
Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood (Antrese Wood)
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06 Jan 2022 | Hidden Beliefs That Impact our Art -EP 255 | 00:24:37 | |
Do you feel that your art simply isn’t good enough yet? Is it your belief that artists always struggle to make ends meet? Are there skills or techniques that you feel you simply can’t do well? Is it common for you to believe that you don’t have enough time to work on your art? These are common beliefs that I hear from members of the Savvy Painter Community on a regular basis. In this episode, I want to get out the magnifying glass and take a deeper look at what we believe and to question those beliefs. Why? So we can identify the beliefs we have that are not serving us, holding us back, or limiting our creativity and success. Outline of This Episode
The hidden beliefs that are running our livesStudying and putting into practice daily. It’s like peeling an onion, there’s so much to discover about how we think and how it impacts our lives. In addition to those random thoughts we have, there are “inner scripts” or hidden beliefs that run our lives. We are not always aware they exist and don’t recognize the impact they have on the way we live. Here’s my definition of a belief... A belief is a thought that you keep thinking over and over again. This includes our thoughts about who we are as an artist, what people think of artists, what artists are supposed to do, how we are supposed to act, etc. When we decide those thoughts are true we create a belief-system. They are built by habit or we’ve actively chosen to believe it.
Where do our beliefs come from?If you take a moment to think about where beliefs come from, you’ll realize that there is a huge array of influences that feed us things to believe: our families, upbringing, culture, religion, advertising, social media, etc. and even self-created beliefs. Any time we receive these things, think about them, and internalize them, they become our beliefs and we don’t think about them consciously anymore. They just play in the background over and over and over in a constant “belief-loop.” For this reason, beliefs shape the way we experience the world, the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. Let’s take some examples from the world of art: There are groups that believe that painting is dead, that everything that can be said using paint on canvas has already been said. There are groups that believe painting is a living, breathing force and there is still much more to be done with it. And even within those systems there are people who believe that abstract expressionism is the only way to authentically express yourself. On a different note, some people believe that you are either born with artistic talent or you aren’t, while others believe the skills to make great art can be learned. Then there are beliefs surrounding money and art that I get into on this episode. These are all examples of “collective beliefs” and they can greatly impact the results that you get in your own studio practice. Many beliefs you hold are helpful but some are notThe point of this episode is not to encourage you to rip apart every belief you hold. There are many beliefs we have that serve us well. But if you find things that do NOT serve you well, or things that cause you to repeatedly do things in a compulsive manner, or that you do or refrain from doing things because they don’t feel like things that “should be done,” then you need to examine the inner scripts that are driving those beliefs and see if you can find untruths that are driving you in unhealthy directions. During this episode I provide a handful of examples from Savvy Painter Community members who were open enough to share the beliefs that serve them well. I was inspired by the things that were shared. The beliefs I heard create experiences that lead to wonderful results in the studio and in our practice of art. Listen to get the nuance of what I’m saying. You’ll probably be able to identify some areas where you could use a reset or refresh on your beliefs. My hope is that you’ll find ways to liberate yourself to do more, create more, and attain levels of growth you’ve only dreamed of up to this point. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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30 Jul 2020 | Exploring Large Scale Paintings: An Interview with Artist, Jivan Lee | 01:15:23 | |
Have you ever stood in awe of a large scale painting? When was the last time you felt like a painting sucked you in so totally that you could almost say you lost yourself in that painting? I love to explore and encounter the sheer magnificence that large scale paintings have to offer. Here to give us a welcome peek behind the curtain of his large scale paintings is the artist, Jivan Lee. Jivan Lee is an oil painter based in Taos, NM. He grew up in Woodstock, NY, and studied painting at Bard College. His work explores the nature of paint as raw material, creator of image, and catalyst for emotional response, and is increasingly addressing the complexities of how humans see and shape the environment. Jivan's paintings have been exhibited nationally and covered in publications such as Fine Art Connoisseur, The Denver Post, Hyperallergic, Southwest Art, Phoenix Home and Garden, Art Business News, and Two Coats of Paint among others. In addition to painting as much as time allows, Jivan occasionally teaches. Large scale paintingsJivan says he always gets chuckles from people when he tells them that his approach to large scale paintings doesn’t differ very much to his approach with smaller-scale paintings. Of course, the real challenge when it comes to painting these large projects is the logistics - where, when, and how become a bit more complicated on a large scale. While it might sound complicated and a bit of a nightmare, the way that Jivan describes it, the process sort of unfolded before him - as he takes each logical step at a time. Make sure to check out the images of Jivan’s artwork located at the end of this post! Letting your light shineI know, we are all sick and tired of hearing about how COVID has impacted and changed everything - we get it. I don’t want to dwell too much on how much COVID continues to impact the shape of things in the art community but I thought it was really helpful to get Jivan’s perspective. Many of us find ourselves with a ton of emotions and anxieties around our finances, the state of global and national politics, and of course COVID. Jivan was kind enough to open up about some of the personal struggles he has experienced over the last couple of months. He shared that when he takes the time to get alone with his canvas, it allows for emotional catharsis. I have felt that way too when it comes to painting during COVID - don’t want to let my light fade, I have something to share with the world and so do you! Creating art is a marathon, not a sprintAs Jivan encourages us to keep shining our light even when the darkness feels like it’s closing in, it’s good to also keep in mind that the creative process is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to do your best work now or consistently - just stay at it. Even when it gets challenging, remember, we need your voice. I get it, sometimes it feels like you just want to throw in the towel but every artist that I’ve talked to over the years have told me that staying in the game is worth it. What keeps you in the game? How do you stay motivated when times get tough? I want to hear from you, make sure to leave a comment! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episode
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12 Oct 2017 | Symbolic Art, with Noah Buchanan | 00:56:07 | |
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “Symbolic Art?” Are there certain assumptions and presuppositions that come to mind when you think of that phrase? My guest, Noah Buchanan uses symbolism frequently in his artwork. He is attracted to images where there is a divine force or mythological reference. In our conversation, we discuss what drew him to become an artist in the first place, what emboldened him to create artwork on a large scale, surprising reactions he’s had to his paintings, and so much more! I know artists like you will enjoy hearing from Noah’s unique perspective. Don’t forget to check out images of his paintings located at the end of this post! Inspired by GiantsWho helped usher you into the world of art? Was it a fantastic art teacher? A mentor or a family member? What was it that captured your imagination and fueled your creativity? My guest, Noah Buchanan was fortunate to have a stellar art teacher who encouraged their students to marvel at and become inspired by the work of artistic giants like Albrecht Dürer and Michelangelo. It’s amazing how the passion and empowerment by one person and change the course of someone’s life. Who is that person for you? Do you think you’ll ever have that kind of impact on some else’s creative journey? Working On a Large ScaleHave you ever taken your work to a large scale? I’m talking 80 inches by 62 inches LARGE. Needless to say, work on that scale is striking, to say the least. My guest, Noah Buchanan was kind enough to open up about his current project that fits that exact dimension. The figures he has created in that work are actually life-sized, which is impressive. Noah’s project is inspired by a recent trip to New York where he saw the work of 17th-century French painter, Valentin de Boulogne showcased. The sheer scale and grandeur of Boulogne’s work captured Noah’s imagination. You’ve got to hear him describe it, he takes you right there to the exhibit in New York. You can also catch images of Noah’s current project at the end of this post. Surprising ReactionsAll artists want their work to evoke something within the viewer. What reactions do you think your work evokes in others? Are there notable reactions that you’ve received from other regarding your artwork? Artist Noah Buchanan has on occasion created paintings for the Catholic Church. Having created artwork that would be displayed in such a sacred and worshipful setting, Noah has received some unique responses, typically by email that are markedly different from the response to the artwork he typically shows in galleries. I hope you find Noah’s stories and insights as riveting as I did! From Live Models to Using PhotographsAmong many artists, this is a contentious issue; live models vs. using photographs. What side of the debate do you come down on? Have you always felt that way? Are you willing to hear the other side out? My guest, Noah Buchanan use to be staunchly in the camp opposed to using photographs as did I. In our conversation, we discuss what caused our opinion to change, why we embrace the use of photography, how the change has impacted our work, and more! Whichever side you find yourself on, I think it’s helpful for us as artists to really hear out and understand where the other side is coming from and appreciate the end result on its merits regardless. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
21 Oct 2016 | Abstract Painter Brian Rutenberg | 01:07:32 | |
Brian Rutenberg is originally from South Carolina. He received his BFA from the College of Charleston, and his MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I think you will really enjoy this conversation- Brian talks about his idea that in the big picture, art fails us, it is lifeless and incomplete. Wait— what?? When I heard Brian say that, I’ll admit I had a split second of judgment, you know, like someone had just insulted the love of my life and I needed to defend my love. But what Brian goes on to say is quite beautiful, and illustrates the role of the artist in this dance with our canvas. Brian also shares his idea that art is part skill and part insanity. I loved diving down that rabbit hole- it brought us into skill, spontaneity and the difference between making and creating. Then we talk about Brian’s painting rituals, his family life, and how that inspires his work. | |||
07 Dec 2017 | Figurative Art and Choosing Women as Subjects, with Amber Lia-Kloppel | 00:48:53 | |
How are women represented in figurative art? Can you tell the difference between figurative art created by a woman and a man? What is it about women painting women that stands out? Figurative artist, Amber Lia-Kloppel was kind enough to sit down with me and discuss these questions and so much more. In our conversation, we also touch on her time at the New York Academy of Art, why she chooses women as her subjects, voyeurism, confrontation, navigating motherhood as an artist, and so much more. I know artists like you are going to enjoy Amber’s unique and fascinating perspective. The Female FigureThroughout the ages, the woman’s figure has been explored by artists the world over. But with each artist, the inspiration is a little bit different. I wanted to know why my guest, Amber Lia-Kloppel was so drawn to painting the female figure. Amber opened up and shared with me that the reason she is so drawn to the female figure, in part, is because they are self-portraits. She means this both literally and figuratively as she occasionally uses herself as a model but she also sees a reflection of herself in the models and the work she creates that are represented by the female body. It was a joy to hear Amber’s take on figurative art and the portrayal of the female figure. Make sure to check out images of Amber’s work at the end of this post! Navigating an art career as a parentHow do parents and mothers, in particular, manage their time in the studio? What does it look like to navigate an art career as a parent? How does parenting influence the artwork of an artist? Amber Lia-Kloppel was gracious and candid in our conversation as she shared her experience navigating her role as an artist and a mother. She told me about projects she created that reflected moments she shared with her daughter. Amber also went on to describe how parenting has brought her to cherish and make the most out of her time working in her studio. I got the sense from my conversation with Amber that parenting enhanced her imagination and scope in some fascinating ways. I’m curious to hear what you take away from my conversation with Amber. Evolving as an artistHow have you evolved as an artist over time? Have you made subtle changes here and there or have there been dramatic shifts in your approach and style? What caused the changes you’ve made over the years? My guest, Amber Lia-Kloppel described for me a pivotal moment in her career as an artist when she started to attend the New York Academy of Art. It was in this environment that Amber developed and refined her approach. Amber told me about how she learned new techniques and enjoyed the freedom and permission to expand her abilities in this environment that challenged and empowered her. Have you had an experience like Amber’s? Learning how to let go of a paintingAs artists, when we create, we pour part of ourselves into the process and ultimately into our creations. What are the ramifications of this creative process when we are unable to complete a project? What happens to that energy and passion that were poured out? My guest, Amber Lia-Kloppel discussed this artist's dilemma with me in our conversation. I appreciated Amber’s honesty as she admitted that she still struggles with letting go of her paintings that she just can't seem to finish. She hates to let go because, as she has gotten older, her starts are better, so there is so much there to salvage. Amber also holds herself to a high standard, she wants every painting to be her best painting. Can you relate to Amber’s struggle? Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
17 Mar 2014 | 06: Pinterest tips with Cynthia Sanchez | 00:38:49 | |
Cynthia Sanchez is the founder of Oh So Pinteresting. She is an expert in all things Pinterest and has been singing its praises through her blog, podcast, and workshops since she first discovered the power and delight of using Pinterest for her business. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm sure I could be using Pinterest more effectively to promote my paintings and to discover other artists out there! | |||
27 Apr 2017 | Women Painting Women, with Alia El-Bermani | 00:57:33 | |
Why don’t we see more women painting women? The subject of some of the best paintings and sculptures throughout history has been the female form. However, the majority of those works of art have been created by men. This has led to a distinct bias in how women are portrayed in an artistic fashion. My guest, Alia El-Bermani hopes to change that portrayal and give the power of female representation back to women artists! "Women Painting Women" explores how contemporary women painters are handling women as subjects. The blog was founded by artists Alia El-Bermani, Diane Feissel and Sadie Valeri. Check out the link to the blog in the “Resources” section at the end of this post! Lessons learned as an artist working in a galleryYou’ve heard the perspective of gallery owners on this website before. I’ve had the fortune of interviewing some AMAZING gallery owners. In this conversation, there is a little bit of a twist on the gallery perspective. My guest, Alia El-Bermani spent some time early in her career working in an art gallery. Given this unique perspective as an artist having worked in an art gallery, Alia shared with me some key lessons she learned from her time working there. One lesson that she shares is the realization that it truly is a two-sided relationship between the artist and the gallery. Too often the perception is that of a one sided relationship but that wasn’t what Alia observed. She generously shares more insights from her time in the gallery over our wide-ranging conversation. Unique Challenges Faced by WomenWomen have a uniquely different experience in the workplace than men. They have to fight and claw their way to earn the same type of recognition and respect that their male counterparts enjoy. My guest, Alia El-Bermani and I discuss the different treatment that we’ve experienced in the art world because of our gender. Our goal was, to be honest, and open with how we’ve been treated and to shed a light on the uniquely difficult career trajectory that women face in the art industry. It’s not always easy to be so open and transparent but my hope is that it will be beneficial and informative for followers like you! Following the path of artistic inspirationWhat do origami, snowflakes, and painting have in common? Strange combination right? For my guest, Alia El-Bermani the answer is; inspiration. All three of these creations ended up influencing Alia one day to embark on a new art project. She followed her creative impulse and asked for artists in her community to mail her paper snowflakes, like the ones you made in school as a kid. This idea came to her after playing with an origami kit that one of her children had laying around the house. The product of Alia’s experiment is fascinating, I have been blown away and inspired by her story and I hope you will be too! Personal Value and Art ValueOne of the common missteps that younger artists can tend to make is to shy away from putting a value on their artwork. The other side of that is usually falling for the comparison trap by seeing if they measure up to successful artists that they admire. My guest, Alia El-Bermani faced these difficulties early on in her art career. As she looks back, she wants to encourage artists of all walks to really own and appreciate their story. Alia also stresses the need for artists to feel free to confidently make a living by selling their art. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episode
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09 Aug 2018 | Exploring Embroidery Artwork, with Cayce Zavaglia | 01:01:33 | |
Where does the inspiration come from to explore embroidery artwork? What is the process like going from the canvas to the embroidery and back again? How do the two mediums complement and contrast? I put all these questions to my talented guest, Cayce Zavaglia. In our conversation, Cayce opened up about how she got into embroidery artwork, what led her to the theme of family portraits, what it was like returning to Australia, how failure is a close link to success, and much more. I know artists like you will get as much joy as I did hearing from Cayce’s intriguing perspective. Necessity is the mother of invention.You’ve heard the phrase, necessity is the mother of invention, right? That saying really rang true for artist Cayce Zavaglia. During a period of creative flux, Cayce was also pregnant. This reality forced her to look for ways to continue to create in a non-toxic studio. After experimenting for a whole summer with various mediums, Cayce still hadn’t found what she wanted to work with. Back in the recesses of her mind, she kept coming back to this embroidery work she had done as a child. Tugging at this thread, Cayce decided to start experimenting by sewing a portrait. Little did she know, that this experiment unleashed a new creative endeavor that would stay with her for years to come. Make sure to check out images of Cayce’s embroidery artwork located at the end of this post. You don’t have to choose between parenthood and an art career.It seems to be an unwritten rule in many circles that you can’t be both a parent (oftentimes more specifically, a mother) and an artist. These two roles in society are often pitted against each other, you have to choose one or the other. Is that really accurate, do you have to choose? While some may choose to devote themselves to parenthood or their art career for a period of time, artists like Cayce serve as a prime example that you can embrace both! If you are struggling with navigating these two roles, I hope you see Cayce’s story as an encouragement! Viewing failure as a close link to success.What is your relationship like with failure? Do you fear it and avoid it at all costs or do you lean into it? What if I told you that failure has a closer link to success than you may have thought? Artist, Cayce Zavaglia says that she goes out of her way to look for mistakes, accidents, and failures in her artwork. Sounds crazy, right? Cayce has learned to view failure as the closest link to creativity and then to success. In her view, if you are putting yourself out there creatively, that means you are taking a risk and that’s where the greatest opportunity for success thrives! Do you agree with Cayce’s perspective? Don’t stop creating.While the draw of instant recognition and reaction to your artwork is enticing, Cayce Zavagila urges caution. Let’s face it, Instagram can serve as both a blessing and a curse. It can be a wonderful resource for inspiration but it can also serve as an unhelpful sounding board. Cayce says that one of the best practices that an artist can get into is the habit of spending time alone in their studio honing their craft. It’s not sexy or flashy advice but it is good advice! I’m sure there will be a wide range of opinions on this topic but I’m really thankful that Cayce is willing to step out there and provide her helpful insight! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
