Jason Rich - The Humility and Hard Work of Creativity

Jason Rich is a Utah-based artist whose extraordinary paintings of life in the American West have made him one of the most popular and respected working artists today. Throughout his 20-year career, Jason has won countless awards and is represented by some of the most prestigious galleries in the West. But what is more telling is the respect and admiration he has earned from many of his cowboy artist contemporaries-- as you’ll hear, Jason is amazingly humble, gracious, and grateful for his career in professional art. • Growing up in Idaho, art has been a central part of Jason’s life for as long as he can remember. He was formally educated as an artist, and immediately after graduate school, he committed himself fully to painting professionally. Thanks to his focus, work ethic, and the support of his wife, Jason was able to carve out a niche for himself in the competitive world of Western art. Two decades later, Jason’s popularity continues to grow, which is partly a product of his constant drive to push outside his comfort zone and mature as an artist. • Jason and I had a fun conversation, and we dug into the many aspects of his life as an artist, family man, and admirer of the American West. We discussed his upbringing in Idaho, and how he developed the confidence and skills to go directly from grad school to professional art. We chatted about his techniques for challenging himself as an artist and how his work has evolved over the last two decades. We also talked about his association with the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America, and how spending time with other talented artists has influenced his work. We covered mentors, favorite books, favorite artists, and much more, so be sure to check out the episode notes for a complete list of everything discussed. • Thanks again to Jason for taking the time to chat. Hope you enjoy! ••• http://mountainandprairie.com/jason-rich/ ••• TOPICS DISCUSSED 2:20 - How Jason describes his work 3:35 - How Jason describes his art 4:50 - Jason’s childhood 5:40 - Family history in the West 7:00 - Early memories of art 9:30 - Education in art education 10:30 - Decision to pursue art full time 11:00 - Graduate school 12:00 - Transition to professional artist 14:30 - What gave Jason the confidence to pursue art 17:00 - When did Jason know he had “made it” as an artist 21:30 - Jason’s daily routine 25:00 - Jason’s need to push himself artistically 28:55 - Artists that have influenced Jason’s work 31:40 - Humbleness + Discontent 32:20 - Cowboy Artists of America 34:25 - Ensuring historical accuracy 37:40 - Unchanged nature of ranching through the ages 38:10 - Changes in Jason’s art over the last 15 years 42:40 - Approaching art as a business 46:50 - Advice to his younger year old self 49:15 - Favorite books 50:50 - Favorite films 52:45 - Other hobbies 54:55 - Most powerful outdoor experience 56:20 - Favorite place in the West 57:40 - Best advice ever received 58:30 - Request of the listeners 59:45 - Connect with Jason online