In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary figurative painter Michelle Doll is featured by the Professional Artist Association (
https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.
Michelle is an acclaimed artist whose emotionally charged paintings explore intimacy, empathy, and the quiet beauty of human connection. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey, she transforms everyday moments into poetic reflections on tenderness. Her work has been exhibited internationally and recognized with major honors, including the Lillian Orlovsky and William Freed Grant.
In this deep dive, Michelle shares how reconnecting with your inner world can spark creativity and healing, how authenticity in your studio practice shapes genuine relationships, and how to build a sustainable career that supports both artistic freedom and emotional well-being.
This episode offers insight and inspiration for artists seeking to create from a place of truth, compassion, and balance… both on and off the canvas.
”Find something that's not going to stress your art. If your art is stressed, then you can't bring your good energy into the studio and make the work that you want to make.”
-Michelle Doll
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Creating a Safe Studio Environment
03:32 Experiencing Moments of Connection Through Art
05:44 Emotional Healing and the Creative Process
10:21 Important Artworks and Their Impact
12:10 Balancing Artistic Freedom and Financial Stability
14:05 Insights on Teaching and Mentoring Artists
17:21 Navigating the Challenges of Funding and Grants
19:44 Commissioned Work: Expectations vs. Reality
22:08 The Importance of Stability for Artistic Expression
23:24 The Role of Stress in Artistic Practice
24:34 Reflection on Creativity and Inner Care
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:
Links to artworks discussed:
- Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
Resources:
Connect with Michelle:
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.