In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary figurative painter Noah Buchanan is featured by the Professional Artist Association (
ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.
Noah is a renowned painter celebrated for his mythological and biblical narratives, inspired by Caravaggio’s dramatic use of chiaroscuro. With an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, his emotionally charged works explore the interplay of light, shadow, and the human experience. Noah’s paintings have been exhibited internationally, held in major collections, and featured in prominent art publications, making him a leading figure in contemporary realism.
In this episode, Noah shares key insights into his artistic evolution and career. He talks about balancing family life with a prolific art practice, building lasting relationships with galleries and collectors, and attracting art critics and writers to cover his work. Through his experiences, he offers valuable lessons for navigating the art world.
“If I was going to survive successfully in both realms as a family member and as a professional painter, I needed to be really focused and diligent about my studio hours. So I started to be more disciplined about scheduling my time as a painter.” – Noah Buchanan
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:02 “Dreaming Girl”: Light, Shadow, and Symbolism
04:55 The Creative Process: Channeling the Divine in Art
07:37 Studio Workflow: Models, Drawing, and Daily Practice
11:19 “The Night Harvesters”: Embracing Shadows and Jungian Influence
14:37 Preparing Work for Galleries and Letting Go of Control
19:16 Gallery Relationships and Balancing Artistic Freedom
22:39 Recognition, Critics, and Building Visibility
24:18 “The Melancholic Painter”: Family and Allegory in Art
27:13 Balancing Art and Family Life
30:06 Reflections on Time, Discipline, and Professional Growth
33:08 Staying Authentic: Art, Passion, and Purpose
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:
Links to artworks discussed:
- His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
Resources:
Connect with Noah:
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
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What is The Professional Artist Podcast: Art Business Transformations?
If you want to make it in the art world, talent is key - but so is mastering the business side. The Professional Artist Podcast is where fine artists and commerce meet.
Co-hosts Miguel L. Mayher and Cristina Demiany guide visual artists through an audio gallery, exploring how to show and sell your art, land commissions, apply for artist grants, license your art, and much more.
This is where your art career begins to grow.
Miguel L. Mayher is the Director of Education at the Professional Artist Association. Previously, he worked with Google Arts & Culture, striking partnerships with national museums. He is also a Global Economic Symposium Young Fellow and a One Young World Ambassador.
Cristina Demiany is a Senior Art Business Coach at the Professional Artist Association. She formerly served as Senior Program Manager at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and as Executive Director of the National Children’s Chorus.
The Professional Artist Association is a global organization dedicated to providing real-world education for visual artists, including painters, sculptors, and fine art photographers.