With social media becoming increasingly fast-paced and fewer photographs of artwork showing up, my appreciation for a good old book filled with art and creativity has grown! In this episode, I talk about a new series I’m sharing on YouTube where I explore my favorite creative books across different categories. Richie and I chat about how these books inspire my art practice, and I also open up about recent challenges with my online class platform. These struggles have deepened my appreciation for creativity, which leads us to discuss the importance of staying open to inspiration, chasing dreams, and thinking about the legacy we leave behind.

Check out the show notes for this episode for all the book links.

Catch up on my art book video series over on YouTube.

Join the waitlist for my Modern Mixed Media course.

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to stay updated.

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart

Ever feel like you have too many tabs open in your brain? In this episode, I share my recent struggles with overwhelm and how simplifying my art business and practice helped me find balance. I chat with Richie about the clarity I gained from organising my thoughts on a whiteboard and the comfort of returning to simple watercolour techniques. This conversation also helped me refine my vision for the new online classes I’m working on and emphasised the importance of keeping things simple and accessible.

I hope you enjoy the episode! Tune in for a fresh perspective on embracing simplicity in your creative process.

Mentioned:

Watercolour Sketchbook YouTube Video

Watercolour Supplies YouTube Video

Watercolour Explorations Online Course

Episode 89: 5 Ways To Simplify Your Art Practice

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Sign up for my ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠ to stay updated.

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

There are many ways to improve a creative space and make it feel like home. This week, Richie and I reflect back on the past year in our beloved art cottage and share the favorite updates and tweaks we've made to the space. We talk about everything from furniture, lighting, and decorating to our most recent trip to IKEA. Plus, there's plenty of laughs along the way. I'll admit I do need to stop sticking my nose into Richie's decorating! It's a fun one, but also a special conversation that goes beyond having an Instagram-worthy studio space, and instead focuses on finding space wherever you can that allows you to express your uniqueness. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

Mentioned:

Art Table Video

Studio Tour Video Playlist

Mabef Easel

Home Decoration Idea FB Page

Ikea FLÖNSA Cork Board

Ikea SKÅDIS Peg Board

Ikea FÖRHÖJA Kitchen Trolley

Ikea HOVSTA Frames

Ikea Torared Lamp Shade

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠⁠

Today I am joined by abstract artist, Betty Krause. Betty started painting when she turned 50 and has built up a thriving art business in a short space of time. How did she do it?

Well, it started with a very deliberate decision to put her mixed media art supplies away and focus on becoming an abstract artist.

In this episode, Betty talks about removing distractions, hanging in there as you find your art style and using platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to connect and grow your audience.

For anyone that has ever felt like it is too late to get started, I encourage you to take a listen to Betty’s inspirational story.

Find the show notes for this episode at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/74.

This podcast is brought to you by my online class, Abstract Adventuring.  Save 20% on this class up to the 19 February 2020 using this link - https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/abstract-adventuring/?coupon_code=JAN20. 

Do you set intentions for the year ahead? I love to take a bit of time to dream and visualise what I want for my creative life. Richie is more of a take each day as it comes type so this process is quite new for him!

In this episode, we talk about how we want to feel in 2020, what our word for the year is and how we are going to integrate it into our day-to -day life.

We also share our biggest stumbling blocks. From dealing with our ego to being too passive and waiting for things to happen.

It's a raw and honest conversation but there are also a lot of laughs along the way. We hope you enjoy it and that it encourages you to take some time to explore your own desires for 2020.

Find the show notes for this episode and more inspiration at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/73.

How good is it when your creativity flows? But why does it happen some days but not others?

Recently, I had the most amazing soul-satisfying burst of painting. Four days of creative bliss. Talk about a confidence boost! It was so good that I didn’t want it to pass by without taking a deeper look at what on earth happened!

Was it the new playlist I created? Or maybe it was because I was working a bit differently to how I usually do?

Join me as I break it down and share my experiences and tips for tapping into your Creative Mojo!

Find the show notes for this episode and this week's vlog at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/72. In the vlog, you can see what paintings I have been working on plus my original watercolours are back from the framers in their lovely hinge mounted mats. 

NOTE!!! This is the last podcast episode of 2019. Have a lovely Christmas and happy New Year! Richie and I will be back on the 15 January 2020 with more inspiration to get your creative year off to a flying start! Make sure you are signed up to the Laura Horn Art email newsletter for all the details.

