70 Kathie Odom — The Courage to Pursue Your Joy

Kathie Odom: 0:00

I just hit the courage button. It takes a lot of courage just to put yourself out there just to do your art thing and let people look at it. I mean, but it, there is a point where you just you have to let go. And you have to be uncontrol Sometimes

Laura Arango Baier: 0:22

Welcome to the BoldBrush show, where we believe that fortune favors the bold brush. My name is Laura Arango Baier, and I'm your host. For those of you who are new to the podcast, we are a podcast that covers art marketing techniques, and all sorts of business tips specifically to help artists learn to better sell their work. We interview artists at all stages of their careers as well as others who are in careers tied to the art world in order to hear their advice and insights. We sat down with Kathy Odom, an artist with a deep love of what she has called nostalgic Impressionism. We discussed her career started from a genuine love for the craft that became something more the challenges and rewards of dedicating yourself to being a full time artist, and the importance of pushing the courage button and staying consistent. Finally, we discussed some excellent marketing tips from both Cathy and her husband, buddy. Right on, we hear all about her awesome upcoming workshops. So welcome, Kathy and buddy to the BoldBrush show. How are you today?

Kathie Odom: 1:22

Very good. It's great to be with you,

Buddy Odom: 1:24

Hi Laura. Nice to see you.

Laura Arango Baier: 1:26

Nice to see you too. I've been talking to both of you, of course. And you're a bit of a duo, which I love. I love when there are couples that help each other out to make their careers grow. And this is, you guys are so adorable. You're really our goals. You're the goals that everyone should have, if anyone has, you know, a right hand person that helps them through stuff. But before we dive into your duo jobs, Kathy, do you mind telling us a bit about who you are and what you do?

Kathie Odom: 1:59

With Who am I am a late bloomer as far as my art career goes, and it is a dream come true. And I have had many jobs, personal and money makers, but this is absolutely the dream. So I would say that, yes, who I am now.

Laura Arango Baier: 2:30

Yeah, no, I love that. And, you know, I have met so many people of different walks of life, you know, they're young and on, you know, or like they've started, they're young or started later on, when they finally had, you know, the money to be able to pursue the career. And it is so I think, cathartic to see people like you know who, in the end, they're so in love with art and painting and really capturing the essence of that beauty. And saying, This is what makes me the happiest, and I would not give it up. I think it's so commendable. And so beautiful to see that. And especially because your paintings, they do capture that essence, I was just telling you before we recording how I love how your paintings really make you feel like you are outdoors in the midday and that sun is beating down on everything and everything just looks bright and vibrant. Can you tell us a bit about your work?

Kathie Odom: 3:27

Well, sure, my work is foremost, influenced by plein air work and being outside. And I absolutely love what I see, I want to capture it. And I want to let it inform what comes out of me as an artist. And putting the two together just them. That air the birds, the vibration of what nature does when we're outside is all really special. It's all on notice. And so I could do that all the time. That at the moment, it is very cold in Tennessee, which is not real normal to be in the single digits. And so I do do a lot of studio work at this time of year.

Buddy Odom: 4:30

And you also early on. You came up with the phrase nostalgic impressions.

Kathie Odom: 4:36

Yes, and you know, what captures me and what I want to pay is something probably that reminds me of something in the past or just a sentimental thing that I'm pretty sappy that anyway though These kind of things, though, intrigued me and I want to catch them on campus. So the dystocia part is definitely there.

Laura Arango Baier: 5:13

Yeah, yeah. And you're definitely surrounded by a very beautiful area. I mean, I've been to Tennessee and the woods there. The I guess the the energy of Tennessee it has, it's very unique. And it's it's so beautiful that you capture that and you really hold on to it, because I can feel it. Having been to Tennessee and then seeing your work, I can feel it. I can say yeah, that's Tennessee. I I've got it's like I'm there.

Kathie Odom: 5:39

That is the best compliment I could get. And I'll tell you, I do a lot of the dance all over the United States. And I'm always looking for that thing that reminds me of home. It's just, it's a good spot. You know, it's, it's what I want to pay. So, yeah.

Laura Arango Baier: 6:03

Awesome. Yes. And then I did want to ask you, you know, since you did mention your late bloomer, and I love hearing that because that means you have seen a lot of things and experience a lot of things and then finally said, You know what, I'm putting my foot down. I'm gonna paint. How was that journey for you?

