Get a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the Savvy Painter Community as I share a recent talk I gave during Mindset Monday all about our witness. We all have one! That inner critic sees everything we do and provides a running negative commentary like Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets. Listen to this episode to learn how to shut those guys up and turn your mindset (and your witness) into a positive one! Outline of This Episode [2:41] Can I get a positive witness?  [5:48] Recapping the damage negative underlying beliefs can create [10:41] Asking your inner critic the right questions [16:27] Come back to yourself Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community The Artist Thermostat: Why It Can't Be That Easy – EP 273 The Messy Middle Is an Essential Part of the Art Journey - EP 271 Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter Support the show

Are limiting beliefs holding you back from being the artist and person you want to be? Many artists are not satisfied in their art practice but fail to see why they haven't reached the place they want to be. Is it external circumstances or something deeper? On this episode, I’m going to discuss how our underlying belief systems impact what happens in our art studio and how you can take control of your growth. <> Outline of This Episode [0:54] The reason our feelings are so powerful and how beliefs shape actions [6:42] Why this episode probably applies to you too [10:11] What if being an artist was easy? [17:51] Exploring internal beliefs, limits, and expectations Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Episode artwork by Lisa Diebboll  This Is How You Take Your Power Back - EP 266  Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter Support the show

What do you do when it feels like things aren’t happening in your art practice fast enough? Maybe you’ve taken lots of workshops, established a consistent painting practice, and you show up and put in the work, but your painting is just not at the level you think you should be at by now. Should you double down or just be patient with yourself? On this episode, I’m going beyond the understanding that patience is simply having the ability to wait without complaining. I want to offer you a more nuanced definition as it applies to your art and career as well as help you cultivate patience within your art practice and with yourself as you create. Outline of This Episode [2:33] What is patience? [7:22] Signs you are running out of patience [16:53] Why patience goes beyond a simple character trait [18:32] The benefits of patience in your art practice Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Yes, You Can Create Flow On Purpose - EP 261  Jon Batiste Wins Album Of The Year For ‘WE ARE’ Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter Support the show

Are you in the messy middle? That part of creating where it starts to get a little uncomfortable or uncertain. Or maybe, that’s how you feel about your art practice as a whole. In any case, you have some decisions to make. On this episode, I’m going to give you insight on how to navigate the messy middle of both individual paintings and plateauing art practices while teaching you how to get to know your inner voice.  Outline of This Episode [0:13] Welcome to the messy middle [1:55] Navigating the messy middle of individual paintings [10:58] Overcoming plateaus in your painting practice [23:36] Getting to know our inner voice Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Your Art Matters - EP 265  Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter Support the show

A lot of artists think that if they are not hard on themselves, they won't improve their work. I have a different approach. One that doesn’t leave you feeling like crap. In this episode, I give you some tools that will help you progress faster with your art and have fun while you do it.   When you are not where you want to be with your art, there is a tendency to get a little harsh with yourself. You think punishing yourself will make you work harder. But that just makes you miserable in your studio. In this episode, I tell you what works 1,000 times better - and creates a space for you to have fun in the studio again (while getting your work done). Our art must come from a place of love. A love for the art and a love for the artist who makes it. This philosophy goes beyond positive thinking.  There is a misconception that simply having positive thoughts fixes everything. But that doesn’t work. Because when people think “just be optimistic” is the solution, they ignore, push down, or gloss over what seems negative.  Unfortunately, that just makes the “problems” bigger - they don’t just disappear. When things don’t go as planned Often, when we don’t get the outcome we want, a lot of artists find ways to punish themselves.  The more obvious ways we do that is to blame ourselves, get hyper critical, or berate our own work. It doesn’t make the work better, it just makes us feel bad. We also punish ourselves in more subtle ways -  like withholding joy, withholding playfulness, or withholding love from ourselves. A non-action is harder to detect than an action, so these punishments show up much more often but they are just as damaging because they take all the fun out of the thing we love to do the most. Trust your inner voice. When you trust your inner voice, you can be patient and kind with yourself. You can accept all the parts of you (even the ones that aren’t so nice). And when you do that, you can let go of perfectionism and so much of the self judgement. You know, the parts of you that looove to tell you you’re doing it wrong? In this episode, I share what’s actually happening when these things show up and I give you some alternate tools to get what you want while having your own back. Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Episode 253 - Creating From a Place of Love in 2022 Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter Support the show

One of the most underrated qualities of a successful art practice is consistency. There is an insane amount of power that comes from showing up to your studio on good days, bad days, and all the days in between. On this episode, get a taste of what it’s like to be part of the Savvy Painter Community as I share a Mindset Monday talk about creating an art practice that you can rely on. Outline of This Episode [1:23] The consequences of an inconsistent art practice and the struggle to find balance in the studio.  [6:10] Taking advantage of the Domino Effect in your art studio [14:49] Why kindness patience, and trust should be critical to your art practice [17:33] The rewards of consistency and creating an upward spiral Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Domino Chain Reaction (Video) Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter Support the show

The Savvy Painter Podcast is officially 8 years old! I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to talk about why I do what I do. I’m often asked why I devote so much time and energy to helping other artists. The short answer is that it’s my passion. On this episode, I’ll discuss the long answer and share snippets of conversations with other artists discussing my WHY, art’s impact on humanity, and the power of invitation. Outline of This Episode [2:37] What’s your dollar amount to stop making art?  [5:28] My WHY and what separates dreamers from doers.  [10:57] Creativity as human nature and fighting to keep art in the culture [20:55] The artist’s invitation  Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Eduardo Galeano’s books Un Mar de Fueguitos video Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter Support the show

How do I become the artist I’ve always wanted to be? Asking that question can be dangerous because often the answer isn’t for the faint of heart. Working on ourselves isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth the effort. On this episode, I want to show you how to hold space for what is and what will be in your art journey and how to take steps right now to build the future you. Outline of This Episode [1:45] How our habits impact our results [4:01] The power of belief over doubt in your art practice [11:16] Holding space for the future YOU [16:45] Why “fake it till you make it” is bad advice Become who you are  What we consistently do, day in and day out is what creates excellence. It's our habits, our processes, and the things that we do in the studio that create our results. All the small steps we take to learn color, to become better at composition, to become fluent in the language of brushstrokes…each brushstroke informs the next and each painting informs the painting we do after that. The shorthand we eventually develop in our painting becomes our style and the nuanced discernment we use in deciding what to paint and what we want to say with our art, that’s our voice! Your style might change and evolve over time, but your voice is who you are. With each painting, you strengthen your voice and add techniques and skills that build on and influence your style. Every new realization, every “aha moment”, every bit of knowledge you collect about art in general, and your art in particular, compound on each other. The cumulative value of all those little moments is so much greater than the sum of their parts. As they continue to build on one another, each time you paint, you become more of the artist you envision. Keep climbing your mountain Every artist’s journey is like climbing a mountain. Not the same mountain, but their own mountain with its individual challenges and rewarding vistas. When you are diligently honing your painting skills, and strengthening your voice, you are for sure heading in the right direction. If you keep climbing towards your goal, you will inevitably get there. What a lot of artists don’t realize is that the belief in your capacity to “do the thing”, has to be stronger than the doubt. Belief is what creates the determination and resolve to keep painting. It allows you to be curious about what you have created so you can assess your painting and use it as a stepping stone that leads to your next work. When we do that, we commit to the idea that there is a version of us in the future who FOR SURE has made it to the summit. And that person is hanging out, loving the accomplishment, and waiting for us to arrive so we can go climb another peak. Believing in ourselves as artists means knowing that we eventually get to our destination, we just haven’t figured out how yet. Hold space for the future So what would your daily art practice look like if you KNEW that you will accomplish all your goals? How would you show up to your studio if you believed the paintings you’re working on right now are essential in getting you to your summit? You wouldn’t give up, that’s for sure. We HAVE to hold space for our future selves! That space turns your studio into a safe place that grounds you and allows you to completely focus on the work you are creating right now. It also prevents you from using the outcome of whatever painting you’re working on against yourself. One painting can no longer serve as evidence of your inability to become the artist you want to be. You STILL see what you can improve on right now, but it’s used as inspiration for what you need to improve on and not a deep existential declaration that you are not enough. Listen to this episode for more insight on becoming the artist you want to be! Resources Mentioned on this epiSupport the show

Many artists are surprised by the results of their art practice. Despite feeling like they have put in the proper time and effort for success, the outcome doesn’t meet their expectations. They may even feel it’s unfair that other people have achieved more than them in a smaller amount of time. This is what I call “disempowered thinking”! On this episode, I want to help empower you when it comes to making art. I want to teach you how to stop giving your power away and make the changes needed to see positive results. Outline of This Episode [1:38] When the outcome and the expectation don’t match [4:29] Taking responsibility for the results of your art practice [07:53] Separating thoughts from actions to see results [14:12] Getting rid of the artist’s martyr complex and choosing how you respond to discomfort [18:43] Why many artists give up and what you need to keep going Your results are in direct proportion to the actions you take If you’re brutally honest with yourself, you may notice that you haven’t been acting on the full truth of what you’re capable of. The fullness of your skills and the quality of the actions you took to bring you where you are today. Because if we ARE honest, we would find that every single time…the result makes sense! We get exactly what we are supposed to out of our art practice based on what we put into it. Even if you’ve been an artist for 30 years, if you don’t actively take steps to better yourself and create the best art possible, you’ll never get the result you’re hoping for. You’ll never find the meaning you’re seeking in the canvas. You’ll never sell the magic number of paintings in your head. It may not feel good to hear, but the sooner we accept that WE are the common denominator in our results, the sooner we can start to grow. Take responsibility for your art without taking the blame Taking as much responsibility for your art as you can is the path to freedom in your art practice. Because you OWN whatever you take responsibility for. If you don’t like a painting, you can always paint something different. There is a great deal of freedom in having the option to choose. But sometimes we mistake taking responsibility for taking the blame when it comes to our results. These are NOT the same thing. One is empowering while the other is debilitating. Taking responsibility puts you in the driver’s seat. It allows you to have agency over your art and your career. Taking blame means weaponizing your results against yourself. It turns on that broken record in your mind that tells you all of the ways you're not enough. Or it forces us to blame other people and things outside of our control because that burden is so unnecessarily heavy. Our power lies in the fact that we alone get to decide what our results mean. We get to decide how we respond to the outcome. It’s better to take ownership of our faults so that we can address them, rather than wasting all of this energy beating ourselves up. Trading thoughts for actions We often think the truth about ourselves and our art is represented by the thoughts we have occasionally, instead of the actions that we take consistently. We can have all of these big lofty ideas about making a living as an artist and selling our work, but if you’re not taking actions that make sure those things happen, you don’t actually believe those things in the first place. It’s time to shine a light on where you are not stepping up for yourself! I’m also fully aware of how difficult this process can be. Holding ourselves accountable and taking an honest evaluation of our art practice can bring up all kinds of complicated, and even uncomfortable emotions. But if you’re going to be uncomfortable either way, wouldn’t you rather that discomfort lead to changes that help you get the results you aSupport the show

Last week, I talked about how we find meaning in our art practice by connecting the dots of our art journey. This week, I want to connect a few more of those dots and talk about why sharing your work matters so much. I’ll dive into why sharing your art makes it better and how it can actually change the world. We’ll also take an in-depth look into how we need both sides of our brain to produce our best work. Outline of This Episode [0:40] What expands your mind also expands your art [4:23] Why sharing your art makes it better [6:14] How to change the world with your art [7:30] Using both sides of our brain in the process of making and sharing art  Embracing the process So many artists that I talk to believe that their art doesn’t matter. I am 100% convinced that not only does your art matter to you, but it also matters to us. ALL of us. I also understand that my belief doesn’t help someone going through a funk. This episode might inspire someone for a week, however lasting change only happens when we can hold that belief for ourselves. But be patient with yourself! Some of those negative thoughts have dug really deep roots into your mind and they can take a good amount of time and intention to weed out. The same thing goes for planting and nurturing healthier thoughts. It’s a gentle process, but the growth that happens and the results of those changes will compound for the rest of your life.  Creating a dialogue I love Seth Godin. His work has taught me so much. One of my favorite things is that in sharing our art or anything we create, we have to just “ship it”. Meaning as artists, we have to do the work then share the work. We have to get our ideas out into the world where people can see them. So that they can be tested. This creates a dialogue. If art is a form of communication, you want to make sure it doesn’t stay a monologue. It’s okay to keep some of your work for yourself, but ultimately you need to share your vision with the world to find your people. It’s the only way that you will be able to refine your ideas and make them better, clearer, and more meaningful to you. Changing the world Another brilliant Seth Godin quote states that “Art is a personal act of courage. Something that one person does that creates change in another.” Our art always has the potential to make an impact on someone, even when we least expect it. That’s why when we follow his advice to just “ship it” we become what he calls “agents of change” who have the ability to change the world. When was the last time you looked at your art as world-changing? Have you ever looked at your art this way? Admittedly, I struggled with this at first. It felt arrogant to believe that anything I make has that kind of potential. But the longer I sat with this I realized that it wasn’t a ridiculous thought because we ALL have that potential. Your work may not impact everyone, but it will impact someone. And THAT is why your work matters so much. Even if the person it impacts is you. Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Check out Seth Godin’s blog!  Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter Support the show

