Kami Mendlik on Painting, Teaching, and More

In this episode of the Plein Air Podcast, Eric Rhoads sits down with Western artist Nicholas Coleman to talk about growing up in an artistic family, developing a voice of his own, and building a career around the subjects he genuinely loves. Nicholas shares what it was like learning alongside his father, renowned Western artist Michael Coleman, and how that early influence helped open doors while also challenging him to establish his own identity as an artist. He discusses his fascination with the history and landscapes of the American West, the importance of research and authenticity, and why artists should resist chasing trends and instead paint what they're passionate about. They also explore the role of plein air painting in Nicholas's studio work, the value of experiencing a landscape firsthand, his admiration for artists such as Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt, and why years of consistent work remain essential to artistic growth. Listen as Nicholas Coleman shares his perspective on art, legacy, passion, and finding your own path in Western art. Visit Nicholas Coleman's website here: https://www.nicholascolemanart.com/

In this episode of the Plein Air Podcast, Eric Rhoads sits down with Wisconsin artist Marc Anderson to talk about his journey from freelance illustration to a career in fine art. Marc shares how a summer job drawing caricatures helped build his skills, how discovering the plein air community changed the direction of his career, and why he believes developing your craft should come before worrying about the business side of art. They also dive into the practical side of painting, including the importance of drawing, mixing convincing greens, understanding value and color temperature, capturing the feeling of light, and why Marc still considers painting from life one of his greatest teachers. Plus, Marc discusses the realities of plein air competitions, choosing subjects that genuinely interest you, using plein air studies for studio paintings, and the two qualities he encourages other artists to cultivate: curiosity and persistence.

In this episode of the Plein Air Podcast, Eric Rhoads talks with acclaimed painter John Lasater about how decades of painting outdoors have shaped his art, his career, and the way he sees painting today. John reflects on his early years in the plein air community, the highs and lows of traveling the competition circuit, and how those experiences became markers for both accomplishment and artistic growth. He also shares how his work has evolved over the years toward a more simplified, contemplative approach, and why painting alongside other artists and being part of a creative community continue to matter to him. Check out John Lasater's website here: https://www.lasaterart.com/

Years on the competitive plein air circuit taught Jason Sacran more than how to paint under pressure. In this episode, the award-winning artist reflects on the lessons, challenges, and sacrifices that shaped his approach to painting and his career. Jason talks with Eric Rhoads about what he learned from years of plein air competitions, how painting intensely from life helped him grow, and why artists don't have to travel to spectacular destinations to find something worth painting. He also shares his approach to nocturnes and early-morning light, painting larger outdoors, and finding compelling subjects close to home.

In this episode of the Plein Air Podcast, Eric Rhoads interviews American Impressionist C.W. Mundy, and artist from Indianapolis, Indiana, who started as a sports illustrator, but wanted to explore fine art back in the early 1990's and so started painting everything "from life" at that time. He is a master Signature member of OPA, and AIS, and a fellow of the American Society of Marine Artists. Don't forget to check out CW's BRAND NEW video "Still life simplified - Master values to create believable paintings," available here: https://painttube.tv/products/c-w-mundy-still-life-simplified-master-values-to-create-believable-paintings