As a professional illustrator who does things in publishing (like book covers and commercial illustrations and things), I definitely believe that there will never be a time when you actually think your work is good enough to get started. Often my work gets significantly better when I get a request from a client that is a bit out of my comfort zone, or when I have a tricky client, and it lights a fire under me and I just NEED to do well on it because the stakes are high because it’s work. I think an element of trial by fire is almost necessary in some cases. It’s hard to have that push if you’re forever seeing yourself as a student.

I've enjoyed Morgan's work for years, great talk. We got similar advice in school :"The best artists have the most trash in the wastebasket." Failure should be praised early on for artists.

I was a budding artist years ago.  My parents were adamant in their advice which was that artists starve.  If you love art go with it.  Artists have made a living through the ages.  They may not have had all the money in the world but they had the satisfaction of living their dream.  If you want to get rich go into another field.  If your soul soars when you draw or paint that is where your heart will find fulfillment.

Good point at 38:40. Keep criss-crossing between drawing and painting to get the best out of both.

He is so right about being discouraged. There is an artist that talks about material and how everything will cause cracking and damage to your picture. I became so discouraged by all of the negative talking and no solution that I turned to pastel. I really wanted to learn oil painting but I gave up.

It is great to hear from some one who washes away the fantasy and speaks the reality of the art profession.  Thx, Kristian

I like how you included a drawing demo on the left during the interview footage

I bought a print titled "Invitation" by Morgan in the 90s and I cherish it.
The spiritual inspiration it emits touches those who see it.

I went to Fred Fixler's school but unfortunately I was there after Morgan had already left (around ~2010). I always wanted to learn from him, I'm glad he released a course!

Morgan is telling my life story,I started  drawing when I was
8 ,now I am 80

I see Morgan Weistling, I click!

Thanks for the cool interview. I like the new format. It makes it worth watching and not just listen to a video.

The absolutly most useful interview for any aspiring artist !! Thanks man

I came for the drawing...stayed for the solid advice. I am taking a leap today!

This interview with Morgan is priceless.🎉  
Seize the day. Paint what you want the world to see. Make it grab the viewer & bring them into your world or becken an emotion. 🖌🎨

This guy gives solid straight up advice. So good.

I have been a professional Sculptor since 1989 and now teaching myself how to paint and painting is more difficult than sculpting

I remember Malcolm Forbes wanted James Bama to paint his portrait. He told Bama i can pay whatever you want. Bama told him, i'm sorry, but it's not always about the money, i have to have an emotional connection to what i'm painting.

Really great interview and video!!!  Rarely do I watch an artist interview this long til the end.

On the topic of being a professional and having to suffer through long pieces. It feels awful doing a 430 hour painting everyday with no days off. By the end, it is very difficult. But when it is finally done, and you see your giant painting, with the pain behind you, it is very rewarding.