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

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

Should you be happy about your art?

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

Does it have to be so hard?

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

Hitting the Pause Button and Taking Mental Breaks.

Where are you on your creative journey? Do you have the right pieces in place yet or are you still trying to figure things out? If you feel like this last year or so has taken you through the wringer, you are not alone! Many of us are just now starting to get our bearings back after a year of isolation and adjustment. Here to help us navigate through the ebb and flow of creativity and the wild journey we find ourselves on is my guest and the talented artist, Gabe Brown.  Gabe was raised in New York City. She received her BFA degree from The Cooper Union and was awarded a Full Fellowship to attend the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. She went on to receive her MFA in Painting from the University of California, Davis. Her work is included in both public and private collections. She is an Adjunct Professor in Painting and Drawing at Fordham University and SUNY New Paltz where she has received three Merit Awards for Professional Achievement. Gabe lives and works in the Hudson Valley. I can’t wait for you to get to know Gabe’s fascinating perspective - also make sure to check out images of Gabe’s artwork located at the end of this post.  Perseverance through uncertainty  Let’s face it, the last year with COVID has been challenging to say the least. While some of us have been able to leverage this time as an opportunity to try something new, there are those who have been stuck either creatively, emotionally, or otherwise. Part of understanding and adapting to your own unique ebb and flow of creativity is giving yourself space and understanding.  If you had a friend who was having a hard time with the isolation and abrupt change that COVID has wrought, how would you treat them? Most people would be kind and empathetic - why wouldn’t you give yourself that same treatment? I found Gabe’s experience of persevering through the uncertainty of COVID inspiring but I found her compassion for those who are struggling - even more so. Remember, we are all in this together - I’ve got your back and I’m trusting that you’ve got mine!  Absorbing and applying Everyone's a little different and we need to find our own method and pattern for our creativity. Gabe was kind enough to open up about her own season of absorbing and applying. For Gabe, absorbing is a time of observation - reading, taking walks, going to museums or galleries, Googling different artists. Then comes the moment of application - some way those observations start to make their way through to the surface of the creative process. Her end goal is to take all the information that she just absorbed and then somehow apply it to her studio practice to help perfect her craft.  What are you waiting for? Seriously? I know that the fear of failure can be intense - trust me, I’ve been there. But honestly, what do you have to lose? Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from exploring the possibilities that are right in front of you. I know that the journey is not an easy one, Gabe knows that too but what we want you to know is that it is worth it. I hope you found Gabe’s story an inspiring and encouraging one. If you want even more community and encouragement, I’d love for you to go deeper with the Savvy Painter community. Check out all the great ways to jump in - you won’t regret it!  Outline of This Episode [1:15] How Gabe got started as an artist.  [6:30] The ebb and flow of creativity.  [9:30] Gabe talks about her work and what she has been up to over the last year.  [16:00] Are you afraid of success?  [19:45] Absorbing and applying.  [28:00] Intimate compression.  [36:40] How do you know when it is finished?  [47:00] Artists that Gabe would love to own art from.  [51:15] Why Gabe likes to work on the floor.  [54:00] Tips for new artists.  [57:30] Closing thoughts.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Darren Waterston Thomas Nozkowski  Neo Rauch  Resources Mentioned on this episode www.gabebrownstudio.com Instagram:@gabebrownstudio Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter 

The Ebb and Flow of Creativity: An Interview with Artist Gabe Brown

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

Lessons from Listening: An Interview with Artist Julia Cameron

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

Evolving In the Spirit of Exploration and Spontaneity: An Interview with Artist Katherine Bourdon 