Kathie Odom: 6:22

So fun, but also shocking. And at the age of 50, this man gave me a birthday present of a plein air workshop. And yeah, I was so excited. I had always said, you know, at one point, I'm going to be an old painter, and I'm just going to do it. And, you know, to make yourself transition into that is not an easy thing, that the workshop for a big event in my life. Just about 50 Just made it happen. And from that moment on, I have not stopped painting. I thought it was going to be just this hobby that, you know, I would do and enjoy a lot. But quickly, it turned into more. And that's been exciting. So yeah, that that would be how it all got going. Wow,

Laura Arango Baier: 7:30

that's very inspiring. But what were you doing before you were painting? Oh

Kathie Odom: 7:36

my goodness. I can always creative work. But I would say that I was friend Okay, went from framing art. I had my own little cottage industry and did framing. Then it turned into faux finishing working on walls. A friend was an interior designer. So you should be doing this. I tried that for a while. That was I was up on scaffolding 20 feet up in the air. And it was kind of pricey. And then that moved in to helping renovate places, decorative things. And then I ended up working a force story. Furniture Store helping them change their business and and then painting happened. And when the creativity came down to being on a piece of canvas, it was it was just a dream. And we kind of believe everything brings us to this place. You know, everything before kind of brings us to this place. And absolutely every bit of that influenced what's going on now. And it it it all I think I was painting even when I was arranging furniture. Yeah. I mean, it just all has come to come to for which fruition? I can't say that word. But anyway, it's been really sweet. And now it's it's a little bit more work than I thought it would be. But it's good work. It's not all dreams, not a dream.

Buddy Odom: 9:35

I would if I could add to that only because she probably didn't come to mind right before the plein air workshop that I gave her. Both her parents within a period of five years passed away. And and of course she's mothering and

Kathie Odom: 9:53

that children left me. I mean they they grew they grew up in into what we had raised them to be and do. But the shock of both parents passing and children up and getting their own lives. I was in a mindset of, well, I'm next, I guess, you know, it's all over. I am so much younger than I felt, then, then 10 years ago, so it's, it has been a life giving gift to pay. And so that's been Oh, wow,

Laura Arango Baier: 10:40

I love that, that is so true. Because, you know, it gives you you know, on one hand, you know, gives you a purpose, you know, it gives you a an exciting reason to get up in the morning and be excited to, you know, go explore outside and see what, what sites you might want to capture. And I think that's beautiful, especially after being you know, an empty nester and, and then, of course, losing your parents. That's a huge blow. And it also, you know, I love that your art then became a place for you to heal, and to recover. And that explains also the nostalgia aspect, which makes

Kathie Odom: 11:16

absolutely an IT an art isn't a healer, it, it is some of the best medicine you can find. So anyway, creative is the gift.

Laura Arango Baier: 11:31

It is it is indeed, and I love that. I'm actually speechless, because, you know, I feel like, we all have a love for the arts, at least the artists that I've met, or the other artists that I know, we all have that love from childhood, and I feel like so much of life tells us Oh, you can't do that, or oh, just forget about it. You can't live from that. And then and then here you are, obviously, you know, you're selling your work you're painting every day. At least you know, from what I can tell, because you have a ton of work. Oh, how was that like for you to transition? You know, from? Okay, I have a day job. And I'm doing this to full on living from your work?

Kathie Odom: 12:15

Yeah. Um, fortunately, there was another income coming in, you know, from buddy. And so he is a multitasker. And this isn't his only gig. He's got a lot going on. But it I think, though, it was a conscious, okay, I'm gonna do this. I'm gonna quit everything else, and I'm going to pour into it. And that's exactly what happened. It became a lot more serious. You know, I started in workshops, and then I had a mentor that I studied under for about a year, and then decided, Okay, let's go for it. And that, I think that mentality of, I have got to produce a lot of words that I don't like, but I'm pretty good under pressure. All of those things started, okay, I need to be out there painting. And if it's plein air, then I've got to go. And so all of those things made for a new career. I mean, and, and also investing back into it. Like, I was doing some selling and all at the beginning, but every bit of it was going back into either marketing or workshops, or more paints that are frames. Yes. Yes. All those things.

Laura Arango Baier: 14:04

Yeah, no, and that, that makes perfect sense. You know, you have to kind of have a cycle where you know, you have to produce to sell to be able to produce, and then it completes the cycle. I did want to ask what, because you mentioned earlier also that it's not all you know, sunshine and rainbows, of course, to be a painter. What are some of the challenges that you have faced that you kind of didn't expect?

