The Art of Risk: Building a Career One Bold Step at a Time

"Your success depends on the risks you take. Your survival depends on the risks you avoid."

Those words from James Clear aren’t just theory for me—they’re brushstrokes in the painting of my life. Every significant project I’ve been part of—the Centennial Creations of the Biltmore Estate, being the Official Artist for the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Open—didn’t appear out of thin air. They were the result of hundreds of small, calculated risks, each one a step onto a branch that could either hold or break.

The Building Blocks
No masterpiece is painted in a single sweep. My career grew from small beginnings—modest commissions, local shows, conversations that seemed inconsequential at the time. Each one was a building block. Each risk, a stroke of color that made the picture richer.

Why Small Starts Matter
It’s easy to dismiss the first step because it feels too small. But as Clear reminds us, a single sentence is closer to a book than writing nothing at all. In my own path, the small starts—submitting work to a juried show, calling on a potential partner, trying a new subject on canvas—were the seeds of my biggest opportunities.

Encouragement for the Reader
If there’s one truth I’ve seen again and again, it’s this: the risk that feels small today might become your turning point tomorrow. And the only guarantee is that if you don’t start, you’ll never know.

So, what’s your first step? The branch you’re willing to step out on today?

You don’t have to leap into the deep end. Just take the first stroke, the first sentence, the first conversation. Over time, you’ll look back and realize those small acts of courage painted the life you always imagined.

 How One Person Can Change Your Path: Friendship is a Catalyst

Every once in a while, someone steps into your life and leaves an imprint far beyond the moment. For me, one of those people was Lee Kinard, the legendary broadcaster whose encouragement elevated my artwork to thousands across North Carolina. Lee showed me three truths that have guided my career: advocacy—using your voice to lift others into the light; humility—remembering it’s never about self-promotion but about service; and collaboration—embracing how shared creativity can create something timeless. Our friendship became brushstrokes on the same canvas, captured in the pages of NC Behold the Beauty.

I recently sat down with Manning of WFMY to share my recollections of Lee and the contributions he made to my career. 

I invite you to watch this short video—and I hope it inspires you to value the advocates in your own life and to seek out ways to preserve and share beauty with others.

Advocacy Matters – A single voice championing your work can open doors you never imagined.

Humility Elevates Art – True impact comes when we focus on sharing beauty, not simply on self-promotion.

Collaboration Creates Legacy – When creative minds join forces, their combined vision can last for generations.

Friendships like mine with Lee Kinard don’t just happen—they’re nurtured, appreciated, and remembered. As you watch this short video about Lee and I, think about the advocates in your life who have helped you see the world differently. Reach out to thank them. Share their influence with others.

And perhaps most importantly, consider how you can step into that role for someone else—because the beauty we preserve and pass on often begins with a single act of encouragement.

A Change Is in the Air!

There’s something about August. The light begins to shift, evenings shorten just a bit, and without warning, a breeze whispers, “It’s time.” For some, that change means jumping into fall routines with fresh energy. For others, it can feel like more of the same. But no matter where you stand, I believe the season nudges all of us to pause—and ask what kind of change we’re ready to be part of.

A Weekend in the Mountains
This past weekend, I had the privilege of participating in the Hound Ears Open, an annual fundraiser for Appalachian Regional Healthcare. While the golf was excellent, it was the evening gathering that really struck a chord. Over dinner and laughter, we came together not just as guests—but as givers.

The Power of Showing Up with Your Gift
I donated two original paintings: one of Hole No. 15 from the course, and a second piece titled Sparkling Water, a serene mountain view just off the fairway. What happened next was humbling. The membership rallied—raising $15,000 and $20,000 respectively through those two works. That’s $35,000 to support healthcare in a place where it truly matters.
Not because of anything fancy—but because art has a way of connecting hearts. It reminds us of beauty, of belonging, and purpose.

Let Change Begin with You
As the air shifts and schedules pick up, it’s easy to overlook the small moments that carry the most power. But change doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be quiet. It can begin with one simple decision: to show up, give freely, and trust that something good will come of it.