2020 in nearly upon us, are you ready? Have you thought about your vision for next year, set yourself goals, decided on your social media strategy, pulled out your planner?

Before you panic, don’t worry we haven’t either but we are starting to think about it.

Want to join us? Grab a pen and paper, make yourself a cup of tea and let’s dream and scheme together. We’ve got 10 questions to help you bring more clarity and direction to your creative business in 2020.

Find the show notes for this episode including the questions asked at - https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/71. We also have a vlog this week where I am chatting about the things that I still want to get done in 2019 including listing artwork for sale on my website and finishing several bigger pieces for the local cafe where I show my work.

My guest today is Australian artist, Alexandra Plim. Alexandra paints energetic and intuitive abstract landscapes from her home studio in the inner west of Sydney.

She describes her creative journey as a ‘Very DIY Situation’. From having an open studio when she didn’t actually have a studio to setting up her website one-handed while breastfeeding - this is an inspirational story about letting go of perfection, embracing the mess and making things happen for yourself!

Find the show notes for this episode and this week's bonus video (vlog) at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/70. 

2019 has certainly delivered many a-ha moments. From finding my social media sweet spot to figuring out what my art is about (well kinda)!!! This is an honest chat about the lessons and discoveries of 2019!

Speaking of walking down memory lane, over the past few days I've been looking at all of my online classes in preparation for my biggest sale ever. The Black Friday Bundle Sale. The sale is on from Midnight EST November 25 through until Midnight EST November 30, 2019. Find out more at https://www.laurahornart.com/classes. 

Over on the Vlog, I am revisiting a style of painting that has my heart. I am painting Mini Melting Pots!

Find the show notes for this episode and this week's vlog at - https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/69

This week I have the most incredible guest. I am chatting with Carrie Schmitt! 

Carrie paints gorgeous expressive floral paintings. If you haven't seen her work, be sure to check it out over on Instagram (@carrieschmitt). 

Without saying too much (trust me it is better if you hear it from Carrie), this is a conversation about being brave enough to listen to your intuition even in the darkest of times. Carrie talks about how moments of struggle while hard are also ripe with inspiration, information and possibilities for change.

She also shares how tapping into positive memories from her past has helped her and provided inspiration for many creative projects.

There is so much wisdom in this conversation and one thing I particularly took away from it is the relationship that Carrie has with her creativity and the way that she treats it with nothing but respect, kindness and love.

Find the show notes for this episode and this week's bonus video (vlog) at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/68. 

I’ve got nothing! That’s how this week’s episode starts. A creative block leaves me wondering if I need to return to a more rigid schedule. Maybe I’ve slowed down too much?

This leads to an interesting chat with Richie about the pros and cons of scheduling creative work. I talk through my guilt over not working so much over the past few weeks and realise that maybe I have been confusing busyness with productivity all along!

With a few pertinent questions, Richie helps me to decide on a new approach that combines both structure and spontaneity.

If you want to take a peek at the tools and hear about the approach I use for scheduling my work, make sure you check out this week's vlog!

Find the show notes for this episode and this week's vlog at - https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/67

If you know that you want to make art but often find yourself making excuses, this is the episode for you. I am joined today by abstract artist, Pamela Bates.

Pamela worked in marketing and design for 22 years until a visit to the Gardner Art Museum in Boston changed the direction of her life. She realised that what she truly wanted to do was paint and since that moment she has been doing exactly that. Painting, exploring, healing, growing and embracing all aspects of living a creative life.

In this episode, Pamela shares her story. We also dig in deep with the mindset side of making art.

Find the show notes for this episode and a bonus video (vlog) where I get started on a big abstract canvas at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/66. 

What art products can you not live without? What is the best way to protect your finished paintings? How do you get over the pressure to create something great every time?

Just a few of the questions I am answering in today’s Q&A style episode. Thank you to everyone that submitted questions via Instagram and apologies to those that I wasn’t able to get to!

If you are itching for more, pop over to the vlog. Yes, the vlog is back!!!!!! And I am answering more questions over there! Plus you get the added bonus of seeing what I am talking about!

Find the show notes for this episode and this week's vlog at - https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/65

Feeling the pressure to figure out and define your art? This conversation might get you thinking differently. What if you allowed yourself to play a little longer, to explore without constraints, and to gather inspiration from far and wide? That's exactly what I've been doing.

