Every man can and should be pursuing genuine excellence and mastery in at least one important aspect of his life.

It is one of the core elements of a fulfilling, meaningful, and joyful life.

In this episode of the Formidable Family Man podcast, host Greg Denning welcomes artist Mark McKenna to discuss his journey from a young art enthusiast to a professional wildlife painter.

They explore themes of mastery, identity, and the importance of exposure to greatness in the artistic process.

Mark shares his experiences in art classes, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the challenges he faced in pursuing a life dedicated to art.

The conversation emphasizes the continuous pursuit of improvement and the role of teaching in Mark's artistic journey.

In this conversation, Mark shares his journey from a teaching career to becoming a full-time artist, emphasizing the rediscovery of his passion for oil painting and the pivotal moments that shaped his artistic path.

He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of transitioning to a professional artist, and the joy of creating art that resonates with others.

Mark and Greg also reflect on the pursuit of mastery in various aspects of life, encouraging listeners to embrace the process and learn from failures.

• Mark McKenna is a world-class artist specializing in wildlife.
• The journey of mastery in art involves dedication and practice.
• Identity plays a crucial role in an artist's development.
• Exposure to great art and artists can inspire and motivate.
• The pursuit of greatness is a continuous journey without a final destination.
• Artistic fulfillment often comes from the process, not just the end result.
• Support from family can significantly impact an man's path.

• Pivotal moments can change the course of one's career.

• Hindsight reveals the importance of seemingly unrelated experiences.
• Art is a way to give back and contribute to the world.
• Winning the Gilly Fales Award opened doors for Mark's career.
• Mentorship can drastically improve artistic skills and opportunities.
• Connections made in workshops can lead to significant career advancements.
• Transitioning to full-time art requires proof of concept and financial viability.
• The art community is supportive and collaborative, not cutthroat.
• Pursuing mastery is a lifelong journey filled with growth and learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Formidable Family Man Podcast

10:08 The Role of Identity in Artistic Development

18:41 Exposure to Greatness: Influences and Inspirations

27:22 The Pivot Point: Choosing Art Over Dentistry

32:30 Teaching as a Pathway to Artistic Fulfillment

41:04 The Journey of Becoming a Professional Artist

50:00 Turning Points and New Opportunities

56:18 Transitioning to Full-Time Artist

01:02:05 Exploring New Avenues in Art