17 Dec 2020 | Dedication, Focus, and Setting the Right Priorities: An Interview with Artist Steven Walker | 01:00:04 | |
In this interview with the artist Steven Walker, we explore how dedication, focus, and setting the right priorities creates an environment that empowers creativity and excellence in the studio. It was an honor to speak with my guest, Steven Walker as we explored what it takes to make the most of the hand you're dealt. From parenting, understanding depression, honing your craft, and so much more - Steven was kind enough to really open up in our wide-ranging conversation - I know that artists like you will learn a lot! How Painter Steven Walker Learned the hard wayEvery artist has that one hurdle that stands in their way - some of us deal with multiple hurdles at once and often at different times through our lives. Steven Walker remembers learning several lessons in his life the hard way - one, in particular, was the first time he tried to mix colors for his first painting. Then, fresh out of high school, Steven quickly learned that being the most talented in a high school doesn’t mean much in college. Steven excelled in high school where he honed his skill at drawing but he never took the opportunity at the canvas. You would never guess that Steven’s creative journey started that way by looking at his artwork today! Rolling with the punchesLet’s face it, no one plans on having to struggle with mental health. For years, Steven struggled with depression, he couldn’t understand what it was that was holding him back for so long. Eventually, Steven got the help he needed to thrive and live with his depression - he learned how to roll with the punches. If you want to succeed, you need to find what works for you - every one of us has a different answer for how we will face adversity and challenges when they arise. Finding your centerOne of the best ways to weather the storms that life throws your way is to find your center. While the rest of the world might assume that we live to work, the truth is we need something that grounds us just like everyone else. Steven's center is his family, plain and simple. When things go crazy in life, Steven buckles down and makes sure that his family is OK above all else. You can also see this theme of finding your center expressed through Steven’s artwork, make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post. Outline of this episode
Resources Mentioned in this episode
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29 May 2014 | 21 Peggi Kroll Roberts | 00:52:39 | |
Figurative painter Peggi Kroll Roberts talks with Antrese Wood about her leap into the fine art world, her progression as an artist, and how she balanced all that with her family life. Peggi paints outdoor figures using luscious color and intense values to accentuate her subjects. She gets to the essence of the figure with simple bold shapes. She is known for her beach scenes, but if you’ve been watching her blog, you’ll know she has been experimenting with abstract gauche work . Antrese and Peggi discuss the evolution of her work and the challenge of experimenting when it contradicts the expectations of an art gallery. http://savvypainter.com/21 | |||
30 Jul 2015 | How to sell your art online with Karin Jurick | 00:50:16 | |
Karin Jurick's framing business took a dive after 9/11. In a desperate attempt to save the shop and to keep from having to layoff her employees, she began to paint. Karin kept the framing business going for another 7 years by subsidizing the shop with sales from her oil paintings. Eventually painting became more lucrative than her framing business. | |||
20 May 2014 | 19: Jon Morrow on Blogging for Artists | 00:51:54 | |
Jon Morrow runs the very popular Boost Blog Traffic. He is a former associate editor of Copyblogger. Jon and Antrese talk about the different types of blogs for artists. http://savvypainter.com/19 | |||
31 May 2018 | Plein Air Artwork and Studying the Landscape, with Matt Smith | 00:54:30 | |
What goes through the mind of a plein air artist? How do they study the landscape and come up with that one viewpoint that draws them in? Do the habits for success come quickly or do they unfold slowly over time? My guest, Matt Smith is an accomplished plein air artist who has spent much of his developing years in Arizona. In our conversation, Matt opens up about artists who have influenced and mentored him, how he studies the landscape, what it takes for an artist to find their voice, the value in self-criticism, common mistakes made by inexperienced artists, and much more. I can’t wait for you to hear from Matt’s seasoned and helpful perspective! Celebrate what ignites your passion!Can you think back to that moment when you first noticed that passion and excitement that awakened your desire to create? What was it that moved you in such a significant way? Did that moment lead you to find your artistic voice? For artist Matt Smith, it all came down to spending time in the desert and paying attention to what that environment awakened within him. He looks back at that period of his life as a turning point that really unlocked a new stream of creativity and direction in his career. What can you learn from Matt’s story? How do you celebrate your passion? Make sure to check out images of Matt’s artwork located at the end of this post! The value of self-criticism.Let’s face it, we all hate those artists who give off an air of having “Arrived” in their art career. What’s the solution? How do you fight back the ego and maintaining a healthy dose of humility as you grow as an artist? According to Matt Smith, a great way to stay humble and keep growing as an artist is to practice self-criticism. While this can be a slippery slope and lead some people to be too hard on themselves, it’s value and merits shouldn’t go ignored. What stage are you on in your journey? Do you need to up your game and give yourself some long overdue critiques? Studying the landscape.How do pick your next project? As an artist, I’m always fascinated with what captures my peer's eye as they go about creating their next work of art. I feel like by understanding how others see the world around them, it starts to grow and heighten my awareness too. When I asked Matt what it is in the desert that captures his imagination he said that it generally comes down to contrasts that catch his eye. He was quick to add that it tends to shift from painting to painting but he always tries to circle back to the fundamentals of drawing, value, design, and color. Hearing from Matt’s viewpoint was really eye-opening and hope you get as much value from it as I did! Slow down, pay attention, and don’t be in such a hurry!Time and time again when I sit down with experienced artists I keep coming back to this theme of slowing down and paying attention. When I ask my guests like Matt Smith to share some advice they’d have for their younger selves they all end up saying, in one way or another, slow down. Are you slowing down enough in your routine and schedule to notice the scenes around you? What practices or habits have helped you slow down and pay attention? At the end of the day, we all could use a good reminder to stay aware of the beauty and significance that we pass by each day. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
08 Jan 2015 | WW2 Vet & Award Winning Artist Ashley Bryan | 00:39:44 | |
Even at the battle of Normandy, Ashley Bryan always had his sketchbook with him. Since then, he has illustrated more than 50 children's books, been honored with both the Coretta Scott King and Laura Ingalls Wilder Awards, and had a school named after him. | |||
07 Nov 2024 | How to Cultivate Creative Confidence As an Artist | 00:55:45 | |
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
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04 Dec 2014 | Part 2- A Conversation With Narrative Painter John Hull | 00:53:19 | |
Part two of a multi-part conversation. John Hull is a narrative painter, whose work depicts the everyday moments in American life. John goes into detail on how he sets up for a painting, why he does it and how it helps him stay focused and in the zone. John and Antrese also talk how literature has shaped his work and what artists have influenced John's work. http://savvypainter.com/46 | |||
26 Apr 2024 | Painting the Everyday: Amy Scherer’s Vision of Suburban Beauty - EP 313 | 01:22:11 | |
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:
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_
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31 Oct 2019 | Fine Art Prints Q&A, with Jake Hawley from Picture Salon | 01:27:07 | |
Normally when I do these question and answer episodes, I get anywhere from 20 to 30 questions to ask my guest - for this topic - the questions numbered in the 100’s! Thankfully, Jake Hawley from Picture Salon was willing to take time out of his schedule to answer many of your questions here on the podcast. In our conversation, Jake touches on file sizes, how to take the best pictures of your art, tips for pricing your fine art prints, and much more. If you’ve ever considered selling prints of your artwork - this is the episode for you! Should I buy a large format printer?Finding a good print shop to work with can be difficult, and you may be tempted to invest in a large format printer to take care of it all yourself. While buying a large format printer might work for some artists, the truth is - unless you are planning on using the printer regularly - it’s a poor investment. Instead, consider taking the time to research and explore some of the print shops in your area or even using a service like Picture Salon. How to get the best lightingOne of the challenges of getting good fine art prints is taking a high-quality picture of your artwork. Many artists think that snapping a photo on their iPhone will suffice - unfortunately, there are many additional factors to take into consideration. Jake encourages artists like you to use a tripod when taking a photo of your artwork; he also stresses the value of paying close attention to your lighting and how it impacts the image. Ultimately, if possible, Jake suggests connecting with a professional photographer who has experience photographing fine art for reproduction. Materials matterDid you know that the material you choose to have your art printed on can make all the difference? It’s true! In our conversation, Jake’s answers to various material questions took us on a tour of papers, metals, and more. I’ve had first-hand experience working with Jake and his team while I agonized over which type of paper I wanted to use when printing my art. If you are wondering what type of paper to use with your art - consider giving Jake a call. At Picture Salon, they’ll help you figure out what paper works best with your art and they’ll even send you some free samples. Tips for setting a price on fine art printsIf I had one, I had a dozen questions about pricing fine art prints. I get it, putting a number on your art can be challenging - especially when it comes to prints of your artwork. In our conversation, Jake was kind enough to share several tips on accurately pricing your fine art prints. Jake suggests pricing a print between 3 and 5 times the cost it took to produce the print. Make sure to factor into your price the time the original took you to create as well as the time it took to get the captures. Follow up with Jake and his team at Picture Salon to get more helpful information like this! Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
07 Mar 2024 | Noah Saterstrom: On Building a Sustainable Art Practice- Ep 308 | 01:23:08 | |
Noah Saterstrom and Antrese Wood delve into the intersection of art, space, and personal evolution. Noah shares insights into his art practice, shedding light on how artists navigate their creative process and the challenges they face. Here are some key takeaways:
This episode offers you a unique glimpse into the life of an artist navigating the intersections of creativity, market dynamics, and personal growth.
Full show notes on SavvyPainter.com Connect with Noah: @NoahSats
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29 Jun 2017 | Art and the Impact of Social Media, with John Wentz | 01:04:52 | |
With the impact of social media and the ability to get instant feedback from your audience and fanbase, an important question for artists to consider is “What are you willing to compromise?” If the majority of your followers don’t find your new experimental process or project interesting or if they go so far as giving you negative feedback, what do you do? Do you give in to popular opinion or do you follow your convictions? This problem is unique to the issue of having your artwork exposed to the public via social media. Artist John Wentz and I spent time going deep into this subject during our conversation. He has some great points to address when considering the level of engagement an artist should have with their digital audience given the difficulties that can arise. Social Media and the inability to Slow DownOne of the drawbacks to living in such an increasingly modernized and advanced society is the impact of social media on our ability to slow down. Every spare moment can be filled by pulling out that smartphone and checking Facebook or Twitter. Can you imagine how this has impacted the way we think and process what should be quite moments in our lives? Consider the implications of not being able to slow down and be present, that can drastically change the creative and artistic process. My guest, John Wentz believes that the impact of social media has distracted us in more ways than we realize. He says that we need to be vigilant of this influence and work intentionally to create those spaces, especially as artists, to be present and at peace in mundanity and stillness. Appropriation vs. InfluenceWhat is the difference between appropriating art and being influenced by it? What does it mean to understand, appreciate, and respect someone's artwork and genuinely let it influence you without appropriating it? Artist John Wentz devoted some time in our conversation to this topic and how he sees it’s impact on the art world. He focused more on the meaning behind the use of an individual who sees work they resonate with and tries to incorporate that into what they are trying to create. John also posits the idea that maybe social media is the new art and we are more of a hive mind now rather than when we use to operate more as individuals. Our conversation was a fascinating one that I thoroughly enjoyed and I know you will too! The benefit of stepping awayHow do you take care of yourself creatively, emotionally, mentally, etc.? What is your plan to avoid burning out and getting turned off of the work that you do? If you don’t have one in place, it might be a good time to consider creating a plan to help you recharge. Artist John Wentz spoke with me about a recent period in his life where he was able to step away from painting and take a two-month break. John speaks of this break from the creative process as being extremely helpful and rejuvenating. He found that when he was able to step away for a period of time when he returned to his work at the easel, he was able to really reconnect to his inner place of motivation. The Draw of New YorkMany artists find themselves drawn to the city of New York. There are a number of factors involved with this draw, from the dense population to the history, and even the iconic nature of the city, what’s not to love? John Wentz devotes a large portion of his current work that is being shown in galleries to the city of New York. He tries not to be too “heady” with the concepts that he puts forth but you can tell in our conversation that his passion and fascination with city really shines through. I was able to really connect with John on this note because he mentioned that he enjoyed just sitting back in Union Square and watching people go by all day long. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
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21 Sep 2017 | The Process of Artistic Development, with Sally Strand | 00:53:33 | |
What really goes on behind the scenes when it comes to artistic development? Is it a straight path or are there a number of twists and turns along the way? What part of the process is active and what part of it is passive? My guest, Sally Strand opens up in our conversation about her journey and the process that led to her development as an artist over the last thirty years. Sally is open and transparent about the difficulties along the way but she is also quick to relish in the joy and beauty of the process as well. I know artists like you will get some helpful encouragement from Sally’s unique perspective. Evolving As An ArtistHow have you evolved as an artist over time? Has your artistic development been incremental or have you had specific moments that have shaped you along the way? There is no right answer to this question! Some artists make intentional shifts and some take the more gradual route. My guest, Sally Strand describes her development as more of a gradual process. The way she describes her past and how it slowly opened up to who she is as an artist today is fascinating! What will Sally’s story stir up in you? Let her story encourage and inspire you as you push forward on your journey! Overcoming Challenges Along the WayHow do you react in difficult situations? What impact has that left on you as an artist? There are helpful lessons to be learned as we encounter difficulty and adversity on our creative journey. Sally Strand has learned that the best way to handle difficulty is to push forward and don’t let it bog you down or change you in a negative way. She also recounts a particularly difficult episode in her life where she struggled to understand what was happening in the world around her and how it would come to impact her artwork. I hope you find Sally’s perspective as captivating as I did! Deciding What to Say “Yes” ToOne of the most difficult aspects of the life of an artist is navigating your time as a friend or family member. You can feel like you are constantly torn between two worlds that you love deeply but you can’t inhabit simultaneously. How do you decide where to draw your lines? My guest, Sally Strand was kind enough to open up and explain how she works her way through this complicated and difficult area that all artists face at some point in their life. Sally’s method of dealing with this conflict is taking a moment to ask herself, “What can I not repeat?” This question allowed Sally to decide what moments in her life needed her attention and which ones could be accomplished at a later date. Habits of a Successful ArtistWhat are the habits that have contributed to your success as an artist? Each one of us has a different spin on the answer to this question. As we continue to explore our artistic development, it can be immensely helpful to get the perspective of other artists, especially ones as experienced as Sally Strand. When it comes down to it, Sally says that scheduling her studio time and sticking to it has been a huge part of her journey of success as an artist. She doesn’t paint it as an easy task, but she does believe strongly that if you can commit to an appointed time and stick to it, creativity and inspiration have a high probability of making an appearance. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
18 Jan 2018 | Fueling a Passion for Art, with Kelli Vance | 00:52:15 | |
