Alain Picard on Growing a Thriving Art Business Without Leaving Home

Alan Picard was living the artist’s dream—his pastel portraits were in demand, his workshops booked, and his work shown around the world. But behind the scenes, he was burnt out. Life on the road meant time away from his young family, and while it all looked successful from the outside, something was missing.

Fast forward to today, and Alan has created a thriving online art business. He teaches thousands of artists through courses and a membership—all from his home studio. In our recent chat, he shared the journey that got him here and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

The Art of Letting Go and Starting Again

Alan didn’t always see teaching as part of his path. Like many artists, he thought teaching meant giving up on being a ‘real’ artist. But after the 2008 crash wiped out commissions and gallery sales, he had to pivot. His wife gave him the wake-up call: “You’re burying your gifts in the ground.”

So he said yes to workshops—and discovered a deep joy in helping others grow creatively. He still paints, but now he also leads a global community, guiding others to find their voice and confidence with soft pastels.

The Magic of Online Teaching

In 2019, Alan and his wife launched their first online course—and never looked back. He now runs a vibrant membership called Cultivate, where artists explore topics from landscapes to portraiture. The best part? He gets to be present at home, support his kids, and still make a global impact.

And he loves it. Teaching, mentoring, and seeing others awaken to their potential—it’s all part of what makes his career feel deeply fulfilling.

When Art Tells Bigger Stories

One of the most powerful chapters of Alan’s journey came after a trip to Rwanda. Witnessing the resilience and beauty of people in the aftermath of genocide sparked something in him. He began painting portraits of the people he met—capturing their strength, spirit and stories.

To his surprise, those works resonated deeply with collectors. It proved to him that powerful, personal work has a place in the art world—and sometimes, the most meaningful art is born from the hardest places.

Following the Curiosity

Alan’s journey hasn’t followed a straight line. From dreams of playing professional baseball to illustration, portrait commissions, and eventually teaching, his path has been shaped by being open to change—and following what lights him up.

He encourages all artists to chase their curiosity, not just trends or markets. That’s how you find your true voice. And it’s often others—peers, mentors, community—who help reflect that voice back to you.

Finding Your Voice and Style

When asked how he found his unique style, Alan says it wasn’t about forcing it—it was about making a lot of work, staying curious, and listening to feedback. Over time, his voice revealed itself through repetition, exploration, and letting go of perfectionism.

He also credits community as key. Having trusted people who reflect back what they see in your work can be like rocket fuel. “You might not see it, but others will,” he says. “And that’s when you can start leaning into it.”

A Season for Everything

Alan is honest that balance shifts with life stages. Right now, with kids at home and a business to run, he doesn’t always have endless studio time. But he finds fulfilment in teaching and carves out small moments to create for himself.

He reminds us that every season serves a purpose—and not to beat ourselves up for not doing everything at once.

So, why does your art matter?

Because, Alan says, people cannot encounter beauty without experiencing hope. And in a world that needs lifting up, artists have an incredible role to play.

Whether you’re painting a flower, a figure, or a forgotten story—your work has the power to shift something in someone. And that matters.

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Have a great week & take care,

Michelle xo