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Explore every episode of the podcast Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

Dive into the complete episode list for Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Why You Can't Finish a Painting (And What to Do About It)30 Oct 202500:26:32

You look around your studio and see them everywhere — canvases turned to the wall, paintings shoved under the bed, works-in-progress stacked in corners. Each one started with complete conviction that this time would be different. But somewhere around the messy middle, you bailed. Again.

And now you're wondering: What's wrong with me?

Nothing. You're not lazy, you're not lacking discipline, and you're not broken. You're doing something that makes complete sense when you understand what's actually happening underneath the behavior.


In this episode:

  • The moment when every painting goes sideways — and why your brain mistakes that moment for failure
  • What you're actually avoiding when you start a new canvas (hint: it's not the painting)
  • Why "finished" doesn't mean what you think it means — and how that misunderstanding keeps you stuck
  • The real cost of a studio full of unfinished work (it's more than just clutter)
  • Six concrete strategies to break the pattern and actually complete something


What to expect:
A clear-eyed look at why you abandon paintings, what finishing actually requires, and how to build the muscle to stay with your work when it gets uncomfortable. No pep talks. Just the truth about what's happening — and what to do about it.


This episode's for you if:

  • Your studio is filled with more unfinished work than completed pieces
  • You keep telling yourself "this one will be different" — and it never is
  • You're tired of starting over every time a painting hits the hard part
  • You want to finish something for once, even if it's not perfect

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

You Took Time Off. Now What?23 Oct 202500:23:11

What really happens when you return to your art — and how to make work again without getting stuck in what could have been.

You took time off from your art. Maybe it was a few months. Maybe it was twenty years.

You built a life, raised kids, held it together, paid the bills — and now you’re trying to come back. But instead of feeling proud of everything you carried, you feel... behind. Disconnected. Like you lost something. Like you’re supposed to apologize for the years you weren’t painting.

This episode is about that feeling — and why it’s lying to you.

This one’s for artists who made a real-life choice — and now can’t shake the feeling they’re starting all over again.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking I should’ve found a way or stared at a canvas wondering how much time you wasted... yeah. You’re in the right place.

In this episode:

  • The invisible comparison that’s keeping you stuck (hint: you’re measuring yourself against someone who doesn’t exist)
  • Why “I’m behind” feels so convincing — and what your brain’s actually doing when it feeds you that line
  • What this costs you beyond just lost time (it’s happening right now, while you’re listening)
  • The part nobody talks about: why that gap wasn’t wasted, even when it feels like it was
  • One shift that’ll change how you walk into the studio tomorrow


What to expect:

No pep talk, no punishment. Just a clear-eyed look at what comes next — and how to make work again without dragging shame in with you.

This episode’s for you if:

  • Coming back feels harder than stepping away ever did
  • You can run a household or a business — but still feel like a beginner when you pick up a brush
  • You’re proud of your choices and gutted by what you didn’t get to do — both can be true
  • You’re in it right now, wondering if it’s even worth trying to paint again


Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

I See You Scrolling Instagram Instead of Painting (Nine Patterns That Keep You Stuck)17 Oct 202500:30:30

Ever spend half your studio time staring at a painting, mentally ripping it apart, but never actually picking up the brush? Or maybe you're scrolling Instagram right now instead of being in your studio. (I see you.) You're not broken. You're just stuck in a pattern. And once you can name it, it loses its power.

In this episode, I'm walking through nine specific, observable behaviors that show up when artists are working through self-doubt. Not vague struggles. Actual patterns you can recognize in yourself.

Because here's the thing: when you go from "What's wrong with me?" to "Oh, I'm doing that serial abandoner thing again," everything shifts. It's not a personality flaw. It's just a pattern. And patterns can change.

In This Episode:

[3:09] The Serial Abandoner — Starting painting after painting, always convinced the next one will be different

[5:00] The Mental Critic — Spending half your studio time cataloging what's wrong instead of actually painting

[7:53] The Comparison Scroller — More time on Instagram than at the easel, using other artists' work as proof you're not good enough

[10:00] The Permission Seeker — Asking everyone's opinion before trusting your own eye

[14:09] The Hiding Perfectionist — Making work, then stacking it facing the wall, waiting until it's "good enough"

[15:34] The Apologizer — Can't show work without immediately explaining everything that's wrong with it first

[17:03] The Workshop Collector — Taking class after class, convinced you need one more technique before you're ready

[23:54] The Overthinking Planner — Hours planning the perfect painting in your mind, but never committing to canvas

[25:34] The Corner Repainter — Repainting the same spot seventeen times while ignoring the rest of the painting

If you recognize yourself in one or more of these? You're in good company. This is what shows up for skilled artists working through doubt. The episode walks through what's actually happening underneath each pattern and what to practice instead.

Want to work with me?  

Join Growth Studio

Private Coaching for artists 

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Safety, Self-Trust, and the Secret to Creating Without Fear25 Sep 202500:31:38

What does it really mean to have your own back as an artist? In this episode, I share why safety isn’t just about gloves and turpentine — it’s about building trust with yourself in the studio. When you know you won’t tear yourself down for “failing,” you’re free to take risks, explore messy ideas, and grow in ways you never thought possible.

This conversation comes straight from my own sketchbook experiments and our 30-day Self-Trust Challenge inside Growth Studio. You’ll hear how awkward blind contour lines, negative space trees, and even 100 “bad” drawings can become proof that you’re on the right track.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

Episode Map

  • [0:42] Why self-trust always begins with safety — and why that has nothing to do with paint fumes.
  • [3:29] The awkward stage that makes most artists quit — and how to stick with it.
  • [7:51] Five drawings that “failed” — or five steps closer to something new?
  • [15:48] The messy middle: where ideas sprout before they make sense.
  • [20:58] Could you survive 100 “bad” paintings to reach the one that works?
  • [25:42] Why doubt and frustration don’t mean stop — they mean human.
  • [26:34] Kindness as a creative strategy: how to meet yourself without criticism.
  • [29:29] The ultimate reframe: safety, trust, and the artist you’ve always wanted to be.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Your Studio Isn’t a Courtroom—Make Yours the Safest Place to Create04 Sep 202500:37:46

Ever notice how one “wrong” brushstroke can send you into a spiral? You’re standing in your studio, brush in hand, and suddenly the inner courtroom opens up. The judge, jury, and executioner? All you.

This episode is about what I call self-aggression. Those tiny but brutal ways we attack ourselves for daring to experiment, for not being perfect, for being… human. And here’s the thing: it’s costing you way more than you realize.

I’ll walk you through why we confuse self-criticism with professionalism, how it’s secretly strangling your creativity, and what happens when you trade all that punishment for curiosity instead. (Hint: your studio becomes the safest, most exciting place to create.)

You’ll hear real stories from Growth Studio: Leslie catching herself in an “auction spiral,” Megan reframing her supply list, Scott protecting his energy, and Cece navigating the push-pull of play vs. control. Plus, I’ll share a micro-meltdown of my own and how I turned it around.

If you’ve ever started an apology tour before showing your work, or if you’ve ever thought “I’m such an idiot” mid-painting—this one’s for you.

Your Episode Map

0:23 – The brushstroke that ruins everything (or does it?)
1:59 – How “I’m such an idiot” sneaks into your studio
5:49 – Why being hard on yourself isn’t “professional” (it’s poison)
7:39 – Curiosity vs. criticism: the C in CREATE that changes everything
8:32 – What self-aggression is secretly costing you (spoiler: it’s huge)
13:12 – Real Growth Studio stories: auctions, supply lists, and saying no
25:00 – My own meltdown over a 2-inch drawing
36:01 – The truth bomb: self-trust is the ultimate creative flex

For Your Studio Wall

Words worth pinning next to your easel:

  • “Curiosity opens possibilities. Criticism shuts them down.”
  • “Failure isn’t evidence against you—it’s information for you.”
  • “Your studio is not a courtroom. Make it a laboratory.”
  • “Treat yourself like your favorite student.”
  • “The way you talk to yourself shows up on the canvas.”

What to Bring Into the Studio With You

  • A daily rep: catch one micro-aggression and reframe it with curiosity.
  • Neutral share rule: present your work without the apology preface.
  • Constraints as safety: same size, same tools, familiar setups = freedom to explore.
  • A pre-painting intention: I’m here to explore, not to be perfect.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Expansion: Where ‘This Is Fine’ Turns Into ‘What Did I Just Do?21 Aug 202500:25:57

Welcome to the finale of our CREATE spiral series! Today we're diving into expansion - when you're ready to be seen in a bigger way but the thought of taking risks makes your heart race.

I share my three circles framework for understanding your capacity for risk: comfort zone, stretch zone, and terror zone. Plus the crucial piece most artists miss - how to recharge after expanding so you can take progressively bigger steps without burning out.

What You'll Learn:

  • How to read your nervous system to know when you're stretching vs. pushing too far
  • The difference between healthy recharging and avoidance
  • Common expansion mistakes that lead to burnout or stagnation
  • Why expansion creates an upward spiral back to curiosity
  • Practical steps to start expanding strategically this week

Key Takeaway: You don't have to be fearless. You just need to take one small, strategic risk and then care for yourself afterward.

Perfect for artists ready to submit work, raise prices, or share more boldly - without the overwhelm.


Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

C.R.E.A.T.E. Spiral: What Trust Actually Looks Like in Your Studio (part 5/6)07 Aug 202500:19:03

If you’ve ever felt like you want someone else to approve every brushstroke before you can call a painting “done”… this episode is for you.

We’re at the T in the C.R.E.A.T.E. Spiral, and it’s a big one: TRUST.

Not blind trust. Not perfectionist trust that only kicks in after everything looks flawless. We’re talking about real, moment-to-moment self-trust—the kind that guides your decisions while you’re still unsure.

This episode breaks down:

  • Why we’re wired to outsource approval
  • How to build trust as a tangible, daily practice (not just a mindset)
  • What it actually looks like to trust yourself in your studio—even when doubt shows up

You’ll leave with small, doable actions to build that trust muscle—without needing to overhaul your entire process.

Your Episode Map

1:00 — Why we’re wired to seek approval—and why it’s not your fault
4:00 — When copying helps you grow… and when it starts holding you back
7:18 — The simplest trust-building practice: say what you like and don’t like, out loud
10:26 — Trust isn’t confidence—it’s resilience
11:45 — How to stop spiraling and guide your own development
15:13 — Three small ways to practice trust this week—no perfection required
16:48 — Every time you choose yourself over fear, your inner artist gets louder

What to Bring Into the Studio With You

(Because listening is just the beginning)

This week, try making one decision in your painting process without asking anyone else. Pick a color, title, price, or direction—and don’t crowdsource it. Just follow it through and observe what happens.

Then DM me on Instagram @savvypainterpodcast and tell me what you noticed. I love hearing how this lands for you.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

You Didn’t Get Lucky. You Got Aligned.31 Jul 202500:23:58

Ever wonder why your studio feels… suspiciously quiet?
Like things are finally working—but instead of celebrating, you start spiraling?

Welcome to the Alignment phase of the CREATE Spiral.

In this episode, I break down the strange emotional landscape of finally clicking with your voice—and why that ease can actually feel more unsettling than resistance. You’ll hear why this moment of calm might be the biggest sign that you’re doing it right.

We’ll talk about:

  • The inner voice that whispers “This is too easy—what’s the catch?”
  • Why your brain interprets ease as danger
  • How alignment isn’t a plateau, it’s a powerful shift in momentum
  • What changes (and what doesn’t) in your studio when you’re in this phase

And most importantly—how to trust this part of the journey without self-sabotaging your way out of it.


Your Episode Map:

[01:25] What alignment actually is—and why artists feel so uneasy here
[03:27] The eerie quiet of self-trust (and why it feels off)
[05:35] Your voice gets the mic for the first time
[07:41] You still feel discomfort—but you’re not layering judgment on top
[09:11] “Growth = struggle” is a lie we need to unlearn
[10:23] What alignment looks like in your studio day-to-day
[13:06] The question to ask when you feel ease: “Is this what I want?”
[15:15] Why it feels like things are falling away—not being added
[17:24] Craving chaos? You might be ready to expand
[18:32] Alignment = your voice getting stronger
[21:32] You didn’t get lucky. You got aligned.


Words worth pinning next to your easel:

  • “This isn’t a plateau. This is what it feels like when you’re no longer working against yourself.”
  • “The quiet is your voice finally getting a turn at the mic.”
  • “You still feel discomfort. You’re just not spiraling from it anymore.”
  • “You didn’t lose your edge. You stopped fighting yourself.”
  • “You’re not stuck—you’re integrating.”

What to Bring Into the Studio With You

  • Notice what’s not there: fewer cranky voices, less panic, more space.
  • Reframe the weird quiet as a sign of progress—not a problem to fix.
  • Pull out your last few paintings—look for patterns, not problems.
  • Let it be enough. This phase doesn’t need a breakthrough to be valuable.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Exploration feels like chaos. And that’s the point.25 Jul 202500:28:25

Ever get to that point in a painting where nothing’s working the way you thought it would? Where the idea is still in there somewhere, but the canvas isn’t cooperating?

That’s not a mistake. That’s the part where things get real.

In this episode of the Savvy Painter podcast, we’re talking about the Exploration phase of the Creative Spiral. The phase most artists dread, not because they’re doing it wrong, but because it asks them to stay with what’s actually happening in the painting. Not the plan. Not the ideal image in their head.

 Just… this. Right here.

It’s uncomfortable, often messy, and full of not-knowing. But it’s also where your voice starts to take shape, not as an idea, but in the act of making.

🎧 Episode Map
[2:55] Why your painting doesn’t match the idea in your head (and why that’s normal)
[5:45] What “not knowing” really means, and why your brain fights it
[9:50] Intuitive painting isn’t winging it. There is a plan. It just looks different.
[12:40] The experimenter’s crisis: this isn’t what I thought it would look like
[15:10] The two thoughts that tend to paralyze painters in this phase
[17:30] Why looking bad might be a good sign
[20:00] This is where your voice starts to show up—in motion, not in theory
[23:45] What to do when you have no idea what to do next
[26:00] Try this instead: make it truer, not prettier
[28:30] Exploration isn’t aimless. It’s a choice to stay with what’s here, even if it’s unclear

🎨 For Your Studio Wall
Some reminders worth keeping close:

  • “Messy isn’t the opposite of skill. It’s how skill gets built.”
  • “The painting gets honest when you do.”
  • “You’re not supposed to know before you do the thing.”
  • “It’s not a straight line, and it’s not supposed to be.”

What to Bring Into the Studio With You
Because just listening isn’t the point

  • A willingness to get lost, on purpose
  • Permission to make 20 versions no one ever sees
  • Curiosity over control
  • The guts to keep going when things look weird (because they will)


💬 Talk to Me
What’s your relationship with the messy middle?

Leave a comment on Instagram (@savvypainterpodcast) or DM me and tell me how you know you’re in the exploration phase.

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out in isolation. This is what we practice inside Growth Studio, week after week.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

The Voice That Says You’re Not Ready? Fire It.18 Jul 202500:26:05

Resistance isn’t laziness—it’s fear wearing a disguise. Let's break down the REAL reason resistance shows up right after creative excitement kicks in—and how to move forward without force. 

If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding the studio for no “good” reason, this one’s for you. 

We're going to talk about why resistance is actually a turning point in your creative spiral, not a sign to stop. Plus, hear how one artist in Growth Studio used this awareness to navigate a wave of unexpected yeses.


Your Episode Map:

  • [00:01] The real reason resistance shows up—and why it means you’re growing, not failing.
  • [04:45] The “I AM” trap: how we confuse resistance with identity.
  • [11:30] What your brain fears MORE than failure.
  • [13:00] Growth Studio story: When you get what you asked for
  • [20:00] Why your brain thinks change is dangerous—
  • [25:00] The smallest moves to shift resistance and restore your momentum.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

You’re Not Lost—You’re in the Curiosity Phase10 Jul 202500:18:30

That “lost” feeling? It’s not a problem. It’s the process.

Today kicks off a special series I’ve been quietly building behind the scenes for a while now.

It’s called the CREATE Spiral, and it’s a new framework I’ve developed to help artists understand why we get stuck and how to move forward—gently, without shame, and without needing to have it all figured out.

In this first episode, we’re talking about the very first phase of the spiral: Curiosity.

If you’ve been in a fog, wondering why nothing’s exciting you in the studio anymore…

If you’ve felt disconnected from your work, unsure what you want to paint next…

If you’ve caught yourself saying, “Is this all there is?”—this episode is for you.

You’ll learn why this phase is not a detour—it’s a necessary (and powerful) part of your creative growth. And I’ll show you how to move through it in a way that invites clarity, energy, and momentum back into your practice.

Your Episode Map

Major moments, minute by minute.

  • [0:00–3:00] – Growth isn’t linear—meet the Create Spiral
  • [4:00–6:00] – Fear and uncertainty aren’t problems—they’re part of the path
  • [7:00–8:00] – Curiosity is your most underrated studio tool
  • [9:20–12:00] – That “blah” feeling? It’s a clue, not a dead end
  • [12:00–14:00] – You can’t rush clarity—give curiosity room to grow
  • [15:00–16:30] – Follow the tiniest spark—even if it makes no sense (yet)


📌 For Your Studio Wall

The words worth pinning up next to your easel.

“Clarity is a result of giving curiosity space and time to breathe.”

“Trying to rush curiosity is like yanking a seed out of the soil because you don’t think it’s blooming fast enough.”

“You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start exactly where you are.”


 What to Bring Into the Studio With You

Because listening is just the beginning.

If you're in that murky place where everything feels kind of blah, you’re not broken. You’re just in the curiosity phase—and that’s a vital part of your growth as an artist.

Try this:
Open a journal or sketchbook and finish the sentence:
👉 “I'm really curious about…”

Let that be your starting point.
Not what will sell. Not what looks impressive. Just what feels quietly alive for you right now.

Let it be messy. Let it be uncertain.
Let it be enough.

And if this episode hit home, come say hi on Instagram:
@savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear what your curiosity is whispering to you.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

John David Wissler - Looking Up04 Jul 202501:16:12

JD Wissler 1963-2025

This is a re-broadcast of an episode from August 2015.

JD was an incredible painter and a beautiful soul.

Go outside. Look up. Be in awe of what you see. 

❤️



Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

A Quiet Practice To Build Unshakable Confidence03 Jul 202500:26:26

You ever look at another artist and think, “Ugh—I wish I had their confidence”?
That thing they just seem to have—like it came standard and yours got left out?

Yeah. Let’s talk about that.

This week’s episode breaks down the myth that confidence is something you’re either born with or not.

 I’ll show you how confidence works more like painting—something you build, refine, and grow with each stroke (even the messy ones).

Whether you’re struggling to price your work, share it online, or just get yourself back into the studio, this is for you.

Because here’s the truth: You don’t need confidence to start.
You need to start to build confidence.

Your Episode Map

  • 00:38 – Confidence ≠ personality trait. It’s a practice.
  • 01:30 – Two types of confidence: Experience vs. Self-confidence
  • 04:24 – Why waiting for confidence keeps you stuck
  • 09:39 – That time I gave a talk at Disney… and panicked
  • 13:09 – Borrowing confidence from what you do know
  • 14:44 – The truth behind people who “just seem confident”
  • 17:10 – Why the tiniest baby steps matter
  • 20:00 – Megan’s workshop nerves—and why they’re totally normal
  • 22:31 – You grow into the person who can handle it
  • 24:28 – Your creative fingerprint and trusting your own rhythm
  • 25:00 – The only wrong move? No move.


📌 For Your Studio Wall

Words worth pinning next to your easel.

“Confidence is not who you are—it’s what you practice.”

“Self-confidence is the trust that I can figure this out, even if I don’t have all the answers yet.”

“Every time you share, you’re reinforcing your creative fingerprint.”


Thoughts to Bring Into the Studio With You

Because listening is just the beginning.

If confidence feels out of reach right now, remember this: every time you show up—paint a stroke, post your work, have the awkward conversation—you are practicing confidence.

Try this: pick one small thing that’s been making you hesitate. Then do it before you feel ready.

I'd love to see what you do with this episode! DM me on Instagram (or tag me)  and tell me what you’re trying this week.
@savvypainterpodcast

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Why Rejection Hurts—and What to Do With It06 Jun 202500:24:54

Today, we’re talking about something that every artist encounters—but few talk about openly: rejection.

Whether it’s a juried show, a gallery application, or simply putting your work on social media, the fear of hearing “no” often holds artists back in big ways. But here’s the truth: rejection isn’t the problem. It’s the meaning we attach to it that creates so much pain and paralysis.

Antrese breaks down:

  • Why rejection feels so intense—and why that’s totally normal
  • The science behind the physical response to rejection (it’s not all in your head)
  • How your brain turns a simple “no” into a worst-case-scenario spiral
  • Real stories from Growth Studio artists navigating fear, discomfort, and unexpected wins
  • What it means to build rejection resilience—and how to do it

You’ll also hear about a two-month Rejection Challenge happening inside Growth Studio, and why some artists are already discovering that the “no’s” they feared are turning into surprising “yeses.”

If rejection has ever stopped you from taking action, this episode is for you.

Links and Resources:

Like what you hear?
Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more artists find this show. And if you know someone who needs to hear this, send it their way.



Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

In the Zone: Artists Talk Flow State (and Losing Track of Time)29 May 202500:48:52

Have you ever been so immersed in your painting that you completely lost track of time? That magical moment where everything clicks, the inner critic goes quiet, and it feels like the brush is moving on its own? That’s what we’re diving into today—flow state.

But here’s the twist: is flow always a good thing? Or can it actually hold you back from experimenting and growing as an artist?

In this episode, I’m bringing you inside Growth Studio for a real, unfiltered conversation with artists who are wrestling with those exact questions. You’ll hear how each of us defines and experiences flow, the unexpected ways it shows up (or doesn’t), and why your version of it might look completely different from anyone else's.

Whether you’ve had that dreamy, meditative painting session or you’re wondering why it feels so elusive, this conversation will make you think differently about what flow actually is—and how it might be the key to unlocking your most authentic work.

In This Episode:

  • What flow state actually feels like—and why it’s different for everyone
  • The surprising relationship between flow and experimentation
  • How presence and letting go of self-judgment are key to deep creative focus
  • The role of technical skill in entering (and sustaining) a flow state
  • Why some artists lose track of time, and others feel like they “wake up” to a finished painting
  • How being seen by others can either block or boost your creative rhythm
  • And why finding flow might just be a form of falling in love—with your art and with yourself

Big Takeaways:

  • Flow isn’t a formula—it’s deeply individual and may even shift over time.
  • Being fully present is what unlocks your most powerful creative moments.
  • Community matters—having other artists to talk with, compare notes, and challenge your thinking expands what’s possible.
  • And maybe most importantly: flow feels like love—something you never want to end.

If this episode speaks to you, imagine having these kinds of conversations all the time. That’s exactly what we do inside Growth Studio. If you’re looking for a supportive, inspiring artist community that challenges you and cheers you on—come join us.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Finding Joy and Creative Possibility in Unfinished Work17 Apr 202500:34:44

Do you often feel guilty or frustrated when you see a piece of unfinished art in your studio? Instead of seeing that as proof of something wrong with you or your art practice, let’s transform your relationship with your works-in-progress and unlock new (and often overlooked) possibilities!

In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, learn how unfinished work holds the key to your next creative breakthrough. I explore the various types of incomplete pieces and the emotional baggage attached to them, how to overcome the self-criticism surrounding unfinished work, how to know when it’s time to release your hold on partly-done artwork, as well as advocate for embracing the untapped potential of unfinished art as part of creating a positive practice.

1:39 – How I tend to categorize unfinished work
5:05 – Internal and external reasons for leaving paintings unfinished

6:58 – Common negative thoughts about unfinished work and my philosophy for creating a positive art practice
13:05 – How to embrace the idea of letting go of a painting without feeling like a quitter

19:42 – Other ways you can utilize unfinished paintings

23:58 – How to know when it’s time to let go of a piece of incomplete artwork

28:47 – What trusting in your creative process and the potential of unfinished paintings offer you


Mentioned in Finding Joy and Creative Possibility in Unfinished Work

Join Growth Studio

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

The Slow Art Revolution — Because Instant Results Are a Scam10 Apr 202500:22:53

Art is inherently slow. It demands time, thought, and presence, so embracing that slowness is essential for creating meaningful work and maintaining your artistic well-being. Yet, many artists feel behind in their art journey because they’re not producing fast enough.

In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, I’ll challenge the idea that faster is better in the art world. You’ll discover how hustle culture distorts our perception of the artistic process and get a refreshing perspective that’ll help you reclaim the joy and depth of art-making in a fast-paced world.

3:57 – The mindset that clashes with the time-sensitive nature of art creation
7:51 – How social media puts pressure on artists to create faster
10:54 – The drawbacks of chasing quick results with your art

14:52 – The perks of embracing a slower approach with your art

17:53 – Four quick steps to reclaim time, space, and creative joy in your art practice


Mentioned in The Slow Art Revolution — Because Instant Results Are a Scam

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How to Make Art When You Don’t Feel Like an Artist03 Apr 202500:28:49

Does staring at a blank canvas sometimes cause you to question your abilities? Many artists (even those you admire) struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and the current chaotic world only amplifies those feelings. But what if the only thing holding you back is the mere thought that you aren’t an artist?

In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, we’ll dismantle the myth of the "real" artist and explore why waiting to embody this ideal is a waste of time. You’ll discover how imposter syndrome can signal that you're in the wrong environment (not the wrong career), how external stress fuels self-doubt, and how to regain control of your thoughts and stop looking for permission to be the artist you truly want to be.

3:15 – Challenge your inner critic who thinks you're not a real artist
10:33 – Re-define for yourself what it means to be an artist 
14:00 – The importance of identifying who you want (and don’t want) to support you 
17:54 – The power of choosing to embrace imperfection and uncertainty

22:38 – Questions to ask when in self-doubt about your status as an artist 


Mentioned in How to Make Art When You Don’t Feel Like an Artist

The Work of Byron Katie

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Why Your Art Is Exactly What We Need Right Now27 Mar 202500:25:40

Why does your art matter when the world feels heavy, uncertain, or even chaotic? If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Who am I to create right now?”—you’re not alone. But that might be the wrong question.

In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re talking about what it means to make art during difficult times. If you’re an artist feeling disconnected, stuck, or unsure whether your work even matters right now, this conversation is for you.

We’ll look at why creative burnout is so common in overwhelming seasons, how to reconnect with your practice when it feels impossible to show up, and why your art is not just valid but vital. You’ll learn how to calm your nervous system, process tough emotions without pushing them down, and use your studio as a place of resistance, healing, and humanity.

Because making art isn’t frivolous, it’s how we stay connected. It’s how we resist isolation. And it’s precisely what the world needs more of.

3:31 – The importance of acknowledging your emotions without letting them take over
7:14 – The better question to ask, and why now is exactly the right time to make your art
15:16 – How to work with your emotions instead of pushing them down
19:34 – Why it feels like your art doesn’t matter (and the most powerful way to push back against that)


Mentioned in Why Your Art Is Exactly What We Need Right Now

The Marginalian

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Why Taking Big Risks Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead)20 Mar 202500:27:09

How often have you heard phrases like, “Go big or go home,” or “Just put yourself out there”? Society loves to advocate for taking big risks. Yet too many end up freezing or avoiding risk-taking entirely when the leap they’re being asked to make feels too big for them. Thankfully, there’s a middle ground between taking a big risk and taking no risks at all.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I’ll show you the power of taking small, controlled risks to build your confidence and gradually increase your risk tolerance. You’ll see why big leaps often backfire and halt your progress, and discover how to expand your risk-taking comfort zone without overwhelming yourself.

2:59 – The nervous system’s role in your risk-taking confidence and the advantage in taking small risks 

8:41 – How approaching risk-taking like a ladder or video game expands your confidence

15:23 – Signs that you’re taking too big a risk and techniques to regulate your nervous system when things feel too scary

17:41 – How to know when it’s time to level up your risk-taking and expand your tolerance

22:23 – Biggest takeaways, your challenge for the week, and a final message


Mentioned in Why Taking Big Risks Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead)

Sign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work”

Join Growth Studio


Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Not Having Your Own Back Has Cost You Years of Progress13 Mar 202500:28:54

When things don’t go your way in your art practice, what do you do? Like many artists, you might beat yourself up with lots of self-criticism and judgment. You’d be better off creating the habit of having your own back instead. That way, you’ll actually speed up your progress and not look back a year from now with regret that you’re still stuck in the same place.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I’ll reveal exactly what having your own back looks like, why it’s a crucial skill you must learn, and how not doing so can hold you back for years. I’ll also discuss the impact of creating this habit on you as an artist and how compassionate support (from yourself and/or others) helps evolve your art practice.

2:53 – Why self-criticism doesn’t make you a better artist

8:04 - How getting rejected isn’t really about your work

10:29 – What having your own back means and why it’s a crucial skill to develop

14:52 – How creating the habit of having your own back impacts your art practice

17:02 – Explicit and implicit messages you’ve received that encourage self-criticism

20:16 – Why compassion and empathy in the face of rejection help you evolve

24:46 – Why feeling ready to show your work isn’t likely or necessary


Mentioned in Not Having Your Own Back Has Cost You Years of Progress

Sign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work”

Join Growth Studio


Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Why Mental Rehearsal Is a Powerful Tool for Artists06 Mar 202500:25:07

Your brain automatically runs scripts on repeat. But are those scripts helping you or playing like mini horror movies in your head? With the right mental rehearsal approach, you can create scenarios that help turn around any unsatisfactory results of your art practice. 

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re going to get into what mental rehearsal is and why it’s one of the most powerful, yet underutilized tools for artists. You’ll discover how you’re always mentally practicing something repeatedly, how your current results are proof, and what happens when you change what you’re rehearsing in your brain.

2:24 – What mental rehearsal is and some ways you’re probably using it wrong

7:05 - Why the brain makes mental rehearsal so effectively powerful (with a client example)

12:42 – The effect mental rehearsing might be having on your art practice right now 

14:33 – Another example of what can happen when you switch your mental rehearsal 

17:19 – The difference between artists who succeed and those who stay stuck


Mentioned in Why Mental Rehearsal Is a Powerful Tool for Artists

Join Growth Studio

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Your Brain Is the Worst Art Critic (And What to Do About It)27 Feb 202500:23:50

Is the problem really your art—or just how you’re looking at it?

We’ve all been there. You step back from something you’ve just created, and your brain instantly goes, “Ugh, this is awful.” Maybe even, “What if people see this and think I have no idea what I’m doing?” That little voice in your head? It’s not just being dramatic, it’s actively sabotaging you.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re digging into how your brain warps your perception of your own work, why that inner critic is so convincing, and, most importantly, how to quiet it so you can share your art with confidence. Because if you don’t believe in your work, how can you expect anyone else to?

1:58 – Negativity bias of the brain and how it affects your perspective

4:07 - One Growth Studio member’s journey from self-doubt to public recognition

6:52 – The cycle of doubt you experience with your work

10:46 – Three steps to override your brain and overcome self-doubt

16:48 – How to practice talking about your art to build confidence 


Mentioned in Your Brain Is the Worst Art Critic (And What to Do About It)

Why Get Your Work Critiqued?

Exploring Your Art Without Overthinking or Overwhelm

Sign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work”

Join Growth Studio

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How to Talk About Your Art Without Feeling Awkward20 Feb 202500:30:52

Do you ever feel anxious or freeze up when someone asks about your work? You want people to see and love your art, but talking about it can feel overwhelming. And if you struggle to talk about your art, you might miss opportunities to connect with potential buyers.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re diving into why learning to talk about your art is so important. I’ll share how your words can shape the way collectors experience your work, what it really costs to stay silent, and why there’s no “wrong” way to talk about your art—even if it feels intimidating.

4:24 – Why your art won’t speak for itself and why you need to help it

10:26 – What happens when you stay silent instead of engaging with potential buyers

13:36 – How connection shapes a collector’s experience and influences their decision to buy

17:40 – How talking about your art builds confidence and conviction in your work

20:37 – The impact of clear communication when applying for shows, grants, and residencies

22:07 – The biggest fears artists have when discussing their work and why they don’t need to worry

27:06 – The key to feeling comfortable talking about your art and a quick challenge to help you practice


Mentioned in How to Talk About Your Art Without Feeling Awkward

Join Growth Studio

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

You’re the Hero of Your Own Art Story13 Feb 202500:30:22

As a kid, did you wish you were like Cinderella and had a fairy godmother who could just wave her magic wand and president you with whatever you wished? Unfortunately, this idea of a fairy tale character coming to save the day is every bit as fantastical as the art police scenario talked about last week. Just as no one is coming to arrest you, no one is coming to save you, either.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn how to be the hero of your own story instead and give yourself the best odds to succeed as an artist. I’ll share the scope of the responsibility you need to take on, provide insights and suggestions to help you get clear on and envision what you want inside and outside the studio, discuss the importance of focusing on what you can control instead of what you can’t (like social media algorithms), and more.

3:55 - How to stack the odds in your favor and give yourself the chance to create the practice you want

6:39 - How to envision your perfect day and the results you want to get in your art practice

11:28 - Better questions to ask yourself about what you want so you can create a fulfilling practice

13:50 - Why you often feel helpless as an artist and what happens when you don’t know what you want

16:06 - What you need to know about social media and the importance of focusing on what you can control

21:37 - Why you don’t need to know all the answers to start (but what is required of you right now)

26:21 - One final suggestion that can keep you moving forward 


Mentioned in You’re the Hero of Your Own Art Story

Join Growth Studio


Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

There Are No Art Police—So Why Are You Following Their Rules?06 Feb 202500:29:05

Do you believe that if you think outside of the box and actually apply that thinking to your work that the art police will come to arrest you or take away your brushes? As absurd as that seems, refusing to follow your instincts as an artist because of your fear of negative nancy voices still has the same effect on you. You’re so worried about doing everything “by the book” that it causes you to question your decisions and your work, to the point where you stop yourself from doing it.

So in this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, we’ll dismantle the myth that there’s a correct way to create, show, or sell your art and that some invisible authority is waiting to catch you in the act if you stray away from doing it “right.” I’ll also give you some truths, strategies, and tools to help you more easily embrace your creative inner voice and artistic instincts without fearing others’ negative beliefs or thoughts.

1:24 - The irony of being an artist living in a world with other human beings

4:06 - How fear of the art police can manifest, regardless of your education level

8:23 - Extremes that artists go back and forth between and its impact on them and their art

12:27 - The long history of creativity and the cognitive dissonance artists have about mistakes

16:33 - How to check in with your own voice when you hesitate to do artwork you feel called to do

18:42 - Ways to introduce playfulness and experimentation into your art and how your subconscious mind helps

21:14 - How tapping into your own creative voice protects and empowers you

23:04 - Tools to help you clear the mental chatter and reconnect you to your instincts


Mentioned in There Are No Art Police—So Why Are You Following Their Rules?

The Far Side Comic Strip by Gary Larson

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How Small Wins Impact Your Art Practice with Leslie Rae Cannon30 Jan 202500:55:57

Noticing the small wins you’ve gained can have a big impact on your practice as an artist. That insight was what I loved hearing about most in my conversation with Leslie Rae Cannon, an artist from Atlanta, Georgia and a member of Growth Studio. She graduated with an art degree from Presbyterian College, and now as an empty-nester has traded in carpools and play-dates for canvases and paint brushes.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn how small wins have helped Leslie grow as an artist, from overcoming her fear of putting her work out there to becoming really selective about which gallery she allows to show her art. You’ll also hear about the importance of developing a supportive community and how that’s helped Leslie recognize her own progress.

1:34 - A sense of who Leslie is and what she’s discovered about herself as an artist

5:56 - The process Leslie goes through when working on or in between projects

8:56 - How Leslie felt inspired to create her hydrangea collection and allowed herself more freedom in painting them

15:25 - Leslie’s transition from being really excited about her work to wanting to show her work

19:37 - One way that people have been drawn to some of Leslie’s paintings and a recent decision that saved her from sitting in frustration

26:10 - How Leslie has evolved into the habit of consistently putting her toe in the water to get her work into a gallery

33:50 - The impact of Leslie’s belief in the law of attraction and manifestation on her success

39:17 - How Leslie has gotten into the practice of noticing her small wins

41:26 - How Leslie shifted from trying to get in front of as many people as possible to being able to pick and choose her shows

47:37 - What today’s Leslie would tell herself (or other artists) if this were three or four years ago


Mentioned in How Small Wins Impact Your Art Practice with Leslie Rae Cannon

Leslie Rae Cannon Art | Instagram

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm

How to Stop Procrastinating and Finally Price Your Artwork

Julep Gallery | Dunwoody Gallery

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Doubts Don’t Mean You Chose the Wrong Goal23 Jan 202500:30:50

Do you feel a twinge of anxiety or regret settle in after you’ve set a goal? It’s similar to how people often feel after making a big purchase. You get really excited about your goal, only to feel this wave of doubt sink in. I call this goal phenomenon “goal remorse.”

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, we’ll dive deeper into what goal remorse is and why it pops up. I’ll also give you some tips to calm the overthinking of your goal, help you feel good about your decision, and stay on track with your vision.

1:36 - What goal remorse is, why you feel it, and questions to ask yourself when the goal you’ve set is too vague

7:57 - A close cousin of “shiny-object syndrome” that leads to goal remorse and the bigger win you gain by committing to your goals

14:20 - How recognizing that you’re in a negative thought pattern, challenging it, and reframing it will help defuse it

17:00 - One of my favorite and constantly used tools for calming down the nervous system

19:19 - The power of self-hypnosis or mental rehearsal to train your brain to trust yourself and your instincts when it comes to your goal

21:44 - An important thing to remember after you’ve committed to a goal and the importance of scheduling time for reassessing

24:25 - How to give yourself accountability to help eliminate any sort of goal remorse or doubts around your goal


Mentioned in Doubts Don’t Mean You Chose the Wrong Goal

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How to Decide on the “Right” Goal16 Jan 202500:31:54

Setting goals isn’t just about the end result; it’s also about personal growth and transformation. You feel disappointed and perhaps like you’re spinning your wheels a bit when you don’t achieve what you’ve set out to do. And a struggle to decide the ‘right' goal for you might be getting in the way of that feeling of satisfaction, happiness, and pride in your art practice.

So how do you choose if you have a million ideas and feel like you can’t pick just one to go with? In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn about the common fears associated with goal-setting and the part your brain plays in the process. I’ll also give you some practical tips to help you decide which goals to pursue.

1:58 - What setting goals helps you avoid and common struggles of artists who don’t have clear goals

8:32 - Why artists struggle with choosing the “right” goal and trusting their decision

16:34 - Why your brain creates obstacles to achieving your goals and how to deal with it

21:09 - How to decide if you feel like you have too many ideas

25:52 - The importance of trusting your decision once you’ve made it


Mentioned in How to Decide on the “Right” Goal

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Why Your Art Matters (Even When You Think It Doesn’t)09 Jan 202500:29:33

There’s an affliction going around lately within artistic circles. You might be experiencing it too, even if it’s just a small voice or whisper in the back of your head. The affliction is the thought that, “My art doesn’t matter”. 

Now, your immediate reaction might be to refute this and tell yourself, “Of course it matters/” And I agree and am here to remind you that, yes, your art does matter. But this constant nagging doubt could make you feel like an art practice isn’t worth having after all.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn about what’s special about your art and exactly why it matters, not just to you but to other people as well. I’ll also discuss why you believe it doesn’t matter and how your approach to your work could change if the thought was completely non-existent in your mind.

3:20 - Why you sometimes believe that creating your work doesn’t matter and how it leads to dissatisfaction in your practice

8:09 - The most beautiful thing about being an artist and how it showcases a gift that most people don’t have

13:14 - How you impact people with your art, whether you’re aware of it or not

16:38 - The impact on you if the thought “my art doesn’t matter” didn’t exist in your head at all

23:06 - One of the greatest realizations I’ve ever had about my own artwork


Mentioned in Why Your Art Matters (Even When You Think It Doesn’t)

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How Your Money Mindset Shapes Your Art Practice02 Jan 202501:08:56

Money and pricing your art can feel like tricky, even uncomfortable topics, but they’re also some of the most powerful conversations we can have as artists. Why? Because our beliefs about money and pricing often run deep and show up in ways we don’t even realize. They influence how we value our art, how we show up for it, and ultimately, how we create a practice that truly supports and sustains us.

In this final roundtable episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I’m joined by Growth Studio members Merrie Koehlert, Leslie Cannon, and Beverly Woodhall. We dig into how your thoughts about money and pricing impact your relationship with your art, and we get real about the hidden mindset blocks that can hold you back. Whether it’s pricing your work with confidence, valuing your time, or shifting your money beliefs, this conversation is filled with insights to help you move forward and thrive as an artist."

1:23 - Quick self-introductions for Merrie, Leslie, and Beverly as artists

2:56 - Assumptions about money as it relates to art that the roundtable have had or heard from others

8:44 - How your subconscious programming can impact the lens through which you see your art

14:04 - Critical junction points in Merrie’s life that reinforced her negative assumptions about selling art

18:40 - How Leslie, Merrie, and Beverly view pricing their artwork and how their thoughts about pricing have changed

31:09 - Getting around the drama in your head so you can learn to get comfortable with your pricing 

34:55 - How each participant has internalized what “the value of the painting” means to them

43:25 - The value to the art collector and why buying a piece of art because it matches other room decor shouldn’t be considered an insult

50:12 - Painting pieces you know people buy when you need to make more money versus painting what you really want and not selling as frequently

57:11 - Thoughts around money or pricing that the participants now notice that they were oblivious to before and how Growth Studio has helped 


Mentioned in How Your Money Mindset Shapes Your Art Practice

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How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm
How to Stop Procrastinating and Finally Price Your Artwork
How Artists Can Overcome Money Mindset Blocks
Beverly Woodhall | Instagram
Merrie Koehlert | Instagram
Leslie Cannon |

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Exploring Your Art Without Overthinking or Overwhelm26 Dec 202401:02:00

As artists, we go through several phases on our way to creating pieces. It all starts with this period of play and discovery that I call the exploratory phase, and to talk about it with me are Growth Studio members Sabrina Setaro, Alyssa Marquez, and Jess Fredrick.

In this roundtable episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, you’ll go on a deep dive into the first stage of artistic creation: the exploratory phase. Sabrina, Alyssa, Fredick, and I will discuss what happens in this stage and what they’ve discovered about their work in the process, techniques to balance play with purpose during your exploration, how they avoid overwhelm and overthinking during this discovery phase, and more!

1:10 - The five phases of artistic creation

4:27 - Sabrina, Alyssa and Jess tell a little bit about themselves

8:00 - What the exploratory phase looks like for each roundtable participant in their studio

14:05 - Allowing further experimentation and how to keep frustration at bay during this phase

24:48 - More experimentation techniques you can use to help you get out of a rut as an artist

34:43 - Insights the participants received about their artwork during the exploratory phase

46:08 - How to know if you’re using this phase for deep exploration or as a way to hide from something else

54:07 - How being part of Growth Studio has helped Sabrina, Alyssa, and Jess in the exploration process


Mentioned in Exploring Your Art Without Overthinking or Overwhelm

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Alyssa Marquez | Instagram
Jess Fredrick | Instagram

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How Artists Find Their Voice and Create from the Heart19 Dec 202401:01:28

Welcome to another roundtable series! This time I’m joined by Growth Studio members Louisa Jornayvaz, Braighlee Rainey, Jack Wray, and Elisabeth Svendby in a discussion about finding your voice as an artist.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, you’ll learn about what it means to find your voice and ways you can connect with it. You’ll also get personal insights into how the participants’ have connected with their voice and how it brings meaning into their artistic practice.

1:37 - Braighlee, Louisa, Elisabeth, and Jack quickly introduce themselves

3:27 - How they define what the artist's voice means to them

8:46 - How to know when you’re connected to your voice

11:00 - How your background can impact your art and the journey of finding your voice

19:52 - How each roundtable participant has progressed in finding their voice

26:35 - Why this journey isn’t straightforward and how it can evolve as you continue to walk the path

33:59 - Advice if you’re really not sure where to look to help you discover your artistic voice

42:27 - The connection between finding your voice as an artist and meditation and green lights

46:46 - The importance of imperfection and challenge in bringing character and resonance to art

50:10 - The impact of being taught in curiosity and sensitivity conditioning

54:59 - What the roundtable participants learned within Growth Studio to help them find or connect with their voices


Mentioned in How Artists Find Their Voice and Create from the Heart

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Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Elisabeth Svendby | Instagram
Jack Wray | Instagram
Braighlee Rainey | Instagram

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How Creative Confidence Impacts Your Artwork12 Dec 202400:55:38

It’s one thing to have an interest in creating art or putting something on canvas. It’s another to see yourself as an artist and have an artistic practice.

What’s a difference-maker between those who do and those who don’t? Creative confidence, and to talk about it, I’m joined by Growth Studio members Alyssa Marquez, Merrie Koehlert, and Andrew Rea in another roundtable series.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, you’ll learn about the concept of creative confidence, its impact on artistic practice, and how it differs from self-confidence and arrogance. You’ll get personal insights into how the participants’ confidence has evolved, whether there’s such a thing as too much confidence, and how peer support can help navigate challenges and enhance artistic expression.

1:34 - Defining creative confidence and how it’s necessary for artists to create and share their work

6:46 - How you’re constantly making art (even if you haven’t always been the artistic type)

13:00 - How Alyssa’s creative confidence has evolved over time

24:42 - How an evolution in confidence has most recently affected Merrie’s and Andrew’s art

29:49 - How to distinguish between confidence, self-confidence, and arrogance

33:19 - Can you have too much confidence in your painting or art practice?

40:33 - How confidence has impacted Alyssa’s desire to take risks with art

43:03 - Impact of the Growth Studio community on the roundtable participants’ confidence

Mentioned in How Creative Confidence Impacts Your Artwork

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Alyssa Marquez | Instagram
Merrie Koehlert | Instagram

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Not All Feedback Is Created Equal—Here’s What to Look For05 Dec 202400:51:32

If the word critique makes you tense up, this episode is for you.

This isn’t a conversation about “fixing” your paintings or performing for approval. It’s about learning to see your own work more clearly—and how the right kind of critique can be the fastest path to creative confidence.

I brought three Growth Studio artists—Beverly Woodhall, Elisabeth Svendby, and Sabrina Setaro—to talk about what actually happens when you put your work in front of someone else. The nerves, the breakthroughs, and the surprising ways critique has helped them trust themselves more, not less.

We talk about:

  • Why learning to say what you love about your work changes everything
  • How to know which feedback to keep—and what to ignore
  • Why critiques are never just about this painting
  • Letting go of the pressure to pick one style or subject forever
  • The quiet mindset shifts that help you keep showing up

This episode might change how you feel about being seen. It might even make you want to bring your work forward.

Your Episode Map

[0:00] Why critique feels scary—and why it’s worth it
[4:30] The unexpected benefits of saying what you love about your work
[8:45] “It’s not about this painting”—what critique really teaches you
[14:00] When to share your work: in progress vs. finished
[21:00] The moment you learn to kill your darlings (and why that’s freedom)
[28:15] Learning to trust your own instincts—even when others disagree
[35:10] Why “trying the weird idea” often leads to your best work
[42:30] What to look for in a meaningful critique (and red flags to avoid)
[49:50] Final reflections: how critique builds courage one painting at a time


Mentioned in Why Get Your Work Critiqued?

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Elisabeth Svendby | Instagram
Beverly Woodhall | Instagram

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How Perfectionism Shows Up In Your Studio28 Nov 202400:53:21

Perfectionism can show up in your studio and throughout your practice in many ways. Some are obvious, and others not so much. But what perfectionism looks like is often difficult to clearly define; the best way to illustrate it is by contrasting it with mastery.

In the final episode of this four-part live series on The Savvy Painter Podcast, you’ll learn about the concepts of perfectionism and mastery and explore the different behaviors they can cause. I’ll also provide insight into how to recognize and address any perfectionist tendencies you have to foster a healthier, more productive artistic practice.

1:04 - The difficulty of nailing down the concept of perfectionism

3:20 - Behaviors associated with perfectionism and mastery in artistic practices

13:34 - How emotional awareness can help you respond more effectively to perfectionist tendencies

24:48 - Working through an impulse to go for too many brush strokes when self-doubt creeps in

30:57 - The importance of distinguishing between feelings of openness and closing off in response to challenges

39:27 - Working through how to reframe and respond to rejection as an artist

48:38 - The very high price tag that comes with perfectionism


Mentioned in How Perfectionism Shows Up In Your Studio

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How Artists Can Overcome Money Mindset Blocks21 Nov 202400:58:34

Many artists have a tricky relationship with money. The stories we tell ourselves about money can create hidden barriers to pricing and selling our work with confidence. By shining a light on these beliefs, you’ll find a path to transforming your approach to money—and building a more sustainable, abundant art practice.

In part three of this live event series on The Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re exploring some common money myths that can hold artists back. Together with a few participants, we’ll question these limiting beliefs and offer ways to reframe them, so you can feel more empowered in pricing your art and growing your creative business.

2:18 - Common money beliefs and how they shape attitudes toward spending and earning in the art world

8:50 - How to start becoming aware of and questioning your beliefs about money

13:30 - Braley’s dichotomous belief about the value of original pieces versus smaller prints

20:16 - The purpose of questioning your thoughts about pricing and selling art

25:27 - Reframing the fear of creating artwork that isn’t good enough or doesn’t feel authentic

35:17 - The impact of Morgan’s money beliefs on her pricing and ability to connect to potential collectors

46:45 - What you’re actually selling and why you create the art vs. why a potential collector wants to buy it

51:50 - The importance of separating facts from subjective stories about money

Mentioned in How Artists Can Overcome Money Mindset Blocks

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How to Cultivate Trust in Your Artistic Voice14 Nov 202400:46:02

You have an inner critic blocking or interfering with your ability to fully trust in yourself and your art. That harshly critical internal voice thinks it’s doing you a favor. It thinks it’s protecting you. Yet, it says things to you that you wouldn’t dare say to a loved one or friend.

So let’s take the microphone away from your inner critic and hand it to the higher self that’s been patiently waiting to speak through you. It’s time to trust in your creative process and yourself as an artist.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll hear part two of this four-part live event series as I guide you on how to cultivate trust in your artistic voice. I’ll discuss the signs of trust or mistrust, give you the three steps to cultivating trust, and much more!

4:52 - The lesson that our inner critic can learn from The Stoics and their Memento Mori

9:22 - How to start to get more familiar and friendly with the voice of your higher self and build trust

13:45 - What it looks like when you don’t trust your voice and your process

17:54 - What it looks like when you do trust your own voice and process

23:30 - What trusting your voice means, how it (or the lack of it) might feel to you, and the first step to obtaining it

26:21 - Three starts to questions you can use to start enabling curiosity (step two) and the third step to cultivating trust

31:31 - What arrogance is and how it differs from your inner voice when analyzing your art

33:20 - The importance of seeing yourself as an amazing artist

38:41 - The power in always having full trust in yourself and the common thread that runs through all of your work

Mentioned in How to Cultivate Trust in Your Artistic Voice

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Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How to Cultivate Creative Confidence As an Artist07 Nov 202400:56:44

As an artist, you might have been taught (implicitly or explicitly) that your work doesn’t matter. Many artists I’ve worked with have heard it in school, at home, and in the media.

Yet, your work as an artist does matter. It can help others feel, connect, and demonstrate the beauty of the world and the human experience. But only when you’re centered, present, and confident in your creative process do you allow that potential impact to flourish.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll hear the first part of a live event I gave a while back that covers what creative confidence is, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to curate it for yourself. You’ll also hear coaching examples with a few attendees as I help them work through fears that have resulted in a lack of progress, self-sabotaging habits, and a feeling of invisibility.

4:58 - What creative confidence in your artistic abilities looks like

8:15 - The two types of confidence you can lean on as an artist and how they differ

13:51 - What usually stands in the way of creating what you want and how to overcome it

18:33 - How you can curate self-confidence and examples of thoughts that get in the way

23:19 - How Nancy’s thoughts have hindered her progress, the fears they’ve exposed, and their impact on her physically

36:08 - How Carol’s fear and familiar thoughts have led to habits of self-sabotage

42:59 - What happens in your brain when it offers you the worst-case scenario and more thoughts that can help you create self-confidence

46:22 - Why Ekaterina feels invisible despite creating all kinds of things and where to focus to begin to push past it

Mentioned in How to Cultivate Creative Confidence As an Artist

Join Growth Studio

 

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Unlocking the Secrets of Color: Robert Gamblin and Scott Gellatly Answer Your Questions31 Oct 202401:27:32

Have you been experimenting with your paint colors lately? Do you wonder about different colors and the best way to mix them? Well, you’re in luck! Robert Gamblin and product manager Scott Gellatly are here to answer more of your questions in our special color episode!

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn about the pigments used in modern paints, the emotional content of a color, what makes student grade paints “student grade,” the best paints to use for plein air painting, and so much more. You don’t want to miss a minute of this in-depth and fascinating conversation!

2:55 - Why modern oil paints have more pigments than older ones

5:54 - Gamblin’s guide to color imaging and the emotional content of color and its impact on paint-making

9:51 - Are there paints that artists often misuse (aside from whites)?

14:36 - How modern pigments differ from mineral pigments

19:41 - Comparing Gamblin’s color palette to Rembrandt’s and the intention behind Alizarin Crimson Permanent

24:00 - What lake colors and hues are and the hues that Gamblin features

28:44 - How student grade paint differs from artist grade paint

34:20 - The best way to prevent dead spots/sinking in on your paintings

40:12 - Gamblin’s plans for skin tone colors and the concern over representation in the art world for artists of color

45:53 - Mixed colors as shortcuts, common mistakes to avoid in your palette, and when to move away from student grade color

51:54 - The different characteristics of Gamblin’s black oil colors

58:22 - Advice on the minimum amount and best paints to use for plein air painting

1:03:34 - Looking at the relationship between pigments when you’re creating a color palette

1:07:55 - Scott reveals the “secret weapon” colors he likes to use in his paintings

1:10:04 - How Robert produced his beautiful series of large iceberg paintings during his Greenland trip

1:14:27 - How to have a good white for glazing and whether some Torrit Grey colors are made by Gamblin in actual color

1:16:56 - The difference between transparent earth colors and ochres, umbres, and siennas

1:19:15 - Three reasons why cadmium and cobalt colors are so expensive (and three reasons why they’re worth it)

1:22:09 - Why Scott uses Transparent Earth Red (specifically one in the FastMatte line) for his underpaintings

Mentioned in Unlocking the Secrets of Color: Robert Gamblin and Scott Gellatly Answer Your Questions

Gamblin Artists Colors | Instagram | Twitter

 Previous Q&A with Gamblin

Bonus Content: Transcripts and Extra Interview with Gamblin

Claude Monet | Lori Putnam | Rache

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Oil Painting Q&A: Tips, Tricks, and More with Gamblin Artists Colors24 Oct 202401:37:48

You’ve heard that old phrase, “Jack of all trades and master of none,” right? Instead of being a jack of all trades, Robert Gamblin and his team at Gamblin Artists Colors have decided to focus on being a master of one: oil paint products. Their narrow focus has paid off as they display an amazing passion for detail and improvement in their product line and offer jam-packed information you can use in your studio every day. 

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn helpful insights and get some of your biggest questions about oil painting and other topics answered by Robert, product specialist Mary Weisenburger, and company president Pete Cole. You’ll hear their response to questions about pigments, oil separation, toxicity, and much more!

2:25 - Robert introduces himself and shares how he started Gamblin Artists Colors

6:05 - Robert reveals why Gamblin only provides oil paint and shares some interesting pigment formulations

15:59 - How dreams have inspired color combinations and examples of custom colors made for well-known artists

23:08 - The value of white in the painting process (and the difference between radiant and titanium white)

29:09 - The story of how flake white replacement came into existence

33:21 - Advice and recommendations for artists who are using oils for the first time

39:41 - Warm and cool-colored objects and clearing confusion around kit vs. ready-made Gamvar

45:56 - Why the oil separates from the pigment inside tubes (and what to do if you want an oilier viscosity to the paint)

49:11 - Why Gamblin doesn’t plan to introduce water-soluble oil paints and one of the biggest misconceptions about oil paintings

54:46 - The three eras of pigment history and two big drivers of misinformation about pigment toxicity

1:03:20 - Tips for artists who work in small, enclosed spaces or with a baby nearby

1:10:33 - What you can do instead of a retouch varnish and why varnish at all in the first place

1:16:18 - The trouble with finding good cadmium color alternatives that are opaque

1:19:12 - Working with cold wax mediums and what you should look out for when using them

1:22:12 - A rundown on the range of solvent-free mediums available at Gamblin Artists Colors

1:26:33 - The shelf life of oil paint in tubes and whether Gamblin is considering changing the size of their caps

1:31:28 - What FastMatte is, what inspired it, and three helpful ways to use it

Mentioned in Oil Painting Q&A: Tips, Tricks, and More with Gamblin Artists Colors

Varnishing Made Easy PDF

Gamblin Artists Colors | Instagram

“An Interview

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How to Confidently Put Together a Successful Art Show17 Oct 202400:27:36

As an artist, you’re always about the art. Even for a show, the focus is on creating pieces, not the other things that go into making the show itself a great event. Then when you realize it’s time to plan everything out, you’re instantly overwhelmed by all that’s involved.

What you need is a guide or template that can help you prepare and eliminate a lot of pre-show jitters. I want you to be in a place where you feel confident about your show and your artwork.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn strategies for planning and executing a successful art show. I’ll take you step-by-step on how to envision, reverse-engineer, detail, plan, collaborate, and implement what you want so you can ensure that your event stays organized and goes smoothly.

3:09 - How to create a clear vision and plan for your show, step-by-step

9:21 - How to collaborate with partners and reverse-engineer a detailed plan

16:35 - How to create a calendar for planning ahead of time for your art show

22:30 - The benefit of using a calendar if you don’t like to plan and struggle to stick to a schedule

24:01 - The impact of visualizing the aftermath of a successful art show

Mentioned in How to Confidently Put Together a Successful Art Show

Get your Stress Free Art Show Planner

Join Growth Studio

 

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How to Stop Procrastinating and Finally Price Your Artwork10 Oct 202400:24:52

Do you ever feel like pricing your art is a scary mystery? You’re not alone!

In the previous episode, you heard me share several pricing techniques you can use for your art. And while you might think there’s a way to discover that one perfect price, here’s a surprising truth: the technique you use doesn’t really matter!

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn about the real reasons you’re procrastinating on pricing your work and why your art might not be selling (hint: it’s probably not the price). I’ll show you how your brain can be your biggest obstacle with pricing and give you practical tips to overcome your fears so you can start pricing your artwork with confidence.

1:41 - Common fears that artists have with how they price their work and the truth about pricing

5:08 - The real problem you have with pricing and how it causes you to silently quit

9:52 - How your brain sometimes tries to stop you from doing something you want to do

12:56 - Why you can’t get it wrong and how to gut-check your pricing decisions

15:32 - A few guidelines to help you price your artwork

17:52 - Why, more often than not, your price has nothing to do with why someone didn’t buy your work

Mentioned in How to Stop Procrastinating and Finally Price Your Artwork

Get your free pricing resources

How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm

Join Growth Studio

 

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm03 Oct 202400:30:33

Pricing your artwork can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m breaking down common pricing methods like cost-based and market-based approaches, helping you figure out what works best for you. Whether you’re just starting or more experienced, you’ll walk away with a clearer idea of how to confidently set prices for your work.

This isn't just about the numbers; it's about connecting to the value of your art and feeling good about your decisions. I’ll guide you through overcoming the common doubts and discomfort around pricing, so you can develop a strategy that supports your creative practice.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I explore detailed insights into size-based pricing, market comparisons, and more. I also cover key considerations like gallery markups and international sales, plus offer a free pricing spreadsheet to help you get started. By the end, you'll feel empowered to set prices that truly reflect the value of your work.

02:40  - The most common question I get from artists: How to price your work?

03:25 - Cost-based pricing: A logical but sometimes tricky method

05:25 -  Size-based pricing: A simple, structured approach with a few caveats

06:55 - Market-based pricing: Comparing yourself to other artists in your field

10:00 - Emotional pricing and perceived value: When and how to use it

11:40 - Addition-based pricing for limited edition prints

14:20 - Adjusting pricing for international markets and gallery settings

17:20 - Allowing a gallery or online platform to set the price

21:15 - Next steps to choosing the right pricing method for you right now

24:00 - The best pricing method for artists

Mentioned in How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm

Get your free pricing resources

Join Growth Studio

 

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

But do I HAVE to set a goal for my art practice?22 Jun 202400:28:54

If you're an artist who has given up on setting goals for your art practice because they never seem to turn out - this episode is for you!

I know a lot of artists who are resistant to setting goals. I get it. It seems impossible without sacrificing your creative process. 

Setting goals is not just about achieving them, it's about who you become in the process of going after them. 

In this episode, I give you practical tips to help you reach your artistic goals without drowning in overwhelm or stiffling your creative process.

Setting and achieving goals is a skill that can be learned and mastered. Anyone can do it yep, even a super creative, hard to tame artist like you!

When you are ready to level up your painting practice and get weekly mentorship, join us in Growth Studio. You'll be part of a truly amazing group of artists: savvypainter.com/join.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

A Painter’s Palette: Erin Raedeke Discusses Color and Emotion Ep31523 May 202401:14:41

Let’s talk about color and process with Erin Raedeke. In this episode, Erin shares how she went from using timid neutral colors to canvases filled with bold hues in her sun filled still lifes. Her use of color seems to be a metaphor for her life. Erin is an accomplished painter known for her perceptual and observational work that recreates personal memories from childhood.

Here are a few highlights from our chat:

Personal Stories in Art: Erin's paintings are like pages from her life. She chooses objects from her Gen X childhood to re-examine the moments that impacted her as an adult.

Fear and Fascination with Color: Erin’s relationship with color has evolved over time. Initially intimidated by the complexity of mixing and using bold colors, she now expresses her feelings powerfully with bold color choices.

The Art of Still Lifes:  Erin creates still lifes that do more than just show objects. She uses them to tell deep stories, connecting objects to the narratives within everyday scenes.

Creative Process and Curiosity: Erin's process is driven by curiosity and experimentation. Her approach involves setting up scenes from life and allowing her curiosity about colors and forms to guide the development of each piece. She doesn’t hesitate to completely change the painting if she has a better idea.

Upcoming Solo Show Prep: Erin shares her preparations for an upcoming art show. She plans to use new ideas to explore her inner feelings and the world around her.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in how artists use their life experiences and emotions to create meaningful art. Join us to get inspired by Erin Raedeke's journey and her approach to painting.

Full show notes here

 



 

 

Connect with Erin:

Instagram @erinraedeke

erinraedeke.com

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

How to be a prolific painter (in 3 simple steps)16 May 202400:31:01

A lot of artists come to me wanting to know how to paint more.

How to paint better.

They want to be prolific painters.

So in this episode, I walk you through how to become a prolific painter in three, very straightforward steps.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck or not achieving as much as you could, this episode is for you.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of doing things just for the sake of doing them. I like to have a reason and a clear purpose. Of course, I paint because I like to paint but having a clear purpose keeps me centered when things get tough or I don’t “feel like painting.”

I’d rather not leave painting up to my whims. It’s too important to me.

Main Takeaways from this episode:

  • The quality of your thoughts directly influences the quality of your paintings; mastering your mental landscape is key to improving your art.

  • Being a prolific painter isn't just about quantity; it's about consistently creating meaningful and deliberate artwork.

  • Aligning your emotions with your artistic goals enhances creativity and productivity, making the art-making process more fulfilling.

  • Relentless Action: Painting success comes from consistent, purposeful action—setting clear goals, choosing desired emotions, and persisting through challenges.

  • Developing a strategic approach to your art practice can transform your effectiveness as an artist, leading to more significant personal and professional growth.

 

When you are ready for more, join Growth Studio, I’ll help you feel confident so you can make, show, and sell your artwork. Visit savvypainter.com/join. But for now, enjoy the episode!

 

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Painting the Everyday: Amy Scherer’s Vision of Suburban Beauty - EP 31326 Apr 202401:23:10

Amy Scherer is a contemporary painter who works out of her home studio just outside of Seattle.

In this episode, Amy and I talk about making art even when the people around you don't quite get what it is you do. Ever have any one come into your studio and ask - "Wait, where's the TV?" 🤦‍♀️ IYKYK, right?

Amy lives in the suburbs and most of the people she's around just don't understand what she does, and that yes, there really is an actual artist living among them!

For Amy, what helps her stay sane is teaching other artists how to paint. She absolutely loves the chance to geek out on art with other artists! It gives her the opportunity to share her ideas on color theory, composition, and all the nuances that make a great painting.

So OF COURSE in our conversation, we geeked out on ALL THE THINGS:

  • how to arrange subjects in a painting.
  • why seeing the world as an artist matters.
  • tips on how to manage time between making art and daily life.
  • why making mistakes is important for growing as an artist.
  • the challenges of being seen as a real artist when you live in the suburbs.
  • being true to yourself in your art.
  • how being kind and understanding can help people love art even more.
  • how Amy keeps her passion for art alive.
  • how she balances creativity with her other responsibilities.

Hope you enjoy this episode! If you do, let me know your biggest takeaway at @savvypainterpodcast

And while you're there, check out Amy's work: @A_Scherer_

 

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Feeling stuck in your painting practice? Try this.18 Apr 202400:25:16

Ever felt like you're in a rut with your work?This week we I share practical strategies for boosting your creativity.

In this episode, you'll learn three ways to make creative thinking part of your everyday practice. It's quick and easy but highly effective.

The more you practice creativity, the more effortlessly it appears in your painting.

We'll talk about how to think about other artists work so that it inspires unique ideas in your own (without copying their ideas). Letting your mind wander - yep DAYDREAMING is your best friend for creating unique ideas and tapping into your authenticity.

Listen to this episode for some straightforward tips on revitalizing your artistic practice in a relaxed and simple way.

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

Afraid to show your paintings? Listen to this.10 Apr 202400:22:23

Getting your work out there is scary for a lot of artists. Sometimes it’s because we’re afraid no one will like it, but more often it's because we are so worried about whether or not the paintings will sell.

That creates a ton of pressure.

This episode is for you if you want to show your work but secretly resist taking actions to get it out there.

I give you 3 ideas to make it easier:

Showing your work makes you a better painter: you get to see how people react to your work. Art is communication, part of communication is listening to the response.

Putting your art out there helps you find the people who will truly love and appreciate your unique voice. These are the collectors who will support you as an artist. Help them get to know you.

Sharing your work, even if it’s scary (especially if its scary) boosts your confidence. The more you do it, the easier it gets ( I promise!)

Start small, go slow until you build your confidence. Sales is just one of the byproducts you get when you purposefully practice sharing your work with other humans.

@savvypainterpodcast

 

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

© My Podcast Data · Independent project · Data from Apple & Spotify