Every artist wants to produce meaningful work. Yet the pressure to constantly do so can be an ironic obstacle to creating art that is meaningful. I want to help alleviate that pressure by showing you that meaningful work doesn’t always need to make a big statement. On this episode, I’ll dive into why that is, how to create our own meaning, and why you might be painting for the wrong people.Outline of This Episode[0:55] The artist’s unnecessary burden[4:37] Appreciating the small moments[10:00] Being the source of your own meaning[18:00] Painting for your people and not your critics[21:10] Listening to your voiceIdentifying negative thinkingArt is about making sense of what it means to be human and then sharing that with the world. It’s all about connection. Artists want to create meaningful work. They want their work to make an impact and help people feel things or stir their thoughts. However, it’s easy for artists to feel like they have to say something deep or revolutionary all the time with their work. Even though that’s an impossible feat to achieve with every painting, so many of us artists cling to the idea that everything we paint needs to be IMPORTANT. One of the reasons we hold on to this so tightly is because our brains get stuck in black and white thinking. We automatically assume that just because one of our paintings doesn’t have a gigantic meaning, the painting itself is meaningless. What a terrible thought! Connecting the dotsAll art is important. The problem is we think that “important” is measured by whether or not our art makes a big statement. We rely on lightning bolt moments for our work to be filled with deep emotional meaning, and when they don’t happen, we assume whatever ends up on the canvas is less valuable. That’s a total lie! The truth is, art happens in the small moments. It is the culmination of every small step we take in our art practice that creates meaning in our work. For me, art is a life-long love letter to myself. For you, it may be something different. We find the answer when we take the time to appreciate the small moments and connect the dots of our art journey.Finding meaning in the mundaneHave you ever gotten lost in the background of a painting? Some of the deepest paintings I’ve ever experienced pay great attention to the mundane details. It’s those details that captivate us and allow us to tell our own stories in the deep green of a forest or the crystal blue of a beautiful seascape. Similarly, it’s in the mundane that we experience life’s most memorable and precious moments. It’s the lazy Sunday mornings and quiet cups of coffee at sunrise that color our world. We miss the joy in our painting when we underestimate the small details while waiting for a big dramatic moment. That’s backwards! The big, dramatic statements actually come from the small, seemingly insignificant moments. Listen to this episode for more insight on creating meaningful paintings!Resources Mentioned on this episodeThe Savvy Painter Growth StudioThe Savvy Painter CommunityConnect With AntreseOn FacebookOn PinterestOn InstagramOn TwitterSupport the show

Have you ever felt like an hourglass that’s always running out? Of time? Of ideas? Of patience? You may be struggling with a scarcity mindset. It truly damages our ability to create with confidence and find our voice. On this episode, I want to dive into why we as artists feel like we don’t have enough, the differences between scarcity and abundance, and how to rewire your brain so you can thrive creatively.   Outline of This Episode [0:50] The relationship between time and a scarcity mindset [6:38] Creating from abundance [12:22] Breaking out of the “fight or flight” response [13:07] How scarcity and abundance impact our ideas [21:56] Why choosing abundance changes everything   A picture of scarcity Most of us struggle with time. We’ve all felt like there is not enough time in the day to get everything done on our list. However, when a scarcity mindset takes over, our brains become a broken record, constantly telling us how busy we are and that we have so much to do. We start hoarding our time and get super possessive of it. We don’t want to let one second of it go. Even our relationships might suffer because we always feel like someone is trying to get a piece of us. Everything becomes big and overwhelming because we really believe that we don’t have enough time. Ironically, the more we worry about having enough time, the less time we have to accomplish the things we are worried about completing. If we create from scarcity, we just end up creating even more scarcity. We also become hyper-focused on making sure our time matters. We want to know that time investment is worth the return before we ever make a decision. The result is refusing to take risks as artists because doing so might mean failure, which feels like a waste of time even if the experience was meaningful.   A portrait of abundance Scarcity may feel like a broken record playing in our heads, but what would happen if we turned it off and walked outside? What if we chose an abundance mindset as artists instead of one steeped in scarcity? When we live in abundance, we tell ourselves that we have enough time. We start creating from our vision instead of our fears. Cultivating an abundance mindset means we don’t do sloppy paintings because we’re rushing to get things done. It means we allow ourselves to focus on the canvas in front of us instead of all the other ones that will come after. Choosing abundance over scarcity means we’re able to take risks. This is what allows our voice to come through our work! Abundance releases our most authentic selves into our art. It helps us trust ourselves instead of stressing over a deadline or filling every moment with the pressure to succeed.    Rewiring your brain to thrive Abundance is possible when we’re not stuck in a “fight or flight” response, the part of our brain that is solely responsible for survival. Who wants to simply survive, anyway? It’s time to thrive! We need to access the part of our brain that controls rational thought and imagination called the prefrontal cortex. This is where our ability for creative problem solving comes from. It helps us find the solutions that work best for us in any given situation. Like, using our scheduled painting time much more efficiently so that we have increased productivity overall. It’s amazing what can happen when we use these thought processes to rewire our brain so that we can perceive what is happening to us differently. For more insights on scarcity versus abundance, listen to this episode!   Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter CommunitySupport the show

Do you like your art or yourself as an artist? Do you believe you're good enough? I think too many creators would answer those questions NO. Despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary! On this episode, I’m going to tackle why it can be such a struggle to feel good about our art and how we can change our mindset and embrace our potential.   Outline of This Episode [0:34] Exploring the artist’s mental struggle [8:10] Identifying negative thought patterns  [15:10] Dealing with imposter syndrome and creative anxiety  [18:38] Going to the source and getting to know your mind  [20:04] Why perfection is overrated  [24:21] The most important thing we create as artists   Whatever you believe gets multiplied I often hear people say that If they can only finish the painting or sell enough pieces, THEN they’ll feel accomplished, validated, or credible as an artist. These things represent a desire to feel good enough as an artist. Even if there are aspects of your art-making that can improve, achieving those things won't change how you feel about your art. The moment we start to believe we’re good enough because we reached a goal, our brains will just move the target and we’re right back to where we started. Suddenly, being “good enough” can start to feel like embracing mediocrity rather than a vote of self-confidence. We get stuck in a cycle of chasing happiness that is always slightly out of reach. Rather than getting frustrated or staying stuck, we need to change the underlying thought patterns that make us feel this way. If we constantly approach art with the mindset that we can’t do it, we’ll feel like a failure even when we succeed. Likewise, if we always tell ourselves that we don’t sell enough paintings, we’ll never enjoy the moments when one gets sold. Whatever we believe, we create more of, regardless of what’s happening around us. If we allow them to, negative beliefs about ourselves and our art will rob every ounce of joy the process has to offer.   Nobody’s perfect The subjectivity of art is one of the reasons it’s so great. There is not a governing body or a rule book that tells you if art is objectively good or not. Within the genres of painting, there are ideals and standards that we can use to improve ourselves, but there are no black and white rules on how to be successful. Even the greatest artists of all time have noticeable imperfections in their work and we still consider them great. Certainly, good enough. The human hand NEEDS to be visible in the art we create. We are not machines. Imperfection is often what makes art so intriguing and accessible in the first place. Of course, understanding the overall language, technical skill, and history of art still matters greatly. But it is incredibly unhelpful to compare yourself to the vast infinity that is the world of art. Focus on being the best and most authentic you instead of someone else.   Start reclaiming your brainpower Right now, ask yourself, “What do I think of myself as an artist?” Do you like the answer? Who you are today influences the artist you’ll become tomorrow. The freedom from negative thoughts and emotions that you’ve been looking for is not in your future, it has to start right NOW. You don’t have to wait for it to come to you or somehow earn it, it’s an active choice that you need to make daily. When you start experiencing feelings of inadequacy, just notice them. YOU get to decide how you respond to those thoughts. My recommendation is to give your brain a more productive question to answer. Instead of asking, “Am I good enough to paint my next painting?” ask yourself, “What do I want to say with my next painting, and what skills and materials do I need to accomplish that?” These questions focus on the acSupport the show

Have you ever found yourself in a flow state while creating? A place where distractions don’t exist and all of your creativity is available to you. Is it something you struggle to duplicate with consistency? On this episode, I’m going to define what a flow state is, how we experience it, why it matters to our practice, and how to create it on purpose.    Outline of This Episode [0:38] What is flow? [3:31] Why and how we experience flow states as artists [12:21] Connecting the dots between flow and confidence [13:33] Why flow matters in your practice [19:15] Creating flow on purpose   Going with the flow Ok, so what is flow? We hear fellow artists talking about it all the time like it’s a mystical force that shows up to our studio on a whim, but is it really like magic? While it certainly can feel that way, it’s actually far more practical. Childhood is often filled with flow states. I remember getting lost for hours drawing, playing, and figuring out puzzles. I was completely engrossed in whatever I was doing that helped me express my creativity. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi defines flow as a state of heightened focus and immersion in activities such as art, play, and work that is achieved by the fact that our brains can only take in and truly focus on a limited number of inputs. That’s why it feels like time stops and everything except what’s in front of you fades away. We lose connection with ourselves which is the most magical and other-worldly part of the experience. While flow can certainly be defined by what it is, it’s also defined by what it is not. Csikszentmihalyi goes on to say that feelings of anxiety, worry, apathy, and boredom need to be absent or minimized to successfully achieve flow. It’s not just about what you put in your creative environment to enter a flow state. What you remove or minimize is equally important!   Silencing the inner-critic Self-conscious art is boring. I’m just going to say it. When we are so focused on pleasing our teachers, our critics, and ourselves the work we produce is often safe, average, and inauthentic. That’s why flow matters so much in our practice. When you’re in a state of flow, you’re in tune with your inner voice. That part of yourself that is so wise and so uniquely YOU. If you’re someone who worries that your work is average or unrecognizable as your own it could be due to a lack of flow. The ability to get into a flow state and connect with your higher self creates that uniqueness. It allows you to sift through internal noise and start a dialogue with your authentic self without anyone else weighing in. Including you! Sometimes our fear-based thoughts get the best of us and keep us from achieving flow because they tell us “that’s not what art is supposed to be” or “you’re doing it wrong”. To paraphrase Phillip Guston, we’re only really painting when we let our critics and ourselves leave the art studio. THAT is flow! Silencing the hypercritical part of your brain in the act of creating. And when you’re creating, your analytical side has no functional purpose. You have to trust your instinct and let it do its job. Give yourself constructive criticism later on when you’re not actively painting. Flow allows you to say things on a canvas that your inner critic is too scared to say. Flow doesn’t worry about if people will think you're weird. Flow doesn’t care what other people think at all. Flow just creates boldly and authentically.   Managing the mind The ability to consistently enter a state of flow depends on our ability to manage the mind. We create flow by managing our thoughts and an awareness of what those thoughts create. We have to intentionally cultivate thoughts that invite possibility and creativity. Ultimately, it boils down to gettingSupport the show

As someone who works with many different artists, I see too many who don’t trust themselves. It shows up in subtle ways and usually manifests as feelings of helplessness and inadequacy. Much of this struggle can be attributed to the fact that they don’t trust the unique voice inside of them. Or they are completely unaware that this voice exists in the first place. On this episode, I want to challenge how you think about your confidence as an artist. I want you to feel empowered to create again. Don’t waste another second weighed down by self-doubt! Outline of This Episode [0:52] The power of believing in your own capacity to “figure it out” [11:51] Learning to trust your own opinion and listen to your voice [25:55] Getting the most out of your “one wild and precious life” [31:07] Loving yourself and sharing your art Making one mark after the other Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual. It would be great if there was a book that told us how to be successful in any situation, but it seems to be missing from Amazon’s library. I know, I’ve looked. Sometimes self-confidence as an artist means trusting yourself enough to start the process even when you don’t know how to succeed or even finish. The truth is you DON’T need to know all the ins and outs of something before you try it. The only way to know is to DO! That is why it’s so crucial to develop your self-confidence. You need to trust yourself to “figure it out”! Practically, that just means figuring out what your "next best step" is in the process. By doing that, you create a result that can be measured and assessed. Now use that result to determine what worked, what didn’t, and then plan your subsequent "next best step". Rinse, wash, repeat until what you’re working on is finished! That may seem like an oversimplification, but what is painting except making one mark after the other? Self-confidence is the same way. It’s an ever-strengthening foundation that creates its own upward spiral. The more we have faith in ourselves, the more we will accomplish because we won’t let anyone or anything (including us) stand in our way. Your voice is trustworthy and you are enough Asking for feedback in creative spaces is a beautiful collaborative tool that can help you refine your artwork. However, have you ever asked for feedback already knowing what the answer is going to be? My guess is that when this happens you don’t ask for feedback because you need an answer, you ask because you don’t trust your own voice or opinion. You know exactly what your "next best step" is or even that the painting is done, but you still need external validation because somewhere along the way you believed the lie that you weren’t enough. That someone else has to have the answer because there is no way you possibly could. When we constantly outsource validation to those around us we train ourselves to distrust our own ideas and intuition. We can’t find authenticity in our artwork if we only trust other people’s voices instead of our own. Know this in your soul, friend: Your voice is trustworthy and you are enough. Give life everything you’ve got Human existence is a juxtaposition of beauty and pain. Sometimes it’s easy to get so distracted by the darkness that we forget to shine our light. A big part of having self-confidence as an artist is a willingness to share yourself and your art with the world. When you intentionally hide yourself and your art, it prevents you from accessing your truth and discovering your voice. The deeper part of yourself that says, “THIS is who I am." If you are someone who feels like they don’t have a voice and struggles with authenticity, ask yourself, "Am I holding back?" "Is a fear of rejection and failure keeping me from discovering all that I am and that I can be?" My encouragement for felSupport the show