Kathie Odom: 14:30

You know, we, I think all artists are, we're pretty unique people. And we all need about adding, I'm just gonna speak for myself and need the right environment and need to wake up on the right side of the bed. I mean, there's just a lot of things that really, I can't just push through all the Time, a what those good influences happening in my day. And but there are days that things need to happen. And if I just push myself to get in front of the easel, if I just push myself to put that one first mark on the canvas, then I'm often going, it's amazing just to get to that place is not always easy. But that once I get started, I'm pretty much hooked. I'm going to be paying,

Laura Arango Baier: 15:39

I totally relate to that. I totally relate to that. Because, you know, getting yourself to do something when you're when you're tired, or when you're upset, or, you know, life happens. Of course, the especially if you're selling your work, you can't put a pause button on life, unfortunately, I, gosh, I wish I could put a pause on life and just be like, I need to breathe. But But it's great that, you know, you point out that sometimes we will have resistance despite it being you know, a wonderful activity, right painting is so fulfilling, and it's so beautiful. It is like, every time you finish a painting, it's like, ah, you know, like, My soul is breathing. But I think yeah, it's it's wonderful that you highlight that. It's not always, it's not always easy to get myself to do something. And it is worth it. In the end, though, which I love. So then, I would also like to ask, what advice you would give to anyone out there who is thinking of making that jump?

Kathie Odom: 16:46

Just hit the courage button. Abby mean, I don't know what else to say other than it's gonna take, you just can't control it. And you can't make it easy. It's, you know, it's taken a lot, it takes a lot of courage just to put yourself out there just to do your art thing and let people look at it. I mean, that it, there is a point where you just you have to let go. And you have to be uncontrolled sometimes. And the word courage just comes to mind foremost. Yeah, yes, just absolutely.

Buddy Odom: 17:40

Could I add to I could I add also, I would say get better. And work at it, I would say that to any artists living right now get better. Because there's a real trap to think if you're selling or if you're proud, or anything like that, that there's some sort of a rival, but since it's a this,

Kathie Odom: 18:06

this, and I don't want to, I don't wanna rap. I want a lot of work at it. But I'm going to continue to learn and work at it. And that keeps it exciting. And if I just found a certain way to do certain things, that's going to bore me. And so I'm keeping myself excited and intrigued by what we do is probably one of the best thing and

Buddy Odom: 18:40

this is what I've learned just watching her when she gets bored and falling back into a little bit of a hole like I don't want to go out there or I don't want to you know, and but she's because she's become bored with what she's doing. And so or she's feels the pressure to paint for someone other than her. And that is a really key thing that we try to keep the fire stoked on around here for sure is to is the paint

Kathie Odom: 19:08

that really brings me to the place of paint what interest you paint what you love, I believe I really believe the viewer sees that they know it when you're happy when or when you're intrigued by what you're doing. They'll be selfish a little bit. I mean, I spent my whole life trying not to be a selfish person. That limit came to the art. It was like Okay, it's time it's time to do what I want to do and express what I want to express and not to worry about sales. Because if I don't worry about sales, then I believe I'm in a more genuine place. Now, math first experience in a gallery was I had taken taken math first works in to be friend at this frame shop Gallery, and the words that came out of the gallerist mouth were, I'm interested in your work, this designer in our shop is very interested in what you're doing. We would like to consider carrying you. But here were the words, you must be prolific. You know, oh, wow, he took something that was so exciting, and then all of a sudden did put pressure on it. Or you? No, but I heard it. And that was a huge jump in getting started. professionally. If I had heard the words, prolific, then I took it to heart. And I think I'm still taking it to heart. But it keeps me It keeps me in the paints, and doing what I do love.

Laura Arango Baier: 21:21

Yeah, it's definitely a balance. I mean, obviously, you know, your your income is dependent on production, right? Of course, in a perfect world, you wouldn't have to worry about the income and you could just produce whatever. But yeah, I agree there is, you know, there is a benefit to having a fresher than

Buddy Odom: 21:42

it might not be a perfect world. Because in the perfect world, we just in, in my mind, at least, I'm thinking a recliner, and a glass of red wine. And I don't think I don't think that's a perfect world when I went to kind of get a better view of it as a backup and look. And so around here, we say a mortgage payment is a good incentive. And so it does, it kind of keeps us a little leaning forward. It keeps us on our toes a little bit more, mainly because we think that what we have we've been given. So whether it's a whether it's meeting someone like you, this has been given to us, whether it's this talent, that that always ought to be sharpened in mind as well. So we're always kind of leaning in, because we feel like it's been given to us instead of something we've just been able to pull off.

