Personalized insight
He was my competition. And then he was my friend.
The scariest thing happened when I started working as an Artist Coach ten years ago. 
Back then, the space was brand new. I thought I was pioneering online artist coaching –until one search changed everything.
There was already someone doing it. And not just anyone – it was Paul Klein.
His name carried serious weight in the art world. For years, he ran Klein Art Works, one of Chicago’s most respected galleries.
Artists trusted him. Collectors knew him. And here I was, about to step into his territory.
We all know that gut-punch feeling when we discover talented competition.
But instead of retreating, I did something that changed everything – I got curious.
I immersed myself in Paul Klein’s world, studying everything he shared.
Then something magical happened: I fell in love with his work.
Paul shared wisdom like a friend over coffee. No fancy art talk. No ego. Just real support for artists who needed it.
The more I learned, the clearer it became – we shared the same heart.
He wasn’t competition. He was showing me the way.
So, I wrote to Paul. I introduced myself as “the competition” – but suggested we change that word to “colleague.”
I told him how his work inspired me.
His response was so generous that I printed and saved it.
Paul Klein – the famous gallerist – welcomed me into the space he’d created!
That email began a friendship I’ll always cherish.
Paul became legendary as a champion for artists. A wise guide. A trusted friend.
When Paul wrote to tell me that he was in hospice a few years ago, he urged me to continue the work.
I miss my friend.
His greatest lesson lives on: There’s no competition when we collaborate.
Only colleagues. Teammates. Friends.
That’s why I created The Artist Mentorship Lab.
Like Paul, I believe in artists supporting artists. His work showed that sharing our experience creates waves of positive change.
Do you want to be part of this legacy?
Do you want to turn your experience into something bigger?
The Artist Mentorship Lab’s first group starts January 5th. Learn more here.
Crista
Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)
