The life of a professional artist is far from glamorous. The amount of hustle and discipline required to make it big is mind boggling. Rarely can you rely on natural talent alone–successful artists really have to think outside the box to secure that bag. One lovely individual who's doing a fabulous job of paving her own path in the world of art is none other than Anastasiya Bachmanova. 

Over the past decade-plus, she's been effectively sharing her ocean/nature inspired art to the masses through her gorgeous acrylic and watercolor paintings, which she sells as originals, as well as prints, greeting cards, and calendars. Originally from Russia, Bachmanova left her home land at the age of five years-old to move to Philadelphia with her family, where she remained until coming to California to study art at California State University at Monterey Bay.

 Since then, she's built her brand, Follow the Sun Art, into a sustainable business that shows no sign of slowing down. In this candid conversation, we discuss her upbringing, introduction to art, world travels, love for surfing, inspirations, teaching others the gift of art, as well as her latest endeavor, live wedding paintings. We also touch on the joys of motherhood and her devotion to raising Athena, her ”mini-me”.

 Ana's an inspirational human on so many levels, and it was such a treat to have her on the show. Please enjoy this extra special episode of Split Peak Soup Podcast!!