What helps you bring your full and authentic self to your time in your studio? Are there certain activities or habits that help you get in the right mindset to start your day and get those creative juices flowing? If you’ve been around the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that I am a huge fan of meditation and mindfulness. I have seen the direct correlation between self-exploration and creative expression. Here to help us explore the connection between creativity and our inner life is the artist, Michael Ryan.  Michael Ryan is an artist based in the Netherlands whose paintings have been exhibited nationally, as well as in the United States, Russia, and France. His artistic expression is influenced by being in the moment, and the act of paying attention. Ryan is especially inspired by what he observes around him. Primarily working with oils, pastels, and watercolors, he is fascinated by light, color, and the relationship formed between colors. His bold pieces are painted on metal or linen. I can’t wait for you to get to know Michael, I know you will get a lot of valuable insight from his perspective - make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post.  In sudden demand  Can you imagine going from just making it as an artist and a waiter one week to find yourself in another country with suddenly 50 commissioned portraits lined up? While that scenario sounds made up, it actually happened to my guest, Michael Ryan!  After a chance meeting with a Dutch businessman who offered to bring him to the Netherlands to paint the portraits of his two children, Michael was off to a new country and a totally new direction in his career. While some might find themselves intimidated by the sudden demand and clamoring for their work, Michael took it in stride. Looking back on this time in his career, Michael reflects on how much he really enjoyed capturing someone's essence on the canvas.  Finding your center  Over the years it has been an honor to speak with artists who come from all walks of life. It always intrigues me to hear how each one of my guests has managed to find their center. Some might call this their “Why,” or their “Purpose,” or their “Calling.” Some might just refer to finding their true self. For Michael Ryan, his working day begins early with yoga and long walking meditation. By taking this step early in the day, Michael finds his mind and body united, focused, and prepared for creative expression back in the studio. What practices have helped you find your center?  Trust yourself  As you navigate the challenges of a career as an artist, Michael and I encourage you to spend that time investing in your inner life. While some might not find as great a benefit as others, the investment is well worth it. What do you have to lose in taking the time to learn about meditation and other practices? You might just find that you learn some helpful insights about yourself along the way. Don’t let others direct your path, trust yourself - you won’t regret it.  Outline of This Episode [0:05] I introduce my guest, Michael Ryan.  [2:00] How did Michael end up in Amsterdam?  [7:30] 50 portraits in three years? [9:30] Learning the Dutch language.  [11:30] Was Michael intimidated by the tsunami of portrait commissions?  [15:30] What drew Michael back to New York?  [18:30] How did Michael deal with moving with all of his art and supplies?  [20:30] What is Micahel currently working on?  [24:30] Finding inner quiet before you enter the studio.  [38:00] Michael describes his series, “Shimmering Mess”  [44:00] How has the pandemic affected Michael’s time in the studio?  [48:30] Do you incorporate your emotions and thoughts into your art as they come?  [50:20] Trust in yourself.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Henri Matisse Wolf Kahn Sean Scully Resources Mentioned on this episode Website: www.mryan.nl Online gallery: www.singulart.com/en/artist/michael-ryan-22289 Michael hosts a yearly workshop in the Netherlands. He can be contacted via his website or his email address: blackbear8[at]planet.nl Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter 