We ALL have multi-faceted lives. We are both artists AND a plethora of other wonderful things. Parents. Partners. Siblings. Friends. Do you ever feel like your art is constantly on the back burner to everything else in your life? Like your creativity is getting lost in a sea of everyone else’s needs and wants? I’ve been there and I want to help you find a healthy balance so that every area of your life gets the attention it deserves. Join me as I share five reasons why it feels like making art should always come last. Outline of This Episode [0:56] Signs you are putting your creativity in last place [3:29] Learning how to say NO [5:52] Breaking down self-care stigmas [9:46] Why you never have time for yourself [16:58] Breaking the people-pleasing cycle [23:41] Why your art is valuable Your time is valuable  Have you ever said to yourself, “I would love to make more art, but I just don’t have enough time.” If that sounds like you, may I offer this paradigm shift? You do, in fact, have enough time. You just constantly fill it with other people’s problems because you think their time is more valuable than yours. If you don’t see your time as valuable you will never respect it. It won’t matter if you have already carved out the time to paint or express your creativity. Something else will always interrupt or take priority over your art if you don’t start setting and sticking to healthy boundaries. But none of those boundaries will stay in place if you don’t first believe that your time is valuable and worth protecting. It’s okay to say NO Do you have a hard time saying no to others? Have you ever asked yourself why? It largely has to do with the fact that we think we are responsible for other people’s feelings. We’re conditioned this way! As children, we’re constantly told not to do this or that because it will hurt someone's feelings. The truth is we can’t make someone feel anything. They decide how they feel based on their own interpretations. This isn’t an invitation to be rude or unkind. You can kindly say no, set boundaries, and STILL have a great amount of love and respect for the other person while doing the same for yourself. We have to allow other people to experience their emotions and realize we are not responsible if they don’t handle them well. All we can do is be kind to others and authentic to ourselves. Real life happens in the gray It’s a common misconception that self-care and doing anything for yourself will turn you into a self-obsessed monster. This is because our minds often live in black and white, but real life happens in the gray! It doesn’t have to be this OR that. We can hold two things in our hands at the same time. This is where both/and thinking is crucial. We can love and care for others AND love and care for ourselves. We can be BOTH good parents and passionate artists. I want to invite you to add primary colors to the palette of your life. Think about how many colors you can mix with those six colors and white. Too many to count, right? Remember that when your mind gets stuck in binary thinking. Self-care doesn’t mean only doing things for yourself and never making concessions or compromising. You can take care of yourself while being kind and loving to the people you care about most in your life. Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On InstagramSupport the show

As artists, we are often unclear about what we want from our art practice. You'd think it would be obvious. However, there are subtle nuances within us we need to pay attention to for us to find clarity. Join me live from the Savvy Painter Community, as I discuss how to understand these nuances so they can guide you to a practice that is both meaningful to you and tailored to your specific tastes and lifestyle. Outline of This Episode [2:18] Taking care of the art AND the artist [4:06] Digging deeper to discover what you truly want [5:39] Questions you need to ask yourself about your art and answers from the Savvy Painter Community [11:15] Uncovering insecurity in your art practice and finding your authentic self [14:35] Integrating your art into your life and vice versa Be your own guide What DO you want out of your art practice? If you feel like you know the answer right away, I would encourage you to take a second and really think about it. Sometimes our first answer is dead on. Gut reactions can be a powerful thing. But more often than not, our best answer to a question like that is not our first, and it requires us to dig a little deeper. The first answer that pops into our head is likely just the surface of what we really want and not our core desires that take a bit of thought and intention to uncover. It's not that our surface answer is wrong necessarily, it’s that when we are willing to dig deeper we discover nuances that point us in a direction that is more aligned with who we really are. This truth sifts through who we think we should be and who we’re trying to be and allows who we’ve always been to the surface. Learn to ask why A common desire for artists is to display their work in a gallery. Again, the answer may seem obvious, but you have to learn to ask yourself why?WHY do I want to show my work? Why do I want ANY of the things I’m striving for in my art practice? In my life? When we learn to get curious about our desires we bypass the superficial answer and begin the path to real self-discovery. Because it’s not just about achieving a goal or fulfilling a desire, it’s about what accomplishing those things will do for us and in us. How will your life change if you get into that art show? What will selling your work do for you? Asking deep “why questions” about the things we want helps make the answers personal and brings clarity to our art practice. Do it for yourself Another great question to ask yourself to gain clarity in your art practice is am I trying to change how people see me by accomplishing this goal? Artists think they will finally be taken seriously if they can show their work. Or that selling a certain number of paintings somehow validates their calling. We have a really bad habit of basing our sense of self-acceptance on whether or not certain people or places in the art world accept us. We make success mean that we deserve to be an artist and rejection becomes some grand sign that we should put down the brush or pencil. When in fact, rejection means we may not have been right for that show or we simply need to hone our skills and get better. If we can learn how to generate feelings of validation, accomplishment, and self-worth on our own we won’t need the opinions of others to do it for us. Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Episode 253: Creating From A Place Of Love in 2022 Connect With Antrese On Facebook Support the show

You should feel empowered in your art studio to create limitlessly, so why don’t you? Why does your art practice sometimes feel like a discouraging trudge instead of an exciting leap? If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! On this episode, I’m going to show you how to use the most powerful tool in your studio to transform the relationship you have with your art and yourself. Outline of This Episode [0:19] The most powerful tool in your art studio [2:57] Personifying your art practice [10:31] Throwing out the rule book [12:48] The impact of your relationship with yourself on your art I think, therefore I paint When you see art as a relationship, you see your habits and expectations in a way that you may not have noticed or thought of before. How we see ourselves as an artist, how we understand our relationship with our art, and our relationship with ourselves as the artist who creates it determines what we do, what we create, and how we show up for ourselves in the studio. You can feel empowered, excited, and open to possibility when it comes to your art. Or you can feel discouraged, frustrated, and closed off. It all depends on how you interpret your experience. How you think about your art, your business, and even yourself determines how you feel about those areas. There is a HUGE difference in the results you get when you show up to your studio feeling empowered and excited versus creating from a place of frustration and discouragement.  Becoming a better friend to your art The artist’s journey is a long one. Some of us have been working on our art since finger painting in kindergarten. In that sense, art is like our longest and closest friend. We need to treat it as if we are in a relationship with another person. So my question is, how do you show up for this friend? Do you show trust? Do you value the relationship? Are you secure in how you think and feel about the relationship? Are you reliable? Do you have your friend’s back or is the relationship one-sided? When answering these questions, we can all admit that we have been a bad friend to our art in one way or another. We’ve been needy or have had unrealistic expectations of our art that led to increased strain on the relationship. We’ve bad-mouthed our art. Blown it off. Failed to prioritize it. We’ve even expected it to pay all the bills without giving art its own room! If art is one of the most important relationships in our lives then our thoughts and actions should reflect that. We need to make sure we’re investing in our relationship with art as much as we expect to get from our relationship with art. There’s only one rule for art-making If you’re reading this and you’re starting to feel like you’re under a microscope, don't. I’ve probably done all of these things more than a few times. None of this is your fault. Art school doesn’t teach you that you need to treat your art like a person and cultivate a healthy relationship with it. On top of that, we’ve been handed a lot of confusing and contradictory ideas about what it means to be an artist. It seems like every artist is running around trying to follow “the rules” when there are no rules. You can make your own! You have the freedom to design a system that makes sense for your life. Art should feel good, and the method you use to create it and distribute it should feel good too. You get to decide what resonates with you and what doesn’t. The only universal rule should be that we have a deep love and respect for the art that we create. For more information about cultivating a healthy relationship with your art, listen to this episode! Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Support the show

As artists, we all want our work to matter — for us and for those who enjoy it. But that “want” or desire can be more than it appears at first glance. It can be a false desire that drives us in strange and unprofitable directions, OR it can be a true desire that moves us to a place of commitment. Results come when we are committed, when we are willing to take repeated action consistently for as long as it takes. You manage your mindset and become the person who figures it out. The BONUS is that when you do achieve your desire you will have learned new skill sets and built new habits that enable you to build future success easier, faster, and with greater skill. This episode is about that. <> Outline of This Episode [0:06] A topic you may not think about often, but can create incredible results [0:35] Definitions are always helpful: false and true desires  [4:49] Filling our art with our true selves (true desire)  [6:41] Why it’s important to know the difference between true and false desires [9:10] How desires relate to commitment [19:59] Characteristics of an artist who is committed (“figure it out” is BIG) False desires are substitutes used to change an emotional state Sometimes what we truly desire is hidden or masked. I often ask artists what they want from their art or career and they don’t know. I find that what we really want is masked by a “false desire” that we occupy ourselves with. To me, a false desire comes from a place of scarcity or lack. It typically has more to do with changing your emotional state than creating something that is truly meaningful. For example, you may feel nervous about interacting at a social event so you resort to food or alcohol to keep yourself on an even keel. In the art space, it could look like a desire to have a massive social media following to validate that they are doing well. In both situations, the thing desired is a pretty neutral thing (alcohol, food, social media), but the are being used to NOT feel something — insecurity and nervousness in the first situation, low estimation of their value in the second. True desire comes from a place of expansion and growth True desire comes from a place of seeing how we can fill our art with our true selves, to be the fullest expression of ourselves that we can possibly be. It’s an ache to explore and discover who you are and what you’re capable of. It’s not trying to prove anything or validate your worth as an artist. And it doesn’t need permission to exist. This is what most artists really want — to freely create and to freely express themselves through their art. So it’s really important to gain awareness of the difference between a true desire and a false desire. When you can be aware of the difference you can make a decision and commit. How to discover what you truly want and commit Your body and your emotions can help you understand if the options before you are what you truly desire or not. And you don’t have to get deep into the nuance of what you’re feeling to take steps in this direction. For example, if the thing you’re wondering about makes you feel open, or light, or energized, it’s probably a true desire. If it makes you feel closed, shut down, or icky. When you tune into your body you might notice physical sensations that go along with the emotional responses. Some people are more tuned into the emotional side, others are more tuned into the physical side.  In the audio, I describe an everyday situation that involves an office, a wrinkled dollar bill, a vending machine, and a bag of chips. I tell the story to help you see that you know what it means to be committed to an outcome, to show you the difference between wanting chips and doing what is needed to actually get them. CSupport the show

