I had Jon Flaming on today. I'm a big fan of his work, I love it. I think he's so unusual and has a very personal, unique take on Western art.

It comes from a place that is deeply ingrained in him because he is a true Westerner. His family owned ranch in Kansas. His grandfather's father was from that area, but Jon's been in Texas since he was five years old. Clearly, he's a Texan through and through.

His art is a modern synthesis of what the West can be through the eyes of somebody who sees things differently. He had a design firm of his own, which helped him understand the concepts that he wanted to bring to fine art, which he's done beautifully.

One of the things I loved about this podcast, which is a two parter, is that he doesn't pull any punches of what it takes to do it and how you can succeed if you are committed. He speaks on the types of elements that you have to have to succeed and the kinds of people that he would like to work with.

Jon is one of these rare individuals who can not only make his work, but also sell and market it himself and he does it very well. So I had a great time talking to Jon. I think he's a terrific individual and his art just as outstanding and fun. So this is Jon Flaming on the Art Dealer Diaries Podcast, part one.