How Meditation Can Fuel Creativity: An Interview with Artist Michael Ryan

What is it that catches your eye when you are determining what to paint? Do you look for color that speaks to you, are you drawn to certain subjects or locations? Growing up in Australia, Mary Tonkin quickly became enamored with, “The bush” - a term mostly used in the English vernacular of Australia and New Zealand where it is largely synonymous with backwoods or hinterland, referring to a natural undeveloped area. Mary completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1995 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2002 at Monash University, where she has also lectured. Tonkin has held solo exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney since 1999. Her work has been included in group exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, and internationally in New York.  It was my privilege to host Mary for a live session of our interview. It was a joy to have Mary open up about her process, what she sees when she’s out here in the bush, how she juggles life as a working mother, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to get to know Mary’s engaging story!  Brining the bush to life  When you speak with Mary, you get a quick impression that she means business when she talks about slowing down and paying attention. For Mary, phrases like stillness, being present, and “taking in” a place, aren't' strangers - they are well-known companions on her journey. While it may be challenging to have a living and constantly changing subject like the Australian bush, Mary says that the experience has been well worth it. What stands out to you when you observe Mary’s artwork? Make sure to catch images of her paintings located at the end of this post.  Learning to adapt  Working in the wilderness in many ways can prepare you for challenging situations you face later in life. Learning to prepare for variables that you can’t control is a helpful training ground for parents. Mary was kind enough to open up about her experience as a working mother trying to navigate her time in the wilderness with her responsibilities at home. At the end of the day, it all comes down to quality over quantity for Mary, she is grateful for the time in the bush that she can reserve.  Feeding your curiosity  I loved hearing from Mary about her own journey with compartmentalizing her painting life for both the good and bad, I know so many artists just like her! One big takeaway from my conversation with Mary comes down to the value of feeding your curiosity. Some of us love to explore our curiosity over conversations with friends, while others need time in solitude. What works best for you? How do you feed your curiosity and let it fuel your creativity? I want to hear from you!  Outline of This Episode [2:00] I welcome my guest, Mary Tonkin.  [3:15] How Mary got started as an artist.  [6:15] Mary describes her artwork.  [10:45] How does Mary manage the seeming complexity in her paintings?  [16:00] Mary opens up about how wildfires and COVID-19 have impacted her work. [18:30] The challenge of conveying color from the wild.  [20:30] Using collage to branch out.  [23:00] What is it like working in the wild? Do you incorporate changes in the landscape?  [27:15] Artists that inspire Mary.  [29:30] How Mary gets “Unstuck.”  [35:00] Why it’s important to Mary to nurture her curiosity.  [39:15] What Mary wants people to experience when they see her artwork.  [41:00] Artwork that Mary wishes she owned.  [44:30] Why it can be good to embrace your stubbornness.  [46:00] Compartmentalizing and focusing on what works. [47:30] Mary answers questions from listeners about her process. [54:00] Closing thoughts.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Émile Bernard Henri Matisse Paul Cézanne Vincent Hawkins Resources Mentioned on this episode On Instagram - @mary.tonkin Gallery Website - https://australiangalleries.com.au/artists/mary-tonkin/ Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter 

Exploring the Bush: An Interview with Figurative Landscape Artist Mary Tonkin

When was the last time you encountered a painting that really moved you? What feelings did the painting evoke? Did your initial impression of the painting remain or change the more you pondered it? I love hearing stories from fellow artists who have found themselves entranced by or enamored with the artwork of their peers. On this special episode, I had the opportunity to speak with a returning Savvy Painter guest, Dean Mitchell as well as Art Patron Kathy Flynn, and Gallery Director Nicole Wolff.  Thinking back to my first conversation with Dean for this podcast, it’s quite appropriate that we discussed the transformative power of art. Dean’s painting and the subject of our conversation, “No Way Out” is a great example of that. Dean's painting was recently added to the permanent collection of the Columbus Museum of Fine Art. On this episode, you will hear Dean talk about what this painting means to him, and why he created it. Then you will hear from Kathy Flynn - Kathy's father was involved in the civil rights movement in the '60s, she fell in love with art when she traveled with her parents through Europe visiting museums. Kathy first saw "No Way Out" at the Cutter and Cutter Gallery in St. Augustine, Florida two years ago. She'll tell us why seeing this painting again after the murder of George Floyd moved her so much that she not only bought it but worked with Dean and our third guest, Nicole Wolff (director of Cutter & Cutter Fine Art ) to get it into the permanent collection of the Columbus Museum of Art.  What inspired “No Way Out”  Dean Mitchell sees his painting, “No Way Out” as an evolution of his own life, growing up as a Black kid in poverty in the American South. Looking at Dean's painting, it really draws you in and it feels like it almost wants to tell you something. Many people, Dean says, are often surprised when he tells them that the man in the painting is on the other side of the jail cell, he’s not inside where many people assume he is located.  Dean says that he wanted to create this painting to challenge the perception of the Black male in American society. Too often, people bring their assumed narrative and transpose it onto our artwork - for good and for ill. By drawing people in with his minimalist style, Dean is welcoming discerning viewers to joining a necessary and relevant conversation about race. This needs to be in a museum  Last year’s heartbreaking killing of George Floyd has spurred people with platforms like myself to find a way to shine a light on the stain and legacy of racism in our society. I don’t just want to have the conversation, I want to be part of the solution. In a similar way, my guests Nicole Wolff and Kathy Flynn felt the same way about Dean’s painting. They were so moved and inspired by the message that Dean is sharing and the conversation that his painting has sparked that they knew they needed to get as many people to encounter it as possible. After a lot of hard work, Kathy, Nicole, and Dean were able to get “No Way Out” into the permanent collection of the Columbus Museum of Art.  Outline of This Episode [2:20] I welcome my guests, Kathy Flynn, Nicole Wolff, and Dean Mitchell.  [5:00] What inspired Dean’s painting, “No Way Out” [8:30] Kathy talks about her experience seeing Dean’s painting for the first time.  [14:30] Nicole talks about how Cutter & Cutter brought Dean into their gallery.  [21:00] Kathy shares some of her background.  [25:00] How has “No Way Out” impacted Kathy, Nicole, and Dean?  [34:20] Dean explains how he feels about his artwork featured in a museum.  [40:00] When did Dean paint, “No Way Out?”  [42:20] What is the “Black box narrative?”  [46:45] How do we broaden the narrative around “Black art?”  [54:00] Giving back.  [56:30] What it feels like to have your artwork deliver the message you intended.  Resources Mentioned on this episode Dean Mitchell: On Instagram: @dean.mitchell.artist Website: www.deanmitchellstudio.com Cutter and Cutter Gallery Columbus Museum Savvy Painter episodes featuring Dean Mitchell The Transformative Power of Art, with Dean Mitchell Creating Space, A Conversation about Anti-Racism with Dean Mitchell, Mario Robinson, Ashanti Branch, and Corbrae Smith Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter 