Do you feel that your art simply isn’t good enough yet? Is it your belief that artists always struggle to make ends meet? Are there skills or techniques that you feel you simply can’t do well? Is it common for you to believe that you don’t have enough time to work on your art? These are common beliefs that I hear from members of the Savvy Painter Community on a regular basis. In this episode, I want to get out the magnifying glass and take a deeper look at what we believe and to question those beliefs. Why? So we can identify the beliefs we have that are not serving us, holding us back, or limiting our creativity and success.  Outline of This Episode [0:14] A peek into my world here in Argentina [0:57] How beliefs impact the way we live and do our art [4:10] Beliefs usually come to us from outside influences [8:57] We become what we believe — how it works and why it matters [11:13] Empowering beliefs shared by Savvy Painter Community members [14:51] Beliefs that create results that are not so positive [19:00] Limiting beliefs  The hidden beliefs that are running our lives Studying and putting into practice daily. It’s like peeling an onion, there’s so much to discover about how we think and how it impacts our lives. In addition to those random thoughts we have, there are “inner scripts” or hidden beliefs that run our lives. We are not always aware they exist and don’t recognize the impact they have on the way we live. Here’s my definition of a belief... A belief is a thought that you keep thinking over and over again. This includes our thoughts about who we are as an artist, what people think of artists, what artists are supposed to do, how we are supposed to act, etc. When we decide those thoughts are true we create a belief-system. They are built by habit or we’ve actively chosen to believe it.   Where do our beliefs come from? If you take a moment to think about where beliefs come from, you’ll realize that there is a huge array of influences that feed us things to believe: our families, upbringing, culture, religion, advertising, social media, etc. and even self-created beliefs. Any time we receive these things, think about them, and internalize them, they become our beliefs and we don’t think about them consciously anymore. They just play in the background over and over and over in a constant “belief-loop.” For this reason, beliefs shape the way we experience the world, the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. Let’s take some examples from the world of art: There are groups that believe that painting is dead, that everything that can be said using paint on canvas has already been said. There are groups that believe painting is a living, breathing force and there is still much more to be done with it. And even within those systems there are people who believe that abstract expressionism is the only way to authentically express yourself. On a different note, some people believe that you are either born with artistic talent or you aren’t, while others believe the skills to make great art can be learned. Then there are beliefs surrounding money and art that I get into on this episode. These are all examples of “collective beliefs” and they can greatly impact the results that you get in your own studio practice. Many beliefs you hold are helpful but some are not The point of this episode is not to encourage you to rip apart every belief you hold. There are many beliefs we have that serve us well. But if you find things that do NOT serve you well, or things that cause you to repeatedly do things in a compulsive manner, or that you do or refrain from doing things because they don’t feel like thiSupport the show

What would you say is the greatest tool you have in your studio. Don’t look down the page to see what I think it is… take a moment to answer the question for yourself. Is it your brushes? The canvas in the corner? The turntable that spins the vinyl you listen to while painting? Honestly answer, what is the most important thing in your studio? In this episode, I want to walk you through my discovery that the most important tool I have as an artist is none of those things. The most important tool you have is not even talked about in most art classes. What is it? Keep reading and listen to this episode… Outline of This Episode [0:05] A transformational year for me and the work I’ve been doing with artists [1:32] Your brain is the most powerful tool you have in your studio [10:25] Your thoughts are the obstacle and that’s good news [11:59] My results from making this mental tweak [12:44] An example: You can’t figure out what’s wrong with a painting [13:30] Another example: I have to make this painting work [15:37] Start to be aware of what’s going on in your head Your brain is the most powerful (and important) tool in your studio The things that are going on in your mind when you enter your studio are powerfully important. I’m not talking about the latest tension you saw on social media before you opened the studio door (though that qualifies), I’m talking about the beliefs about yourself and your work that you carry into the studio with you. Those are powerful. Those are what either enable you to do great work (the work you want to do) or do less than you hope for and less than you are capable of doing. I want you to walk through a few examples in hopes that you can come to a vital understanding: Your thoughts are not reality. Thoughts are merely how you interpret things Have you ever wondered how 30 people can witness the same event and each of them will have their own unique perspective of what happened? It’s like there were 30 different versions of the event. How is this possible? It’s because each person interpreted the event differently in their own minds. That illustration helps us understand that our thoughts are not us and that if we can learn to change our thoughts, we can change our ability to do great work. Up to this point in your artistic career you may have felt any number of things are your “problem,” the thing that’s holding you back. Do you believe that your painting skills aren’t good enough to do great work? Is it a belief that there are too many things in the way? Do you believe that there are way too many artists and not enough galleries? Are you uncertain what your style or voice as an artist is? Any of these might be an issue and issues can be worked on specifically and diligently. But none of those is your real “problem.” The real problem is WHAT YOU MAKE THOSE THINGS MEAN. Said a different way, the stories you tell yourself ABOUT those things is your problem.  What you think about is what you create As human beings, we have 60,000 thoughts a day and most of them are stories we are telling ourselves. These stories create emotion and we respond (act or not act) based on that emotion. Let’s take an example… You notice someone looking at your art… Do you think they see everything wrong with your work? Are they just being polite and are not really interested in your painting? Are they thinking, “How lovely!” Are they another artist who is looking to steal your concepts? As you watch the person looking at your painting you could assume any of those things or hundreds more things. But those are ALL stories you’re Support the show

Savvy Painter is back! And I have a New Years challenge for you. If you decide to take this on, I'm certain your painting practice and your experience of painting will change completely (in a good way). I think art is created from a place of love. It's created from the universal love, what I call Love with a capital "L" and from a love of  art itself. A love for the craft of painting and the lineage of painters who are with us today and have come before us. But can you also include unconditional love for the artist that is you. Even if you are still learning how to paint; even if your technical skills can be better; even if sometimes the work isn't quite what you had envisioned. Imagine how differently you would show up in your studio if you had absolute love for the mind and hand that creates your art. This episode is all about love and what it means to intentionally bring it in to your work. (Bring on the woo!) Support the show

Have you ever felt a little lost and uncertain in your studio? Trying to paint from this space just results in overworking your paintings or piles and piles of half finished canvases in your studio. It's so frustrating to finally get time to paint, but not use it to create something you're proud of. I hear it all the time from artists I work with in Growth Studio. In this episode, I teach you how to get past these blocks so you can paint with focus so that your voice is clear.Support the show

Painting is hard, but the suffering part is optional. Why is it that when things are hard, we pile on extra layers of difficulty? When we are not aware of our thoughts, we don't notice how much harder we make it on ourselves when we think "this painting isn't working" or "I just don't know how to paint (fill in the blank)"  In this episode I show you how painters use their very human brains for self sabotage AND I offer alternative perspectives so that you can practice on your own.Support the show

Have you ever needed a mental health day? What reasons do you give yourself for not allowing yourself the time? I just took a month (and some change) to be with family and recharge my batteries. In this episode, I give you a snapshot into my thoughts about allowing what is while taking care of yourself. Support the show

Where are you on your creative journey? Do you have the right pieces in place yet or are you still trying to figure things out? If you feel like this last year or so has taken you through the wringer, you are not alone! Many of us are just now starting to get our bearings back after a year of isolation and adjustment. Here to help us navigate through the ebb and flow of creativity and the wild journey we find ourselves on is my guest and the talented artist, Gabe Brown.  Gabe was raised in New York City. She received her BFA degree from The Cooper Union and was awarded a Full Fellowship to attend the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. She went on to receive her MFA in Painting from the University of California, Davis. Her work is included in both public and private collections. She is an Adjunct Professor in Painting and Drawing at Fordham University and SUNY New Paltz where she has received three Merit Awards for Professional Achievement. Gabe lives and works in the Hudson Valley. I can’t wait for you to get to know Gabe’s fascinating perspective - also make sure to check out images of Gabe’s artwork located at the end of this post.  Perseverance through uncertainty  Let’s face it, the last year with COVID has been challenging to say the least. While some of us have been able to leverage this time as an opportunity to try something new, there are those who have been stuck either creatively, emotionally, or otherwise. Part of understanding and adapting to your own unique ebb and flow of creativity is giving yourself space and understanding.  If you had a friend who was having a hard time with the isolation and abrupt change that COVID has wrought, how would you treat them? Most people would be kind and empathetic - why wouldn’t you give yourself that same treatment? I found Gabe’s experience of persevering through the uncertainty of COVID inspiring but I found her compassion for those who are struggling - even more so. Remember, we are all in this together - I’ve got your back and I’m trusting that you’ve got mine!  Absorbing and applying Everyone's a little different and we need to find our own method and pattern for our creativity. Gabe was kind enough to open up about her own season of absorbing and applying. For Gabe, absorbing is a time of observation - reading, taking walks, going to museums or galleries, Googling different artists. Then comes the moment of application - some way those observations start to make their way through to the surface of the creative process. Her end goal is to take all the information that she just absorbed and then somehow apply it to her studio practice to help perfect her craft.  What are you waiting for? Seriously? I know that the fear of failure can be intense - trust me, I’ve been there. But honestly, what do you have to lose? Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from exploring the possibilities that are right in front of you. I know that the journey is not an easy one, Gabe knows that too but what we want you to know is that it is worth it. I hope you found Gabe’s story an inspiring and encouraging one. If you want even more community and encouragement, I’d love for you to go deeper with the Savvy Painter community. Check out all the great ways to jump in - you won’t regret it!  Outline of This Episode [1:15] How Gabe got started as an artist.  [6:30] The ebb and flow of creativity.  [9:30] Gabe talks about her work and what she has been up to over the last year.  [16:00] Are you afraid of success?  [19:45] Absorbing and applying.  [28:00] Intimate compression.  [36:40] How do you know when it is finished?  [47:00] Artists that Gabe would love to own art from.  [51:15] Why Gabe likes to work on the floor.  [54:00] Tips for new artSupport the show

When was the last time you really stopped and paid attention to your surroundings? As an artist, I have spent years training my eyes to pay attention to shapes, colors, and so many other aspects of the visual arts that listening to my surroundings was never a top priority. What can we learn from our surroundings when we deliberately slow down and begin to really pay attention?  Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to speak with hundreds of artists from all walks of life. It has been a huge honor to explore their stories, hear their unique perspectives, and bring them to my fellow artists like you! While I think I played it cool in this interview, I have to admit that was totally starstruck when I got to speak with none other than Julia Cameron. Hailed by the New York Times as "The Queen of Change," Julia is credited with starting a movement in 1992 that has brought creativity into the mainstream conversation— in the arts, in business, and in everyday life. She is the best-selling author of more than forty books, fiction, and nonfiction; a poet, songwriter, filmmaker, and playwright. Commonly referred to as "The Godmother" or "High Priestess" of creativity, her tools are based in practice, not theory, and she considers herself "the floor sample of her own toolkit."  I hope you get as much joy, inspiration, and encouragement from Julia’s profound insights and wisdom as much as I did!  Learning to listen  Are you ready to listen? Really listen to the world around you? You might be thinking that there is not much around you that is worth listening to - but you’ll never really know until you take the plunge! Julia Cameron is such a huge advocate for quieting the inner voice and tuning into the world all around that she wrote a book about it!  In her book, “The Listening Path,” Julia takes readers on a transformational journey to deeper, more profound listening and creativity. In Julia’s experience, as we learn to listen, our attention is heightened and we gain healing, insight, and clarity. At the heart of the practice, Julia says that listening creates connections and ignites a creativity that will resonate through every aspect of our lives. If you are ready to find a deeper connection to the world around you and unlock the creativity within you, then try spending some time with the practices and rhythms that Julia teaches about. I’ve been incorporating several lessons from her works over the years and I can not recommend her insights and wisdom enough - I know that dedicated artists like you will get a lot out of what Julia has to offer.  Embracing playfulness  You can’t get very far in a conversation with Julia Cameron without hearing about her passion for playfulness. Yes, that’s right, Julia is passionate about playfulness. If you've been around the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that I am a huge fan of encouraging artists to get in touch with their inner child and unlock that long-hidden impulse to play when it comes to their art. I thought I was serious about playfulness but Julia has me beat. What are you waiting for? The right moment? The perfect plan? Julia encourages you and me to stop overthinking it and just embrace our playfulness. Do something fun today!  Outline of This Episode [4:00] I introduce my guest, Julia Cameron.  [6:00] Julia opens up about her experience writing her latest book.  [10:00] Cultivating a practice of listening.  [13:00] Listening to yourself.  [19:30] How to deal with the inner critic.  [26:00] What to do next.  [30:00] Working from the heart.  [37:00] Just try it.  [41:00] Doing the work itself is the work.  [45:00] Julia talks about her love for film.  [48:00] Embracing playfulness.  [50:00] Closing Support the show

If you were to sum up your creative career in a phrase or theme, what would it be? Has your style evolved over the years in little ways or in large shifts? If you are one of those artists that like to experiment and likes to play around and maybe feels like you are bouncing around a bit and dipping your paintbrush into many different genres of art, this is an episode for you!  I am thrilled to introduce you to my talented guest, Katherine Bourdon. Katherine describes her work as “Constantly evolving in the spirit of exploration and spontaneity.” As an artist and a musician, Katherine thinks subconsciously in terms of sound quality with each painting. The visual and auditory senses are intertwined into a single experience as she perceives the sound as color and form, and vise versa.  Join me for this conversation as Katherine opens up about how she got started as an artist, the challenges she has faced in her career, the habits that have helped her succeed, what it’s like as an artist with Synesthesia, and so much more!  All over the place If someone were to describe your artwork or your style as “All over the place.” Would you take that as a compliment or something different? How would you respond in the moment? When she heard someone describe her artwork as “All over the place,” Katherine didn’t miss a beat - was quick to explain that her biggest passion is, “Finding rhythm, pattern, and color in whatever the subject is.” Don’t be afraid to stand boldly in your vision of your artwork! It was so refreshing to hear Katherine confidently state exactly what she is trying to accomplish with her art as she invites her fellow artists to do the same. Music and visual art explored through Synesthesia  If you’ve been around the Savvy Painter community for very long, you’ve heard me mention my fascination with artists and individuals who experience Synesthesia. Katherine Bourdon was kind enough to open up about her journey as an artist who embraces Synesthesia in her artwork.  Synesthesia is a neurological condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway (for example, hearing) leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway (such as vision). Simply put, when one sense is activated, another unrelated sense is activated at the same time. I was curious to find out about the connection between music and visual art that Katherine experiences - she says that she noticed it very early on when her mother would play music at the piano. Katherine would eventually come to describe her ability as “Hearing colors,” as she started to notice the difference between individual composers like Bach and Beethoven. What can you learn from Katherine’s journey? Make sure to check out the images of her artwork located at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode [0:05] I introduce my guest, Katherine Bourdon.  [6:00] How Katherine got started as an artist.  [8:30] Early family influences.  [11:00] The connection between music and visual art explored through Synesthesia.  [20:00] Searching for style and incorporating exploration in painting.  [27:30] How Katherine learned to paint and the impact that art history had on her.  [29:30] Getting back into the studio after some time away.  [33:30] Healthy habits that work for Katherine.  [39:00] Challenging moments from Katherine’s career.  [41:00] Katherine talks about her dream project.  [44:00] Tips for emerging artists.  [47:30] The future of art and art sales.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Johann Sebastian Bach Support the show