Inspired by Rick Rubin's book "The Creative Act," I've discovered a fresh enthusiasm, confidence, and sense of wonder in my creative practice.

It's made me realize that if we're always in a rush to reach the finish line, there's a good chance we'll miss something even more interesting and beautiful along the way. With this in mind, I've been retreating into my sketchbooks and exploring many tangents. This week, I chatted all about it with Richie. I hope the conversation leaves you as excited and inspired as it left me!

Mentioned:

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

My guest today is UK artist, Mary Price, who is also known over on Instagram as the Artist In the Shed! I absolutely love Mary's colourful and vibrant work. 

In this episode, she talks about transitioning from making art as a hobby to selling her work and setting up a professional art business. We chat about all the different avenues that artists can explore. Things like art markets, cafes, prints, workshops, online classes and even lifestyle products.

If you are also at the stage where you are beginning to sell your work or maybe you are thinking about it - this episode will give you plenty of ideas and encouragement!

Access the show notes for this episode at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/64

Abstract art. I LOVE it so much and this week I am chatting about why! I am also sharing 5 tips for making abstract art. From feeling your feelings to using techniques that help you to let go of control. This episode will bring out your inner abstract artist!

Access the show notes for this episode - https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/63

Browse my online classes - https://www.laurahornart.com/classes

Imagine giving yourself 6 months to find your style and become a ‘real artist’. On the one hand, it sounds dreamy, painting every day, but when you dig into it, that’s a whole lot of pressure!

In this episode, Australian artist, Amica Whincop shares her story. This is an honest conversation about the harder side of being an artist. The struggle to find your authentic voice, the challenge of putting yourself out there and the stress of pushing so hard.

Amica takes us through her journey including what happened when she realised that she needed to slow down, get healthy again and re-focus on what is important!

Access the show notes for this episode at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/62

Recording podcasts. Filming vlogs. Making online classes. Just a few of the things that you’ll find us doing on any given week. In this episode, we chat about why we love taking on these kinds of creative endeavours. We also talk about the different ways that we batch our work so that we can fit it all in and still have some down-time!

Access the show notes for this episode and take a peek at our latest online class - https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/61

My guest today is surface pattern designer, Julie Hamilton!

In this episode, Julie chats about her love of learning, how she got started with art licensing and what it has been like to participate in the 100-day project for four years in a row.

And of course, it wouldn’t be an art podcast if we didn’t talk about supplies and techniques! Julie takes us through her process including how she paints papers and comes up with new ideas for her work.

Find the show notes for this episode and a bonus video where I take inspiration from Julie and experiment with using paper in my art - https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/60

My guest today is Australian artist, teacher and best-selling author, Tracy Verdugo.

In this episode, Tracy shares her story and talks about having faith in your creative journey, even when the path isn't clear.

We also chat about art supplies, balancing intuition with structure and the challenge of finding your style.

You can access the show notes for this episode and a bonus video where I try out one of Tracy’s tips on mixing colour - https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/59

Where is the joy? That's what I found myself saying recently. This week on the podcast you can hear what I am doing about it.

Find out what new gadget I have in the studio, which books are keeping me inspired and how I have set up my supplies and space to encourage more play!

Access the show notes for this episode and a bonus video at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/58

This week’s conversation with Australian artist, Susan Nethercote, motivated me to get my paints out and start playing on a daily basis again!

Susan talks about the importance of ‘volume’ when it comes to art and the magic that happens when you work swiftly and feel your way through the process.

We also dig in deep with the business side of things and geek out over business structures, website platforms, email marketing providers and online course models.

It is all very timely as Susan has just launched not one but two new websites. Find out more in this episode and don’t forget to pop over and visit Suse’s new online home.

You can find the show notes for this episode at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/57

The show notes include this week's vlog where you can see how I am getting on with my September challenge to show up and make more art!

Susan's Links
Website (Art): https://www.susannethercote.com/
Website (Education): https://www.susannethercote.com/learn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan.nethercote/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susannethercoteart/

Procrastination almost got the better of me last week. My schedule was clear, we were all set to film an online class but suddenly I felt compelled to vacuum. I also decided that my hair wasn’t quite right and my accounting couldn’t possibly wait. When you choose accounting as an avoidance tactic something isn’t right. So what was really going on?

In this episode we take a good hard look at procrastination and self sabotage.

Why we do it, the role that our emotions play and how to turn things around. We share our personal experiences along with a few of our favourite resources on the topic.

You can find the show notes for this episode at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/56

The show notes include this week's vlog where you can see how I take on procrastination in my own creative practice. Hint, the video includes a painting sesh and an inspiration gathering trip through my local area.

Join the community: https://www.laurahornart.com/newsletter

Whether you make art as a hobby or as a profession, the cost of art supplies quickly adds up. So how do you stretch that dollar a bit further and get the most out of your materials?

Join me this week as I share my top tips for spending less on supplies, getting intentional about your work all the while increasing the quality of your art output. 

I’ve shared quite a few of these tips before but this time I am bringing them together in a budget focused episode! 

You can find the show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/55   

The show notes include this week's vlog where I share an art/life update and a summary of my top 5 budget tips. 

Join the community: https://www.laurahornart.com/newsletter

How long should you persist with a creative pursuit, art style, or medium if you are not enjoying it? This episode could also have been titled: I really want to love acrylics, but I am not sure if I do? It's a personal conversation about the confusion I sometimes experience when choosing materials and processes as a mixed-media artist, but of course, it goes beyond this! If you've ever found yourself questioning whether you're on the right path creatively, or if you simply seek some encouragement in navigating your own creative decisions, this episode offers a soothing balm for your soul. I hope you enjoy the discussion!

Mentioned:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 137: Angela Terris - It's Never Too Late To Piviot and Change Your Path

Alex Ferguson (football manager) "bouncebackability"

Marie Forleo (entrepreneur) "everything is figureoutable"

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

My guest today, Kellee Wynne Conrad, took her time to develop her art because she wanted it to be a lifelong habit and process. A 100 day artwork challenge and a year-long passion project (Color Crush Creative) paved the way for the online art program she now runs, Experience True Colors.

In this episode we chat about her journey and how she juggles being an artist, mother of three and creative business owner. 

What I learned from Kellee is that if you approach your work from an authentic place and concentrate on what you can control, the other things have a way of falling into place. Oh and this all works best if you start the day with coffee!

You can find the show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/54

The show notes include this week's vlog where I share a sneak peek of my upcoming guest lesson for the True Colors Art Program.

Find out more about the True Colors Art Program at https://kelleewynnestudios.simplero.com/products/87723-True-Colors-Art-Program?ref=15298-Laura-Horn

Kellee's Links

Website: https://www.kelleewynnestudios.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleewynnestudios/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelleewynnestudios/ 

This past month has been one of the busiest Richie and I have had in a long time. We launched a new online class and pulled everything together for my SALA exhibition. All while juggling our kids being at home on school holidays! Makes me sweat just thinking about it. Phew, kind of glad it is a new month! A fresh start. Speaking of fresh starts, that’s what this podcast is all about.

After we hung the last piece for the exhibition, I  knew that I needed to take a few days to piece my life back together. I don’t tend to do things by halves so I decided that a total life reset was required and that there would be three parts to this ART, LIFE and BUSINESS. Join me as I share my tips and tricks for getting organised on multiple fronts so that you ready for you next phase of creative work! 

You can find the show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/53

The show notes include this week's vlog where I unbox the art supplies I ordered during my art admin day!

Join me over on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahornart/ 

This week Richie and I are celebrating a special milestone - one year of podcasting! We had grand plans for a fancy episode but when the time rolled around we were up to our eyeballs in exhibition prep! 

If you’ve ever had an exhibition, you probably know what I am talking about. Frantically finishing things, painting edges, varnishing, trying to think of titles, printing labels and so on.  

To be honest, we got so swept up in exhibition madness, this podcast almost didn’t happen at all! It was only at 9pm, the night before my SALA exhibition installation that we managed to turn the microphones on and have a conversation. Needless to say, we were a bit tired but what better time to talk about exhibitions than when you are right in the thick of it! 

We hope that you enjoy the conversation and that it might just be the gentle nudge you need to fill out that exhibition application form! 

You can find show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/52

Join me over on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahornart/ 

Instagram. Just when I think I have you figured out, you go and change things up again. If you live in Australia, your probably know what I am alluding to! Last week, Instagram started hiding the number of likes on posts. I have to admit, it threw me a bit at first. On the one hand, I could see the argument for less comparison and pressure on the platform but I was also worried about the impact it would have on my art business. 

With mixed feelings, I decided to find out how others were reacting to this change and posted a question about it on my Instagram Stories. I was inundated with answers. So many that I decided to make a podcast about it. So grab a cup of tea and let's dig into this week's question - Do Instagram Likes Really Matter?

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Episode 50, How to Get Started with Email Marketing -  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/50

Join me over on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahornart/  

Are you dragging your heels when it comes to email marketing? Maybe you've gone down a rabbit hole of researching platforms? Or are you stuck trying to figure out what to write and how often to send emails? 

If you answered yes, stay tuned. I've got a 30 minute crash course in email marketing for you. 

Find out ...

• Why you need an email list. 
• How to get started. 
• Strategies for keeping it simple. 
• The power of pop-ups. 
• Four types of emails to send to your list. 

It doesn't matter if you have a teeny list or maybe you haven't got one at all. It's not too late to get started. In this episode, I share all my tips and tricks for keeping email marketing simple and stress-free so you still have plenty of time to create. 

You can find show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/50 

Join me over on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahornart/ 

My guest today, is mixed media artist, Kelly Berghella from @bergerandstuff. Kelly recently left her marketing job to focus on her art full-time. A decision she didn’t make lightly. In fact, Kelly held onto her day job for as long as possible, all the time building the waiting list for her family portrait commissions.

With Kelly now ‘all-in’, we caught up and talked about her transition to being a full-time artist. 

Tune in to hear Kelly chat about: 

• Developing a style of art that would lend itself to commission work.
• Focusing on the ‘big picture’, to get through the times when she felt like giving up.
• Becoming a ‘time thief’ and making the most of small snippets of time.
• Approaching Influencers to help grow her audience.  
• Taking steps to make sure that she doesn’t become a ‘full-time hermit’.
• Recognising that there are periods of time when you have to do the hard work and it’s not always enjoyable but that the pay-off will come. 

This is a very honest and refreshing conversation with plenty of tips and just as many laughs! 

We've just wrapped up the filming of our latest online class, Braver Things. As Richie was editing the videos, he had a few questions that he thought might be of interest to you guys so we sat down over a cup of tea and had a good chat. 

Tune in to hear about how the class came to be and what it's all about!

For more details, check out https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/braver-things.

Also, don’t forget, the early bird offer for this class is running until 10 July 2019. Use the coupon BEBRAVE at checkout to save 20%!

Class starts on the 25 July!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Braver Things online class - https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/braver-things

Join me over on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahornart/ 

As the days get colder here in Australia, all I want to do is snuggle up, read books and bake cakes. Not a bad thing, except ... I have an art business to run! I posted about it recently on Instagram and well, let's just say, I am not alone. So what do you do when your energy levels are low? How do you navigate the ebb and flow of creative life, get past slumps and make the most of the times when you are at your best?

This week we are sharing our favourite strategies. Things like setting a minimum time that you have to show up for, matching tasks to your mood, having a daily focus and learning how to say a 'nice no'. Richie also shares what he has been up to now that he's been let off the hook on the house cleaning side of things. And I am reminded yet again of the restorative benefits of getting away from the day-to-day and enjoying an artist date. 

We hope that you enjoy the conversation and it provides you with some practical ideas to get you through whatever season you find yourself in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

The 5 Minute Journal by Intelligent Change -  https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal
Artist, Simone Linehan -  http://www.simonelinehan.com/
Episode 46 with Wendy Solganik -  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/46 

This week, I am excited to share with you that I have another artist guest. I am speaking with Wendy Solganik (also known as @willawatercolors over on Instagram).  Wendy has a wealth of experience. She ran her own fine stationery and invitation design and printing business for many years and it was super successful, but she left it all behind to focus on her own art and on her family. Since then she has been taking my online classes and exploring a more abstract style of watercolour art. With the work starting to pile up, Wendy had a question for me. What should she do with all the art that she is making?  We chat about various options including selling the work, giving it away and even putting it in the bin! I absolutely loved this conversation. Wendy shares so much wisdom and also asks me questions that I am sure many of you have wanted to ask. It’s a refreshing and fascinating conversation and one that really got me thinking. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  To follow Wendy’s arty adventures, head over to https://www.instagram.com/willawatercolors/ 

We know marketing is key to and yet it is so hard to find the time and energy to make it happen. Other things take priority and let's be honest, often we'd rather be making art than sitting in-front of a computer writing a newsletter or planning out a social media post. 

That's why I am all about 'less is more' marketing. 

Today I am sharing five strategies that I have been using to save time, stay sane and get better results from my marketing efforts. 

You can find show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/45

Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart 

This week, Richie and I chat about why it can be helpful to revisit previous art styles or processes in your art practice or business. This idea emerged as I've rediscovered and fallen back in love with the playful style of art from my very first online class, The Melting Pot.

We also discuss the challenges we've faced in defining a style and approach for our YouTube channel and why we're returning to simple, short videos like we used to share when we first got started.

We hope you enjoy the episode! Remember, the creative path is anything but linear—it's okay to shed things that aren't serving you well and return to something that you loved or something that was working well and maybe didn't need to be changed in the first place!

Visit my ⁠resources page⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Find me on Instagram ⁠@laurahornart

This week, I am thrilled to welcome artist, Ange Miller, to the podcast!

Ange hosts in-person workshops, runs two Instagram accounts, provides one-on-one coaching and has recently launched an online training portal called the Art Flow Sessions. She is also mother to four kids under the age of 13!

You might be asking, how does she do it? I know I was and without giving too much away, I can tell you that it involves both grit and grace. This is a story about hard work and being brave enough to listen to the cry of your heart even when you are not sure where it might take you.

Ange's work truly is the culmination of decades of digging in deep and this week I am delighted to be able to share her journey with you.

In this episode, Ange talks about:

• Juggling the many hats that come with being an artist and mum of four.
• Letting go of the pressure associated with a traditional art school education. 
• Focusing on creative confidence and teaching this approach to B.A. degree students for 10 years.
• Falling in love with alcohol inks and pushing their boundaries through extensive play.
• Collaborating with fashion label, Mimco.
• Doing her best work yet - empowering artists through her Chrysalis Coaching and Art Flow Online Training Sessions.

To find out more about Ange's work and her beautiful offerings, head to:

Ange's Instagram
Art Flow Sessions Instagram
Website
Chrysalis Coaching Program  
Art Flow Online Training - Intuitive Art Approach: Abstract Acrylic

On the podcast today I am sharing 10 things that have improved my painting over the past few years. Some might seem obvious but as a self-taught artist there’s a lot of bumbling through that happens and unknown gaps in knowledge! From making sure I have multiple containers of water around me when I paint to taping the edges of my watercolour paintings, these are the little things that when combined together make a big difference! 

I hope you enjoy the tips and that this podcast makes you want to grab your supplies and get painting. I know that it had that effect on me!

You can find show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/43 

Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart  

As a creative business owner, it’s ’s easy to fall into the trap of pushing hard all of the time. I don’t know how many times I say things like, ‘I’ll just do one more thing and then I’ll relax’. Of course that one thing turns into ten things and before I know it, hours have gone by and I I haven’t come up for air. 

Sound familiar? This ‘one more thing’ mentality is dangerous especially in a business environment where there are so many things! 

So how do you stay sane, fend off overwhelm and keep healthy? 

Well it starts with being prepared to take your foot of the gas from time to time and slow down. 

This week on the podcast we are sharing the strategies we are using to do exactly that. Things like having a dedicated mid week ‘day off’, stepping back from social media and hiring a house cleaner! 

We hope you enjoy the podcast and it encourages you to place as much value on slowing down as speeding up!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Julia Cameron, author of ‘The Artist’s Way’ - https://juliacameronlive.com/ 

Podcast Episode 41 - Talking with Andrea Soos

Podcast Episode 39 - The Real Deal on Working Together

Podcast Episode 24 - 5 Instagram Strategies for 2019

 Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart 

Ooh, I have a special episode for you this week. I am talking with abstract artist, Andrea Soos! 

Andrea lives in Victoria, British Columbia where she makes art nearly every day from her backyard studio. With vibrant colours and playful marks, it’s the type of work that makes you want to grab a paintbrush and start painting! 

I had so many questions for Andrea, I'll admit it it was hard to contain myself. Questions like how did she develop her distinctive style? And what was it like to transition from teaching into making art full-time? Andrea is incredibly generous with her answers, sharing plenty of useful tips for artists hoping to take a similar path.

I especially love the advice Andrea gives for dealing with the harder parts of being an artist on social media. Hint, it will get you off Instagram and focused on making more art!

This is a big episode (my longest podcast yet) but honestly, once we started chatting we couldn’t stop! Andrea's story is refreshing, relatable and encouraging -  definitely an episode not to be missed!

ANDREA’s LINKS

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andreasoosart/
Website - https://www.andreasoosart.com/ 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Thrive  Mastermind - https://www.thriveartstudio.com/mastermind 

What’s harder, making art or marketing it? For many artists, it’s the latter. 

Hands up if you have some artwork sitting around that could be listed for sale? If you answered yes, stay tuned. In today’s episode I’m sharing five specific strategies for selling art online. 

Marketing doesn’t have to be icky, with the right strategy you can increase your sales while also cultivating your creative practice. Take a Flash Sale, for example, this type of sale can provide income during a slow period, reducing your stress so you can focus on a new project. Or how about a Painting a Day Sale? Perfect for generating excitement on your social media channels and fostering discipline in your work. 

The key is to find the marketing strategy that works best for you. You don’t need to do all the things. In fact, my challenge for you, is to pick a strategy, open up your planner and make a commitment to trying one of these strategies. Just one for now. Do one and do it well!

You can find show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/40

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Podcast Episode 7 - Steps to Selling Your Art

Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart

Have you ever wondered what it is like to work with your partner? A year ago Richie and I pooled our talents in art and videography and started making online classes. We didn't know where it would go but we both knew in our hearts that if we didn't try we'd regret it. A year on and we're still here! 

It wasn't always easy though. We dropped the ball and created many things that ended up on the scrapheap. 

But something cool happened. The more mistakes we made, the better we got at picking ourselves up and using our failures to make even better work and to improve our relationship. 

As Richie so eloquently puts it 'We've been in the muck together, come out the other side and we are still going strong'!

This week we are celebrating with a special podcast episode - the real deal on working together! Things like how it has affected our relationship, what the kids think about the business, who has the most annoying habits and what keeps us coming back for more!

We are also having a big sale on all of our online art classes! Use the coupon code ARTPARTY at checkout to save 30% on ALL classes.  Coupon expires on Sunday, May 5th 2019, 12:00 am ACST (Australian Central Standard Time). 

Thank you for all your encouragement, we wouldn't be here without you!

Have you ever wanted to paint a big canvas? Or maybe painting big is already your thing and you are hooked (I can definitely relate to that)!

If you answered yes, stay tuned. I've just got back from teaching my process for painting a large-scale abstract over in Bali (woo hoo, how exciting is that) and I also have a new online class called Layer by Layer!  

With painting big fresh on my mind, you can probably guess what we are talking about this week! 

Join us as we chat about the new class and I share my top 10 tips for painting a big canvas.  

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Layer by Layer Online Class -  https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/layer-by-layer/ 

Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart

This week we are continuing our conversation about fear. Last week we tackled creative fears and this time we are diving into the business side of things. Top of our list is the fear of not making enough money. Why is it so hard to talk about money? Or more to the point be honest about money and how important it is? 

It was only recently that Richie confided in me that he was seriously worried that he might have to go back to a regular full-time job. That maybe we were kidding ourselves with this whole creative couple concept. As it turned out my husband’s fear was the wake up call we needed to tackle one of our other fears - the fear of not being productive enough. We had to really look at whether that fear has showed up to teach us a few lessons and well, you’ve probably guessed but it had! 

Finally we chat about the fear of not being professional enough and Richie reminds me yet again that I can actually call myself a professional artist. Saying I am artist is hard enough but now he has me saying I am a professional artist! 

We hope by sharing our experiences of fear you will feel more empowered to not only talk about fear but also take positive action and ultimately become less fearful about fear itself! 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Podcast Episode 36 - Facing Your Fears and Growing as an Artist (Part 1)

Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart

What is your biggest fear as an artist? Is it not making enough money or maybe you are worried that you will never create work that you are truly proud of. Recently, I asked this question over on Instagram and let's just say the fears came flying in! So this week and next week (yep we are doing another 2 part series), we thought we'd tackle a few of them head on. 

In today's episode you will hear us talk about …

The fear of not being good enough (that all encompassing fear that we all have)

The fear of being thought of as a fraud due to no formal training 

The fear of not being taken seriously as an artist by friends or family

Three big juicy fears that we've got a lot to say about. We'll be sharing our own experiences and the strategies that we use to keep going even when we feel scared and overwhelmed. We hope that at the end of this episode you feel encouraged, that you know that fear is normal and you also know that you get a say in how you respond to it!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Podcast Episode 9 - The Fear of Not Being Good Enough

Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart

Aside from making art, one of my favourite ways to while away a few hours is to work on my website. Yep I am a website geek. Give me all the colours, font combinations and cool little features. To be honest, I spend a bit too much time tweaking my website when I should be doing other things but this week I get to shamelessly talk websites! 

Now I know there are artists that sell directly off Instagram or Etsy and that can work really well but I am a fan of having your own little bit of cyberspace. Since I got serious about my website, I have seen huge growth in my business. More art sales, more online class sign-ups, more workshop participants, more podcast downloads and so on. 

The biggest change for me was when I started thinking of my website as the hub of the business, not just an add-on because I felt like I 'should' have a website.

Now while I could talk for hours about the visual and tech side of a website, this episode is more about getting to the core of your website's purpose. The part that so often gets overlooked! So grab a cup of tea and settle in, I'm sharing my top 7 tips for a website that works! 

You can find show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/35 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Podcast Episode 34 - Building Your Brand as an Artist

Download your Free Branding Workbook Here!

Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart

Breaks are wonderful and necessary, but they can also make it hard to get back into your artistic groove. This week, Richie and I discuss this challenge and offer practical guidance and encouragement to help you turn your creative drought into a fresh, exciting chapter. Discover the importance of taking that first step, embracing risk-taking, optimising your workspace, and selecting a project that challenges but doesn't overwhelm. If you've been struggling to find your creative flow, you won't want to miss this one!

Mentioned:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 153: Making Time for Art and Protecting Your Creative Energy!

Episode: 154: Old Art: Should You Keep, Transform, or Set Free?

Sandi Hester YouTube Channel

Helen Wells YouTube Channel

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

Branding! What's that got to do with being an artist? Well, in this day and age, it is often the difference between struggling or thriving as an artist. In other words, it's super important!  

Successful artists have a strong sense of who they are and what they offer. This clarity and confidence is reflected in everything that they do. From how they put together an exhibition to the way they share their work online.  

Building a brand is so much more than creating a logo, or setting up a website - your brand is the culmination of how people feel about you and what you bring to the world. It's emotional and powerful! 

The more you understand your brand, the easier it is to connect with your ideal customers and ultimately grow your creative business.  In fact, I would go as far as to say that investing time and energy into branding has been the single most important business decision that I have made in the past 12 months. 

Yep, I am BIG on BRANDING and I think you should be too! In fact, in this episode I am sharing 7 questions to help you build your brand as an artist. 

And to make it easier for you, I have created a free workbook with the questions and plenty of space for you to put your answers. 

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE BRANDING WORKBOOK

Today is Part 2 in our conversation about cultivating a healthy creative practice. Last week we talked about the work that goes on outside of the studio. This week we are diving into the juicy art-making side of things. 

In this episode we chat about ...

Taking responsibility for your practice.
Establishing rituals for starting and finishing.
Using challenges and parameters to stretch your ideas further.
Scheduling and batching work to make the most of your time.
Using repetition to improve your skills.
Accepting and valuing ALL of your work.

We hope that you find the conversation interesting and that it gives you some ideas for your next studio session!!!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Podcast Episode 30 - Tips for Organising Your Studio

How do you cultivate a healthy creative practice? It's a big topic, so big that we are devoting two episodes to it! 

In Part 1 we are chatting about the creative magic that happens outside the studio. The work that you do that often doesn't feel like work but plays an important role in developing your artistic style. Whether you are visiting an exhibition, taking a hike or even browsing through local shops, one of the great things about being an artist is that we get to call it 'research'. So grab a cup of tea and get inspired. By the end of this podcast we hope that you have several ideas for how to bring more research into your arts practice. Next week we will be continuing this conversation and looking at the work that happens in the studio - the juicy art-making side of things. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2!