Explore the Ballet Series from artist Leonard Gabriel, a new contemporary painting series reflecting on a transformative artist residency in Italy. This collection of 10 works, created between January and July 2025, captures the evolution of Leonard's studio practice.

He walks you through the specific choices made during the painting process, focusing on how he approaches surface and depth. We look at the conceptual framework behind these pieces, specifically the idea of pentimento and the decision to leave sketch lines visible. Understanding how to refine these elements can help you find clarity in your own work. 

Visti Leonard's website at https://www.leonardgabriel.com 

This Artist Talk was presented by The Artist Next Level program with Sergio Gomez.

 Let’s talk about the topic most artists would rather avoid: MONEY.

You can be an incredible artist and still struggle financially if you don’t understand the business side of your career.

In this week’s episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast, I’m joined by Amber Reusch, CPA, entrepreneur, working artist, and founder of Dots & Digits Accounting.

We dive into some of the biggest financial mistakes Amber sees artists making today. But here's the big takeaway:

Understanding your numbers isn't about restriction. It's about freedom.

When you know what your art business actually costs, what you're earning, where your money is going, and what you need to charge, you can make better decisions—and build a career that actually supports the life you want.

🎧 Listen to the new episode of Artist Next Level and let's stop being afraid of the money side of being an artist.

Your art deserves a sustainable business behind it.

Episode Links: 
Instagram, TikTok: @dotsanddigitsaccounting
Website...

Margaret Johnson had been carrying a vision for 25 years — large-scale botanical paintings that brought together her childhood love of nature, her training at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and her roots as an expressive, intuitive painter. This episode is the story of how that vision finally came to life in Emergence, her solo exhibition at The Canyons Gallery at Frasier Meadows in Boulder, Colorado, curated through the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

We talk about what it really takes to say yes to the biggest show of your career — including how Margaret worked through her inner critic, built a month-by-month studio schedule, and used a strategic marketing plan that included personal invitations to key contacts in the art world. One of those personal invitations led directly to a new opportunity to place her work. That story alone is worth the listen.

We also go deep on what it means to work with a curator who helps you see the threads in your own work across 25 years, the unex...

Episode 400. It's hard to believe, but here we are.

This milestone episode was recorded live aboard the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady during the Cruise for Creatives 2026 — and it is one of the most meaningful episodes I have ever made.

Instead of a solo reflection or a single interview, I went around the ship and asked the artists who joined us one simple but powerful question: What is the power of art to you?

Each artist answered independently. No group circle, no shared answers in advance. And what came back was a beautiful tapestry of perspectives from painters, photographers, a physician, a psychologist, a children's book author, a wellness coach, and artists from Florida, Canada, the Bahamas, Illinois, and Massachusetts.

In this episode you will hear from Barbara Gerdemann, Shirley Williams, Francine Sweet, Dr. Kevin Bethel, Keith Davidson, Mary Davidson, Richard Hershberger, and Dr. Yanina Gomez — each sharing what the power of art means to them personally.

I also share ...

How can I stay productive and creative even when I feel easily distracted?

The Truth Behind Staying Creative When Your Mind Won’t Sit Still

Here’s the thing I rarely say out loud: from the outside, it might look like I have everything neatly organized—curating shows, making my own work, running programs, helping artists grow. But the truth? I’m easily distracted. My family will confirm it in a heartbeat. One moment I’m fully engaged in a conversation, and the next my mind is wandering somewhere completely different.

For years, I thought this was a weakness. I tried to “fix” it, simplify, focus on just one thing. But that never worked for me. My brain thrives on variety, movement, and multiple creative lanes happening at once. That’s where I feel most alive.

Turning Distraction Into Creative Fuel

Eventually, I stopped fighting it. What I used to see as a limitation has become one of my superpowers. Being involved in different things keeps me energized, inspired, and constantly co...

How do I stay productive as an artist without burning out?

The Three-List Habit That Keeps My Creative Life Sane

As artists, we juggle so much more than people realize. Some days feel like a beautiful flow… and others feel like we’re drowning in all the things we should be doing. For years, I tried to fit everything into one day—create, market, plan, ship, dream, build. And honestly? I burned myself out.

Then something simple shifted everything.

The Tasks We Enjoy

The studio time. The experimenting. The freedom to make a mess and follow an idea just because it feels right. These moments remind us why we’re artists in the first place.

The Tasks We Need to Do

They’re not glamorous, but they keep the engine running: emails, website updates, organizing, shipping, marketing. I may not love these tasks, but I know they matter.

The Tasks That Build the Future

These are the quiet, powerful tasks—applying for opportunities, refining your portfolio, planning ahead, building relationship...

In this engaging new episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez is joined by NYC-based art advisor Pato Paez to decode what truly captures a collector's attention. This isn't just about technique or talent—it’s about the intangible connections that art creates.

Together, they break down the emotional, narrative, and visual elements that elevate art from something good to something unforgettable. You’ll discover:

• Why aesthetic alone isn’t enough

• How your personal story enhances your work

• What collectors are silently searching for

🎧 Listen to the episode below and take your art to the next level.

👉 Ready to build a meaningful and successful art career?
Join our Artist NXT Level community today at www.theartistnextlevel.com

In this episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez explores what separates a basic artist website from a brilliant one. If your website is just sitting there without building trust, driving opportunities, or representing your brand effectively—this conversation is a must-listen.

Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to turn your site into a tool that works for you.

🎧 Listen to the episode below and start thinking about how your digital presence can elevate your art career.

👉 Want more strategies, support, and insight for growing your art career? Join our free Artist NXT Level community at www.theartistnextlevel.com

Discover the power of Instagram DMs and unlock a world of opportunities for your art career! In this video, I, Sergio Gomez, share the secret formula that has dramatically transformed how artists can leverage Instagram Direct Messages to connect with key players in the art world, gain more visibility for their work, and unlock incredible opportunities.

This isn't just theory; it's practical advice that I've used myself to advance my own art career and helped others do the same. Whether you're looking to expand your network, increase your art sales, or simply get your artwork in front of the people who matter most, this video is your first step towards making that happen.

One of the hardest parts of being a professional artist is navigating commissions that push you outside your stylistic comfort zone. But what if you could accept these challenges and still create something that feels 100% you?

In this episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez shares a 5-step strategy to help you stay creatively authentic—even when the brief feels off-brand. From setting style boundaries to adding your final touches, this episode is your guide to thriving under creative pressure.

What you’ll learn:

• How to set expectations and define your style lane
  
• The right client questions to ensure alignment
  
• The importance of checkpoints and mid-project feedback
  
• Why documenting your process keeps your vision sharp
  
• How to inject your signature touch at the final stage
  
  

🎧 Listen now and level up your approach to challenging commissions!

👉 Want more tools and support on your artist journey? Join the Artist NXT Level community here.