What is it that fuels your passion for art? Can you trace your passion back to an early age or is it something that was awakened in you later in life? How do you continue to fan the flame? My guest is artist Kelli Vance. Kelli is a figurative artist from Texas, she got her BFA from the University of North Texas and her MFA from the University of Houston. Kelli’s current paintings of women explore spirituality and invite the viewer to decipher their meaning. In our conversation, we discuss how Kelli fuels her passion for art, where her ideas come from, how she brings her vision to life with the help of friends who model for her, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to hear Kelli’s story and her fascinating perspective. Falling in love with creating art.Do you remember that “moment” when everything clicked for you and you just fell in love with making art? If you didn’t have a specific moment, what was it that pushed you to start your journey as an artist? Kelli Vance and I had a wonderful discussion where we both took the time to share how we both had a moment where everything clicked for us. It was really exciting to hear from a peer who had a similar experience as I did. We both marveled at the fact that there was nothing spectacular about the assignments that we were given but we fell in love with craft all the same. The difficulty of wrestling with personal expectations.Holding to high standards and rigorous expectations for yourself can really be an asset that keeps you focused and striving to create good art. However, there is often another side to that coin. In our conversation, Kelli Vance and I discuss our relationship with personal expectations and how they’ve helped and hindered us over the years. We also touch on a sort of antidote to our high expectations, getting around other artists who can look at our work and assure us that we don’t have to critique every little thing along the way. What has been your relationship with personal standards and expectations? Stoking the flames of passion for art.As with many things in life, the longer you live with something, the more ordinary it begins to feel. Something that once took your breath away, can easily be lost to boredom or indifference. What have you done to keep the passion for art alive in your mind? How do you keep that flame lit after so many years? My guest, Kelli Vance opened up in our conversation and shared with me a few examples of what she does to keep stoking the flames of passion for art in her life. One aspect that she mentioned is how she is moved by art shows like the one she recently viewed in LA. Kelli also says that getting away and exploring nature has a rejuvenating effect on her creative spirit. What can you learn from Kelli’s story? What helps you keep your passion alive for art? Nurturing a habit of curiosity.It is so fascinating to hear all the different responses from all my guests when they talk about habits that have helped them succeed as artists. Kelli Vance says that the habit of curiosity is the one habit that has helped her grow and find success in her career. She describes herself as constantly curious, researching ideas, talking through them with friends and cultivating an ever-present awareness of things all around her. Kelli also points to a specific friendship she has with a fellow painter who has challenged her and acted as a sounding board for all of her creative ideas. What habits have helped you on your journey? What role has curiosity played in your development as an artist? Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
15 Feb 2024 | Yes! Savvy Painter is back - Ep 305 | 00:24:29 | |
What's next with Savvy Painter? After a much needed (and longer than expected) break, Savvy Painter is back! I'm thrilled to reconnect with you and continue the conversation with our artist community. In this episode, I share what I experienced during this pause. I reflect on the importance of mental health and trusting your intuition. I explore self-imposed deadlines and the realization that growth often comes from stepping back rather than pushing through. I have so much gratitude for the unwavering support of the podcast community. I am continually in awe of the interconnectedness of artists and the power of collective encouragement. Moving forward, the podcast will return to a weekly schedule, with upcoming episodes featuring Q&A sessions, discussions on creative thinking, and occasional interviews. To submit questions for the Q&A episodes, email me at podcast@savvypainter.com Thank you for being a part of the Savvy Painter community—I'm excited for this next chapter together! Talk soon! ~Antrese
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29 Oct 2020 | Thinking Big: From Idea to Action | 00:33:51 | |
How do you feel about the big idea you’ve been keeping on the back burner? Does the thought of executing your big idea fill you with excitement, dread, or somewhere in-between? Those big creative ideas that bubble up deserve their time to shine - so what are you waiting for? Let’s face it, most of us shy away from pulling the trigger on a big idea because we are scared or overwhelmed. What if there was a way to sidestep the obstacles that block you from executing your big idea? You’ve come to the right place! I took the opportunity to get feedback from amazing artists like you who are doing their best to forge ahead with their big ideas. I know that you’ll find helpful insights that will encourage you on your creative journey - don’t miss it! Don’t let your doubts winThere comes a time when everyone will have to come face to face with their internal doubts. Some people face this challenge early on in their creative journey and some face small doubts that creep in and disrupt in a more subtle way. If you really want to succeed and take on the big ambitious ideas that have been waiting to break out - you’ve got to learn how to deal with your doubts. Your doubts may never completely go away, and that’s ok - but they don’t have to control your life! Turning obstacles into a to-do listIn much the same way that you can’t let your doubts control your life, you also can’t let obstacles become an excuse. Too often I’ve seen talented artists get stuck in the quicksand of chores, shortcomings, distractions, and more. You don’t have to surrender to the obstacles that block your path to executing your big idea. What if you listed out the obstacles that stand in your way and turn that list into a do-to list that will empower you on your journey? What do you have to lose? Give the to-list method a shot! Give yourself permission to change and adapt along the wayOne of the obvious ways to fuel the fire of creativity and take on big ideas is to give yourself permission to do the risky thing and even succeed. If you’ve been part of the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that I am passionate about helping artists like you adopt a healthy and growth-focused mindset. Year after year, artists with a ton of potential find themselves throwing in the towel because they can’t bring themselves to adapt and change along the way. As crucial as it is to give yourself permission to succeed, you’ve also got to give yourself room to go in a new direction. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
19 Feb 2015 | Plein Air Painter & Art Ambassador Kevin Macpherson | 00:56:28 | |
Kevin Macpherson has won numerous awards for his plein air paintings. | |||
25 Jan 2018 | Paint Colors, Techniques, Best Practices, and more! Special Q&A Session with Gamblin | 01:28:10 | |
Have you been experimenting with your paint colors lately? Do you have questions about different colors and the best way to mix them? You are in luck! As I’ve been promising, our special color episode with Gamblin featuring Scott Gellatly and Robert Gamblin is here! In our conversation, we go over 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 with Robert and Scott! Why modern paints have more pigments.Have you ever wondered why modern oil paints have so many more pigments than older ones you see on display in galleries and museums? What has changed with the process over the years to account for this? My guest, Robert Gamblin was kind enough to give a bit of a history lesson on the production and use of colors and pigments from historical eras and why it’s so different today. I’m excited for you to get the chance to learn from Robert’s expert perspective and dig a little bit into the process and production of the paints you use day in and day out. What is the emotional content of colors?Did you know that colors have an emotional content? How does that impact the paint production process? Robert Gamblin says that the emotional content of a color is its primary communication. He goes on to give the example of Cadmium Red Medium, saying that it presents as a very hot and intense color, it could be used to express the feeling of rage or the intensity of a love that you can’t handle. Robert contrasts this color with Magnesium Blue Hue, which presents as a very cool color. I hope you find Robert’s explanation of the emotional content of colors as fascinating as I did! What makes student grade paints, “Student grade?”You’ve probably used student grade paints before, but have you ever wanted to know what makes them, “Student grade?” Do you still use student grade paints for some of your projects? My guest, Robert Gamblin took the time to explain what student grade means and how it varies from some of the other paints they offer. According to Robert, the difference between student grade and more premium paints comes down to the pigments. At Gamblin, student grade paints are made with 50% of the pigment load that is used in their artist grade paints. The remainder of the student grade paints are made up of extender pigments, other than that, the production quality and process is the same as the rest of their top quality products. What ways will you use student grade paints in the future? The different characteristics of black oil colors.The last time I had the chance to speak with Robert, we talked about the different characteristics of white oil colors. This time around, Robert goes over the characteristics and uses of black oil colors. He starts off talking about the most commonly used black, Ivory Black which is made of burnt bone. Ivory Black is so common because it is an all-around good mixing black color. Robert then goes on to explain how Mars Black differs from Ivory Black because of its opaque nature. Mars Black is best used when you want to utilize black as a color in your paintings because of its strength. Robert has so much to say about all the different blacks and how to best use them, I hope you enjoy his expert perspective! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
17 Oct 2024 | How to Confidently Put Together a Successful Art Show | 00:26:37 | |
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 ShowGet your Stress Free Art Show Planner
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30 Jun 2016 | An Interview with Ann Gale | 01:26:45 | |
Ann is a figurative painter based in Seattle. If you are not familiar with her work, you definitely want to spend some time to really look at what she is doing in her painting. On the surface you’ll note her distinctive brushwork, how she weaves ribbons of color through figure and background, and plays with edges. But as she will tell you herself, she is constantly setting up challenges for herself to push her painting further.
She’s a painter’s painter, which is probably why during these interviews when I ask an artist if you would like to own a painting by any living artist, whose would it be, Ann’s name comes up often. She received her bachelor of fine arts from Rhode Island College and her MFA from Yale University. Ann has been the recipient of several prestigious awards for her painting - including a Guggenheim Fellowship. She has had solo shows at the Portland Art Museum and the Weatherspoon Art Museum, in North Carolina. Ann’s work can be seen in person at the Dolby Chadwick Gallery in San Francisco and at Prographica Drawings in Seattle. I met Ann last summer at the JSS program in Civita Italy where she was the guest of honor. I don’t think there are enough superlatives to adequately describe what a great painter and human being Ann is. She asks the right questions to understand where her students are and then drops these knowledge bombs that tweak your perspective making it impossible to see your painting in the same way again. I’m a little jealous of the students at the University of Washington School of Art, where Ann is a professor. While in Italy, we went on weekly excursions to visit museums. Sometimes that meant a 3 hour bus ride. Several times I sat with Ann and we talked about art, life, and the unbearable heatwave that just wouldn’t die down. In Naples, we stood in awe in front of Caravaggio’s the Flagellation of Christ and dissected the composition, seeing nuances you just can’t get in a book. On those trips and during Ann’s critiques, I often wished I could record the conversations. So I’m excited to have the opportunity again to chat with her and share the conversation with you.
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25 Feb 2022 | Your Art Matters. - EP 265 | 00:22:34 | |
Last week, I talked about how we find meaning in our art practice by connecting the dots of our art journey. This week, I want to connect a few more of those dots and talk about why sharing your work matters so much. I’ll dive into why sharing your art makes it better and how it can actually change the world. We’ll also take an in-depth look into how we need both sides of our brain to produce our best work. Outline of This Episode
Embracing the processSo many artists that I talk to believe that their art doesn’t matter. I am 100% convinced that not only does your art matter to you, but it also matters to us. ALL of us. I also understand that my belief doesn’t help someone going through a funk. This episode might inspire someone for a week, however lasting change only happens when we can hold that belief for ourselves. But be patient with yourself! Some of those negative thoughts have dug really deep roots into your mind and they can take a good amount of time and intention to weed out. The same thing goes for planting and nurturing healthier thoughts. It’s a gentle process, but the growth that happens and the results of those changes will compound for the rest of your life.Creating a dialogueI love Seth Godin. His work has taught me so much. One of my favorite things is that in sharing our art or anything we create, we have to just “ship it”. Meaning as artists, we have to do the work then share the work. We have to get our ideas out into the world where people can see them. So that they can be tested. This creates a dialogue. If art is a form of communication, you want to make sure it doesn’t stay a monologue. It’s okay to keep some of your work for yourself, but ultimately you need to share your vision with the world to find your people. It’s the only way that you will be able to refine your ideas and make them better, clearer, and more meaningful to you. Changing the worldAnother brilliant Seth Godin quote states that “Art is a personal act of courage. Something that one person does that creates change in another.” Our art always has the potential to make an impact on someone, even when we least expect it. That’s why when we follow his advice to just “ship it” we become what he calls “agents of change” who have the ability to change the world. When was the last time you looked at your art as world-changing? Have you ever looked at your art this way? Admittedly, I struggled with this at first. It felt arrogant to believe that anything I make has that kind of potential. But the longer I sat with this I realized that it wasn’t a ridiculous thought because we ALL have that potential. Your work may not impact everyone, but it will impact someone. And THAT is why your work matters so much. Even if the person it impacts is you. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
19 Oct 2017 | Light and Art, with Peter Fiore | 01:28:52 | |
The relationship between light and art is a beautiful and nuanced one. You can really tell when an artist has a deep passion and knowledge of how to use light in innovative and unique ways. My guest, Peter Fiore is an expert when it comes to experimenting with light in his artwork. In our conversation, we discuss his fascination with nature, his artistic process, why he uses music in the studio, the importance of fighting back fear, and much more! Our conversation takes a lot of twists and turns but I know artists like you will get a lot of enjoyment from Peter’s depth of experience. Embracing a Fascination with NatureWhat is your relationship with nature like? Do you find a significant level of inspiration and creativity well up when you are in the wilderness? Or is it the city and an urban environment that fires you up and excites you? My guest, Peter Fiore has a deep love and appreciation for nature. In fact, this love for the wilderness caused him to move out of the city and into a more quiet and serene setting. Peter described for me how much this move impacted his creative process and how connecting with nature resonates with him on a spiritual level. To hear Peter talk about his area and the beauty and creativity it draws out of him can be quite moving. What can you learn from Peter’s articulation? Where do you tap into that source of creativity? The Role of Music in the Creative ProcessHave you ever been moved by a song? Seriously, think about it. There seems to be an interesting divide on this issue among the general public. Some people love music and the way it intensifies their thoughts and feelings, then there are others who don’t feel particularly strong about it. Artist Peter Fiore definitely falls in the camp that loves music. He enjoys music so much that he has incorporated it into his creative process. You’ve got to hear him describe how he feels and reacts when he turns on Beethoven in his studio as he goes to work on his art projects. Does this resonate with you? If it’s not music, is there something that animates you when you are in your studio? Pushing Fear AsideWhat would your advice to young artists just starting out in their career? Maybe you are a young artist who is looking for helpful advice so you can learn from those who came before you. My guest, Peter Fiore was kind enough to open up and share some helpful wisdom that he received from his father that he wants to pass down to young artists including his own children. The primary advice that Peter shares is to never let your fears dictate the art that you make. As difficult as that advice can be to follow, I know that there is a lot of truth to that statement. Don’t let yourself be consumed with regret when you are older because you failed to push fear aside! Creating Art from PassionThere seems to be a certain element that is almost indescribable when you see artwork that comes from a place deep in a person’s soul. Have you experienced that? Art that comes from a place of passion and creativity has a certain texture to it. Artist Peter Fiore wants to encourage artists like you to find that place where you can create your artwork from. Even if you can’t profit from your passion projects, it's really important to consider creating a space where you can exercise the creative pursuits that make you come alive. Peter shares this advice in light of his years of experience as an artist and I hope you can catch a glimpse of what he is trying to convey. Make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
22 Feb 2018 | Narrative Painting and Discovering Your Artistic Voice, with Gabriela Dellosso | 01:09:05 | |
I’ve heard from many of my fellow artists about the struggle to find their artistic voice. Have you struggled with finding yours? What has helped you in your pursuit? My guest is narrative painter, Gabriela Dellosso known for her homage portraits, she paints historical representations of women artists using herself as a model. In our conversation, Gabriela shares how she found her artistic voice, her evolution from freelance illustration work to painting full time, stories about her mom posing as her model, stories of women artists that she has painted, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to get to know Gabriela and her wonderful journey as an artist! Finding your artistic voice.It’s a given that at some point, an artist will struggle with finding their voice or articulating it in a way that other people can understand. What is your story? Did it come easy for you early on or did you struggle to find your voice for some time? Gabriela Dellosso, like many of us, struggled with finding her artistic voice for quite a while. She looks back on that process as vital to shaping who she would become as an artist. Gabriela's advice for those who are struggling to find their voice is to go with what they are passionate about and meditate on ways to communicate that passion and concept to a wider audience. Gabriela has a wonderful way of talking about this topic and I hope that those of you who are currently struggling to find your artistic voice and find some encouragement! The challenges and distractions of social media.What is your relationship with social media like, as an artist? Do you find it useful and encouraging or do you find it supremely distracting and frustrating? My guest, Gabriela Dellosso and I talked about the role of social media and how it impacts artists in our conversation. While we both find it can be incredibly distracting and lead us down the path of comparing ourselves to other artists, we do note it’s helpful aspects. Have you found a helpful balance between using social media and taking the time to step away for a break? Do you have any helpful tips or best practices when it comes to this topic? A parent’s love and support.Who was it that nurtured and encouraged your growth as an artist? Was it a family member, a close friend or a mentor? What was it about their encouragement and support that helped you locate your artistic voice and passion? In our conversation, Gabriela Dellosso opened up about the impact that her mother had on her growth as an artist. She was kind enough to share with me some heartwarming stories about her mother serving as her model for many projects, one which led to her creating a whole series on clowns. I hope you can get the sense of love and support that Gabriela enjoyed in the early stages of her career from her mother. Finding the right inspiration.What is it that really moves you and fuels your inspiration for your artwork? How did you find it? What do you do to incorporate into your creations? My guest, Gabriela Dellosso has found her inspiration in the women artists who have gone before her. As Gabriela studies and learns about the incredible women who had to fight for a place at the table and still were able to produce stunning works of art, she feels compelled to lift them up and celebrate them in her own work. How can Gabriela's amazing work and beautiful inspirations inspire you and your creative expression? Make sure to check out images of Gabriela's work at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
