Today we’d like to introduce you to Randall Graham

Hi Randall, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I’ve always had a passion for drawing since I was a young child, constantly sketching characters and cartoons. This natural interest in art led me to explore different mediums, and in high school, I picked up oil paint for the first time. I was instantly drawn to its depth and versatility, but I didn’t yet see a clear path for pursuing it professionally.

I studied graphic design, which helped me develop my technical skills and understanding of visual communication. However, my true aspiration was always to be a fine art painter, and that creative itch never left me. I decided to follow my passion more seriously and enrolled in Carlin Academy of Fine Art. There, I honed my skills, deepened my understanding of classical techniques, and developed my own artistic voice.

After graduating from Carlin Academy, I began showing my work in galleries, teaching at local art centers, and building my presence in the art world. Over time, my career evolved to the point where I felt ready to open my own painting academy, Graham Painting Studio. Now, I have the privilege of sharing my knowledge and love for fine art with others while continuing to grow as an artist myself.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It’s definitely not been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of the journey when you’re pursuing something as uncertain and unpredictable as a career in art. When I first set out to follow my dream of being a full-time artist, there was always this balance I had to strike. On one hand, my passion for art was my driving force, but on the other hand, making sure my family was taken care of was just as important. Finding a way to make money doing what I loved—and doing it sustainably—was definitely a challenge.

There were many times early on when I had to figure out creative ways to generate income from my art, whether it was through gallery shows, freelance projects, or commissions. The financial uncertainty of it all was stressful, especially as I wanted to stay true to my passion without compromising my values or the work itself.

But I was lucky in that teaching became a natural extension of my art practice. I love sharing my knowledge and helping others tap into their own creative potential. It also provided a way to stabilize my income while staying immersed in the art world. Over time, that led to the creation of Graham Painting Studio, which now supports both my life as a full-time artist and my role as a mentor to other artists.

So while the road has definitely been bumpy at times, I feel fortunate that my passion for teaching has allowed me to turn my dream into a sustainable reality. It’s a constant balancing act, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I’m an oil painter, and I specialize in capturing the nuances of light and color across a wide variety of subjects. From landscapes to portraits, still life to figures, I’m constantly fascinated by the way light interacts with different surfaces and textures. But I think what I’m most known for are my oil paintings of raindrops on windows and my beach scenes, especially those featuring waves and beach umbrellas. There’s something about the subtle reflection of light on a rainy window that feels almost magical to me, and I’ve had the joy of seeing how that resonates with people. My beach scenes are similarly lively—bright, sunny, and full of energy, but with a quiet moment of contemplation that can come from a stretch of beach or the movement of the waves.

I’m also really proud of my plein air landscape work, which has won several awards over the years. Plein air painting is an incredible challenge—there’s so much to capture in a short amount of time, and you have to really immerse yourself in the moment. To have my work recognized in that way is something I deeply value.

What sets me apart, I think, is my genuine love of exploring all the little details of a scene—whether it’s the reflection of light on a raindrop or the way a shadow can shift the whole atmosphere of a landscape. I also have a really deep gratitude for being able to live this life as a full-time artist. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished, but above all, I’m just so thankful for the privilege of creating every day. It’s not something I take for granted, and that sense of gratitude is woven into everything I paint.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?

Yes, absolutely! I’m always looking for inspiration and tools that can help me deepen my creative practice or simply keep me grounded in the midst of a busy life. One book that really resonated with me recently is The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. It’s not just about creativity in the traditional sense, but more about understanding the space we create from—how to tap into the quiet, almost spiritual side of creativity. It really opened my eyes to how much of art is about allowing the process to unfold rather than forcing it, which has helped me approach my own work with more patience and openness.

I’m also a huge fan of The Art Spirit by Robert Henri. There’s something about the way he discusses the artist’s relationship to the world that feels timeless. His insights on observation, technique, and emotional connection to the work are things I constantly return to. It’s like a gentle reminder to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in your art while staying true to your own vision.

When I need to step away from the art world a little bit, I turn to Haruki Murakami’s novels. His stories are so beautifully strange—there’s this surreal quality to his work that always helps me see the world through a different lens. His novels, like Killing Commendatore, dive deep into the human experience and often leave me reflecting on the quiet moments in life. I guess I enjoy how Murakami’s writing mirrors the way I approach painting—there’s a balance between the real and the imaginary, the tangible and the elusive.

As for apps or more practical resources, I use Procreate on my iPad to sketch out ideas quickly, which is perfect when I’m working on a new project but can’t sit down at the easel just yet.

Ultimately, it’s about finding things that keep me thinking, feeling, and creating—whether that’s through books, art, or stories. It’s all about staying open to the world and letting it shape you in unexpected ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://RandallGraham.com
• Instagram: @RandallGraham https://www.instagram.com/randallgraham/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@randallgraham1731