Laura Arango Baier: 22:37

That's true. Yeah, I mean, I feel like the people who who have to struggle more in a way are much harder, harder workers, I guess, then you know, someone who's just given everything because they're just expecting it. And I totally understand that perspective. And I agree, you know, I also don't see the perfect world being you know, sitting on a recliner with a cup, a glass of wine, you know, or a beer. I'm also the type of person who I need something to do. Because I will get bored sitting on that recliner. So I totally understand how BoldBrush we inspire artists to inspire the world, because creating art creates magic, and the world is currently in desperate need of magic. BoldBrush provides artists with free art marketing, creativity, and business ideas and information. This show is an example. We also offer written resources, articles and a free monthly art contest open to all visual artists. We believe that fortune favors the bold brush. And if you believe that to sign up completely free at BoldBrush show.com. That's B O LD BRUSH show.com. The BoldBrush Show is sponsored by FASO. Now more than ever, it's crucial to have a website when you're an artist, especially if you want to be a professional in your career. Thankfully, with our special link faso.com forward slash podcast, you can make that come true. And also get over 50% off your first year on your artists website. Yes, that's basically the price of 12 lattes in one year, which I think is a really great deal considering that you get sleek and beautiful website templates that are also mobile friendly e commerce print on demand in certain countries, as well as access to our marketing center that has our brand new art marketing calendar. And the art marketing calendar is something that you won't get with our competitor. The art marketing calendar gives you day by day step by step guides on what you should be doing today right now in order to get your artwork out there and seen by the right eyes so that you can make more sales this year. So if you want to change your life and actually meet your sales goal this year, then start now by going to our special link faso.com forward slash podcast that's s a s o.com forward slash podcast. And then now I really want to ask both of you because this is where the duo side comes in. Since I really want to discuss marketing with the You and it from what you guys explained to me, buddy, you help, Kathy with the marketing side? How does that work with you guys?

Buddy Odom: 25:12

Let's call Kathy on first of all, that's what it's called.

Kathie Odom: 25:17

And I always say I have veto power. And and I do use it.

Buddy Odom: 25:25

He does he does. I mean, it's not my name out there and it's not my work. I've never painted one single brushstroke on any painting of hers, of course. So. So I'm just unprepared to say, I'll do everything I can to help you continue to paint and teach. And whatever that whatever that takes. And we are we are empty nesters, I mean, we have five grandkids, and they live in other cities not too far away, but far enough to keep us with some extra hours if you will to be able to apply toward toward the marketing of that. And I would

Kathie Odom: 26:05

say that when we did start thinking in that way of marketing, something that was just resound in me was it's got to be about the art. Not just a unique way of showing the art. I mean, although that all of that happens. But first and foremost, the first thing is it's got to be about the art. And I think instead of you know, just I mean that he has ideas just constantly, and they're, they've been great ones. And I would say fast, so has been a gift to us. And the fact that it offers, I would say the best marketing thing we have done, which is totally buddy. Putting it together has been a newsletter connection on our website, which is our FAFSA website. And I know that that's who I'm talking to right now. But I would say this to anybody that that was a tool that has gone out, we've done a newsletter once a month, for about eight years, for eight years. It happens at the beginning of the month, sometimes a couple of days like that. I've never seen somebody stay on something like that he has, and it's all about what's happening now. You know, what workshops? Are we in that teaching? What trips are we going on? What where are we? What about them painting like, like, and that has been probably one of the best marketing tools? Yes, definitely. Yeah,

Buddy Odom: 28:02

way to go fast, fast. Way to go. But Is anyone listening? I'm telling you start a newsletter. You know, the best time to plant a Sequoia is one sir was like 800 years ago. The second time. The second best time to plant a Sequoia is today. So you start something that's got we've gone eight years at this every month. And it's not too much. But you know, it's we haven't done it every two or three weeks or one week. And we haven't skipped times, we've just stayed steady in her her following has grown over eight years, all by itself. And people subscribe to the newsletter, see the paintings had a little had nothing to do with it whatsoever. Because it's so full circle to what she's really full circle to what she's really saying is it's about the art in we and of course there's an artist behind the art, but you lead with the beauty. And then you find out who's you know, busy creating that and how she goes about and you become very intrigued with that. But if you're not hooked on the art, I mean, how are you going to get hooked on creating something that you don't care about? So yeah, it's about travels and workshops and, and galleries and new release paintings.

Kathie Odom: 29:15

I think, Well, we both have been talking lately about just diversifying just yet not getting in a groove and just staying there. So we definitely I do plein air events. I do work. I teach workshops. I work in the studio, I'd go out with my friends here in my area to plein air paintings and

Buddy Odom: 29:44

galleries. She's done a book so there's so many different things to diversify so that when something like COVID hits and really shuts one or two of this sides of sides down.

Kathie Odom: 29:56

So we got into zoom teaching During COVID, and it that was amazing. Just how many I mean, there, there is the word courage, because I said I would never, ever do anything where I was recorded. And here I am with you mean is, you know, I had a horrible experience at the University of Tennessee, the intel that I had a disease of the voice it's just been a, you know, p and PTSD thing. But anyway, even to put a book out. Out, this was the conversation that went on. I'm not ready for a book, I haven't paid it enough to have a book. I mean, it took the courage and bad grandchildren. Because I thought, okay, let's put a book together, this has happened. And it's a unique, wonderful story. And I don't know how unique it is, I think there's a lot of us that get a late start, that it put our life toward other things. But, but it it was like, okay, and the book really speaks to that. What can happen if you have the courage to do it, and then on the cover Kathy out and let the art speak? Isn't the name of it, you know, it's it's like, okay, let's do let's go ahead and do it. And he, Berry is a much more way or complete opposites. And we really are. And if, truthfully, if I didn't have someone like him in my life, Courage would have gone out the window, I have to have courage to be married to it, you drink a lot. But all of that, in essence, get knowing each other and trusting and having ideas. We're talking ideas all the time. And