18 Dec 2014 | Color Experiments and Meshing Cultures with Henry Isaacs | 01:06:34 | |
Join Antrese for this fascinating interview with artist Henry Isaacs. Henry talks extensively about color, and his methods. Henry’s landscapes are an exploration of color in which he plays with perspective, and constructs his own world from what he sees around him. | |||
14 Jul 2022 | Releasing Other People's Opinions About Your Art - EP 283 | 00:34:55 | |
So many artists (and humans) struggle with the opinions of others. Having an unhealthy view of external opinions can negatively impact your art practice. And your life ! In this episode, I discuss why other people's thoughts matter, the unhelpful ways we think about other people's opinions and strategies for breaking the cycle. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
10 Mar 2014 | 02: Charlie Hunter | 00:41:23 | |
Fine Artist Charlie Hunter talks about his fascinating journey that includes a degree from Yale, a successful stint as a graphic designer, then a music manager, and of course, a painter. His cats, of course, are totally unimpressed. Charlie shares his stories of the winding roads that shaped his life’s work, he gives sage advice to painters who are just starting out. | |||
18 May 2017 | Layered Paintings, with Chris Liberti | 00:52:34 | |
I’ve always been intrigued by layered paintings. I don’t know if you’ve had that same draw but there is something about the textures and the grooves that draw you in and makes you wonder why the artist added that piece or that mark in a way that is unique in its own right. My guest, Chris Liberti has a similar draw and fascination with layered paintings. In our conversation, Chris describes why the layered effect has such an influence in his work. I also share how it connects to a personal story in my life. Connecting artwork to a personal spaceDo you have a favorite place you like to work on your art besides the studio environment? What is it about that place that resonates with you in a way no other place does? Artist Chris Liberti shared with me that one of his favorite places to go and paint is in his parent's basement. Didn’t see that coming did you? The way Chris describes this space and why he likes to go back and paint a particular utility sink is really touching. As he describes what that artwork and that space meant to him, I was instantly transported to that location. I have a feeling that Chris’ story and the way he looks at his artwork will resonate with artist like you. Preparing for a Gallery ShowI’m sure many artists like you wonder if your habits and processes for preparing for a gallery show are similar to other artists or if YOU are the weird one. Luckily, I caught my guest Chris Liberti in the middle of his process preparing for an upcoming gallery show. Chris was kind enough to indulge my questions about how he prepares and what he likes to do to get his work and himself personally ready for the sometimes herculean feat of showing his work. I found it fascinating to get a peek into Chris’ process and I know you will enjoy it too! Working through the artistic processI know many artists will resonate with that famous line from a U2 song “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…” That seems to be an accurate description when discussing the artistic process and understanding what an artist is trying to connect with or convey with their artwork. Chris Liberti discussed with me how he focuses on the colors he uses and how he lets them sort of “Speak” to him along the way as he is creating his artwork. You’ve got to hear how Chris talks about his process, it’s fascinating and unique, also don’t miss examples of Chris’ fabulous work at the end of this post below. Parenting as an ArtistThere are many different aspects of an artist that gets drawn out when they become a parent. I’ve had the pleasure of talking to both mothers and father who are artists and each brings a very unique and fascinating perspective on how parenting has influenced and even changed their approach to their artwork. Chris Liberti has two little girls and in our conversation, he touches on their influence in his artwork as well as how being a parent has shaped his time and his perspective. It was intriguing to hear from yet another parent who incorporates their artwork and their time with their children work in a balanced way. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
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15 Jan 2015 | British Figurative Painter James Bland | 01:05:59 | |
James Bland is an English figurative artist who lives and works in Kent. James and Antrese Wood talk about how he uses Facebook to connect with other artists; using memory as a source for painting; how James chooses models and his inventive studio set up. Plus a digression into the addictive quality of making art. | |||
26 Feb 2015 | Textile Artist Karin Olah on Materials, and How to Build a Solid Artist Network From Scratch | 00:44:33 | |
Karin Olah got her start in the fabric industry. Part of her job was to create a dye to perfectly match an object to a fabric. | |||
03 Nov 2022 | Giving Yourself a Fresh Start (My Antidote to Overwhelm) - EP 296 | 00:19:00 | |
Have you ever wished you could wipe your mental slate clean and start fresh? Are you in desperate need of a do-over on your latest project? On this episode, I’m going to show you how to develop emotional awareness, identify and break bad mental habits, and fight overwhelm by testing your capacity as an artist healthily and sustainably. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
26 Jul 2018 | Landscape Painting and the Value of Staying Put, with William Kocher | 00:46:43 | |
What does it look like to stay put and get to know a location inside and out? What insights and lessons can you learn from this helpful discipline? How does staying in one location impact your growth as an artist? It was my privilege to explore these questions and a lot more in my conversation with artist, William Kocher. We also touched on how William got his start as an artist, why it’s important to connect with a community of artists, what colors William enjoys using, why we need art as a society, and so much more. I know artists like you will enjoy learning from William’s interesting journey and unique perspective! Why it’s helpful to connect with a community of artists.Have you had the chance to connect with a community of artists? What value have you found in spending time with people who share your profession? In my personal experience, connecting either in person or online with a community of artists has helped me in countless ways! Artist William Kocher says that making similar connections with artists in the Cape Cod area had a huge positive impact on his growth and creativity. Whether you can find one and plug in right away or if you have to create one yourself, I highly encourage even the most introverted artists to take the risk to go out there find a group you can contribute to. Studying the landscape.Many artists love to be constantly on the go looking for new and exciting places, people, or objects to inspire their creativity. Does that sound like you or do you find yourself of the more stationary variety? It was refreshing to hear from an artist like William Kocher who seemed less interested in finding new locations to spark his creativity as he was more concerned with getting to know a particular place inside and out. For William, that place is his family's farm near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Due to his relentless study of the farm, William knows which trees the birds perch in, how the sunlight falls at just the right time of day, and so many additional hidden secrets and gems revealed only to the most astute observer. How does William’s approach strike you? Why we need art.As our society continues to evolve there are some who question why we need art in schools, public spaces, and sometimes as a profession altogether. How do you respond to these questions? Are you able to engage or do you feel your blood pressure start to rise because you find it insane that people question the value of art? I love the way that William Kocher puts it, he says that “Art elevates life, it is a vital form of communication.” I completely agree! Especially in our society today, we must continue the work to emphasize the value and beauty that art brings to our culture in a myriad of ways. Art doesn’t have to be complicated to have value.Do you struggle with finding depth in your art? Are you ever intimidated by artists who have all these wonderfully complex and philosophical motivations and messages in their artwork? What if that’s just not you? Is that ok? The truth is, art doesn’t have to be complex to have value! I was thrilled to hear a similar message from William Kocher in our conversation. He encourages artists like you to avoid stressing out about the complexity of your artwork if that doesn’t “fit” your approach. Find your voice, tap into your creative energy and just make something beautiful! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
19 Jan 2017 | Thriving as a Self Taught Artist, with Kirstine Reiner Hansen | 00:49:30 | |
Kirstine Reiner Hansen is an artist with a vibrant story. On this episode of Savvy Painter, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Kirstine to discuss her successful and thriving career as a “Self taught artist.” Our discussion ranges from the pros and cons of getting a Masters in Fine Arts (MFA), her experience as a self taught painter, keeping her audience updated, and making a substantial shift in her method and style of painting. Kirstine is a generous and gracious guest and I believe you will learn a lot from her wealth of knowledge and insight. Make sure to listen to this episode of Savvy Painter! Is it important to keep your audience invested and interested in your work?In the social media age, how important is it to keep your audience interested? I get the wonderful opportunity to sit down with artist Kirstine Reiner Hansen to discuss the importance of updating and including your audience on your journey. Much of our thinking around this idea is just reminding our audience that we are still around and working out our creative process. This can take the form of snapping a picture of a paint brush and posting it Instagram or giving them an exclusive “Peek” on our upcoming project. In this new global and interconnect society, artists need to think about the steps they can take to ensure their audience is engaged. Learn more from our in depth conversation on this episode of Savvy Painter! What is it like being a “Self taught artist”Discovering your vocation doesn’t usually come easy most people. For those who find their “calling” easily, even that can be fraught with uncertainty. Kirstine Reiner Hansen discovered her passion and calling as an artist. As she has developed and grown as an artist and has experienced different art communities, Kirstine has struggled with the fact that she never procured her Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. This is a hotly debated issue among many artists, is the MFA really necessary to have a credible and successful career as an artist? Kirstine came to the conclusion that for her, even though it would be nice, the MFA is not necessary. To hear more about Kirstine’s journey as a “Self taught artist”, listen to this episode of Savvy Painter. Making the shift from observational to photo reference.Leaving a style or way of doing things for so long can be difficult. Not many people enjoy and embrace change. One of the keys to moving from a place of comfort to a new and possibly better place is understanding that your current location is unacceptable. Kirstine Reiner Hansen understood this truth. She had been practicing an observational form of painting for many years but soon realized that she need to make a change. It wasn’t easy and it took a lot of courage and boldness to push into a new realm of painting. She now uses photo references in her painting and she is thrilled that she made the change. To hear more about Kirstine’s process and what it took for her make that leap, listen to this episode of Savvy Painter! An unconventional method of paintingEvery artist has their own unique way of preparing themselves before they approach the canvas. I found Kirstine Reiner Hansen’s approach to her projects rather unconventional. As she prepares her canvas and other items (she uses collage work as well), Kirstine closes her eyes and picks objects at random and then figures out how to incorporate them into her work. She feels that it is the only way she can be fresh and present her work as surprising. The most exciting aspect for Kirstine about working this way is that she sees her work as a sort of intuitive puzzle. She has to stay very alert to figure out what step to take next. To hear more about Kirstine’s fascinating process, listen to this episode of Savvy Painter! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
22 Jun 2024 | But do I HAVE to set a goal for my art practice? | 00:27:55 | |
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. | |||
17 Nov 2016 | Chris Leib | 01:03:07 | |
Realist painter Chris Leib’s artistic journey began by way of anthropology and a near-miss with a career in real estate. An apprenticeship with Roberto Lupetti provided a foundation from which his talent could organically grow. Leib discusses overcoming setbacks, including an explosion that forced him from his home and studio, life with a fellow artist as your spouse, and the habits and mindset that contribute to productive creativity. | |||
16 Jul 2015 | Let them come to you- Stanka Kordic on galleries and collectors. | 00:53:55 | |
Stanka Kordic graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art with an illustration degree and quickly discovered she needed to adapt and reinvent herself. In this episode, Stanka shares how she found collectors initially and what happened later when she pivoted to social media and to find collectors and galleries that interested her. She shares how she used the artist community to guide her choices and help her avoid gallery pitfalls. We also talk about her techniques and thought processes for creating her paintings. **Support the podcast** | |||
21 Jul 2016 | Symbolist Painter Greg Decker | 01:20:36 | |
Greg Decker is a symbolist painter, living in southern New Mexico. He holds two MFA (Master of Fine Arts) degrees, from Cranbrook Academy of Art (MI) and from the New York Academy of Art (NYC). He’s studied with renowned painters such as Leland Bell, Fairfield Porter, John Moore, Vincent Desiderio and Martha Erlebacher. I never thought I would hear Beethoven and the Ramones mentioned in the same sentence, but that’s what Greg does, he weaves together ideas from history, literature, philosophy and diverse sources to create his work. Thank you to Julyan Davis for bringing Greg and his luscious paintings to my attention. Go to SavvyPainter.com to see Greg’s work- it really is a treat, and for links to everyone we mentioned. While you are there, make sure you don’t miss an episode- sign up sign up for show updates and free guides by clicking on the yellow button in the sidebar. I’m working on a couple more goodies for you as we speak. A very special shout out goes to Liz Cutler, Aimee Hoover, Tracy Everly, Kaethe Bealer, Amy Fitzgerald, Rhonda Doré, Douglas Reina, Gail Hight, Art of Joy, and Barry Koplowitz - thank you so much for supporting the podcast. | |||
10 Apr 2014 | 11: An Artist's Vision- Susan Abbott | 00:47:12 | |
How does an artist balance her vision and the need to sell her work? Susan Abbott and Antrese Wood talk about the role of the artists vision in her work. http://savvypainter.com/11 | |||
10 Mar 2014 | 03: Kathleen Dunphy, PleinAir Painter | 00:44:44 | |
Kathleen Dunphy is a plein air painter from Northern California. In 1998 she was recognized by American Artist Magazine as one of the Top Ten Emerging Artists — and their prediction was right. Her oil paintings have earned her considerable honors and almost a dozen solo shows since then. | |||
09 Jun 2022 | Thoughts on Commissioned Art - EP 279 | 00:17:40 | |
Getting commissioned to create a piece of art for someone can be an incredibly validating experience. Finally, all of your hard work has paid off. All you have to do now is iron out the details and paint the painting, right? Unfortunately, creating commissioned artwork is not always that easy. On this episode, I’ll dive into an often-overlooked obstacle with creating a commissioned piece, and communicate the tools you need to overcome it. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
23 Jun 2014 | 25: Are you ready for the Press? Media expert Amy Flurry shares her tips. | 00:38:46 | |
Media expert Amy Flurry explains how to prepare your artist bio and your website for press coverage. Learn what editors look for and how to become media savvy http://savvypainter.com/25 | |||
19 Sep 2019 | Oil Painting and Learning to Manage Distractions, with Michelle Dunaway | 01:21:56 | |
When was the last time you really took a moment to slow down and notice your surroundings? Do you find that you are easily distracted by your cell phone notifications or the million other things demanding your attention? You aren’t alone! I’ve struggled with managing my distractions for years, so I was thrilled to hear my guest, Michelle Dunaway address this critical topic. In our conversation, we also discuss Michelle’s oil painting, her recent arm injury, how to be honest with yourself, and much more. I know that artists like you will get a ton of value from Michelle’s thoughtful perspective, enjoy! Space to daydream and wonderWhat was your childhood like? Did you have a ton of expectations placed on you from an early age or were you free to find your own path? While many parents have nothing but the best of intentions - the truth is - a carefree childhood can quickly get pushed to the wayside. Thankfully, Michelle was given permission and encouragement to explore her creativity. Looking back, she is especially fond of the moments where she would get lost in a daydream or playing in a field. Michelle also points to a critical influence in her life, Richard Schmidt - he also took time to invest in Michelle and encourage her abilities both professionally and as a peer. An unexpected injuryDon’t you hate it when life throws you a huge curveball that you never saw coming? Maybe for you, it was an unexpected expense like a car repair or the illness of a loved one, or maybe your story is a lot like Michelle’s and you’ve experienced a personal injury that you have to overcome. After recovering from a misstep that caused an injury to her arm, Michelle started to get back into the swing of things. Before long, she realized that she wasn’t able to put in the hours painting as she had before the accident. It turns out that Michelle had re-injured her arm and now has to undergo surgery and an extensive recovery process. Managing distractionsThe experience with her arm injury highlighted an important aspect that Michelle had been working to focus on for years - managing distractions. From her cellphone to the news and everything in between - Michelle’s life felt like it was full of distractions. As a spiritual person, Michelle looks to prayer and meditation to help her find her center. Cutting through all the noise of daily life is no easy task! The injury to her arm has forced Michelle to become more aware and present - she still struggles with the distraction of her cell phone, but she’s making progress. What can you take away from Michelle’s story? The moments that make you smileHave you had a moment in your art career that made you pause in gratitude? Let’s face it; gratitude is not an easy attitude to cultivate. We can get so focused and caught up in what we don’t have or what isn’t going right that we fail to reflect on the good things in life. Michelle will be the first person to tell you that her life is filled with things to be grateful for. Looking back on her career - Michelle points out one person’s reaction to her oil painting of Richard Schmidt as a particularly remarkable experience. The man that was viewing her painting was moved to tears and explained that Michelle’s painting made him feel like he had met Richard Schmidt. What a compliment! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
23 Feb 2017 | Observational Art and Invented Imagery, with Langdon Quin | 01:13:42 | |
