Rich Nelson Discusses Portraiture Career and Upcoming Shows on FASO Podcast

In a recent episode of the FASO Podcast, host Laura Arango Baier interviewed portrait artist Rich Nelson, a signature member of the Portrait Society of America and Oil Painters of America. Nelson, born in Detroit in 1961, began art school at 23 after playing in rock bands, and later worked as an illustrator for 13 years before transitioning to fine art. He shared advice from John Singer Sargent: artists must master anatomy, landscape, and still life before specializing in portraiture. Nelson also advised never to show work in a portfolio that you don't want to be hired to do more of. He emphasized the importance of reaching out to other artists, a habit that has opened many doors. Currently, Nelson has a 42-piece solo exhibition at the Tryon Fine Arts Center in Tryon, North Carolina, on view through October 17, with works almost entirely painted from life. In October, his Plein Air Painters of the East group will travel to Charleston for a week of painting, culminating in a group show at the Meyer Vogel Gallery. Nelson also mentioned his band, Rich Nelson Band, and his online presence. The podcast episode was released on the FASO platform, which focuses on art marketing and business tips for artists.