What helps you bring your full and authentic self to your time in your studio? Are there certain activities or habits that help you get in the right mindset to start your day and get those creative juices flowing? If you’ve been around the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that I am a huge fan of meditation and mindfulness. I have seen the direct correlation between self-exploration and creative expression. Here to help us explore the connection between creativity and our inner life is the artist, Michael Ryan.  Michael Ryan is an artist based in the Netherlands whose paintings have been exhibited nationally, as well as in the United States, Russia, and France. His artistic expression is influenced by being in the moment, and the act of paying attention. Ryan is especially inspired by what he observes around him. Primarily working with oils, pastels, and watercolors, he is fascinated by light, color, and the relationship formed between colors. His bold pieces are painted on metal or linen. I can’t wait for you to get to know Michael, I know you will get a lot of valuable insight from his perspective - make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post.  In sudden demand  Can you imagine going from just making it as an artist and a waiter one week to find yourself in another country with suddenly 50 commissioned portraits lined up? While that scenario sounds made up, it actually happened to my guest, Michael Ryan!  After a chance meeting with a Dutch businessman who offered to bring him to the Netherlands to paint the portraits of his two children, Michael was off to a new country and a totally new direction in his career. While some might find themselves intimidated by the sudden demand and clamoring for their work, Michael took it in stride. Looking back on this time in his career, Michael reflects on how much he really enjoyed capturing someone's essence on the canvas.  Finding your center  Over the years it has been an honor to speak with artists who come from all walks of life. It always intrigues me to hear how each one of my guests has managed to find their center. Some might call this their “Why,” or their “Purpose,” or their “Calling.” Some might just refer to finding their true self. For Michael Ryan, his working day begins early with yoga and long walking meditation. By taking this step early in the day, Michael finds his mind and body united, focused, and prepared for creative expression back in the studio. What practices have helped you find your center?  Trust yourself  As you navigate the challenges of a career as an artist, Michael and I encourage you to spend that time investing in your inner life. While some might not find as great a benefit as others, the investment is well worth it. What do you have to lose in taking the time to learn about meditation and other practices? You might just find that you learn some helpful insights about yourself along the way. Don’t let others direct your path, trust yourself - you won’t regret it.  Outline of This Episode [0:05] I introduce my guest, Michael Ryan.  [2:00] How did Michael end up in Amsterdam?  [7:30] 50 portraits in three years? [9:30] Learning the Dutch language.  [11:30] Was Michael intimidated by the tsunami of portrait commissions?  [15:30] What drew Michael back to New York?  [18:30] How did Michael deal with moving with all of his art and supplies?  [20:30] What is Micahel currently working on?  [24:30] Finding inner quiet before you enter the studio.  [38:00] Michael describes his series, “Shimmering Mess”  [44:00] How has the pandemic affected Michael’s time in the studio?  [48:30] Do you incorporate your emotions and thoughts into your art aSupport the show

What is it that catches your eye when you are determining what to paint? Do you look for color that speaks to you, are you drawn to certain subjects or locations? Growing up in Australia, Mary Tonkin quickly became enamored with, “The bush” - a term mostly used in the English vernacular of Australia and New Zealand where it is largely synonymous with backwoods or hinterland, referring to a natural undeveloped area. Mary completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1995 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2002 at Monash University, where she has also lectured. Tonkin has held solo exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney since 1999. Her work has been included in group exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, and internationally in New York.  It was my privilege to host Mary for a live session of our interview. It was a joy to have Mary open up about her process, what she sees when she’s out here in the bush, how she juggles life as a working mother, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to get to know Mary’s engaging story!  Brining the bush to life  When you speak with Mary, you get a quick impression that she means business when she talks about slowing down and paying attention. For Mary, phrases like stillness, being present, and “taking in” a place, aren't' strangers - they are well-known companions on her journey. While it may be challenging to have a living and constantly changing subject like the Australian bush, Mary says that the experience has been well worth it. What stands out to you when you observe Mary’s artwork? Make sure to catch images of her paintings located at the end of this post.  Learning to adapt  Working in the wilderness in many ways can prepare you for challenging situations you face later in life. Learning to prepare for variables that you can’t control is a helpful training ground for parents. Mary was kind enough to open up about her experience as a working mother trying to navigate her time in the wilderness with her responsibilities at home. At the end of the day, it all comes down to quality over quantity for Mary, she is grateful for the time in the bush that she can reserve.  Feeding your curiosity  I loved hearing from Mary about her own journey with compartmentalizing her painting life for both the good and bad, I know so many artists just like her! One big takeaway from my conversation with Mary comes down to the value of feeding your curiosity. Some of us love to explore our curiosity over conversations with friends, while others need time in solitude. What works best for you? How do you feed your curiosity and let it fuel your creativity? I want to hear from you!  Outline of This Episode [2:00] I welcome my guest, Mary Tonkin.  [3:15] How Mary got started as an artist.  [6:15] Mary describes her artwork.  [10:45] How does Mary manage the seeming complexity in her paintings?  [16:00] Mary opens up about how wildfires and COVID-19 have impacted her work. [18:30] The challenge of conveying color from the wild.  [20:30] Using collage to branch out.Support the show

When was the last time you encountered a painting that really moved you? What feelings did the painting evoke? Did your initial impression of the painting remain or change the more you pondered it? I love hearing stories from fellow artists who have found themselves entranced by or enamored with the artwork of their peers. On this special episode, I had the opportunity to speak with a returning Savvy Painter guest, Dean Mitchell as well as Art Patron Kathy Flynn, and Gallery Director Nicole Wolff.  Thinking back to my first conversation with Dean for this podcast, it’s quite appropriate that we discussed the transformative power of art. Dean’s painting and the subject of our conversation, “No Way Out” is a great example of that. Dean's painting was recently added to the permanent collection of the Columbus Museum of Fine Art. On this episode, you will hear Dean talk about what this painting means to him, and why he created it. Then you will hear from Kathy Flynn - Kathy's father was involved in the civil rights movement in the '60s, she fell in love with art when she traveled with her parents through Europe visiting museums. Kathy first saw "No Way Out" at the Cutter and Cutter Gallery in St. Augustine, Florida two years ago. She'll tell us why seeing this painting again after the murder of George Floyd moved her so much that she not only bought it but worked with Dean and our third guest, Nicole Wolff (director of Cutter & Cutter Fine Art ) to get it into the permanent collection of the Columbus Museum of Art.  What inspired “No Way Out”  Dean Mitchell sees his painting, “No Way Out” as an evolution of his own life, growing up as a Black kid in poverty in the American South. Looking at Dean's painting, it really draws you in and it feels like it almost wants to tell you something. Many people, Dean says, are often surprised when he tells them that the man in the painting is on the other side of the jail cell, he’s not inside where many people assume he is located.  Dean says that he wanted to create this painting to challenge the perception of the Black male in American society. Too often, people bring their assumed narrative and transpose it onto our artwork - for good and for ill. By drawing people in with his minimalist style, Dean is welcoming discerning viewers to joining a necessary and relevant conversation about race. This needs to be in a museum  Last year’s heartbreaking killing of George Floyd has spurred people with platforms like myself to find a way to shine a light on the stain and legacy of racism in our society. I don’t just want to have the conversation, I want to be part of the solution. In a similar way, my guests Nicole Wolff and Kathy Flynn felt the same way about Dean’s painting. They were so moved and inspired by the message that Dean is sharing and the conversation that his painting has sparked that they knew they needed to get as many people to encounter it as possible. After a lot of hard work, Kathy, Nicole, and Dean were able to get “No Way Out” into the permanent collection of the Columbus Museum of Art.  Outline of This Episode [2:20] I welcome my guests, Kathy Flynn, Nicole Wolff, and Dean Mitchell.  [5:00] What inspired Dean’s painting, “No Way Out” [8:30] Kathy talks about her experience seeing Dean’s painting for the first time.  [14:30] Nicole talks about how Cutter & Cutter brought Dean into their gallery.  [21:00] Kathy shares some of her background.  [25:00] How has “No Way Out” impacted Kathy, Nicole, and Dean?  [34:20] Dean explains how he feels about his artwork featured in a museum.  [40:00] When did Dean paint, “No Way Out?”  [42:20] WhatSupport the show

Have you struggled with integrating the various aspects of your day to day into a workflow that respects your responsibilities AND your passion for art? How do you avoid burning out and feeling like you’ve wasted too much of your life?  If you’ve ever wondered if there was a way to truly bring your art to all aspects of your life - you’ve come to the right place! Here to help me dive into this critical topic that burdens so many of us is my friend and fellow artist, Nicholas Wilton.  Hailing from San Francisco, California, Nicholas studied art at the College of Creative Studies in Santa Barbara and then went on to receive his BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Wilton’s paintings are seen in yearly gallery exhibitions, International Art Fairs, and are included in numerous private and corporate collections in both the United States and Europe. Nicholas is also the founder of Art2Life, an online platform that strives to build, empower, and inspire the creative community.  I can’t wait for you to get to know my engaging and insightful friend as he helps us explore what it really means to bring our art to life - you don’t want to miss it! What is ART2LIFE?  Thousands of artists listen to and believe this lie every day and they walk away from the passion and energy that set them on their creative path - what is the lie?  You aren’t good enough. You’ll never make it. No one wants to buy your art. Only the supremely talented can make any money off of their art. Do any of these lines sound familiar?  What if there was a way to silence those lies that swirl around and re-train your mindset? With his Art2Life program, Nicholas strives to build, empower, and inspire the creative community. Nicholas wants to flip the script and help us shift our focus away from competition to sharing. His program is all about finding what inspires and brings you joy, and making art that is more and more like yourself. The process of becoming yourself  If you’ve been around the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that I am passionate about empowering artists like you to fully realize your potential and chase after your dreams. It’s been so encouraging to meet and speak with artists like Nicholas who have dedicated their lives to their craft but to also helping others discover the joy of creative fulfillment. If you find yourself wondering if you’ll ever be able to talk about your art like Nicholas does - STOP! Remember, this isn’t about who you can be most like, it’s about discovering the real YOU. Give yourself patience and space to continue the process of discovery - we are all works in progress!  Pay attention to your energy and mindset While it might sound silly, the truth is, the energy you bring to your studio matters. Maybe for you, it is all about that cup of coffee or maybe it’s about getting in an early morning run - the actions we take before we decide to sit down and create can have a huge impact on our artwork! As you continue to explore this critical topic with Nicholas, I encourage you to begin paying attention to what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how it is impacting your creative process - the result might surprise you!  Outline of This Episode [0:25] I introduce my guest, Nicholas Wilton.  [4:00] Nicholas talks about the moment when everything came crashing down.  [8:00] Setting intentions and turning over a new leaf.  [11:00] What is, “ART2LIFE?”  [15:00] Why the world needs YOUR art. [20:30] The process of becoming yourself.  [28:45] Nicholas opens up about “getting stuck.”  [33:30] Pay attention to the energy you want to bring to the studio.  [37:00] How you can learn from Nicholas’ innovative approach.  [40:30] Closing thoughts. Support the show

Sometimes we can sabotage our creativity without even realizing it. We think we can buckle down or toughen up to just get it done. But what if there is a better way to inspire your creativity? What if you can create from a place of authentic joy without the drama? That's what we explore in this episode of the Savvy Painter podcast!Support the show

