out and is constantly improving is something many art marketers neglect but is of uttermost importance. I intend to listen to this a second time and take notes.
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Hey, i think you mispelled Serrano in the tittle, i love your interviews, keep going please! ❤
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Frank is a wonderful painter. I've admired his brush work for a long time. And oh how I miss Wildlife Art Magazine!
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At minute 1:36 Frank mentions an artist, Ru Lee? How do you spell his name. I want to look at his work. Thank for the terrific podcast. I learn something new with each one!