I had the wonderful privilege of sitting down with renowned artist and educator Langdon Quin. We discussed his work with observational art and invented imagery. Langdon was gracious enough to provide some images of his work that you can see at the end of this post. He shared how he started working with invented imagery and how his work as an observational painter has influenced his growth and evolution. Langdon’s passion for art is infectious, we discussed some of his influences over the years and how his role and educator has also impacted his life and work. Invented Imagery ArtWhat is “Invented Imagery?” Invented imagery in the term artist Langdon Quin puts it is creating paintings of objects or scenes that he has created in his mind. This can also include a memory of a place the artist has seen but the art is created solely on that memory. Another fascinating example that Langdon shared was a painting he did of a landscape that he often travels by, but instead of painting that scene from the angle he had seen it in passing, he painted it from an aerial viewpoint. Langdon has taken an intriguing journey combining his skills as an observational painter and allowing it to evolve into his work with invented imagery. Growing as an artist - Incremental change.When you are in the middle of your career or a particular fast paced phase of life you lose track of your own growth and development. In the hustle and bustle, introspection and personal growth can take a backseat to the pressures of daily life. It was such an honor to sit down with artist Langdon Quin as he draws from his 35 years of experience in the art world. One of the most prominent topics we discussed was his growth as an artist. Langdon looks back on his growth as incremental - bit by bit he adapted and developed as an artist over time. He has never been in a hurry to make huge leaps and changes and he cautions other artists to heed this wisdom. Keeping your creative spark alive as an artist.Competition, innovation, and success are the idols that American culture worships in the marketplace. How does an artist fit into that ecosystem? Can an artist survive when competition and success reign supreme? Most artists won’t have a problem with innovation, the art world is built upon this idea. What about competition and success? To keep the creative spark alive, a good artist will resist the urge to let success define their passion. Competition can be helpful but often leads to comparison and envy. Artist Langdon Quin talks about his struggle to keep his work at the forefront. Langdon decided to focus on what matters, his work. Success will come and go and competition isn’t on his radar. He creates because he can’t image doing anything else. Don’t expect things to be sequential in the art world.Society often communicates to young people that you just need to get qualified in your field, work hard, and success will follow. Is that accurate advice for people pursuing their passion in the art world? Artist Langdon Quin doesn’t think it’s helpful to look at success in the art world in such a sequential way. Looking back on his 35 years as an artist, Langdon notes that the landscape is ever changing and a wise artist will learn to adapt to those changes. Success may come and go, sometimes it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Langdon advises artists to keep at it, don’t give up and don’t be discouraged. Success shouldn’t validate or invalidate your work. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
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20 Jan 2022 | 3 Things Artists Do When We Don’t Have Self-Confidence - EP 260 | 00:32:05 | |
As someone who works with many different artists, I see too many who don’t trust themselves. It shows up in subtle ways and usually manifests as feelings of helplessness and inadequacy. Much of this struggle can be attributed to the fact that they don’t trust the unique voice inside of them. Or they are completely unaware that this voice exists in the first place. On this episode, I want to challenge how you think about your confidence as an artist. I want you to feel empowered to create again. Don’t waste another second weighed down by self-doubt! Outline of This Episode
Making one mark after the otherLife doesn’t come with an instruction manual. It would be great if there was a book that told us how to be successful in any situation, but it seems to be missing from Amazon’s library. I know, I’ve looked. Sometimes self-confidence as an artist means trusting yourself enough to start the process even when you don’t know how to succeed or even finish. The truth is you DON’T need to know all the ins and outs of something before you try it. The only way to know is to DO! That is why it’s so crucial to develop your self-confidence. You need to trust yourself to “figure it out”! Practically, that just means figuring out what your "next best step" is in the process. By doing that, you create a result that can be measured and assessed. Now use that result to determine what worked, what didn’t, and then plan your subsequent "next best step". Rinse, wash, repeat until what you’re working on is finished! That may seem like an oversimplification, but what is painting except making one mark after the other? Self-confidence is the same way. It’s an ever-strengthening foundation that creates its own upward spiral. The more we have faith in ourselves, the more we will accomplish because we won’t let anyone or anything (including us) stand in our way. Your voice is trustworthy and you are enoughAsking for feedback in creative spaces is a beautiful collaborative tool that can help you refine your artwork. However, have you ever asked for feedback already knowing what the answer is going to be? My guess is that when this happens you don’t ask for feedback because you need an answer, you ask because you don’t trust your own voice or opinion. You know exactly what your "next best step" is or even that the painting is done, but you still need external validation because somewhere along the way you believed the lie that you weren’t enough. That someone else has to have the answer because there is no way you possibly could. When we constantly outsource validation to those around us we train ourselves to distrust our own ideas and intuition. We can’t find authenticity in our artwork if we only trust other people’s voices instead of our own. Know this in your soul, friend: Your voice is trustworthy and you are enough. Give life everything you’ve gotHuman existence is a juxtaposition of beauty and pain. Sometimes it’s easy to get so distracted by the darkness that we forget to shine our light. A big part of having self-confidence as an artist is a willingness to share yourself and your art with the world. When you intentionally hide yourself and your art, it prevents you from accessing your truth and discovering your voice. The deeper part of yourself that says, “THIS is who I am." If you are someone who feels like they don’t have a voice and struggles with authenticity, ask yourself, "Am I holding back?" "Is a fear of rejection and failure keeping me from discovering all that I am and that I can be?" My encouragement for fellow artists stuck in this place is to live life to the fullest. Keep creating even if you never see the impact. Keep pushing, growing, evolving, and becoming until your very last breath. You only get one chance to live, so don’t wait. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
10 Mar 2016 | An Interview With the Artist Christopher Gallego | 01:14:09 | |
Christopher Gallego talks about mastery, the artist mindset, why a painting might 'fail', and his new drawings of the streets of New York City. | |||
04 Aug 2022 | Say Goodbye to Overwhelm (The Power of Constraints) - EP 286 | 00:26:48 | |
When the studio becomes an overwhelming place for artists, it may be time to apply some constraints to your creative process. Constraints are often viewed as things that limit options within our art practice. However, they can be the key to freedom and creativity in our work. On this episode, I’m giving you an inside look at the constraints I’ve placed on my current 100 Day Self-Portrait Challenge and my thought process behind them. I’ll also share some ideas about how to use constraints in your own art practice to get the results you want. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
25 Sep 2014 | 38: Concept Artist Nathan Fowkes | 01:03:39 | |
Nathan Fowkes has painted backgrounds for animation giants Dream Works, Disney, and other entertainment legends. His film credits include The Road to El Dorado, The Prince of Egypt, How to Train Your Dragon, The Legend of Puss in Boots and of course, Shrek. Learn how Nathan broke into the animation industry, the pros and cons of freelancing in the world of entertainment design. Plus hear the advice he got from Sue Lyon and Scott Burdick that changed the course of his career. http://savvypainter.com/38 | |||
05 Oct 2017 | The Role of An Artist in A New Technological Age, with Frank Lombardo | 00:54:40 | |
With headlines about plans to send people to Mars and other groundbreaking technological accomplishments, do you ever wonder, “What is the role of an artist in this new tech centric age?” This is one of many questions that my guest, Frank Lombardo ponders aloud with me in our conversation. Frank also opens up about how he became interested in art, what draws him to certain subjects, how he approaches galleries, and so much more! Frank has a fascinating perspective on the world and how artists bring out unique and valuable qualities to our society. I know artists like you are going to intrigued by our wide-ranging conversation. The Role of An ArtistFor so long, the role of an artist has been to help bring shape, image, and meaning to some of our culture’s most profound and mundane concepts. As we rapidly approach a new digital era that is starting to leave behind much of the old systems we’ve become accustomed to, what role can the artist hope to play in this radically new space? My guest, Frank Lombardo is at the point in his creative and personal journey where he has really started to consider this broader question. He hopes to see art continue to play a role in keeping our society grounded and rooted in the ways of poetry and aestheticism. Where do you think the role of the artist is heading? Facing Setbacks and Pushing ForwardHow do you respond when something you’ve poured your heart, soul, time, and resources into utterly fails? If you are anything like me, you can’t help but feel at the very least, that tinge of bitterness and disappointment. Is there anything to be learned or gained from these disappointments and setbacks that we all will inevitably face? Artist Frank Lombardo is no stranger to setbacks on his creative journey but he is convinced that there is something we can recover from encountering failure. In Frank’s case, he was able to come to a place where he could admit that he wasn’t getting where he wanted to go with a particular project. Once that happened, he was able to acknowledge what happened and move on, starting fresh with something new. What lessons can you learn from Frank’s story? Approaching GalleriesOne of the most difficult aspects of being an artist can be the process of promoting your work. Some artists take to it seemingly effortlessly, others find themselves constantly looking for ways to improve. Where do you land? My guest, Frank Lombardo shares his approach to promoting his work and holding himself to a preset plan. Frank’s goal is to approach one gallery or publication a day or do something that moves the ball forward for his artwork. This method really seems to motivate and keep Frank on track, what works for you? What can you take away from Frank’s approach? On Colorblindness and Asking for HelpIs there an aspect of your workload that you need help with? It could be trouble with scheduling studio time or technical aspects of your art, or maybe for you, it comes down to promoting your artwork. What is holding you back from reaching out? In our conversation, Frank Lombardo was kind enough to discuss the topic of his colorblindness and how it has impacted the way he works in the studio. Frank says that after trying to overcome this difficulty with technology, he ultimately had to rely on help from others to better utilize his time in the studio. It was an honor to have someone as talented as Frank really open up about a sensitive subject. I am grateful for his candor and I hope you will find encouragement from his story. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
22 Aug 2019 | How to Build a Presence on Etsy and Sell Your Art, with Jenni Waldrop | 01:01:29 | |
What does it take to branch out from traditional practices and sell your art on platforms like Etsy? Can you make a living off of an Etsy business? What should you look out for? Good news! I put all these questions and more to my returning guest, Jenni Waldrop. In our conversation, Jenni opens up about realistic expectations, why it’s not enough to just build a shop on Etsy, how to plan for seasonal changes, and much more. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to build a presence on a platform like Etsy - this is the episode for you! Addressing CriticismThe last time I had Jenni on as a guest, we had an excellent discussion that resonated with a lot of Savvy Painter listeners. Just recently, I received a message that had some pointed criticism for Jenni and the numbers she shared regarding her Etsy earnings. In our conversation, Jenni breaks down why she shared the numbers that she shared and why she had to split up her shops to increase her earning potential. After our conversation, I’m confident that you’ll have a greater understanding of what to expect when it comes to building a presence on Etsy. Don’t be afraid to testWhat is the best product to sell on Etsy? For each artist and seller, the answer to this question will change - especially depending on the season! While small prints will sell well for one artist - large prints will sell better for another. The key is to give yourself permission to test the market and find out what works. When it comes to selling your art - there is no one size fits all solution you’ve got to be willing to make adjustments and learn as you go. Jenni encourages artists to look around at what is selling, especially given the season. If you build it - will they come?Remember that old Kevin Costner movie, “Field of Dreams?” Wouldn’t it be nice if your business were as simple as setting it up and waiting for the customers to flock to your doorstep? Unfortunately - as many of you know - selling your art isn’t easy. Just like nurturing relationships with a gallery - you’ve got to nurture a relationship with your audience on platforms like Etsy. Consider sharing part of your story or starting a blog to feature artwork and projects you’ve worked on in the past. One step at a timeHow do you feel about starting your Etsy store? Does it sound daunting and overwhelming? If so - you aren’t alone. There are so many artists out there who want to begin selling on Etsy and other platforms, but they don’t know where to start. I get it - I’ve been there! Don’t think that you need to have everything up and running right away - you don’t! Listen to Jenni’s advice and start one step at a time - break it down into manageable steps that you can accomplish at your own pace. For more information on how to start an Etsy shop - make sure to check out Jenni’s website! Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
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10 Sep 2020 | Office Hours with Antrese: Understanding our Fear of Failure | 00:27:37 | |
What comes to mind when you think of the word, failure? Do you start internalizing the word? Do you hear that inner voice roaring the negative talk that sends you spinning? Or have you found a way forward to understand and overcome the fear of failure that plagues so many artists? By no means will I say that I’ve discovered all the answers or everything you need to know when it comes to recognizing your fear of failure and moving past it. I have learned from first-hand experience what works and what doesn’t and I’ve heard from my peers like you! This episode is another offering of my Office Hours sessions that give you a peek into the helpful community I’ve built with the Savvy Painter. Make sure to chime in - I can’t wait to hear how this one lands with you! Set yourself up for successTime and time again, the two common issues I hear about from my Growth Studio participants is the challenge to get started and the challenge to finish a work of art. Do you ever struggle with these challenges? What about failing to eliminate distractions? There are so many factors both big and small that can impact your focus and productivity in the studio. If you struggle with these challenges and distractions, you aren’t alone! I encourage you to connect with peers either digitally or in-person (where possible with COVID) there are so many ways we can help each other. Don’t make it personal!Look, I get it - beating up on yourself can become so commonplace that you get lulled into thinking it’s normal - it doesn’t have to be! Sure, self-critique can be helpful and you do want to nurture that aspect of your growth but not negative talk. How do you spot the difference between being critical and talking negatively about yourself? Write it out! If you find yourself in a particularly critical mode, write out the critiques in your head on paper - then you can see in black and white if they are negative and personal attacks or fair critiques. The key to becoming a confident painterThe key to success and confidence as an artist is to avoid failure at all costs! NO - that’s not true at all. If you were to look at the way our society shapes us - you’ll see that it does train us to avoid discomfort and pain. If you can re-train yourself to think of failure not as an ultimate letdown but as a stepping stone to success, you’ll see your confidence skyrocket. Expect failure, anticipate it, and let it be part of your story - let failure fuel your growth - you are worth the extra effort! Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
13 Mar 2014 | 05: Camille Przewodek, Plein Air Colorist | 01:08:58 | |
Camille Przewodek is a master at capturing light and using the color it creates to set the mood in her plein air landscapes. Camille and Antrese talk about what set Camille apart in her marketing campaigns, the importance of mindset, and the dedication it takes to master your oil painting skills (hint: it takes longer than a weekend!). | |||
13 Jun 2019 | Living on a Boat and Working with Acrylic Paint, with Kaethe Bealer | 00:51:58 | |
Imagine living on a boat in the San Francisco Bay area - doesn’t that sound AMAZING? How would you optimize your working area? What materials would you use? Instead of guessing the answers to this beautiful scenario - I got to ask my friend Kaethe Bealer all about it! Kaethe is a long time listener of Savvy Painter and she’s participated in several of my workshops over the years. I have been so impressed with Kaethe’s growth as an artist. From life on a boat to her process using acrylic paint I know Kaethe’s unique insights and reflections will help artists like you in a number of ways. Life on a boatSeriously though - what is it like living on a boat near San Francisco? Don’t you want to know? Apparently, it is not always as romantic as it sounds. As you can imagine space is at a premium. Forget leaving a studio space set up - if space isn’t being used - then things have to be put away. Thankfully, Kaethe has a supportive spouse who encourages her and supports her in her growth as an artist. While life on a boat sounds challenging - Kaethe also has some stellar work to show for it - which she has to store off boat at her father-in-law's house. Why acrylic paint?Speaking of Kaethe’s artwork - I was interested to hear what type of paint she uses on her boat and why. Kaethe uses acrylic paint and works mostly on pannel - her subject matter is all over the place - she loves to explore whatever catches her interest. With her life on the boat - Kathe has found acrylic paint to be the best material to use - it’s easy to clean up! She has a little evaporation bucket outside that she uses to discard her dirty water. Kaethe also uses Open Golden which is an extended drying acrylic paint. Just keep painting“Just keep painting” is one of the mantras that has impacted Kaethe’s on her journey as an artist. She experienced a significant period in her life where she stopped painting and it took her while to get back into the rhythm. These days Kaethe is committed to putting in the time and logging those hours at the canvas. She wants to encourage her artisitc peers to keep at it and stay in the game. Selling her work on the internet was a huge turning point for Kaethe - that experience also buoyed her spirits and emboldened her to get her work featured in art galleries. Workshop junkieHave you heard the term, “Workshop junkie?” I would consider myself a workshop junkie - I LOVE workshops. If money wasn’t a factor I’d fill up my days in workshops with fellow artists honing my skills and learning new techniques and insights. In our conversation - Kaethe and I also discussed the danger of using workshops as a crutch. Attending too many workshops can lead to thinking too little of your abilities and hamstringing your growth. Finding the balance is not an easy task but it is crucial - you need to have a healthy mindset! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
30 Jun 2014 | 26: Sketching from Square One author Richard Scott | 00:48:11 | |
Richard Scott, artist and author of Sketching from Square One to Trafagar Square talks to Antrese Wood about how to improve drawing skills, tackle complicated subjects and the daily habits of the artist. http://savvypainter.com/26 | |||
06 Apr 2023 | The Hidden Gold in Your Artistic Goals - EP 304 | 00:36:19 | |
Goal setting is an important part of any artistic journey. However, we often think goals are about achieving the thing and getting to the end rather than treasuring the gold that can be found along the way. On this episode, I want to share how setting goals is the way to mastery and how missed goals can be the path to creating the art practice of your dreams. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
29 Sep 2022 | When You Think Things Should Be Different Than They Are - EP 291 | 00:13:29 | |
What would your art practice look like if it were a judgment-free zone? Imagine how much better your art would be if you redirected that energy toward the creative process! Fresh off of an incredible week at the Epona Rise Retreat Center in British Columbia, I’m going to share a few takeaways from my experience to help you stay present, grounded, and inspired in your art practice. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
31 Mar 2022 | Punishing Yourself Doesn’t Make You A Better Artist. Here’s What Does - | 00:29:15 | |
A lot of artists think that if they are not hard on themselves, they won't improve their work. I have a different approach. One that doesn’t leave you feeling like crap. In this episode, I give you some tools that will help you progress faster with your art and have fun while you do it.