How do you feel heading into 2021? Do you feel like you just need the clock to strike 12:01 am on January 1st, 2021 before you can even begin to hope for anything good? This  has been a tough year, to say the least. But what if there was a way to acknowledge the struggle without letting it bog you down and rob you of your fun, joy, and passion for your art? As I’ve grown and developed professionally over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and alongside some amazing people like my good friend, Elisia Keown.    I get the chance to chat with Elisia several times a week as we both continue to develop and grow in our respective professions and I wanted to invite you all along for one of our conversations. Pay close attention, Elisia has some helpful insights that I know you’ll find useful, don’t miss it!    Setting impossible goals   What comes to mind when you hear, “Impossible goals.” Does it sound like a recipe for failure for you? When was the last time you set an ambitious goal? Here is the thing when it comes to goal setting, most people are terrible at it! We use excuses like New Year's resolutions to make half-hearted attempts at change but many of us find ourselves right back where we started. How do you make this time different from every other time you’ve tried and received lackluster results? You’ve got to aim higher. Yes, an impossible goal should scare you and make you a little panicky, that’s the point!    Talk to yourself!   Do you need permission to talk to yourself? Seriously! It sounds crazy but I promise - it’s not! Our brains are designed to make sense out of complex experiences, thoughts, and encounters - talking it out helps. Whether you  write in a journal or talk out loud - I encourage you to give it a try - without feeling self conscious! Have tried this before? What was your experience like? Make sure to join the conversation, I want to hear from you!    Thinking of failure as an opportunity    I used to hate failure. I’d take it personally, like I’d done something wrong - or worse like there was something wrong with ME. Do you ever feel that way when it comes to failure? Instead of constantly telling and teaching myself to do everything possible to avoid failure, I decided to embrace it. What if the failure was less of a punishment and more of an opportunity to learn and grow? In my conversation with Elisia, I even compare my failures these days to coins that Mario collects in Mario brothers!   Outline of This Episode   [1:00] Elisia talks about how we met.  [2:30] The value of setting an impossible goal.  [6:30] Don’t be afraid to talk to yourself!  [10:30] Sorting your thoughts and using a journal.  [18:00] Looking ahead. Support the show

In this interview with the artist Steven Walker, we explore how dedication, focus, and setting the right priorities creates an environment that empowers creativity and excellence in the studio. What grounds you in the chaos that life throws your way? Is your painting what grounds you and keeps you headed in the right direction? Maybe for you, it’s family or friends who keep you focused on what really matters in life. While the answer might change from person to person, the truth is, we all need something that helps us keep it all in perspective.  It was an honor to speak with my guest, Steven Walker as we explored what it takes to make the most of the hand you're dealt. From parenting, understanding depression, honing your craft, and so much more - Steven was kind enough to really open up in our wide-ranging conversation - I know that artists like you will learn a lot!  How Painter Steven Walker Learned the hard way Every artist has that one hurdle that stands in their way - some of us deal with multiple hurdles at once and often at different times through our lives. Steven Walker remembers learning several lessons in his life the hard way - one, in particular, was the first time he tried to mix colors for his first painting.  Then, fresh out of high school, Steven quickly learned that being the most talented in a high school doesn’t mean much in college. Steven excelled in high school where he honed his skill at drawing but he never took the opportunity at the canvas. You would never guess that Steven’s creative journey started that way by looking at his artwork today!  Rolling with the punches Let’s face it, no one plans on having to struggle with mental health. For years, Steven struggled with depression, he couldn’t understand what it was that was holding him back for so long. Eventually, Steven got the help he needed to thrive and live with his depression - he learned how to roll with the punches. If you want to succeed, you need to find what works for you - every one of us has a different answer for how we will face adversity and challenges when they arise. Finding your center One of the best ways to weather the storms that life throws your way is to find your center. While the rest of the world might assume that we live to work, the truth is we need something that grounds us just like everyone else. Steven's center is his family, plain and simple. When things go crazy in life, Steven buckles down and makes sure that his family is OK above all else. You can also see this theme of finding your center expressed through Steven’s artwork, make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post.     Outline of this episode [2:30] I welcome my guest, artist Steven Walker.  [4:30] Early artistic influences.  [6:00] How Steven got started as a painter.  [16:30] Struggling to get noticed.  [25:00] Steven opens up about his habits and how he approaches the canvas.  [30:00] Navigating COVID as a painter, partner, and parent.  [35:00] Steven shares how he has lived with depression over the years.  [45:00] Why family is so important to SSupport the show

Do you find yourself struggling with perfectionism? What do you do to turn down the volume and focus on what really matters? I’ve heard from so many of my friends and peers over the years about this topic that I decided to open it up to my Groth Studio participants. Several students were kind enough to open up about how they’ve dealt with perfectionism in the past and the strategies they used to overcome. If you are ready to wrestle back control of your life from the clutches of perfectionism - then this is the episode for you - you don’t want to miss it!  Confusing perfectionism with excellence  What’s so bad about perfectionism? Doesn’t a good dose of nervous paranoia help fuel you on your journey to excellence? No! Perfectionism and excellence are not the same things. Excellence is internally motivated - it causes us to reach higher, to become a forever student, and continually improve our creative process. Your baseline with excellence is that you belong at the table - you have something worthy to offer.  On the other hand, perfectionism is externally motivated - it makes you always ask, “What will THEY think?” Perfectionism starts and ends with - I am not enough. When your starting point is “I am not enough” it encourages judgment of yourself and other people - it causes you to contract and shrink.  Which route sounds best to you? Do you want to be constrained by what others think or do you want a more positive and healthy outlook? What are you going to do today to put you on the path that’s best for you? There’s no time like right now!  Don’t let fear have control! Rember that last thing you had to do that you absolutely dreaded about? Do you remember how your muscles tensed up, your temperature rose, and your heart started beating faster? Were all that worry, stress, and fear really worth it in the end? Why are we letting fear have control over our lives? It’s time we learned how to stand up to the circumstances that life throws our way in a healthy and constructive manner. Allow yourself to slow down, acknowledge the feelings you are experiencing, and then move on. Just because you experience a wave of frustration and anger, it doesn’t mean you have to lose your temper - let the feeling come and then let it pass - you have the control!  Embrace accidents and paint from a place of love The biggest casualty to the trap of perfectionism is often our artwork. Just think of all the amazing projects that never came to light because we listened to another voice - the wrong voice. I don’t want my life ruled by fear and the opinion of others - there is too much freedom out there to enjoy! Over the years, I have found that the best way to move forward is to remember that I paint from a place of love. I love myself, I love my life, and I love my art - it might sound silly but just starting with those intentions can make all the difference. What will you do to conquer the power of perfectionism in your life? Let me know what works for you!  Outline of This Episode [2:00] My introduction to today’s episode on perfectionism. [5:00] Confusing perfectionism with excellence.  [7:30] Jenny opens up about her struggles with perfectionism.  [10:30] How fear hijacks our lives.  [13:45] Dancing with fear.  [18:15] We always have a choice.  [21:30] How confirmation bias works.  [23:30] Painting from a place of love.  [30:30] The danger of falling into the comparison trap.  [38:00] Choose the thought that moves you forward.  [41:30] Learning to embrace accidents.  [44:00] Don’t edit yourself - take your power back!  Resources Mentioned on this episode Tara Brach’s Website Support the show

Have you ever felt like you just don’t “fit in” at non-artist gatherings? What do you do with that feeling? Do you shrink back and retreat to the safety of your peers and insulate? Or do you press into the discomfort and forge your path? Everyone’s story is going to be different and that’s the beauty of our corner of society, we embrace the mosaic of diversity - but what would it look like if we were to integrate our creative outlook with other areas?  That’s where my guest and talented artist, John Sabraw comes in! Hailing from Lakenheath, England, John is an activist and environmentalist - his paintings, drawings, and collaborative installations are produced in an eco-conscious manner, and he continually works toward a fully sustainable practice. In our conversation, John opens up about his time working with Kerry James Marshall and how he got involved with Gamblin and producing their reclaimed earth colors. Trust me, you’ll find John’s perspective refreshing and engaging - I know I did!  Throwing it all away  You know those days where you feel like tossing everything in your studio in the garbage? Imagine doing that and then getting an invitation to Washington DC to meet members of Congress because your art was selected as the winner of a competition. Sounds crazy, right? It actually happened to John Sabraw!  As he struggled in high school and tried to decipher the way he wanted his life to go, John reached a breaking point where he just had to walk away. He took all his artwork that he had completed in his high school art class and tossed it in the dumpster and then took off for a week. When he returned, what he saw changed the course of his career - his teacher had entered him into a contest and he had won! John’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing from there - he faced setbacks and challenges but this initial success helped see the talent he had honed.  Speaking your truth  How does your truth, your authenticity show up in your artwork? Do you try to embrace it or do you try to go in a different direction? As the United States was gearing up for the Iraq war in 2003, John felt like he needed to speak out and share his conviction that war was not the answer with his art. The result was a fierce backlash that made John rethink his approach and if he wanted to make a stand that would continue to incur this type of reaction from people. John didn’t back down, he just decided to change his approach - this launched him on the path to his work with sustainability and activism.  Exploring sustainability  Imagine visiting a community ravished by the scourge of industrial waste and environmental destruction and finding in that mess and contamination a way to create sustainable paint colors. No, this isn’t a pipe dream, this actually happed with John’s efforts to collaborate with scientists on many projects. One of his current collaborations involves creating paint and paintings from iron oxide extracted in the process of remediating polluted streams. I hope you are as inspired by John’s story as I have been - make sure to check out images of John’s artwork located at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode [2:50] I introduce my guest, John Sabraw.  [4:00] How did John get started as an artist?  Support the show

How do you feel about the big idea you’ve been keeping on the back burner? Does the thought of executing your big idea fill you with excitement, dread, or somewhere in-between? Those big creative ideas that bubble up deserve their time to shine - so what are you waiting for?  Let’s face it, most of us shy away from pulling the trigger on a big idea because we are scared or overwhelmed. What if there was a way to sidestep the obstacles that block you from executing your big idea? You’ve come to the right place! I took the opportunity to get feedback from amazing artists like you who are doing their best to forge ahead with their big ideas. I know that you’ll find helpful insights that will encourage you on your creative journey - don’t miss it! Don’t let your doubts win  There comes a time when everyone will have to come face to face with their internal doubts. Some people face this challenge early on in their creative journey and some face small doubts that creep in and disrupt in a more subtle way. If you really want to succeed and take on the big ambitious ideas that have been waiting to break out - you’ve got to learn how to deal with your doubts. Your doubts may never completely go away, and that’s ok - but they don’t have to control your life!  Turning obstacles into a to-do list  In much the same way that you can’t let your doubts control your life, you also can’t let obstacles become an excuse. Too often I’ve seen talented artists get stuck in the quicksand of chores, shortcomings, distractions, and more. You don’t have to surrender to the obstacles that block your path to executing your big idea. What if you listed out the obstacles that stand in your way and turn that list into a do-to list that will empower you on your journey? What do you have to lose? Give the to-list method a shot!  Give yourself permission to change and adapt along the way  One of the obvious ways to fuel the fire of creativity and take on big ideas is to give yourself permission to do the risky thing and even succeed. If you’ve been part of the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that I am passionate about helping artists like you adopt a healthy and growth-focused mindset. Year after year, artists with a ton of potential find themselves throwing in the towel because they can’t bring themselves to adapt and change along the way. As crucial as it is to give yourself permission to succeed, you’ve also got to give yourself room to go in a new direction.  Outline of This Episode [0:50] My introduction to this episode.  [4:00] How listening to your doubts can throw a wrench in your plans.  [7:00] Thinking of obstacles as a to-do list.  [14:30] Are you ok with getting uncomfortable?  [17:30] So what if you don’t knock it out of the park?  [21:00] Have a plan but be ready to change along the way.  [24:30] Why constraints can be helpful.  [29:30] Are you really committed to your big idea? Give yourself permission to go for it!  Resources Mentioned on this episode Ryan Holliday John Seed Bo Bartlett Seth Godin Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On InstagramSupport the show

