Pnina Gold: Following the Call of Color

In this inspiring interview, Pnina Gold shares her journey from casual doodling in high school to becoming a professional painter and art coach. She talks about the role of community, the joy of intuitive painting, and her advice for artists looking to build their careers.

Q: When did your creative journey begin?

The beginning of my creative journey was very different than what I am doing now. The first time I remember creating was when I was in high school. Until then, I craved doing art, but I was not encouraged. I met a classmate who was doodling during class, and that sparked something in me. I started doodling too, and for years I filled my notebooks while listening in class. I mostly used pen or pencil, and later added color with markers. I did that for years, even in professional school, but I did not think of myself as an artist. Eventually, that stopped for a while.

Later in life, my husband was teaching in Northern California and there was an art class available. I signed up without knowing much about it and it turned out to be intuitive painting. It was a five-day workshop with Stuart Cobbi that completely changed me. At the end of those five days, my posture changed. That was a clear message for me to keep going. Over time, I discovered art journaling, painted bigger pieces, and slowly began to take my practice more seriously.

Q: Can you explain what art journaling means to you?

It is not a sketchbook for me. In sketchbooks, you prepare for a canvas, but I paint intuitively. We would bring supplies, papers, and ephemera, and create full pieces of art on the two pages of our journal. Some people made their own books, and sometimes we would buy old books and paint inside them. Repurposing these books felt like giving them a second life. Sometimes I would go back to earlier pages and add to them. It was uplifting and creative.

Q: What was it like being an artist in Israel?

I lived in Israel before moving to the United States, but my art career began in San Diego. In Israel, it is not easy to be a professional artist, though I believe that is true anywhere. When I visit, I see artists expressing deep and sometimes painful emotions in their work. I think it is wonderful they can express themselves, but I did not personally experience building an art career there.

Q: Did you ever have doubts about transitioning into art as a career?

No, but it was a gradual process. I started with art journaling with friends, and it was wonderful and fun. I was still passionate about it as time went on. My work grew, moving into larger canvases, until I reached a point where it was clear that this was what I wanted to do. The recognition came a little later, but it was part of the process.

Q: Did community support help you along the way?

Yes, absolutely. At Art on 30th, people referred to me as a colorist. That made me reflect and realize that I had been drawn to color since my journaling days, and friends would often ask me for help choosing colors. That feedback and camaraderie were very encouraging.

Q: How did color become such a central part of your style?

It was never a conscious decision. As a young girl, I loved color and would pick my favorite markers from stationery stores. Purple and turquoise were my favorites, and they’re still present in my work today. When I began painting on canvas, color naturally became my main form of expression. It was always there, and it just came through me.

Q: How do you stay motivated?

I visit museums, I read books about artists, and I spend time in my studio even if I am not painting. Sometimes I organize supplies or test a color, and that leads me to the canvas. Visiting art supply stores and trying new tools is also inspiring.

Q: What is your process when starting a new piece?

I love starting a new piece. I apply gesso to the canvas and then choose colors intuitively. It's an opportunity to experiment so sometimes I start with colors I don't like to see what happens, and I have created pieces I love that way. My process involves layering colors and mark-making repeatedly until the piece feels complete. I take photos along the way so I can look back if I decide to cover something.

Q: How do you know when a painting is finished?

Painting abstract means there is no clear finish line, so overworking can happen. Sometimes I feel it physically in my body, even with a little excitement or heart flutter. I also get feedback from my professional group at Art on 30th. 

Q: You also coach artists. How did that begin?

People pointed out that I naturally coach in my interactions. I was encouraged to take a certification course during the pandemic and I really loved it. As part of the program, I decided to focus on helping artists. Sometimes coaching is just conversation, and sometimes it includes painting together. I also do life coaching, but I only find clients through referrals.

Q: What is your best advice for someone who wants to pursue art as a career?

First advice, just do it. You need resilience, a professional website, and business cards. Once you have those, it's easier to approach a gallery and introduce yourself. Show presence, keep visiting and get to know the owners. Social media presence is always helpful. It's really important to learn how to price your work and feel confident stating your prices. Be open to commissions and collaborations.

Q: How should new artists approach pricing?

Start with a simple formula, like pricing by square inch. For example, a 20x20 inch canvas could be $400. Adjust from there depending on your experience, attachment to the work, and market demand.

Q: When did you realize art was more than a hobby? 

When I began prioritizing it. It’s not an office job where you work 9 to 5, so you can easily push it aside if other things come up. I realized I had made a commitment, and I was going to paint because that’s what I want to do. I spent a lot of time thinking and came to understand that selling would be nice, but it’s a bonus. It’s not the reason I make art.

I am an artist, and I paint.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Follow your curiosity and let your practice grow gradually.
Pnina’s creative journey began with casual doodling in high school and evolved naturally through years of experimentation, from art journaling to large-scale canvases. Her path shows that you do not need to have everything figured out from the start. Small, joyful acts of creativity can grow into a career if you stay open to learning and give yourself the time to develop your voice. Allow yourself to follow the creative urges that excite you, even if they seem small or unplanned, because those steps often lead to the most transformative moments.

Surround yourself with a creative community for support and feedback.
From her peers at Art on 30th who recognized her unique use of color, to friends she painted with during her art journaling days, Pnina’s growth was fueled by connection. A creative community not only offers encouragement, but also mirrors back strengths you may not yet see in yourself. Sharing your work, receiving feedback, and engaging with like-minded people can build the confidence to take your art further.

Let your instincts guide you, whether in color choices or career decisions.
Pnina never set out to make color the center of her work, it emerged naturally from a lifelong love of vibrant purples and turquoises. Similarly, her move toward larger canvases and professional painting came from a steady, intuitive pull rather than a rigid plan. Trusting what feels authentic, both in your art and in your professional choices, can lead you to a style and career path that truly reflect who you are.

Develop resilience and a professional presence if you want to pursue art seriously.
While creativity is at the heart of being an artist, Pnina emphasizes the importance of professionalism: having a website, business cards, a pricing structure, and the persistence to introduce yourself to galleries and maintain relationships. Resilience is essential for navigating the uncertainty of the art world, and professionalism opens doors that talent alone may not.

Selling is important, but the true value of art is in the act of creating.
For Pnina, selling her work is a welcome bonus, but it is not why she paints. She paints because it is part of her identity—an essential expression of who she is. Viewing sales as secondary to the creative process can protect your passion from burnout, keep your work authentic, and remind you that your worth as an artist is not defined by the market.

📢 Check Out the Full Interview

Watch the full interview with Pnina Gold and hear her beautiful journey below or youtube @ainahcommunity. 

Explore Pnina's work: www.pninagold.com