No Way Out: A Conversation with Artist Dean Mitchell, Art Patron Kathy Flynn, and Gallery Director Nicole Wolff

Have you struggled with integrating the various aspects of your day to day into a workflow that respects your responsibilities AND your passion for art? How do you avoid burning out and feeling like you’ve wasted too much of your life?  If you’ve ever wondered if there was a way to truly bring your art to all aspects of your life - you’ve come to the right place! Here to help me dive into this critical topic that burdens so many of us is my friend and fellow artist, Nicholas Wilton.  Hailing from San Francisco, California, Nicholas studied art at the College of Creative Studies in Santa Barbara and then went on to receive his BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Wilton’s paintings are seen in yearly gallery exhibitions, International Art Fairs, and are included in numerous private and corporate collections in both the United States and Europe. Nicholas is also the founder of Art2Life, an online platform that strives to build, empower, and inspire the creative community.  I can’t wait for you to get to know my engaging and insightful friend as he helps us explore what it really means to bring our art to life - you don’t want to miss it! What is ART2LIFE?  Thousands of artists listen to and believe this lie every day and they walk away from the passion and energy that set them on their creative path - what is the lie?  You aren’t good enough. You’ll never make it. No one wants to buy your art. Only the supremely talented can make any money off of their art. Do any of these lines sound familiar?  What if there was a way to silence those lies that swirl around and re-train your mindset? With his Art2Life program, Nicholas strives to build, empower, and inspire the creative community. Nicholas wants to flip the script and help us shift our focus away from competition to sharing. His program is all about finding what inspires and brings you joy, and making art that is more and more like yourself. The process of becoming yourself  If you’ve been around the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that I am passionate about empowering artists like you to fully realize your potential and chase after your dreams. It’s been so encouraging to meet and speak with artists like Nicholas who have dedicated their lives to their craft but to also helping others discover the joy of creative fulfillment. If you find yourself wondering if you’ll ever be able to talk about your art like Nicholas does - STOP! Remember, this isn’t about who you can be most like, it’s about discovering the real YOU. Give yourself patience and space to continue the process of discovery - we are all works in progress!  Pay attention to your energy and mindset While it might sound silly, the truth is, the energy you bring to your studio matters. