To the few complainers of this podcast: sorry that you invested all that time and money in art school and never learned how to draw

Thanks for keeping these up. Great to listen to while painting and driving around. Always super informative and educational as well as entertaining!

I am in the boonies of Arizona and feel I am back at home in my art community. The authenticity, humor, depth, and information is irreplaceable for me! Thank you for creating this!

Having finally discovered this remarkable podcast, I’m listening to it non-stop from the beginning. Inspiring, encouraging, in depth, alternating between serous study and utter insanity. But in a good way.

Denise Amaya Ig - @ixcuinan

J Brauns post production skills are second to none. Tony and Ted are coo as well.

I realized this when I had to pick something to listen to while my dentist transformed a molar I was born with (and rather attached to) into a molar sculpture (otherwise known as a crown.) I listen to many other podcasts and audiobooks, but it was these two whacky guys, interviewing the immensely fascinating Tony Ryder, that had me so captivated that the process going on in my mouth was no big deal. Please continue the mayhem and wisdom Ted and Tony!

I just found Suggested Donation recently and have been really enjoying their conversations with artists about work and life as an artist. I’m not a visual artist as I come from the documentary film world but I find these conversations about the artist process very inspiring and reassuring. Thank you!

Wonderful to get to hear talking shop Just wish it was a little less talkin S;@! Yes, it’s fun to hear you having fun and perhaps you can still have a great time yet Listen to the guests more. Let them lead. Especially when they are leading us into the deep. Interrupt less. Avoid or at least minimize the prattle. Stop saying « like » so ducking much would up the ante and refine this thing and make it shine even more than it already does. It’s a great gift you give us. Really appreciate your efforts. Carry on. But maybe a little less carrying on?

“Alone but together in spirit” is probably how artists are best suited for~! That’s why I totally love working on my paintings while listening to other artist bicker about how hard art is! Lol thank you guys for interesting interviews with my heros!! I am looking forward for new artists being added every day!

It's refreshing that Tony and Ed are passionate about the craft of painting! Suggested Donation features an intriguing array of artists working within the realm of classical art. Thank you Ed, Tony and Jay Braun.

I am so glad I found this podcast! I listen to you guys while I paint in my studio and I totally relate to everything that is discussed and it’s nice to know that there are like minded people out there like you guys as I sometimes feel that I’m in some bizarre subculture isolation up here in New Hampshire. I absolutely wish there were more people like you closer to my area. Keep up the good work fellas and if you’re ever up in the woods of NH definitely let me know! -JVP 🤙🏻

Awesome guests who are willing to share their insights in a very relaxed and friendly manner ... and then the jokester interviewers keep interrupting with silly comments, attempts at humor, derail the direction of guests thoughtful information, get stuck in mindless chattering about nothing ... the nervous energy goes off the charts and it is so hard to stay tuned. Let the guest set the tone of conversation and let the interview be theirs, not yours.

I enjoy this podcast. The only complaint I have: please stop pronouncing Trekell in such a way that it rhymes with freckle 🤣 If you listen to Savvy Painter you will hear the proper pronunciation. I hope this doesn’t seem jerky! Keep up the good work ❤️

Love this podcast. Humble perspectives from real and struggling professional artists.

The Candice Bohannon interview minimized her special qualities as a seeker and emphasized her marriage and parenting. When she talked about why she was committed to put everything aside to pursue art, the question should have been, Why, what did art mean to you. When she invoked the word meaning, she was shut down by one of the interviewers saying, that’s a heavy burden. Instead she should have been asked, how does meaning express itself in your work? How do you choose your symbols, colors, narrative. You guys go brain dead when speaking to women artists. Shana Levenson became a prattling billboard for David Kassan. Juliette Aristides was pushed into talking about copyrights when she had so much more to offer. Think about how you dumb down your female guests. Reform!

I’ve enjoyed all the podcasts so far. This discussion was perfect timing for me. It is encouraging to hear the stories about your work getting interrupted, getting thrown off track, then coming back to it. I also appreciated hearing that others discuss the value of a tribe. When I’m away from like minded people for a long stretch, this podcast fills the gap. Thanks, guys!

Always worthwhile.

Great podcast. Most real people talking about the coolest things with no pretentiousness whatsoever. Not what I expected from a podcast about art. I cannot say enough good things about you guys. Thanks. And thanks to Jay Braun braun braun....love the effects!

This is a good podcast. Edward and Tony and Jay and their guests are doing very good podcast episodes. I enjoy listening to it.

Love this podcast. Great line-up of interviews and great conversation. These guys are master painters and awesome podcasters!!

This podcast is the most informative yet casual podcast about art that I've ever heard. Thanks to the guys for putting in the work to have these for us. Keep them coming please!!!!

Listening to Suggested Donation during my daily commute is the best part of my day. It is like opening an unexpected package only to discover that it is full of riches. Thanks to the guys for consistently bringing content that is not just entertaining, but also thought provoking, challenging and constantly inspirational.

What a great interview with Sabin Howard. I love the diversity of disciplines with each interview. Keep them coming guys!

This is my favorite style of podcasts, unscripted and just plain interesting conversations. You feel like you are in the room with the host and the guests as they discuss the wonderful world of art.

I've listened to most of these more than once and look forward to the next podcast. Lots of surprises, lots of good information. I've figured out that they feel realism has been slighted or overlooked and wish there would be less or no time devoted to discussions about that.

Man the first 16 mins of the podcast ... terrible guys. Anthony was interesting. You not so much! Less you, more guest. You guys come across like typical generic hipster trust fund, self absorbed privileged.. blah blah blah..

This is by far the best art podcast I've come across yet. It comprises truly skillful artists talking sincerely and whimsically about art, process, and meaning.

This was a walk down memory lane for me. I studied the Reilly method first starting out with John Murray, a colleague of Michael Aviano, and Marvin mattelson...who was a student of John Murray!. When John Murray moved to Tucson, I took a painting class with Jon Demartin...just a great teacher!!!! I found it especially fun to hear that there was someone, besides me that was a competive athlete first...and I was supposed to marry Lee Mazilli's cousin:))) Then the interest in film and cinematography, as 3d animation special effects was my major, and then to pursued drawing and painting as I always loved it as well. That was such a wonderful story and I thought I was the only one that started late! Jon is eloquent, gracious, and an amazing teacher and artist. I am so happy he has a book out and I will be purchasing it and telling my students about it. I am going to be sharing your podcast Ted and Tony as it is fantastic to listen to as you paint!!!! You two should have your own show!!!!!

Great podcast from two of the best contemporary realists working today. Love listening to it in the studio

An inside, candid look at realist art scene. Thought provoking, funny and at times profound. Long format allows interviewers and guests to go to some deep usually inaccessible places Can't say enough positive about this podcast. Wish there was a new one every week. Keep up great work guys!

Love these podcasts thank you kindly for doing them!

obviously

Suggested Donation is required listening for anyone interested in the classical realism movement (or whatever we call it). In this podcast the listener the history of the movement, the current context, and where it's going in the future. When I began studying at the Texas Academy of Figurative Art in August of 2015, I started listening to the podcasts while I drew Bargue plates. I've listened to all of the episodes at least three times now. I'm eternally grateful for the insights into the history of the movement, common struggles and successes, technical questions/answers, descriptions of approaches by different ateliers, and the cammraderie of like minded artists. I can't recommned the show enough to fellow artists, though I often try. Thanks, Ted, Tony, and Jay!

Have listened to them all and now I check for new episodes so I can hear them right away. Interview today with watercolor artist Mario Robinson was fun and informative, I ordered his book on Amazon before the interview was over. Ted and Tony are lighthearted and irreverent while also asking the questions artists want answered. I recommend it for listen-while-you-paint, and I'm going to say so on my next blog post. Thanks, guys!

Fantastic podcast. Entertaining, smart and informative. I love how passionate the hosts Ted and Tony are about their craft. They also bring on wonderful guests that I learn from and am inspired by. I learn something new with each listen. Also, I've listened to quite a few podcasts in all different genres and these guys know how to interview and keep the conversation flowing. Please keep up the great work and keep the podcasts coming!

Love the nerdy artist talk. I'm 45 minutes from a cup of coffee with civilization. Please ask George O'Hanlon about acrylic paints. I think he knows a lot about acrylics that he didn't talk about. 20 year acrylic painter. Buying sail canvas from now on.

I’ve finally caught up listening to all the Suggested Donation podcasts and I have to say every single one has had some important nugget of experience or knowledge that has meant a great deal to me. As an artist out in the boonies chasing the classical realism tradition on my own, coming across this podcast was like stumbling into a dragon’s treasure room. All of the artists’ stories are unique, insightful, and comforting as only other artists’ stories can be. Sometimes the guys can get a bit silly/loud (hey, I’m drawing while I’m listening, so the goofiness can be distracting!) but overall each episode is a thoughtful exploration of why artists do what we do - even (sometimes most interestingly) when it’s unexplainable. Keep it up, guys, I look forward to more.

This is a great podcast for anyone with any level of interest or experience in the art world. There’s a wide and eclectic range of guests, and the hosts are two of the most talented working artists today. The shows are always engaging, educational, and funny. Definitely worth a listen!

Ted and Tony offer personalized insight into the realm of many artists development and growth in the classical tradition. These fantastic discussions have revealed important information that has been very beneficial to my improvement as an artist and student at Grand Central Atelier. I always look forward to the next podcast.

These podcasts are a must hear for anyone interested in classical painting or excellence in any form of art. Ted and Tony are master painters so the way they conduct the interviews as well as the questions asked, open the door to a great deal of insight from each interviewee. Best of all their lively banter and sense of humor makes all these interviews very entertaining! Please keep up the great work!

I discovered you guys a couple of weeks ago and I've been extremely impressed by your guests, interview skills, and content. You need to get Steve Huston on the show!

Really enjoy this Podcast. Have listened to the Joseph Mcgurl 3 or four times now. Please, please, please, John deMartin, Darren Kingsley, and Max Ginsberg. Thank you! Keep up the good work.

This podcast is smart, funny and inspiring.

Love this podcast. It's seriously such a joy to listen to. It is wildly encouraging to hear other painters/artist talking shop honestly and openly. They drop so many great gems throughout the conversation. I think it's truly a valuable resource for so many reasons. Thanks for the inspiration fellas!!

Holy Crap!! I’m listening to the James Gurney episode and this podcast is amazingly great!! Thank you. I’m going to listen to every single one. Freakin geniuses, all of you, James Gurney (of course) included.

Ed, Tony, and Jay fasten your seat belts , because this podcast is taking off like a rocket. Let me add four words: Colleen Barry Jordon Sokol, please. ( ok five words) We Love you guys keep it up!!

So refreshing to listen to real artists

I've been searching for a great art podcast for a while. I am so glad I came across suggested donation!

The quality of these podcasts is outstanding. The artists they choose to interview are at the top in their fields. At the same time there is great variety in personalities and viewpoint. All have in common their passion about art as their life force, not a business, not a mere craft, or accumulation of technique and ability, but a raison d'être. Dianne da Silva