When you are not where you want to be with your art, there is a tendency to get a little harsh with yourself. You think punishing yourself will make you work harder. But that just makes you miserable in your studio. In this episode, I tell you what works 1,000 times better - and creates a space for you to have fun in the studio again (while getting your work done). Our art must come from a place of love.A love for the art and a love for the artist who makes it. This philosophy goes beyond positive thinking. There is a misconception that simply having positive thoughts fixes everything. But that doesn’t work. Because when people think “just be optimistic” is the solution, they ignore, push down, or gloss over what seems negative. Unfortunately, that just makes the “problems” bigger - they don’t just disappear. When things don’t go as plannedOften, when we don’t get the outcome we want, a lot of artists find ways to punish themselves. The more obvious ways we do that is to blame ourselves, get hyper critical, or berate our own work. It doesn’t make the work better, it just makes us feel bad. We also punish ourselves in more subtle ways - like withholding joy, withholding playfulness, or withholding love from ourselves. A non-action is harder to detect than an action, so these punishments show up much more often but they are just as damaging because they take all the fun out of the thing we love to do the most. Trust your inner voice.When you trust your inner voice, you can be patient and kind with yourself. You can accept all the parts of you (even the ones that aren’t so nice). And when you do that, you can let go of perfectionism and so much of the self judgement. You know, the parts of you that looove to tell you you’re doing it wrong? In this episode, I share what’s actually happening when these things show up and I give you some alternate tools to get what you want while having your own back. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
19 Nov 2020 | From Sketching Handbags to Creating Reclaimed Earth Colors and More: An Interview with Artist, John Sabraw | 01:01:58 | |
Have you ever felt like you just don’t “fit in” at non-artist gatherings? What do you do with that feeling? Do you shrink back and retreat to the safety of your peers and insulate? Or do you press into the discomfort and forge your path? Everyone’s story is going to be different and that’s the beauty of our corner of society, we embrace the mosaic of diversity - but what would it look like if we were to integrate our creative outlook with other areas? That’s where my guest and talented artist, John Sabraw comes in! Hailing from Lakenheath, England, John is an activist and environmentalist - his paintings, drawings, and collaborative installations are produced in an eco-conscious manner, and he continually works toward a fully sustainable practice. In our conversation, John opens up about his time working with Kerry James Marshall and how he got involved with Gamblin and producing their reclaimed earth colors. Trust me, you’ll find John’s perspective refreshing and engaging - I know I did! Throwing it all awayYou know those days where you feel like tossing everything in your studio in the garbage? Imagine doing that and then getting an invitation to Washington DC to meet members of Congress because your art was selected as the winner of a competition. Sounds crazy, right? It actually happened to John Sabraw! As he struggled in high school and tried to decipher the way he wanted his life to go, John reached a breaking point where he just had to walk away. He took all his artwork that he had completed in his high school art class and tossed it in the dumpster and then took off for a week. When he returned, what he saw changed the course of his career - his teacher had entered him into a contest and he had won! John’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing from there - he faced setbacks and challenges but this initial success helped see the talent he had honed. Speaking your truthHow does your truth, your authenticity show up in your artwork? Do you try to embrace it or do you try to go in a different direction? As the United States was gearing up for the Iraq war in 2003, John felt like he needed to speak out and share his conviction that war was not the answer with his art. The result was a fierce backlash that made John rethink his approach and if he wanted to make a stand that would continue to incur this type of reaction from people. John didn’t back down, he just decided to change his approach - this launched him on the path to his work with sustainability and activism. Exploring sustainabilityImagine visiting a community ravished by the scourge of industrial waste and environmental destruction and finding in that mess and contamination a way to create sustainable paint colors. No, this isn’t a pipe dream, this actually happed with John’s efforts to collaborate with scientists on many projects. One of his current collaborations involves creating paint and paintings from iron oxide extracted in the process of remediating polluted streams. I hope you are as inspired by John’s story as I have been - make sure to check out images of John’s artwork located at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episode
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14 Jul 2014 | 28: Dean Fisher | 00:48:05 | |
Connecticut based artist Dean Fisher tells the story of how he moved from Chicago to Madrid to paint at the Prado. He talks candidly with Antrese Wood about the defining moments in his art career. http://savvypainter.com/28 | |||
05 Oct 2016 | Figurative Painter Zoey Frank | 01:05:18 | |
Zoey Frank is a figurative painter from Colorado. She studied at the Juliette Aristides Atelier in Seattle and then went on to get her MFA from the Laguna College of Art and Design. Zoey is in love with the figure. She shares her process, and her experiments freely in this episode. I really enjoyed talking with her about her current work, in which she is playing with observation, imagination, and photography. We also talk about the instability of this career choice we’ve made and how that can really affect our mood. Zoey shares the tactics she uses to deal with uncertainty- tactics that focus on reconnecting with the joy of making things and creating. | |||
04 Jun 2020 | Painting From Memory: An Interview with Artist, Edwige Fouvry | 00:55:23 | |
Have you ever tried painting from memory? How did it turn out for you? Have you ever thought of a picture as a thing in and of itself rather than a memory of the image it captures? I was thrilled to get the opportunity to speak with the talented and engaging artist, Edwige Fouvry who often takes the approach of painting from memory. Edwige Fouvry was born in Nantes, France, in 1970, and currently lives and works in Brussels, Belgium. She received her Masters degree from École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Visuels de la Cambre in Brussels in 1996. She has exhibited widely across Europe and North America. As you get to know Edwige in our conversation, I hope you catch the raw simplicity and dedication she has to bring not only her own imagination to life but the imaginations of others as well. You can catch images of Edwige’s artwork located at the end of this post. Letting memory and imagination lead the wayHow do you begin to paint from memory? Where would you start? For Edwige it comes down to a combination of photographs, childhood memories, and even scenes she sees in everyday life. She doesn’t choose her photographs at random, rather each image she paints comes from a place of deep connection and inspiration - the photo evokes emotion in Edwige. In many cases, a photo may hang in Edwige’s studio for years before she decides it is the right time to put that image on her canvas. Trusting your intuitionEdwige’s creative approach is fascinating, at the heart of what she is able to bring to the canvas is her cultivated attentiveness to her intuition. Most of us are trained either by our culture or by well-meaning institutions to root out our intuition. We are often taught that you can’t trust what you can’t touch, feel, test, and observe. By cutting out or dulling our deep-seated drive to explore and express what we feel, we are limiting ourselves unnecessarily. It was refreshing to hear from Edwige as she enthusiastically described her comfort in her own skin and how that approach has impacted her time in the studio. What can you learn from Edwige’s perspective? Rooting out complexityOver the course of your career would you say that your artwork has become more complex or more simplified? As I’ve interviewed hundreds of artists over the years, I’ve found it fascinating how often the theme of simplicity and complexity arise. Edwige has honed her abilities over the years toward rooting out complexity and relying instead on simplicity and freedom to guide her creative process. Looking back at her years in school, Edwige is quick to point out that she wasn’t always the best student because she was intent on listening to her intuition and carving her own path. To her credit, focusing on simplicity has really worked out well for Edwige. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
16 Jun 2014 | 24: Business of Art with Errol Gerson | 00:54:42 | |
Errol Gerson has been teaching entrepreneurship, business and leadership skills to artists and designers for the past 43 years.
He is as passionate about art as he is about business. Antrese Wood talks with Errol about why he considers himself an extraordinarily selfish human being. When no business software, book, or course can help you. The only word that ends in -u-c-k that Errol despises. The power of gratitude. What 15 minutes a day can do for your career. http://savvypainter.com/24 | |||
08 Mar 2018 | Paint Brush Care, Techniques, and Q&As with Trekell Art Supplies | 01:05:48 | |
As I’ve been promising, here is my special conversation with Brian Trekell and Courtney Bridges from Trekell Art Supplies. In our conversation, we cover a ton of ground. Everything from how Trekell got started, what inspired Brian to get into the paint brush making business, a bunch of technical questions you sent in for Brian and his team, some history behind paint brush making, and so much more! It’s a ton of information but I know artists like you will appreciate the detailed explanations. Make sure to check out the special offer Trekell has made available for the Savvy Painter audience and the YouTube video of artist William Whitaker explaining his approach to brush care, you can find both in the resources section at the end of this post. Letting curiosity lead the way.Have you ever wondered how successful art suppliers like Trekell got their start? Are they just a faceless corporation or is there a heart somewhere behind the name? I had the privilege of sitting down with Brian Trekell and Courtney Bridges from Trekell Art Supplies. Brian founded Trekell over 30 years ago after spending time backpacking through Japan where he was first inspired by the art of brushmaking. Soon after, he traveled to Bechhofen, Germany, to fine-tune his skills. Now, Trekell is an established name in art. Brian continues to lead the organization with a relentless focus on delivering high-quality products to artists like you. I hope you are inspired by Trekell’s humble beginnings as much as I am. Brush care really does make a difference.As an artist, chances are you’ve picked up some bad habits when it comes to brush care over the course of your career. Brian and Courtney from Trekell Art Supplies are here to help remedy some of those bad habits and answer questions from the Savvy Painter community that will help you get more life out of your brushes. In our conversation, Brian and Courtney cover topics like which solution you should keep your brushes in, if using conditioner is a good idea, alternatives to rinsing the paint out on your hand, and much more. Don’t leave it all up to trial and error, get the best advice right from the supplier! Expanding the product line.While focusing on one specific product can lead to a lot of success, Trekell has taken the path of expanding their product line to bring their dedication and experience to other areas in the art world. In my conversation with Briand Trekell and Courtney Bridges, I got to hear their passion for working with other suppliers like Gamblin to bring creativity and high-quality products to a larger network of artists. Find out about Trekell’s offerings including panels, frames, primers, varnishes, and much more. I’m excited for you to get to know Brian and Courtney and their unique approach to offering as many tools to the art community as possible. Maintaining a robust relationship with artists.As you take the time to listen to Brian and Courtney explain their methodology and approach at Trekell Art Supplies, I hope you come to glimpse their passion for truly serving the art community. Through their partnership with the Savvy Painter podcast and hearing stories of how they’ve incorporated artists input throughout their history, I am confident that they care about their products and the people who use them. Trekell offers a number of professional grade sets, kits, and packages designed by the Trekell Pro Team which is made up of artists like you! From their partnership with William Whitaker to their efforts creating the Trekell Pro Team, they’ve taken the time to show that they are invested in the success of artists. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
18 Sep 2014 | 37: Color theory and promotion tactics with Mitchell Johnson | 01:12:19 | |
Mitchell is convinced that there is an audience for your fine art, but its the artist's responsibility to find collectors. We talk about some of the techniques he used to promote his paintings and get them in front of art collectors. If you are as obsessive about color theory as I am, this episode is for you. Mitchell Johnson talks about the role of color in his work and why it enables him to move seamlessly between abstraction and representation. http://savvypainter.com/37
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09 Oct 2014 | Getting your exhibition funded with Mitchel Coffman | 01:05:18 | |
How Mitchel Coffman raised over $12,650 using crowd funding for an art exhibit to honor his mentor, Jorge Alvarez. http://savvypainter.com/40
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06 May 2022 | How We Grow and Evolve as Artists - EP 275 | 00:35:31 | |
Is there a general path to success when it comes to our art? I’ve come to embrace that success is determined by how we grow and evolve as artists. On this episode, I’ll dive into what that looks like, the role each side of our brain plays in the process, and how to overcome the need for linear success. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
14 Apr 2022 | Patience Is about More than Waiting - EP 272 | 00:27:37 | |
What do you do when it feels like things aren’t happening in your art practice fast enough? Maybe you’ve taken lots of workshops, established a consistent painting practice, and you show up and put in the work, but your painting is just not at the level you think you should be at by now. Should you double down or just be patient with yourself? On this episode, I’m going beyond the understanding that patience is simply having the ability to wait without complaining. I want to offer you a more nuanced definition as it applies to your art and career as well as help you cultivate patience within your art practice and with yourself as you create. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
30 Mar 2017 | Artistic Motivation, with Scott Conary | 01:17:45 | |
What is your artistic motivation? Has it always been the same, or has it changed? Artist Scott Conary would say that it has changed over the years. He describes a time when his artwork and his career came from a different place of motivation, that was before his daughter was born. Once she came into the world, Scott’s life, including his artwork took a new direction. In our conversation, Scott shares about his struggle with perfectionism, why every question doesn’t need an answer, the health difficulties that his daughter has faced from birth, and so much more. The illusion of perfectionismAs a creative individual, you want your art to resemble the vision you have for it in your mind as much as possible. This can be both frustrating and exciting. When it comes together just right and looks exactly how you envisioned it - satisfying. On the rare occasion that it exceeds your expectations and imagination - ecstasy. My guest Scott Conary and I spent some time in our conversation around the subject of perfectionism. Scott explained how much the illusion of getting everything just right can derail the creative process. Scott will be the first to tell you that most of his artwork can’t be described as perfect. But because of the lessons he has learned, he would call them complete. Every question doesn’t have an answerDo you ever have a hard time silencing the noise in your head? Does your mind race with what feels like hundreds of questions or ideas? What do you do with those thoughts? My guest, Scott Conary spoke with me about this struggle. He told me about his battle to fight through all that noise and focus on what really matters. We both arrived at a consensus that not all questions need to be answered. You don’t have to follow every thought or idea down the rabbit hole. As difficult as it can be to resist that urge, it can be very freeing to just say “No” and bring your focus back to a singular goal or objective. When you are able to find this type of clarity, your artwork will benefit. The experience that colored everythingHave you had a moment that changed the course of your life? Scott Conary’s daughter was born with “Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.” He talked to me about her birth, and how that moment is the “Experience that colored everything.” As you can imagine, Scott and his wife had their world turned upside down with the diagnosis that came shortly after their daughter’s delivery. Scott was very gracious and transparent in our conversation. He shared about how the art he creates now holds a different meaning for him, it really shifted his artistic motivation. In what sounds like a contradiction, Scott says that his work has less significance but at the same time holds a new kind of meaning. The way Scott described it to me made perfect sense. As serious as his daughter’s condition is, Scott was quick to tell me how much joy she brings their family - at the time of this writing, she is seven years old and thriving. Art as an avenue for healingIn light of the diagnosis that Scott and his wife received for their daughter, I wanted to ask Scott if creating art has contributed to healing on his journey. As you can imagine this was a difficult question to answer. Scott was gracious enough to give me an extended answer and discussion on this topic. Initially, Scott said that he didn’t necessarily see his creative pursuits as contributing to his healing process. However, the question resonated with Scott so much that he wanted to take another shot at answering it. On the second pass, Scott shared that he has experienced a sense of healing as he has taken his emotional trauma with him into the studio. Scott’s transparency and vulnerability were on full display and I was honored that he felt like he could trust me with such raw and honest responses. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
03 Oct 2019 | Painting from Sketch Drawings, with Tom Hughes | 01:04:56 | |
Do you ever find yourself fascinated by the stories of artists who paint from sketch drawings? What do those artists look for when they sketch? How do they remember the right colors or where the light was coming from? Hoping to get some answers to these questions and a whole lot more, I was pleased to sit down with the artist, Tom Hughes. In our conversation, Tom opens up about how he found his path as an artist, what it was like working for the Christian Science Monitor, and more. I can’t wait for you all to get a peek into the world of Tom Hughes! Hearing the callCan you remember that moment when you decided you wanted to pursue your career as an artist? Or maybe for you, the draw to an art career was more of a gradual revelation. Slow or sudden, each artist has their own version of realizing their unique path as an artist. For Tom Hughes, the decision to embrace life as an artist was more along the lines of answering a “Calling.” If you are religious, spiritual, something in between, or nothing at all, I’m sure you can relate to what Tom talks about when he describes his draw to art as a “Calling.” For some reason, I’ve found that language to resonate with many artists, does it resonate with you? Picking up skills along the wayAs you’ve grown as an artist over the years, do you attribute it to practice or learning new skills along the way? While some artists love to explore new methods and push the limits, others like to hunker down and become proficient at one particular approach. Tom Hughes did not receive formal art training at a university for college; he took the route that included self-education. As you can imagine, Tom’s journey hasn’t always been easy. He has had significant moments of confidence, like his time at the Christian Science Monitor, and he’s had periods where he had to take a break and step away. Finding the right processThrough all of the highs and lows of Tom’s career, the one constant that gets to the heart of Tom’s career is his willingness to adapt and discover the right process. Rarely do artists get described as process-oriented. We artists often get painted with a broad stroke and labelled as flighty, inconsistent, and emotional, just to name a few! Tom worked hard for years to hone in on the process that would work best for him. One of the ways Tom likes to work is by sketching his subjects before he goes to the canvas. Are you drawn to a more process-focused approach in your art? It’s OK to change over timeI am still blown away when I look back to the start of this fledgeling little podcast and the few friends I knew who would listen to see the massive following we enjoy today - it’s incredible! There are a few elements from those early episodes that you’ll still notice as part of the podcast today, but there have been many changes. If you don’t learn and adapt over time, what is the point? Too often, I find my fellow artists are more adverse to change and evolution then I had expected. We are the ones who get the opportunity to push the envelope and help the public look deeper - it’s OK to change over time! Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
15 Jul 2016 | Timothy Horn | 00:59:56 | |
Timothy Horn paints rural landscapes around Marin and Sonoma counties in northern California. He fell in love with painting after a chance encounter with another artist who has been on this show- Stanley Goldstein. Just a few years later, Tim shut down his graphic design business to focus entirely on his painting and he hasn’t looked back. In this episode, Tim shares how he got started, what he needed to learn about painting before he was ready to get his work out, and how he made the transition to a full time painter. Tim and Antrese also talk about how Tim chooses painting events to participate in, how he managed his time starting out, and also the conflict that comes with being 100% dependent on the sales of your art, while having a family and making the time to paint. | |||
19 May 2016 | Kurt Moyer | 00:54:59 | |
Kurt Moyer is a landscape painter living in upstate New York. He pulls inspiration from nature, and from studying the master paintings that came before us. As Kurt will tell you, some mysteries in painting don’t need to be solved in order to have a full, rich experience with them. Kurt is content to let some of that be so that he can focus on light, color, and the thread that weaves through his work and ties all the way back to Cezzane, Balthus, George Sorrell, and many other artists. In this episode Kurt and I talk about seeing. About getting that authentic impression of color and light and not being a slave to your own eyes. We also talk about how new experiences or simply time can completely change the way you look at paintings that maybe you have seen many times before.