Buddy Odom: 32:26

because part of that is because we want to, we've seen what has happened. We're not opposites, when it comes to bringing beauty we were just all about it with both of us are. So we had these ideas, or thoughts and a lot of it has to do, how can we inject courage into someone else, so that this might, you know, just rip along and keep going. And that's what the grandkids to I mean, they're they they're going to have some copies and you know, more to wheeling, they're going to grow old. And if, you know, maybe they'll have kids and grandkids and Gregor, you know, so it might just kind of keep on going in that respect to that if we can inject some courage into anyone to turn your computer off, stop watching this video right now and go pick up a brush, you know, if we need any of those sort of things. So yeah. Oh, I

Laura Arango Baier: 33:18

love that. It's like you have this common goal. And sure, you might have different ways of approaching it. But the goal is still met. And I love that. I mean, you guys are definitely giving me courage right now. Like, Wow, it's beautiful. I love that, you know, the it's there is you know, there are so many risks that you take in this career. So many, you know, and the main one, of course, is the one you already mentioned, which is putting yourself out there, which can be so vulnerable. You know, it's so challenging. But, of course, your work is beautiful. And it speaks for itself. It truly does. And it definitely inspires others. You're welcome. Yeah. And, again, I love that you guys, you know, work together. I think it's wonderful. And it's not the first time that I've seen this I have also interviewed other artists who say, I want to thank my you know, my partner, whether it's husband or wife because their support, really it it makes a difference, especially when as an artist, you're going through a slump you're going through a hard time.

Buddy Odom: 34:20

I gotta say something today, of course, just just going down to the local coffee shop with a friend and saying every month or maybe every two weeks Could I could I take an hour of your time with just a with a friend. And there are so many people that love art that want to put a brush in their hand like me, I want to want to, but I can't I've tried it it doesn't work so so I've got some love over here this way so you can go with a friend and they're so many so many friends have interest in what she's doing. They have you have friends that have interest So what you're doing, and so so so many folks can go to the coffee shop and say, I would like to buy an hour from you. And here's, here's how we'll do it, I'll buy your coffee, and I'll buy your bagel. And then Oh, you'd like some of my art, I have a lot. And so you could, you could, you can take them down and say, Pick whatever you want. Or let me show you what's available. If you give me an hour a month, for me to just bounce ideas off of you, and you'd be critical and helpful. And it's just a great exchange, because just the just the, the idea of having someone to get out of your head with. And they might say you're too much in your head, and then you say, that's why you're here is so just to have someone to be able to do simple conversation, instead of launch a marketing campaign. You know, and someone will they'll say, Well, how's your website? I don't have one, well, here's how you get one. And those sort of things, and you just kind of incrementally small snippet of time, but just start with a friend, and ask them for an hour every two or three weeks of their time. It doesn't have to be spouse or partners or anything like that. It could really certainly be just all these folks who say, Oh, you paint. Yeah, let me buy you coffee.

Laura Arango Baier: 36:22

I love that. That's very true. Yes, you make an excellent point. You know, it is also the community that and the people that you surround yourself with, of course, not only partner, though I have come across a lot of people who you know, they're married, they have kids, and definitely the partner has been absolutely, gosh, a godsend for them. Of course, there are other people who listen to the show who are not partnered up. So I completely agree connecting with other artists connecting with even friends who maybe have nothing to do with the artist just getting their honest opinion, someone that they trust, for sure. Hey, what do you think, you know, because it is true, you make a valid point that artists do tend to live in their head, quite a lot. Um, but you know, it's good to have someone to to realize out there and be like, alright, this is what's going on. And it's very useful. I do also want to ask both of you, because you have a really wonderful side, from your website, Instagram page, you have a lot of followers on your page. How do you guys manage the social media aspect of your career?