When it comes to your time at the canvas, do you paint from observation or with reference photos and other tools? Have you had the opportunity to experiment with the size and scale of your paintings? I know that artists like you will be thrilled to hear from the brilliant and talented artist, Mike East.  Mike is a representational painter who lives in Flordia with his wife and two children. Over the course of our conversation, Mike and I discussed how the choice of canvas size can impact your painting, how Mike’s thought process shifts when he changes his subject matter, and so much more. I know that artists like you will learn a lot from Mike’s seasoned perspective - make sure to check out the images of Mike’s artwork located at the end of this post!  Cityscapes and finding the right perspective Think of your favorite work of art that you’ve produced in the last year- what is it that stands out in your mind? Do you love how the colors turned out? Are you over the moon about the lighting and textures you were able to convey? Mike East spent over ten years working almost exclusively on cityscapes as he plodded and navigated his early career. Through all the challenges over the years, Mike points out that getting the right perspective with his cityscape projects really helped him grow as an artist. In fact, stepping out of that area of success and comfort proved to be challenging and rewarding in the next phase he now finds himself in. Making a mindset shift  Let’s face it, most people abhor change - they construct their whole lives around avoiding discomfort and change - many artists aren’t any different. If you have any intention of growing as an artist, you need to make your peace with “Change.” Don’t look at change as the enemy, look at it as an opportunity to explore and expand your skillset. After years of working on cityscapes, Mike East was ready for a change and that journey began with preparing his mindset for a significant shift.  The challenge and freedom of “Going big” I love talking to my fellow artists when it comes to the subject of scale - from huge murals to small paintings - it’s a joy to see artists light up over the parameters they’ve set for themselves. When it comes to the parameters of your canvas, do you find it liberating or constricting? Does going small or going large fill you with a sense of freedom or dread? Imagine what it would look like to push past those feelings to explore new possibilities. When I talked to Mike East about the scale and scope of his paintings - I really got the sense that Mike relishes the freedom that large-scale paintings give him. What can you learn from Mike’s story? Make sure to check out the link to mike’s website and his Instagram account located in the resources section.  Outline of This Episode [2:30] I introduce my guest, Mike East.  [6:00] Mike talks about how he got started as an artist.  [7:30] What really lights Mike up.  [11:00] Why Mike loves working on a large scale.  [17:30] Investigating complexity.  [24:00] Mike talks about his time in college.  [36:00] Giving yourself permission to work outside of the box.  [42:30] Mike opens up about his time visiting Europe.  [45:30] How COVID has impacted Mike’s work life.  [50:30] The challenge of working from life when it comes to cityscapes.  [54:00] Closing thoughts.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Lennart Anderson Eve Mansdorf LucianSupport the show

Who was it that inspired and empowered you as you began your journey as an artist? Did you have a family member who nurtured and encouraged your creative aspirations? Maybe it was a peer or a mentor from afar - almost everyone has that special person or group of people who spurred them on as an artist.  While our world continues to grow more interconnected with the help of the internet, it’s important to remember the critical role of in-person and local art communities and expressions. My guest is someone who benefited from and gives back to local youth initiatives to empower young people on their creative journeys.  Jerarde Gutierrez is an artist and Arts Program Coordinator as well as a Co-Program Manager of the ACOE IL Dept. Management of program centers around coordination of Integrated Arts Learning spaces at the REACH Ashland Youth Center, a project of Alameda County. Jerarde describes his work as “Rooted in representational painting.” Lately, he has been gravitating towards painting En Plein Air as it allows for fluid brushstrokes, contrasting textures, and interplay of representational and abstraction to capture the essence of a place. An early push in the creative direction  Looking back on his start as an artist, Jerarde is quick to point out how much of an impact his mother had on his development. As a crafty and creative person herself, Jerarde’s mother filled him with the confidence and boldness he would need as he entered the art world. After his mother laid a solid foundation, Jerarde was able to work closely with the renowned West Coast muralist, John Wehrle. While Jerarde felt like an annoying mosquito buzzing around and annoying people with his questions, the truth is - their kindness and embrace helped Jerarde grow as an artist by leaps and bounds.  Giving back  After receiving so much generosity in his early years from his mother, John Wehrle, and many others - Jerarde jumped at the chance to give back and help others on their journey. These days, Jerarde spends a portion of his time as an Arts Program Coordinator. What Jerarde loves about his work with young people is seeing their potential and then watching that spark fan into a flame of passion and dedication. Can you relate to Jerarde’s story? What do you do to honor those who came before you and paved the way - I want to hear from you!  Taking the job seriously  Let’s face it, mastering a technique, or getting a process just right is stressful! Too often, many artists let the overwhelm, self-doubt, fear, and so many other obstacles get in the way of their creative process in the studio. Don’t let these limiting factors rob you of the joy you deserve creating the art you love! Jerarde encourages his students and peers to look at their work as an artist like they would a typical job - put in the time and effort even when you don’t feel like it! You really get the sense that Jerearde practices what he preaches - his artwork is focused and inspiring. Make sure to check out images of Jerarde’s artwork located at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode [4:00] I introduce my guest, Jerarde Gutierrez.  [6:00] How Jerade’s mom and his comic artwork got him into the Richmond Art Center.  [12:00] Jerarde talks about mentorship fatigue.  [14:00] The impact that Jerade’s mother has had on him.  [20:00] Taking the job seriously.  [22:15] Giving back and helping others.  [24:14] Why it’s crucial to learn about the arts.  [33:00] Jerarde talks about how he engages with his students.  [38:00] What does “Deliberate practice” mean?  [43:00] Jerarde opens up about his current obsession.  [50:00] Closing thoughts.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Support the show

What comes to mind when you think of the word, failure? Do you start internalizing the word? Do you hear that inner voice roaring the negative talk that sends you spinning? Or have you found a way forward to understand and overcome the fear of failure that plagues so many artists?  By no means will I say that I’ve discovered all the answers or everything you need to know when it comes to recognizing your fear of failure and moving past it. I have learned from first-hand experience what works and what doesn’t and I’ve heard from my peers like you! This episode is another offering of my Office Hours sessions that give you a peek into the helpful community I’ve built with the Savvy Painter. Make sure to chime in - I can’t wait to hear how this one lands with you!  Set yourself up for success Time and time again, the two common issues I hear about from my Growth Studio participants is the challenge to get started and the challenge to finish a work of art. Do you ever struggle with these challenges? What about failing to eliminate distractions? There are so many factors both big and small that can impact your focus and productivity in the studio. If you struggle with these challenges and distractions, you aren’t alone! I encourage you to connect with peers either digitally or in-person (where possible with COVID) there are so many ways we can help each other.  Don’t make it personal!  Look, I get it - beating up on yourself can become so commonplace that you get lulled into thinking it’s normal - it doesn’t have to be! Sure, self-critique can be helpful and you do want to nurture that aspect of your growth but not negative talk. How do you spot the difference between being critical and talking negatively about yourself? Write it out! If you find yourself in a particularly critical mode, write out the critiques in your head on paper - then you can see in black and white if they are negative and personal attacks or fair critiques.  The key to becoming a confident painter  The key to success and confidence as an artist is to avoid failure at all costs! NO - that’s not true at all. If you were to look at the way our society shapes us - you’ll see that it does train us to avoid discomfort and pain. If you can re-train yourself to think of failure not as an ultimate letdown but as a stepping stone to success, you’ll see your confidence skyrocket. Expect failure, anticipate it, and let it be part of your story - let failure fuel your growth - you are worth the extra effort!  Outline of This Episode [2:30] How many artists experience failure.  [5:30] Common negative thoughts we often have.  [10:15] Distancing failure from your self-worth.  [16:00] A visualization exercise you can try.  [18:00] The key to becoming a confident painter.  [21:00] Why it’s OK to make mistakes.  [25:00] Closing thoughts.  Resources Mentioned on this episode https://drphm.co/savvy Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter Support the show

How did you get to where you are right now in your career? Can you remember and identify clear moments that brought you to where you are today? How have you evolved over the years? It’s funny how often we become unaware of the passage of time - you think you’ll be stuck in a phase FOREVER and blink - 10 years go by just like that!  I’m learning to slow down and really appreciate the time I’m in, yes even with COVID and I hope that my conversation with Sarah Intemann encourages you to do the same.  Sarah is an abstract artist who lives in New York City. Graduating college with a Fine Art degree, she moved to NYC and has been exhibiting and painting ever since. It is on the New York subways that she constantly sketched and developed a line-focused abstract language that she uses today in her work.  I can’t wait for you to hear Sarah’s fascinating perspective and yes, her total nerdiness when it comes to her medium. Make sure to catch images of Sarah’s artwork located at the end of this post! Slowing down When you are young, the last thing you want to do is to slow down. Kids love to run around the yard, speed down steep hills on bikes, and a ton of other crazy imaginations that give their parents a heart attack. While there are plenty of people who have grey in their hair that still enjoy life on the edge, most learn to enjoy the quiet and slower pace of life.  In NYC of all places, you can imagine that the idea of “Slowing down” isn’t a popular one - something is happening all the time, the city never sleeps. Somehow, in the middle of that busy and bustling city, Sarah learned to do the impossible, slow down. When you learn to slow down, you start to notice things you’ve never noticed before - you discover little details that can become whole worlds unto themselves. I loved hearing how Sarah took the time to get into the practice of slowing down intentionally and how much it helped her professionally.  Once Sarah was able to slow down, she started to really listen to what she wanted to do. Have you ever found it difficult to find your voice or to tune out all the noise in your life? According to Sarah, slowing down gave her the capacity to listen to her internal creative voice.  Dreaming big What will you take away from Sarah’s powerful example of creativity, patience, and hard work? It was great to get to include one of my favorite questions in my conversation with Sarah, I asked her what she would do if she had all the resources at her disposal for any project. Never the one to play it safe, Sarah swang for the fences - she said that she’d like to go BIG and use a whole room to create a project! Don’t you find yourself rooting for her? I know that I do!  Outline of This Episode [3:20] I welcome my guest, Sarah Intemann.  [7:40] Sarah talks about her creative process.  [18:20] What keeps Sarah coming back to abstract artwork?  [22:40] How Sarah names her paintings.  [27:30] What aspect of painting has been the most challenging for Sarah?  [34:00] Artists that have inspired Sarah over the years.  [41:00] With unlimited resources, what project would Sarah work on?  [43:00] Closing thoughts.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Jackson Pollock Lucian Freud  Mitchell Johnson  Cy Twombly Support the show

The last time we had an Office Hours episode I got a ton of positive feedback so I decided it would be good to feature another session. These topics and questions come from our Savvy Painter Growth Studio. Artists just like you who are looking for ways to hone their craft and move their creative process forward have all found a supportive environment with the Growth Studio.  For just a peek into what the Growth Studio has to offer, I wanted to share some of these helpful topics and insights with the larger Savvy Painter audience. From adapting to the challenges that life throws our way to unpacking what it means to “Get out of your own way,” I know you’ll find something that will resonate with you and hope you share it!  Learning to adapt  Don’t you hate it when life doesn’t go according to the script you’ve written out in your head? I can’t be the only one, can I? I can’t be the only one who has made a major career change or moved to a different country, right?  While your challenges might not look like my challenges, the truth is - we all have our own challenges to face and overcome. Part of learning to adapt to whatever life throws your way is figuring out how to assess the situation. Do you need to make temporary changes or do you need to adapt your schedule and expectations? Will this decision impact your family or your income? How will adjust to suit your goals? It’s going to look different for each person but you have to be willing to be in a mindset to adapt and that starts by assessing the situation.  Doing the work  Do you have a vision of where you want to be this time next year? What type of projects do you want to be working on? What are your creative goals? What are your professional goals? If you don’t have a vision of where you want to be, chances are, you’ll never get there. Setting a goal is the easy part, doing the work is where it really gets challenging.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that doing the work can take a lot out of you - but you have to keep pushing. One way to stay focused on the work is to narrow your focus to one area you want to improve in - you don’t have to transform overnight. By setting achievable goals on a specific area you’ll find that the process becomes more and more familiar.  Getting out of your own way Have you ever been told that you just need to “Get out of your own way?” What does that even mean? How do you know that you are “In your own way?” I’ve been told that I needed to “Get out of my own way” and the truth is, I didn’t know what to do with that for a long time.  Over the years I’ve come to understand this saying as an artist who blocks themselves or sabotages their own path when things start to progress. I see this happen to artists all the time and I want to make sure you know that it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t have to keep selling yourself short - all you need to do is to shift your perspective. Outline of This Episode [4:00] My introduction to this special Office Hours episode.  [6:20] Learning to adapt to new circumstances.  [11:00] Narrowing it down and “Doing the work.”  [14:30] Push through or change course?  [19:20] How do you “Get out of your own way?”  [26:30] Practical ways to get out of your own way. [29:30] Balancing the demand for commissions and creating your projects.  [35:45] Closing thoughts.  Resources Mentioned on this episode The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles (2002) Do The Work (2011) Support the show