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21 Jan 2016 | Yael Scalia | 00:48:09 | |
I met Yael in Italy last summer at the JSS in Civita program. And If you have never seen her work, do yourself a favor: soak it in. Her paintings are exquisite jewels, and like the artist herself, the paintings are eloquent and understated. In this episode, Yael and I talk about her early years at college and why studying with someone who knows something about artistic tradition is so important. Yael shares how she used small format gouache sketches to develop her vision and to formulate pictorial ideas. She gives advice on how to learn to compose a motif. Of course, we talk about Civita Castellana and how her time there every summer with the JSS program serves as preparation for Yael’s painting in Jerusalem. Yael Scalia is represented by Rothschild Fine Art, in Tel Aviv, Israel. | |||
23 Jun 2016 | Celia Reisman | 00:58:22 | |
Celia Reisman paints suburban landscapes - specifically the neighborhood she has been living in for over 30 years.
In this interview discusses her process of creating these paintings and how she adapted her work methods to fit her personality.
Observational drawings are integral to her work method. While she does paint plein air, it is her field sketches that feed her large scale studio paintings.
She talks about memory, instinct and how she constructs her large scale works -not being satisfied with traditional proportions for example. Early on, Celia played with an extremely limited palette, which is probably why she has such a sensitive eye for color.
This episode is a lot about Celia’s process of making a painting: the shifting balance between planning and having control while letting the painting evolve throughout the process.
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23 Jun 2022 | Having Your Own Back - EP 280 | 00:33:37 | |
Just like our paintings, we have visions for how we think our art journey should turn out and who we want to be as an artist. In order to achieve our full potential, we need to learn how to have our own backs and be our greatest advocates. On this episode, I’ll discuss how to shut down negative self-talk while maintaining high standards and embracing our humanity. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
Connect With Antrese | |||
25 Apr 2014 | 13: Plein Air Painter Gabor Svagrik | 00:49:00 | |
Plein Air painter Gabor Svagrik talks about his start in the art world and the founding of the Tuscon Art Academy Online. http://savvypainter.com/13 | |||
05 May 2014 | 16: Unleashing your genius with Sam Bennett | 00:49:28 | |
Author of 'Get it Done', Sam Bennett and Antrese Wood talk about why procrastination is genius in disguise. http://savvypainter.com/16 | |||
04 Oct 2018 | Following Your Intuition, with Jordan Wolfson | 00:53:14 | |
What role has your intuition played in your development as an artist? Have you always followed it or has it been a struggle to give yourself that permission? My guest, Jordan Wolfson has embraced his intuition and followed it down some fascinating creative corridors. In our conversation, Jordan opens up about how he got started as an artist, what his process looks like, the contrast between language and art, how he honed his skill set, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to get a glimpse of Jordan’s fascinating perspective! Wandering in the dark and finding a path forward.Can you think back to the start of your career in art? Did you have a clear moment when you knew that this was what you wanted to dedicate your life to or was it more of a gradual awakening? The way Jordan Wolfson tells it, his path into an art career was more of a discovery than an actual experience or decision. For the longest time, Jordan had a deep desire to spend time painting and he’s kept following that desire which led him through college and into his career today. Looking back, Jordan speaks fondly of the studio classes he took during his undergrad at UC Santa Cruz. During that time, Jordan felt like he had fallen in love with the craft of painting. Do you have a similar story, what set you on your path? Honing the craft.As an artist you are constantly honing and refining your craft, let’s face it, you never truly, “Arrive.” This process can look different for each of us and a lot of benefits can be found when we take the time to hear each other's stories. Jordan Wolfson’s story is no different, he has several stories to tell of renowned artists like John Walker and Andrew Forge who entered his story at critical times in his development to challenge and encourage him in his work. Listening to Jordan, you really get the sense that he knows that he has a lot to learn even though he’s quite accomplished! Can you really follow your intuition?Which is more important to follow, your training or your intuition? Do you have to choose between the two? In my experience, if you want to follow your intuition, you’ve got to develop an ear for it as you progress in your career. If you are constantly ignoring your intuition, eventually it’ll fade into the background. Jordan Wolfson describes following his intuition as tracking down a glimmer of light or thread to see where it came from and where it’s leading. While Jordan is quick to emphasize the influence of his art school training, he also points to this cultivation of listening to his intuition that has had a huge impact on his artwork over the years. Clearing the mind and getting centered.What are some of the most important aspects of your creative process? Do you have certain rituals that you follow when you enter your studio space and approach your canvas? For Jordan Wolfson, his process starts with a morning practice of sitting and meditation. He places a lot of value on being present in mind and body before he proceeds with his work at the canvas. Its Jordan’s hope that this deliberate practice of presence and centering his mind have a direct impact on his artwork. Take a look at some of the images of his art located at the end of this post and see for yourself! Outline of This Episode
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01 Jun 2017 | Embracing the Unknown, with Lani Irwin | 01:04:50 | |
Some artists love to tell a very intentional and direct story with their artwork, and some focus on embracing the unknown. Artist Lani Irwin has a fascinating relationship with her paintings and their seeming tension of embracing the known and embracing the unknown. Lani’s work is very focused when it comes to the shapes and figures she creates but the unknown comes in when you step back and look for an underlying narrative or dialogue in her work, it’s not there. Lani likes to revel in the fact that her work embraces this tension, you can’t pin it down, you can’t define exactly what she is trying to say. Sometimes Lani wishes she had a story to tell in her paintings, and sometimes she loves the fact that there is nothing to tell. Letting the Painting SpeakMany artists come to the canvas with an idea in mind and let it evolve over time or they just bring to life that original idea that existed in their head. Lani Irwin doesn’t go to the canvas with an idea in mind, rather she starts with a gesture or an object, or even a series of objects and she lets them speak to her. From that point, inspiration ebbs and flows as she listens to what the painting wants. The way Lani describes her process is fascinating and almost like a whirlwind because things will change very quickly as she listens to and adapts her approach to the painting. As she described her process, I was instantly transported to her studio and I could image this process unfolding and I hope you get that sense too. Make sure to catch images of her artwork included at the end of this post! Every Step Revealing the ArtistSometimes we can get so keyed into figuring out what that one moment or that one inspiration is that led someone down the path they chose. To be fair, there are many artists and other professionals that can clearly point to a moment of inspiration that acted as a catalyst for them on their career trajectory. Then there are artists like Lani Irwin who look back and find that it wasn’t just one moment that led to her decision to become an artist. For Lani, it's a compilation of events, ideas, and impulses that have guided her journey, she looks back at every step and sees it as an arrival. Quality over QuantityEven though her advice for younger artists might be geared around encouraging them to spend a lot of time in the studio, Lani Irwin has found that her time is now better spent with intense focus and precision. She finds that in order to maximize her time in the studio she needs to build up to it, honing all of her creative inspirations into that moment. One way Lani does this is by simply folding a paper crane before she goes into the studio, she does this as a meditative practice that centers her and brings her inspiration and focus. Work Hard and Know Your VoiceThere are many pressures placed on art students in the current industry climate. They tend to feel a very acute pressure to build a body of work and make a big splash in the art world. But for many, that seems hopelessly out of reach and a massive burden to bear. Artist Lani Irwin encourages young artists to put in the hard work and long hours, not only to produce a large body of work but to refine and master their craft. She also stresses the need for young artists to really understand who they are and what their artistic “Voice” will be. Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
29 Nov 2018 | Diving Deep into the Creative Process, with Cecil Touchon | 01:11:27 | |
How often do you get the chance to do a deep dive into the creative process? Sure, you may have enjoyed the ability to do this when you were in school or early in your career but have you thought about it lately? It was an honor to sit down for a wide-ranging conversation with the artist, Cecil Touchon as we explored the creative process. Cecil creates collage and paintings out of typographic elements; his paintings are called Post-Dogmatic paintings. I know that artists like you are going to a lot out of our in-depth conversation. Looking closer.One of the primary responsibilities of the artist is to look closer at the aspects of the world around us and through their work, help others to do the same. While this responsibility is a great one, the skill of looking closer takes time to develop. Observing the artwork of various artists, you can see this skill or lack thereof in full effect. Cecil Touchon is one of the most thoughtful and detailed artists that I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing. He takes the shapes, angles, and patterns he studies very seriously and does his best to convey this passion in his artwork. The evolving creative process.How has your creative process evolved over the years? Do you approach your canvas or your medium the same way today as you did when you first started? What has caused you to change and improve your process over the years? Looking back on his career, Cecil Touchon says that he has remained committed to the process of excellence. Through all the highs and lows of his career, the one constant focus for Cecil has been this strive to produce artwork that can compete with those at the top of his field. The challenge for many artists is staying committed to a certain level of creativity while evolving and adapting their process along the way. How the digital revolution has impacted the art community.Can you think of a primary way you’ve been impacted as an artist by the digital revolution? Has your artwork improved or has it been negatively affected by the technological advancements of our society? According to Cecil Touchon, we are still in the middle of sorting the impact of the technological and digital revolution out. When you consider how quickly everything has changed in the last 20 years or so, you can see what Cecil is referring to. As the rise of the internet has impacted so much of our lives, it seems that many sectors including the art community are still trying to find their bearings. Don’t let distractions rob you of your creativity.Given the high-speed environment that the digital revolution has ushered in, many artists find themselves looking for ways to stabilize their process. What habits and routines have worked for you? Do you have a set place and time to practice your craft? Cecil Touchon is convinced that the best way to quiet all the noise that surrounds us both audibly and visually is to stay committed to a schedule. Throughout his career, Cecil has enjoyed the consistency and predictability of his set time and place to work on his art. Do you thrive in that type of environment or you do you feed off of a more haphazard approach? Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
09 Jun 2016 | An Interview with Plein Air Painter Ray Roberts | 00:39:59 | |
Ray Roberts is a California painter, who paints landscapes and figures both in studio and en plein air. He is best known for his seascapes, figurative work, and landscapes of California and the Southwest. Ray has won numerous awards for his paintings including Gold Medal for "Best Painting" at the California Art Club and the Artists' Choice Award, the highest accolade from fellow artists, at several major Southwest art events. Several times in this interview, we mention Peggi- Peggi is Ray’s wife - the other half of the Kroll Roberts Studio- You may remember Peggi from an earlier interview on this podcast but if you have not had a chance to listen, check the show notes for a link to my interview with Peggi Kroll Roberts - she and Ray form a unique partnership and often host workshops together.
**Support the podcast** Savvy Painter is a labor of love. It takes significant resources to keep it going, if you find inspiration or value in the Savvy Painter interviews, please consider making a modest donation to show your support: http://savvypainter.com/support | |||
02 Nov 2017 | Finding the Freedom to Create Your Art, with Lynn Whipple | 00:53:14 | |
Do you ever struggle with finding the freedom or giving yourself the permission to create your art? Maybe you try to convince yourself that the work you make to pay the bills is the art you want to create if that’s the case, great! But if you struggle with the tension of creating your art and creating art to keep food on the table, then you will find my conversation with Lynn Whipple relevant. Lynn is such a gracious guest and our conversation branches out from creating your own art to daily routines, to how she got started as an art teacher and so much more. I hope you enjoy hearing from Lynn as I much as I did! Creating “Your Art”Have you reached that point in your career as an artist where you were able to finally put in the time working on “Your Art?” What did it take for you to get to that point? If you haven’t reached that point yet, what steps are you taking to inch closer to it? My guest, artist Lynn Whipple struggled for a long time working as an artist for Universal Studios. She eventually reached that point in her journey where she was able to settle in her mind that it was time for her to start creating artwork that was “hers.” Coming from a similar background, I really resonated with Lynn’s story and I hope artists like you can find inspiration and encouragement from what Lynn has to say on this subject. Working with Art CollectorsWhat has been your experience connecting with art collectors? Have any collector's been attracted to your artwork? Has it been more of a transactional relationship or have you been able to build a more organic one? Artist Lynn Whipple took the time in our conversation to open up about the relationships she has built with art collectors over the course of her career. Lynn speaks of the relationships she has built with art collectors as a unique privilege and one, you can tell, that she holds dear. It’s refreshing to hear an artist speak about the business side of her career that still connects on a personal level. What can you learn from Lynn’s story? The Benefit of DeadlinesAs you navigate your own journey as an artist, what have you found to be helpful practices? Are you internally motivated or are you externally motivated? How does that impact the structure of your time in the studio? My guest, Lynn Whipple shared about her difficult transition from working in a structured environment at Universal Studios to working for herself. I also connected with Lynn’s struggles in this area as I transitioned from working in a professional setting to working on my own projects. Lynn and I both discussed the role of setting deadlines and how that has been a helpful aspect in our growth as artists. What role has the use of deadlines played for you? The Art of NoticingWhat daily rhythms and rituals help get your creative juices flowing? Is it that cup of coffee you just have to have each morning when you wake up? Or is it that same routine and flow as you approach the studio that does it for you? My guest, Lynn Whipple had a beautiful aspect of her day that she was kind enough to share with me in our conversation. Each morning, before anything else, Lynn goes out to the dock by her house and sits there with a sketchbook. Sitting there, Lynn forces herself to pay attention to the world waking up around her. With each thing she notices that morning, Lynn challenges herself to linger a few seconds longer than she usually would. Lynn calls this captivating and motivating daily practice the “Art of noticing.” The way Lynn described this daily ritual moved me and I hope it has a similar effect on you. Outline of This Episode
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22 Aug 2014 | Hive Gallery Owner, Nathan Cartwright | 00:38:45 | |
Hive Gallery owner talks candidly about what artists should do before approaching a gallery. Nathan shares how the Hive started and his fascination with mythology. http://savvypainter.com/33 | |||
05 Mar 2015 | Israel Hershberg- Part 1 | 00:37:58 | |
This is part one of a two part interview with renowned painter Israel Hershberg. He talks about his childhood, his training, the "art world" and a host of other topics. | |||
27 Oct 2022 | Choosing to Be Proud - EP 295 | 00:19:23 | |
Is it wrong to be proud of the work you are creating? Does incorporating pride into your art practice make you an arrogant artist? On this week’s episode, I’m taking a deep dive into why pride can be one of the most helpful emotions in our art practice. We’ll dispel myths about pride and look at why choosing to be proud of your art is an incredible catalyst for growth. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
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09 Apr 2015 | Lori Putnam, Plein Air Painter | 01:02:06 | |
Lori Putnam is an award winning Plein Air Painter. | |||
16 Jul 2020 | Office Hours with Antrese: Answers on workflow, handling life’s curveballs, and more! | 00:43:22 | |
I’ve been hearing a lot of questions from long time listeners of the podcast and from fellow artists who are taking some of my growth courses. This episode is the result of compiling some of those questions to provide helpful answers to artists like you! I don’t have all the answers but I have picked up some helpful tips and insights over the years and I can’t let that go to waste. If you have any suggestions you’d like to share - don’t hesitate - this community thrives when people speak up and join the conversation. Setting yourself up for successHow are you doing when it comes to managing your time in the studio? Do you feel like you’ve got a good system and routine down or does it feel haphazard and disorganized? I hated the feeling of losing hours in the studio because I didn’t have a plan and a thought-out approach. A good way to start reclaiming your time in the studio is to make a plan - even a small one - you’ve got to start somewhere. Don’t feel like you need to make a radical change overnight, those rarely work - make your goal achievable so you are setting yourself up for success. I’d also encourage artists like you to start batching your work when possible - take some time to prepare a ton of canvases or organize your supplies, or even take time to sketch out some ideas on paper. What have you found that has worked well in your studio? Life happens - it’s OK to adapt!Sometimes the worst critic we face is the person looking back at us in the mirror. We make a plan and we get into a rhythm and then all of a sudden life throws us a curveball! Have you given yourself permission to make changes to your plans? Seriously? Sometimes even the act of writing out the phrase, “I give myself permission to change this plan if necessary” can be helpful. The important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself - we need you and your creative expressions! Dealing with creative blocksWhen you get stuck, I mean REALLY stuck, what do you do? Has it helped you to just push through the creative block and keep creating what you can or have you found a different approach that works? I have had my fair share of creative blocks over the years and I don’t wish those on anyone. What I am grateful for is the support and encroachment I’ve received from my peers who have been willing to open up and share with me what has worked for them. I that same spirit, I wanted to share with you a few helpful tips when it comes to dealing with creative blocks.