Kathie Odom: 37:34

I'm drinking a cup of coffee in the morning and saying, We want to post something. Wouldn't that be a good idea? And, or, you know, Will, we just talk through it a little bit. And I don't know, just from my experience of, of being on Facebook and Instagram, a lot of people thought about things that they ought to talk about it before they put things on. And it's just healthy and good and smart. But basically, I think that happens, every Afghan to the place of care, courage, were badly sometimes we'll just do it, you know, without running it by me. That used to bother me. It doesn't anymore. Just the fact that we are in this together, he sometimes knows best on that end of things. And I will say this buddy at the very beginning of this, which he alluded to a little bit that I heard it as if I can keep you in the paints, and in front of that canvas. That's what I want to help do. And what a gift and I know that it's a gift, so that those kinds of things literally popped up. It's kind of an instinct at that time to put ourselves out there. You know, let's put a painting out there. And, and not to overdo it. I think that may be I mean, with the newsletter, we're consistent. We do it at the beginning of the month, people know when to expect it. But it's not all the time. It's not. I don't want to just be a loud speaker. No, I want it to be significant when we do it. I want it to be

Buddy Odom: 39:47

I want the art to speak. We're not trying to build. We're not trying to build an audience. Again, we're trying to have the beauty out there. And so the algorithms we have no idea where it's not like Okay, if we wait three days and post that that's going to be better? Or if we we don't we don't think or I know, I know, none of that. And I don't know much. And so we don't we don't really do too much with it. We end on Instagram. I think there's a, it's rare if you see anything other than a painting. And so it's just, it's just a painting, it's always the size so that when someone's looking at it, they can in their minds, I begin to see, oh, that's a 30 by 40? Or is it an eight by 10? Is that's just I think, helpful. Other than that, it's we kind of keep it as scaled down as possible. Rarely

Kathie Odom: 40:36

do I put on anything, like a photograph of our family or serve. The fact that I do it just every now and then it gets a great response. Because people people want to know about each other's lives, not just the work to so that that's very rare, and only every now and then, but it gets huge, huge responses. So we you learn by doing, you know, you learn that trying different things. And usually when I do have something personal, I'm real. I'm really excited about whatever that is, or, you know, think that it would be a good thing.

Laura Arango Baier: 41:24

Yeah. Oh, my gosh, you guys, I think you nailed it honestly, in the sense of it truly just is about consistency, doesn't matter what the algorithm is doing. It doesn't matter. You know, like people try to follow all these trends and stuff, which I also try not to do, because it's I think, it seems kind of inauthentic. It's like all everyone else is doing it. It's like it doesn't matter. So I love that. In all aspects of the career. It's been consistency newsletter, posting, painting, repeat, you know, it's it's been? Wow. So I guess for our listeners, you know, it's 100% consistency is important ingredient truly. And I did want to ask, because we did talk a little bit about diversification of income. But also I, I wanted to ask, and it slipped my mind because we get into such exciting topics. Have you found that you make more sales, thanks to having a newsletter? Or have you found that it doesn't really, like you haven't really noticed a difference.

Kathie Odom: 42:32

You know, I used to look at what I posted, or the newsletter or an ad in a magazine, and try to put well did that sell something, did that move something, and it felt like it didn't at all. And I've really come to the place, I really have that I feel like each painting has a home, and it's going to find it. And that sounds a little out there. But I really have an end that has helped me release and let it go. And just create what I'm enjoying. And knowing that every now and then I pray there on it. I do. You know, and and that was a big for me to even think it was worth the prayer. But that I have really, you know, I just try to live it out. And, and not try to find the niche. Instead just do it and be and I think all of those things and the, you know, the doing different things has got to help. But would you agree? I mean,

Buddy Odom: 44:04

I think the question too, would be that we continue to ask she asked me in her way and I asked her as I say are you being Kathy Are you Kathy Are you you know, not just be Kathy because if she's if she's doing something, whether it's social media or painting a painting, there's just not Kathy again, the viewer sees it. And that about finding every painting finding its home I'm looking at a stack leaning against the wall over here. And that might be its home. Yeah. A big ol stack right there.

Kathie Odom: 44:41

They tell him in the burn piles

Buddy Odom: 44:44

but it all but it all comes from from earlier when you said that that statement that we that everything is brought us to this place. So that stack is still doing something within her to help her be genuine to be Kathy instead. And that that

Kathie Odom: 45:01

magazine ad, cost a whole lot of money. And you really want to know is that, but that is getting you the public, and especially this wonderful plein air world, because it's gotten such feet under it. It's letting them know what you're up to and who you are, and that you're brave enough to put a half page ad, you know that in there? And it sooner or later will it's taken? I'd say it took about 10 years, for just mundane to be known a little bit. Shockingly, I mean, it was just a shock to run into somebody at a convention or, or an event or you Kathy Odom, and then I mean, it's you know it Wow. Now that'll propel you to get in front of the easel. More, you know, to but the courage to put to, to finance things the courage to put a lot of paint on that palette, instead of just little bitty bits, you know, I mean, all that those things act, they just tend to, you're worth it. And, and the painting is worth it. And it's a it's a deal. It's a big deal. And let's let's, let's buy into ourselves. And while

Buddy Odom: 46:48

Meanwhile there here's, here's another quote from a favorite book of ours that says, don't think too highly of yourself. But with sober judgment. So we try to stay in that a great integrate, do not think more highly of yourself and you do not think more highly of yourself than you ought but with sober judgment. And so you know, we need each other when he we need each other to say, are you drunk on yourself and get up? Because I get drunk on myself? I just think too highly of myself. So can we be have a little bit more be a little bit more sober about it all? And so with a career when people said, Are you Kathy Odom, you gotta gonna have to go? Yeah, I'm just good old Kathy Odom not that's

Kathie Odom: 47:31

usually how I answer. I mean, yeah, I had a thought there and it left me. But it'll come someday.