Have you ever stood in awe of a large scale painting? When was the last time you felt like a painting sucked you in so totally that you could almost say you lost yourself in that painting? I love to explore and encounter the sheer magnificence that large scale paintings have to offer. Here to give us a welcome peek behind the curtain of his large scale paintings is the artist, Jivan Lee.  Jivan Lee is an oil painter based in Taos, NM. He grew up in Woodstock, NY, and studied painting at Bard College. His work explores the nature of paint as raw material, creator of image, and catalyst for emotional response, and is increasingly addressing the complexities of how humans see and shape the environment.  Jivan's paintings have been exhibited nationally and covered in publications such as Fine Art Connoisseur, The Denver Post, Hyperallergic, Southwest Art, Phoenix Home and Garden, Art Business News, and Two Coats of Paint among others. In addition to painting as much as time allows, Jivan occasionally teaches. Large scale paintings Jivan says he always gets chuckles from people when he tells them that his approach to large scale paintings doesn’t differ very much to his approach with smaller-scale paintings. Of course, the real challenge when it comes to painting these large projects is the logistics - where, when, and how become a bit more complicated on a large scale. While it might sound complicated and a bit of a nightmare, the way that Jivan describes it, the process sort of unfolded before him - as he takes each logical step at a time. Make sure to check out the images of Jivan’s artwork located at the end of this post! Letting your light shine I know, we are all sick and tired of hearing about how COVID has impacted and changed everything - we get it. I don’t want to dwell too much on how much COVID continues to impact the shape of things in the art community but I thought it was really helpful to get Jivan’s perspective. Many of us find ourselves with a ton of emotions and anxieties around our finances, the state of global and national politics, and of course COVID. Jivan was kind enough to open up about some of the personal struggles he has experienced over the last couple of months. He shared that when he takes the time to get alone with his canvas, it allows for emotional catharsis. I have felt that way too when it comes to painting during COVID - don’t want to let my light fade, I have something to share with the world and so do you! Creating art is a marathon, not a sprint  As Jivan encourages us to keep shining our light even when the darkness feels like it’s closing in, it’s good to also keep in mind that the creative process is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to do your best work now or consistently - just stay at it. Even when it gets challenging, remember, we need your voice. I get it, sometimes it feels like you just want to throw in the towel but every artist that I’ve talked to over the years have told me that staying in the game is worth it. What keeps you in the game? How do you stay motivated when times get tough? I want to hear from you, make sure to leave a comment!  Outline of This Episode [1:30] I introduce my guest, Jivan Lee.  [2:45] What led Jivan to his career as an artist?  [8:30] Jivan talks about why he pursued grants as he got started.  [10:45] Getting students engaged with art.  [15:50] What is the point of painting during a time of crisis.  [29:30] Jivan opens up about his solo exhibit, “Dynamics of change.”  [40:15] How COVID has impacted Jivan’s schedule.  [44:30] Why you need to think of your creative journey as a marathon, not a sprint.  [52:00] Jivan explains his process in the studio when it comes to large scale projects.  [1:04:00]Support the show

I’ve been hearing a lot of questions from long time listeners of the podcast and from fellow artists who are taking some of my growth courses. This episode is the result of compiling some of those questions to provide helpful answers to artists like you! I don’t have all the answers but I have picked up some helpful tips and insights over the years and I can’t let that go to waste. If you have any suggestions you’d like to share - don’t hesitate - this community thrives when people speak up and join the conversation.  Setting yourself up for success How are you doing when it comes to managing your time in the studio? Do you feel like you’ve got a good system and routine down or does it feel haphazard and disorganized? I hated the feeling of losing hours in the studio because I didn’t have a plan and a thought-out approach.  A good way to start reclaiming your time in the studio is to make a plan - even a small one - you’ve got to start somewhere. Don’t feel like you need to make a radical change overnight, those rarely work - make your goal achievable so you are setting yourself up for success. I’d also encourage artists like you to start batching your work when possible - take some time to prepare a ton of canvases or organize your supplies, or even take time to sketch out some ideas on paper. What have you found that has worked well in your studio?  Life happens - it’s OK to adapt! Sometimes the worst critic we face is the person looking back at us in the mirror. We make a plan and we get into a rhythm and then all of a sudden life throws us a curveball! Have you given yourself permission to make changes to your plans? Seriously? Sometimes even the act of writing out the phrase, “I give myself permission to change this plan if necessary” can be helpful. The important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself - we need you and your creative expressions!  Dealing with creative blocks When you get stuck, I mean REALLY stuck, what do you do? Has it helped you to just push through the creative block and keep creating what you can or have you found a different approach that works? I have had my fair share of creative blocks over the years and I don’t wish those on anyone. What I am grateful for is the support and encroachment I’ve received from my peers who have been willing to open up and share with me what has worked for them. I that same spirit, I wanted to share with you a few helpful tips when it comes to dealing with creative blocks.  I know it’s hard but TRY to push through the block - I have seen this work.  Start collecting artwork and images that capture your imagination and creativity.  Copy someone else’s work - seriously! Try your hand at some master paintings.  I know you’ve heard this from me before but I want you to know that I am here for you - this community was built for artists like you. I hope you’ve found something to try in your studio soon and like I’ve said - please don’t hesitate to drop your experiences and tips in the comments section!Support the show

Do you remember that initial spark of creativity or that idea that ushered you on your journey to become an artist? For many of us, that spark was so long ago that we feel like we were born with it. Sometimes we can lose sight of our creative spark or it may even dim over the years - here to give us a powerful perspective from an impressive and seasoned career is the artist, Charly Palmer.  Charly Palmer was born in 1960 in Fayette, Alabama and raised in Milwaukee. Eventually, he moved to Chicago to study Art and Design at the American Academy of Art and School of the Art Institute. As a graphic designer and illustrator, he has run a successful design studio with a Fortune 500 clientele. As an instructor, Charly teaches design and illustration and painting at the post-secondary level—most recently—Spelman College. These days, Charly devotes his life to his creative goals and has established himself as a fine artist.  I can’t wait for you to learn from Charly’s depth and breadth of experience both as a commercial artist and making the shift to fine art. Make sure to catch images of Charly’s artwork located at the end of this post.  Transitioning to Fine Art  When Charly first started as an artist, he was drawn to work as a commercial artist - he wanted to create movie posters. It is quite poetic that when Charly first started his art education, it was at a fine art school which he left for a school focused on graphic design and illustration that was located across the street. After years in the commercial art world, Charly decided it was time to make the shift - he wanted to create fine art. Following his dreams - Charly jumped in and was a bit unprepared in the process - the transition from the security of work in the commercial sector to start from scratch as a fine artist wasn’t easy.  Looking back, Charly is convinced that the change was absolutely worth it - experiencing the joy and freedom to create the art that he wants when he wants is exactly what he was looking for. Have you had a similar shift in your career? What was that process like for you?  Responding to criticism and praise  As you’ve heard me talk about before - the artist’s worst critic is often the person staring back in the mirror. It’s also a temptation for the artist to let in all the praise but deflect all the criticism - is that the best response or is there a better way to handle both? According to Charly, what has worked for him over the years is to get his ego out of the way. From his perspective - it all comes down to seeing yourself as a conduit of creativity - if people don’t like what you’ve created, that’s fine - if they love it and praise you for it, that’s fine too. If you truly want to create the art you were meant to create, it doesn’t matter if people love it or hate it. What do you think of Charly’s perspective? Don’t play it safe! Basking in the freedom that comes from setting the ego aside, Charly encourages artists to put it all on the line - don’t play it safe! I get it, taking risks is scary - what if you put your heart out there and no one responds? That’s ok - if you feel like you have something within you that needs to come out and get on the canvas - do it! Even if no one responds, that artwork is for you - you created to because you answered the call. I loved hearing Charly’s story of creating a whole series of paintings on accident - he was working in a vertical position and was putting a wash over something when he fell in love with the drips on the canvas!  Outline of This Episode [4:30] I welcome my guest, Charly Palmer.  [12:15] How do you know a painting is done?  [14:50] What is Charly working on right now?  [18:15] Why Charly works on multiple projects at the same time.  [21:15] Charly talks about why he loves wSupport the show

I know that talking about race and the on-going impact of racism is a challenging subject, to say the least. Given the recent events of police brutality in the United States, I wanted to do my part to create a space where we can discuss positive solutions and really understand what our black neighbours are experiencing. Many of you are scared and unsure of what the future will bring and if anything will really change this time - I’m right there with you. But we can’t let despair cloud our vision, we need to face the problem head-on if we ever hope to see a brighter future.  For this conversation, I invited returning guests Dean Mitchell and Mario Robinson as well as Ashanti Branch, and Corbrae Smith. If you find yourself wondering if you really need to listen to this episode - the answer is, yes! Too much energy has been spent on apathy and indifference, we need to turn it around and look for ways to help move the “Moral arc of the universe,” as Martin Luther King Jr. once called it, toward justice.  Really listen  When was the last time someone took the time to really listen to you and your perspective on a topic? How did you know that they listened to you? Let’s face it, talking is a lot easier to do than listening. To listen effectively, you have to be actively engaged - you need to focus on what the person is saying, not just listen long enough to get your opinion in.  Too many of our black fellow citizens feel like America isn’t listening to their pain and their suffering - it’s on us to put our hands over our mouths and actively listen to what they have to say. What will you do this week to move more toward the posture of actively listening to those raising their voices?  You are going to mess up, that’s OK If you are nervous about talking about race, that’s a good start! I don’t want you all to live in fear but we should be nervous about moving into a space where we don’t have all the answers. Be prepared, as you navigate your own education on what it means to be anti-racist, that mistakes will happen and that’s OK. Resist the urge to get defensive, remember, it’s best to move forward in a posture of humility and listening. No one expects you to get everything right 100% of the time, give yourself the permission to mess up and learn along the way!  Constructive steps you can take  How do we move forward both individually and collectively? Will this movement be any different than movements and touchpoint cultural moments in the past? We can’t expect black people to educate the rest of the population on what it will take to dismantle systems of oppression. If we start from a place of really listening to the struggle and pain of our black neighbors, then we can begin the process of righting societal wrongs one step at a time.  On an individual scale, each person’s journey is going to look different. If you have the ability to encourage and financially support artists of color, I hope you take that step. I want to challenge you to use one thing that many people take for granted, your right to vote. Beyond national politics, in your local elections, you have the chance to choose sheriffs, mayors, school board members, and so many more. Don’t let this moment overwhelm you and dive you to inaction, pick one thing you can do to be part of the solution and do it!  Outline of This Episode [2:00] I welcome my guests, Dean Mitchell, Mario Robinson, Ashanti Branch, and Corbrae Smith.  [4:00] Dean Mitchell introduces himself and shares his feelings about recent events.  [7:00] Mario Robinson talks about his experience over the last week.  [9:30] Ashanti Branch shares his thoughts on what’s going in the United States.  [13:20] Corbrae Smith opens up about what the last week has meant for him.  [19Support the show

Have you ever tried painting from memory? How did it turn out for you? Have you ever thought of a picture as a thing in and of itself rather than a memory of the image it captures? I was thrilled to get the opportunity to speak with the talented and engaging artist, Edwige Fouvry who often takes the approach of painting from memory.  Edwige Fouvry was born in Nantes, France, in 1970, and currently lives and works in Brussels, Belgium. She received her Masters degree from École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Visuels de la Cambre in Brussels in 1996. She has exhibited widely across Europe and North America. As you get to know Edwige in our conversation, I hope you catch the raw simplicity and dedication she has to bring not only her own imagination to life but the imaginations of others as well. You can catch images of Edwige’s artwork located at the end of this post. Letting memory and imagination lead the way How do you begin to paint from memory? Where would you start? For Edwige it comes down to a combination of photographs, childhood memories, and even scenes she sees in everyday life. She doesn’t choose her photographs at random, rather each image she paints comes from a place of deep connection and inspiration - the photo evokes emotion in Edwige. In many cases, a photo may hang in Edwige’s studio for years before she decides it is the right time to put that image on her canvas.  Trusting your intuition  Edwige’s creative approach is fascinating, at the heart of what she is able to bring to the canvas is her cultivated attentiveness to her intuition. Most of us are trained either by our culture or by well-meaning institutions to root out our intuition. We are often taught that you can’t trust what you can’t touch, feel, test, and observe. By cutting out or dulling our deep-seated drive to explore and express what we feel, we are limiting ourselves unnecessarily. It was refreshing to hear from Edwige as she enthusiastically described her comfort in her own skin and how that approach has impacted her time in the studio. What can you learn from Edwige’s perspective?  Rooting out complexity  Over the course of your career would you say that your artwork has become more complex or more simplified? As I’ve interviewed hundreds of artists over the years, I’ve found it fascinating how often the theme of simplicity and complexity arise. Edwige has honed her abilities over the years toward rooting out complexity and relying instead on simplicity and freedom to guide her creative process. Looking back at her years in school, Edwige is quick to point out that she wasn’t always the best student because she was intent on listening to her intuition and carving her own path. To her credit, focusing on simplicity has really worked out well for Edwige. Outline of This Episode [1:30] I introduce my guest, Edwige Fouvry.  [3:00] How Edwige got started as an artist.  [6:00] Edwige describes her artwork.  [10:00] How does Edwige choose which photo to paint from memory?  [20:00] The freedom to explore and evolve over the years.  [23:00] Learning to trust your intuition.  [28:45] Edwige talks about the challenges she has faced on her journey.  [31:45] How Edwige spends her time in the studio.  [38:30] Reactions to Edwige’s artwork.  [41:00] Artists that have inspired Edwige.  [48:30] A painting that Edwige would never part with.  [50:00] Go where you are appreciated.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Rembrandt John Singer Sargent Support the show