I know you’ve heard this from me before but I want you to know that I am here for you - this community was built for artists like you. I hope you’ve found something to try in your studio soon and like I’ve said - please don’t hesitate to drop your experiences and tips in the comments section! | |||
01 Sep 2022 | How to Curate Your Thinking About Your Art - EP 288 | 00:30:35 | |
What happens on your canvas is a direct reflection of what is going on in your mind. That’s why it’s so important to be intentional with your thoughts about your art. On this episode, I’m going to show you how to curate your thoughts so that you can create whatever emotion you want in your studio. Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episode
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06 Jan 2022 | What Happens In The Studio Is A Direct Reflection Of What Is Happening In Your Mind -EP 254 | 00:16:42 | |
What would you say is the greatest tool you have in your studio. Don’t look down the page to see what I think it is… take a moment to answer the question for yourself. Is it your brushes? The canvas in the corner? The turntable that spins the vinyl you listen to while painting? Honestly answer, what is the most important thing in your studio? In this episode, I want to walk you through my discovery that the most important tool I have as an artist is none of those things. The most important tool you have is not even talked about in most art classes. What is it? Keep reading and listen to this episode… Outline of This Episode
Your brain is the most powerful (and important) tool in your studioThe things that are going on in your mind when you enter your studio are powerfully important. I’m not talking about the latest tension you saw on social media before you opened the studio door (though that qualifies), I’m talking about the beliefs about yourself and your work that you carry into the studio with you. Those are powerful. Those are what either enable you to do great work (the work you want to do) or do less than you hope for and less than you are capable of doing. I want you to walk through a few examples in hopes that you can come to a vital understanding: Your thoughts are not reality. Thoughts are merely how you interpret thingsHave you ever wondered how 30 people can witness the same event and each of them will have their own unique perspective of what happened? It’s like there were 30 different versions of the event. How is this possible? It’s because each person interpreted the event differently in their own minds. That illustration helps us understand that our thoughts are not us and that if we can learn to change our thoughts, we can change our ability to do great work. Up to this point in your artistic career you may have felt any number of things are your “problem,” the thing that’s holding you back.
Any of these might be an issue and issues can be worked on specifically and diligently. But none of those is your real “problem.” The real problem is WHAT YOU MAKE THOSE THINGS MEAN. Said a different way, the stories you tell yourself ABOUT those things is your problem. What you think about is what you createAs human beings, we have 60,000 thoughts a day and most of them are stories we are telling ourselves. These stories create emotion and we respond (act or not act) based on that emotion. Let’s take an example… You notice someone looking at your art…
As you watch the person looking at your painting you could assume any of those things or hundreds more things. But those are ALL stories you’re telling yourself — and the feelings the story generates will impact how you act. Do you see that the story you told yourself created the reality you’re living in? It’s an illustration of how your brain is the most powerful tool in your studio. I say it that way because you and I can learn to use our brains to change the stories and therefore, change what we believe about ourselves and our work. GOAL: Go into the studio with a clean, managed mindSo back to the initial point I made. When you go into your studio to paint the state of your mind is vitally important. It’s the tool that will color (no pun intended) every observation you make about your work, every decision you make as you create it, and every response to the things that occur as you work. We all have a muscle to develop in this area — a mental muscle. When we do, and learn to use our minds to our advantage, the change can be amazing and powerful. Stick around for the next few episodes. I’ll be covering this more in-depth as we go along. Connect With Antrese | |||
01 Feb 2019 | Capturing Emotion in Art and “Getting it Wrong” with Linda Christensen | 00:47:21 | |
Can you really capture emotion in art? Is there something that you can convey on the canvas that transfers to the viewer? Emotion is such a complicated and complex human experience that the effort to capture it on canvas seems like an impossible task. My guest, Linda Christensen is proving that notion wrong with her amazing artwork. Linda is a Northern California based artist who paints a moment in time in women’s lives, she looks for the emotional connection and tries to capture it. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree and her Graduate Certificate from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In our conversation, Linda opens up about how she got started as an artist, habits and rituals that keep her in a creative flow, how a David Park painting influenced her, why she is ok with “getting it wrong,” tips for connecting with a gallery and pricing artwork, and much more. I know that artist like you will get a lot out of our wonderful conversation. Expressing emotion in art.Have you ever had that moment in your career where you finally found someone who expressed themselves creatively as you do? Who was that artist for you? What was it in their work that resonated with you? For Linda Christensen, that moment came when she was viewing a painting by the figurative artist, David Park. When she saw one of his paintings, Linda had an immediate and emotional connection that she’d never experienced before. That encounter with the David Park painting told Linda that emotion could be captured in a painting. Embracing distraction.What is your process like in the studio? Do you have a checklist you go through so you can get into your creative flow? Some artists love to work with music playing or after they’ve spent time in an art book, but everyone has to find their groove. I’ve found it helpful over the years to hear from my peers like Linda Christensen who are more than willing to share what they’ve found useful as they approach the canvas. Linda likes to knock out all of her errands and personal tasks before she steps foot into her studio. She also loves to have an old black and white movie playing in the background that she’s seen before so she can have a contrast to her painting process. I loved hearing all about Linda’s studio process and her love for Catherine Hepburn movies; I hope you enjoy it too. Getting it wrong.Do you ever find yourself jumping through hoops and trying to please someone else or working fulfill some idea of what you “ought” to be doing with your artwork? Do you give in to those voices and let them shape your art or do you try to silence them? Artist Linda Christensen has embraced the idea of “getting it wrong” because she knows that she’ll never “get it right.” Someone will always have a critique ready but Linda is ok with that, and she encourages other artists to embrace this mindset as well. At the end of the day, none of us are, as Linda says, “movie-ready” we all have flaws, why not embrace them? Outline of This Episode
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25 Feb 2016 | Paint what makes your heart hurt- Chelsea Bentley James | 00:50:24 | |
Chelsea Bentley James studied art at the University of Utah and shows her work at Dolby Chadwick in San Francisco. After some early success with still life paintings, Chelsea was advised to “Paint what makes your heart hurt.” Although those early still lifes were necessary to her technical growth and she loved painting them, Chelsea felt they might become somewhat formulaic. So she looked for a motif that was uniquely hers and found the vulnerability and openness of the desert. This conversation echoes a recurring theme here on the Savvy Painter podcast: which is to trust yourself first. As Chelsea will tell you, you can’t fool anyone, and when you paint from your heart and trust your intuition, your authenticity is rewarded. People notice. Chelsea and Antrese also talk about her painting process, allowing a series to grow, avoiding preciousness and even painting with toddlers in the house. | |||
30 May 2019 | Special Q&A: Navigating Art Competitions, Argentina Update, and Productivity Tips, and more! | 00:21:21 | |
I’ve got a special episode in store for you all this week including questions and answers to a few select topics. I wanted to experiment with a new format, and I’m glad to have you along for the ride! On this episode - I cover how artists like you can navigate art competitions, I give an update about my move to Argentina, and I go over some productivity tips. I’m so thankful to all of you who have been so supportive and encouraging as I’ve made the transition back to Argentina - I excited to roll out some exciting new interviews and innovative episodes like this one! How to find the right art competitionsI know it might feel that way, but here is the truth - not all art competitions are shady. It is also unfair to lump them all into the same category, some art competitions will be a great fit for one artist, and they’ll be a terrible fit for others. Here are my four tips for finding the right art competitions.
You are responsible for your own career - so act like it! Don’t get upset about the cost of entering into an art competition, if you think it’s a right fit and that you have a shot then go for it. As you can tell, I’ve got a lot to say about this topic, and I know it’s not an easy one. I’d love to hear from you - what tips do you have to share about finding the right art competitions? Argentina updateWe did it! We’ve made it to our new home in Villa Carlos Paz in Argentina. It’s been great to hear from many of you as you’ve patiently waited to hear from me during this whole transition process. My new studio is all set up, and I am ready to jump back into my routine. One thing that is a bit of a love/hate factor of life here in Villa Carlos Paz is all the mom and pop stores. I love that I get to directly support the local economy with my purchases - I hate that it can take weeks and weeks to get something as simple as binder clips. All-in-all life is good, and I’m glad for this new chapter of life! Be kind to yourself!As an artist, you want to create worthwhile art, and that’s great! Let’s be honest - when you fail to create the stellar art you have envisioned in your mind - you let yourself have it. We are notorious at holding ourselves to such high and lofty standards that when we fail, we are our own worst critics. Self-reflection is great! Beating yourself up is not so great. Think of it this way - you wouldn’t let your friend beat themselves up - so don’t do it to the person in the mirror! I firmly believe that you cannot create from a place of frustration or negativity - if that sounds too fluffy - too bad :) Outline of This Episode
Resources Mentioned on this episodeConnect With Antrese | |||
14 Sep 2017 | Graffiti Art, Acrylic Painting, and more with Greg Simkins | 01:02:02 | |
What does a creative journey that starts with graffiti art then moves to video game work and then ends up on a smaller scale working with acrylics look like? What lessons and tips can other artists learn from such a journey? My guest, Greg Simkins opens up about all these various transitions in his life and how he has been able to build a thriving art business with his wife. Greg’s story is fascinating and unique and I hope you can catch the lively and infectious passion that he exudes for his work. Don’t forget to catch some images of Greg’s artwork located at the end of this post! Encouragement Along the wayHow did you get started as an artist? Was it a gradual progression? Did you know from a young age? Or did you come to the realization later in life? Who helped you along your creative journey? Did you have mentors, friends, or family members who encouraged you along the way? My guest, Greg Simkins describes the wonderfully supportive relationship he shares with his father who was vital in encouraging and nurturing his creative impulses early in his journey. What can you learn from Greg’s story? Does the impact that other people have had on your journey as an artist inspire you to do the same for others? Graffiti ArtHow does a mild mannered and shy AP student find himself involved with the skating and punk rock crowd? How does this association and engagement translate to a career as a successful and respected artist? My guest Greg Simkins shares the story of how some students in high school noticed his drawings and introduced him to the world of graffiti art. From there, the encouragement of his friends and his father led to greater confidence in his artistic abilities. Greg’s story is an interesting and non-traditional one that will leave you intrigued and curious to how many other paths exist out there for artists to find their way. Working With AcrylicsDo you remember the first piece you completed in a new medium? Can you remember what you learned through that process? Was it frustrating or rewarding? My guest, Greg Simkins described to me his first experience completing a piece of art using acrylics. This experience also happened to be Greg’s first foray into being commissioned for his artwork. Greg recalls the experience as being difficult and not absent of errors he had to correct along the way but ultimately, this encounter led Greg on a path to begin working with acrylics more and more. Now Greg works predominately with acrylics and looks back fondly on this moment as one of the first steps of his journey. Struggling With Time ManagementWhat do you do to structure your time as an artist? Do you try to spend some time each day in your creative flow or do you designate whole days that you can dedicate to projects? Artist Greg Simkins explained to me his struggles with navigating the complexities of raising a family and balancing his time in the studio working on his projects. At the end of the day, Greg had to get to a place where he could really learn to slow down and structure his time. He had taken his time for creative endeavors for granted when he had his father close by to assist him, but when his father moved away he found himself in a state of chaos. What lessons can you learn from Greg’s story? How will you ensure that you have time to complete the work you are passionate about? Outline of This Episode
Other artists mentioned on this episodeResources Mentioned on this episode
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28 Feb 2019 | Plein Air Painting on the John Muir Trail, with Therese Morgan | 00:55:44 | |
Have you ever wanted to grab your materials and head for the mountains for a plein air painting session? While that specific scenario may not resonate with every artist, I know the desire to change things up and get out of a creative slump will. My guest, Therese Morgan along with her friend and fellow artist, Mark David took off for the adventure of a lifetime backpacking the John Muir Trail. In our conversation, we discuss what led Therese to embark on this crazy expedition, challenges she faced along the way, how the trip impacted her artwork, what she learned from her journey, and much more. Caution, this episode may cause you to pack your bags and head for the hills (in a good way!) Hitting a wall.If you’ve been an artist for very long, chance are you’ve hit a wall, creatively. If you haven’t yet, consider yourself extremely lucky! What should you do when you hit a wall, find yourself in a slump, experience a creative block, or whatever you want to call it? Many artists have a unique take on how to get past a creative block. Some will say, to keep your head down and stick to your schedule while others will encourage you to take a break and pick up a book. Then there are crazy people like Therese Morgan who pack up their studio and go for a hike, and not just any hike, a twenty-seven-day hike along the John Muir Trail in California! Plein air painting, where?Have you experimented with plein air painting? Where have you explored and enjoyed the outdoors with your artwork? Have you ever done something as crazy as a twenty-seven-day hike with your shelter, clothing, food, water, and painting supplies strapped to your back? To some, plein air painting while on a multi-week hike might sound crazy, and to others (like me) it sounds like fun! Therese Morgan and her friend Mark David came to this idea one night over dinner. Their idea seemed great on paper, but they both wondered, could they pull it off? You might be under the assumption that Therese and Mark are avid and experienced backpackers; they were not. You also might assume that they had just received a generous grant or they had some other means of financial security; they did not. Lacking experience and the requisite finances, Therese and Mark forged ahead, convinced that their dream would be worth all foreseen and unforeseen challenges they’d face along the way. After some careful planning, the pair decided to embark on an almost month-long journey on the John Muir Trail. The John Muir Trail is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, passing through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. The trail's length is 211 miles long with an elevation gain of approximately 47,000 feet. For almost all of its length, the trail is in the High Sierra backcountry and wilderness areas, not exactly a “relaxing” experience. Lessons learned and brush miles logged.As you can imagine, Therese and Mark’s journey was challenging, to say the least. Hiker after hiker in the backcountry would pass them by, surprised that they’d take on such an adventure with their art supplies. Looking back, Therese is proud of the amazing feat that she accomplished by finishing her journey but also of the artwork she had created along the way. Combining their efforts, Therese and Mark have created the “Brushmiles” project. Brushmiles was a term their mutual teacher, Craig Nelson would say to them, in reference to putting in the effort to paint often, to put in the miles as a painter. You can get a glimpse of their journey by checking out the link to their page located in the resources section below. Outline of This Episode
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04 Feb 2016 | A Conversation with Laurie Lipton | 00:53:47 | |
Laurie Lipton creates massive, intricate drawings using her very own peculiar drawing technique building up tone with thousands of fine cross-hatching lines like an egg tempera painting. Laurie and I talk about how she developed her own method of working- she calls it giving birth to an elephant, her need to say something about what is going on in this world. **Support the podcast** |