Have you ever wondered how some fine artists make real money selling originals at art shows while others struggle to get traction?

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m chatting with Mark McKenna, a Western and wildlife artist who went from teaching high school art to earning up to $50K at a single show. Mark breaks down exactly how he did it—without fancy connections or a massive following. He shares the pivotal lessons he learned from his mentor, Greg Beecham, about pricing your art higher (and why collectors actually prefer it that way), connecting with buyers authentically, and how being likable and generous can open more doors than any marketing tactic.

We also talk about his leap from teaching to full-time art, how he balances family life while painting 30 hours a week, and why art shows are still one of the best ways to build genuine relationships with collectors today.

If you’ve ever thought, “Could I really make a living selling my paintings?” — Mark’s story is proof that you absolutely can, with the right mix of strategy, confidence, and heart.