Meet Ben Roseland

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ben Roseland. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ben below.

Hi Ben, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Building my confidence and self-esteem has been a journey marked by both adventures and adversities. Traveling to places like Paris, London, and Barcelona, and taking a solo trip to Beijing, pushed me out of my comfort zone and expanded my horizons. These experiences introduced me to diverse cultures, taught me resilience and self-reliance, and filled my life with unforgettable encounters and sights.
Professionally, my path has had its share of peaks and valleys. From the disappointment of a failed business and rejections from art shows to the highs of winning prestigious awards and selling expensive pieces of artwork, each experience has fueled my growth. I’ve received praise but also faced criticism and mockery at my lowest points; these moments have reinforced the importance of unwavering belief in my vision and capabilities.
The defining moment in my journey was surviving a massive heart attack. This life-threatening event highlighted my vulnerabilities but also served as a powerful catalyst for transformation. I saw it as a second chance to redefine my life and values, profoundly shaping my self-perception.
My daily regimen is crucial in this continuous process of self-improvement. I maintain a strict routine of exercise, healthy eating, and prioritizing sleep. I engage in mental and emotional self-care through meditation and reading. I am completely sober, I avoid alcohol and other substances, and this sharpens my focus and dedication.
Moreover, my commitment to excelling in my art and participating in the best art shows across the country serves as a constant motivator. Every day, I challenge myself on many levels, affirming my self-worth and providing peace of mind that I am well-prepared.
My confidence stems not just from my successes but from the discipline with which I approach each day and challenge. It is built on the assurance that I have not only survived difficulties but have used them as stepping stones to become a stronger, more competent individual.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am Ben Roseland, a contemporary impressionist painter from Granger, Indiana, specializing in creating vibrant, nature-inspired landscape paintings. My art is deeply influenced by my travels and my passion for the outdoors, which is vividly reflected in the bold, heavy brushstrokes and dynamic colors of my pieces.
What makes my work exciting and special is my distinctive technique of using three-dimensional ‘block paintings.’ This style involves constructing the artwork from individually painted blocks, which are then assembled at varying depths. This method not only adds a textural depth to the scenes but also invites viewers to engage with the artwork from multiple perspectives, creating a more interactive and immersive experience. Viewers often get the sense that my paintings are moving.
I believe art is a conversation starter and a bridge to connect people. Art beautifies the world around us. My goal is always to inspire and evoke emotions through my paintings, encouraging viewers to find beauty and reflection in their surroundings.
Recently, I’ve been exhibiting my artwork in several shows across the country. I’m currently exhibiting at the Arizona Fine Art Expo in Scottsdale, AZ, a 10-week show featuring over 100 of the top artists in the United States. The show is open from January 10th to March 23rd. This summer, I will be participating in several prestigious art fairs and festivals throughout the Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit areas. Last summer, I received awards at the Deerfield Art Festival (Best of Painting), Wilmette Art Fair (Outstanding Achievement Award), and Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival (Outstanding Achievement Award). These events provide a fantastic platform to showcase my work and connect with art lovers and collectors.
For more information and an updated schedule of upcoming events, please check my website at www.benroselandart.com.
I am also active on social media, where I share behind-the-scenes looks at my creative process, upcoming projects, and inspirations.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey as an artist and entrepreneur, three qualities and skills stand out as being pivotal: sales acumen, public speaking and communication, and expertise in picture framing and art installation.
Sales: My years in retail and commercial print sales taught me that being a successful artist is as much about sales as it is about creation. The ability to make a living from my art is crucial; it sustains my practice and allows me to continue creating. For those starting out, I recommend immersing yourself in any sales role you can find, as it teaches you how to communicate value, understand customer needs, and develop the resilience needed to handle rejection—essential skills for any artist.
Public Speaking and Communication: This skill has been invaluable, especially when presenting my work at schools, museums, and art fairs. Each speaking engagement helps refine my ability to articulate the vision behind my art, enhancing my presentations and boosting my confidence when interacting with potential patrons. For newcomers, I suggest actively seeking opportunities to speak publicly, whether through classes, Toastmasters, or by offering to lead workshops. The more you practice, the more natural it will become to speak about your work with confidence.
Picture Framing and Art Installation: My background in this field has endowed me with a unique set of technical skills crucial for creating and displaying my art, particularly my three-dimensional block paintings. Knowing how to properly frame and install art not only enhances the presentation but also ensures that it is viewed in its best light. For those developing their artistic careers, gaining hands-on experience in framing and installation can provide a competitive edge. Consider part-time work or internships in framing shops or galleries to learn these important skills.
Each of these areas has significantly contributed to my ability to thrive as a professional artist. By developing these skills, you can enhance not only the quality of your art but also the effectiveness of how it is shared with the world.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, my initial step is to pause and take a few deep breaths. This simple act helps me regain a sense of control and clarity. I then reflect on the root causes of my stress. Am I feeling unprepared? Have I procrastinated? Is my plan unclear, or am I doubting my capabilities? Identifying the source is crucial because it often points to solutions that can prevent the issue from escalating.
Prevention is key in my approach to handling stress. I try to avoid putting myself in situations where I feel overwhelmed by maintaining disciplined work habits and prioritizing self-care. This means not procrastinating, making sure I’m prepared, and keeping my health—both physical and mental—at the forefront.
If doubts creep in, I remind myself of past instances where I’ve succeeded under pressure. Making a list can also be incredibly helpful to break down what seems like an insurmountable task into manageable steps. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping away for a moment—maybe a short walk or a bit of sunshine—to reset my perspective.
And when all else fails, I find that diving in and just starting the work can break the cycle of anxiety. On occasion, I’ll turn on a motivational video by David Goggins to get pumped up and remind myself that I’m capable of pushing through anything.
Ultimately, these strategies are about understanding myself and setting up systems that prevent stress from becoming overwhelming. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these habits early on. Learn to recognize your stress triggers and have a toolkit ready to manage them. It’s not just about fighting off overwhelming feelings when they arise but building a lifestyle that minimizes them in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.benroselandart.com
• Instagram: @benroseland
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benroselandart