Whether you’re easing out of summer or leaping into fall, I encourage you to pause and consider: What gift do I carry?Who could benefit from it right now?
Because when you offer what only you can give, something shifts—not just in others, but in you too. A change is in the air. Let’s breathe it in and make it count.

“Excellence Isn’t in the Tool—It’s in You”

Early in my career, I believed that better tools led to better results. Like many who are starting out, I assumed success required prestige—top-tier equipment, the best brands, the highest quality materials. And for a time, that belief drove me. I invested in the finest brushes and paints, even flying to London to tour the Winsor & Newton factory after an international competition win. I bought one of their legendary handmade brushes for $250—an astonishing sum at the time. And yet, decades later, I found myself creating some of my most inspired work with a pack of synthetic brushes, many of which I cut and tore to suit my needs. What changed? Not the tools—but me. The truth is: what you do with what you have matters far more than what you have to begin with.

Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions.
Whether you're launching a business, building a dream, or solving a challenge—your starting point doesn’t need to be ideal. The magic is in getting started, not in waiting for the stars (or supplies) to align.

Tools Help, But They Don’t Define the Outcome.
It’s tempting to believe that success lies in better gear, bigger budgets, or more prestigious credentials. But what actually matters is how you apply what you already possess—with skill, creativity, and intention.

Growth Often Comes from Letting Go of “The Way It’s Supposed to Be.”
Innovation rarely comes from perfection. It often emerges from constraints—from using what’s available, making adjustments on the fly, and being open to unexpected solutions.

The next time you catch yourself thinking, “If only I had better tools…”, remember: progress begins the moment you act, not when everything is perfect. Lean into your resourcefulness. Use what you have. Trust that with enough perseverance and imagination, even modest beginnings can lead to remarkable outcomes.

What If You’re Stronger Than You Think: The Power of Knowing What You’re Really Good At

I woke up this morning, like many Mondays, staring at a blank page wondering what I could possibly share this week to inspire someone. Then I noticed a book still sitting on my desk—StrengthsFinder 2.0—and realized the insight I was searching for might already be inside me.

The book outlines 34 unique strengths and helps readers identify their top five. But it’s more than a personality quiz—it’s a tool for intentional living. When we learn to lean into our strengths, we become more engaged, more productive, and more fulfilled in work and in life.

When I took the test, the results gave me pause—and one even made me laugh.
One of my top five was Relator, which at first glance I read as Realtor. I thought, “Well, I better send this to my friend Melissa Greer, one of Greensboro’s finest!” But once I slowed down, the description hit home. I’ve always valued deep, genuine connection. I just didn’t know it had a name.

Here were my five strengths:

• Learner – Constantly drawn to new knowledge and challenges.

• Achiever – Always reaching for the next goal or milestone.

• Maximizer – Motivated to turn good into great.

• Relator – Values authentic, meaningful relationships.

• Activator – Acts on ideas while others are still considering them.

And while I may not bench press my way through life, I’ve learned that knowing your strengths is a different kind of power. (Just ask the guy in the gym lifting pink weights with a smile!)

Three Takeaways That Might Help You Too

Your Strengths Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight.
We often overlook what comes naturally because we assume everyone else does it, too. StrengthsFinder helps you name and appreciate the gifts you may have taken for granted.

Self-Awareness Builds Confidence.
Knowing what you’re good at frees you from striving to be someone else. It gives you clarity—and that kind of clarity can create real momentum.

Sharing Strengths Builds Stronger Relationships.
As I explored the 34 strengths, I found myself thinking about family, coworkers, even longtime friends. Understanding one another’s strengths invites collaboration and deeper connection.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meaningful read—or know someone who could use a little clarity or encouragement—I highly recommend StrengthsFinder 2.0. It’s a simple, insightful tool. And it’s even better when shared.

Read it with a friend, a colleague, or someone you love. Compare your results. Learn something new—about yourself and each other.

Here’s the link: StrengthsFinder 2.0 on Amazon

You might just discover that you—or someone close to you—is stronger than you ever imagined.