Laura Arango Baier: 47:40

Yeah, if it comes back, you can definitely say it. Um, you know, I love that. Because I think that quote also highlights how it's important to still recognize your achievements anyway, you know, don't let them obviously don't get drunk on them. But you shouldn't minimize them, either. Because it takes a lot of work and dedication, as you have proven, and it really does in the end, you know, it's worth it. And it's something to be grateful for. And like Kathy mentioned, you know, it makes you want to keep going, especially when someone out there says, Oh, my God, are you? Are you my hero? You know, it's like, oh, I will continue to be your hero. Yeah, I will continue to just be myself to the best of my abilities. And that is, wow, it's very inspiring. And oh, you're really?

Buddy Odom: 48:33

You're really, you're fun. I mean, you're, you're taking some you're taking a little time off from the canvas, yourself. And that is that's taken care of Laura. While something's being built up in there, it's not like well, I need to go produce no, no, you, there's production going on within yourself. So way to go.

Laura Arango Baier: 48:53

Thank you. Thank you. Yes. And you know what it is, it is also what you were both mentioning about, you know that authenticity is like, is this painting Caffee? And really asking yourself, Does this really speak about me and the vision that I want to share with the world because that is something that you know, a lot of people especially when they start selling their work, it is so easy to let the market dictate what they'll do, which I think again, it's a big mistake, it really erases that authenticity, and it really takes away that unique voice because it just becomes another, another person for the pile. Right? Instead of what does you know, what does Kathy really care about? And what does she want to say with her work? And how does each subsequent piece, you know, say even more about her because it's not just oh, yeah, just one painting? No, there's that continual growth and improvement that also goes hand in hand with the production. And I think so many people are like, oh, yeah, you know, it's just art and it's like, no, it's The journey is really a journey into self knowledge and self understanding, which is so challenging on its own. And again, why, you know, I would be really happy if I had someone next to me like buddy who could give me time to savor the canvas, you know, because it truly is, you know, it takes a lot of focus and energy. And, again, dedication. So, kudos to both of you. And of course, Kathy, your work is absolutely gorgeous. So, wow, thank you. You're welcome. Do you have any final pieces of advice? For anyone out there who might be listening?

Kathie Odom: 50:42

I don't think any different than what we've said. But if I could leave people with putting you put yourself out there and have courage about it. That would that would be definitely

Buddy Odom: 50:56

I have I have one thing, please. It has to do with pricing? No.

Kathie Odom: 51:03

Oh, here we go.

Buddy Odom: 51:06

It's, it's, you know, I think it's all integrated together and what we're saying. And I like to say that when Kathy paints a painting, she's she's kind of doing this and then putting it onto the canvas. So she's scratching her beat her? Did she's putting her DNA into the painting? How much is that worth? And so don't just say, Oh, it's this? No, it's a piece of you. Even if you don't like it, at the moment, it's you on the way. And so price it accordingly. And if you don't, you hurt our other artists as well, who are trying to put themselves literally out there putting their DNA into a painting. And so the way in which you price you ought to be, you ought to need to pinch yourself to price it there, you know, if it's, if it's an easy number for you to price it at, you're too low, you need to be able to say courage. There it is.

Kathie Odom: 52:12

There it is, even even with that.

Buddy Odom: 52:16

We can't afford a Kathy Otopeni. Because because we're put, we're lifting it up. And other people have said, I want a piece of Kathy. And you know, that's not just a marketing, let's push this, how high is the market ceiling, that sort of thing. It is a little bit of that. But more than anything else is taking yourself seriously? Well,

Kathie Odom: 52:38

it took a lot of putting yourself out there in advance, or your work into a gallery, or a national show, being courageous enough to enter those. And so I mean, shockingly enough for me are ribbons that are over here on this metal cabinet of mine, and I don't show them at all, so that people that walk in my studio, see that I put them there to say to Kathy, every day, you've done something with this, and something's going on. That's called Value been courageous. And so actually, the market is pretty much telling me where to price things because of what's happened. And so all of those, all of that comes into play. So for beginners, or amateur, they call themselves and you know, a lot just do this, you know, as a sad thing. Even Take, take when you're that take that seriously. Because there there's a lot of us out here taking it very serious.

Laura Arango Baier: 54:01

Yeah. Yeah. And like you said, you know, it's a, what, you know, there's like this, this, I guess, like this perspective that we sometimes have about ourselves where we don't value ourselves enough. And it's very common, but it definitely is a question of how much am I worth, you know, because a painting you pour. It's not just pouring hours of painting into the work. It's also the 10 years of experience. It's your entire life of experience. Well, because it's every part of you that you are putting on this canvas. So yeah, I totally agree. It's very easy for people to undervalue themselves.

Buddy Odom: 54:43

Here's your here's another little free tip on pricing. Can we adjust your pricing annually? Up or down and leave it the same all year long? In January after the holidays? If if it's a common For Sale year, that means January is going to be down in February. So January get a 2024 price list next year 2025. So you're just suggesting that, and then all of your galleries should have the same process for the same size painting from that year. So, so that there's, there's this consistency, I think you've brought it up several times, there's a consistency, there's a, there's an, there's an integrity to not just what you see on Canvas, but but that way as well, now, if there's some discrepancies in pricing is because, well, that gallery got that painting two years ago, and they still have it versus this year. So just pick it, adjust in January, move on, carry the little piece of piece of CART cart around with you, that says, This is what a 12 was 16 costs.

Laura Arango Baier: 55:54

Perfect. That is very, you know, that's something not many people think about, but that is very true. You know, and you have to adjust for inflation. So it makes sense to raise your prices to keep up with the economy. So that's another side, you know, that's something else that, you know, gosh, imagine having to handle all of that as one person. Again, I, I love that you guys are a duo for that reason, you get, you know, to talk to each other and to be like, You know what, we got to raise our prices. Right? I love that. Um, so Kathy, do you have any upcoming workshops or any exciting projects that are happening that you would like to promote? Sure,

Kathie Odom: 56:36

um, I am doing in the spring, home week with Kathy. So we're doing kind of a retreat, I'll do some demos. We'll just enjoy painting together in the area that I live in. So this isn't new. And we're really excited about it so

Buddy Odom: 56:56

that everything's included, where you stay what you eat, we will see to bring a box lunch out in the field to you in the in the Great Smoky Mountains National Bar. Oh, yeah, we live very close. So

Kathie Odom: 57:10

that's an April, and then in the fall, I'm going to Spain with French escapades. And I'll be teaching over in Spain. And that's really I'm really excited about that. But I'm also involved in several events this year plein air south for that and coast in Florida. I'll be at the plein air convention, demoing, and hopefully helping people out in the field. That's always exciting. I'll be at Door County, Wisconsin for an event and then close to our heart is a new plein air event in the Smoky Mountains. And

Buddy Odom: 57:57

hopefully you can get in it. Yes, I

Kathie Odom: 58:00

have applied. But I have been in the last two years and we're just really excited to have something in our back door.

Buddy Odom: 58:09

She doesn't get in and we're the biggest cheerleaders for that.

Kathie Odom: 58:11

We will be volunteers

Buddy Odom: 58:14

when our Smokies look good.

Laura Arango Baier: 58:17

Yeah, sounds amazing. Oh my gosh.

Kathie Odom: 58:22

Well, the one thing I would promote is for everyone that hears this, go on my website, FAFSA website, and to sign up for my newsletter. Because that's what happens. That's where all the newness is and what workshops we are involved in and I'm teaching, so yeah, perfect.

Laura Arango Baier: 58:48

And then where else can people find your work?

Kathie Odom: 58:52

Oh, in my galleries. Where

Buddy Odom: 58:57

is the coal gallery in Seattle. A cost of strong in Santa Fe. Highs and Pitzer in Texas, fine line gallery

Kathie Odom: 59:12

and Door County, Wisconsin, Wisconsin. My home gallery here in Tennessee, in Knoxville, Tennessee is the district gallery and leapers Creek Gallery in the Nashville area. So we've spread things out. We've done it, yes. I mean, we get painting

Laura Arango Baier: 59:41

so many galleries but that's also

Buddy Odom: 59:44

Shawn horn gallery. Crested Butte, Colorado that's a net. It's great. If you're ever in Colorado, go to Crested Butte and in the summer. We we were there August, and we woke up every morning and put on a fleece. It was, I mean, it was

Kathie Odom: 1:00:05

when you're from the south in August, that is a state to find a place where you can put on a good fleece and enjoy. Interesting. Yeah, yeah. Beautiful.

Laura Arango Baier: 1:00:19

Well, thank you so, so much Kathy and thank you, buddy. This was so wonderful and inspiring. Keep

Kathie Odom: 1:00:27

her happiness, that this has been a gift. Thank you. Of

Laura Arango Baier: 1:00:31

course, you're both a gift. Thank you. Thank you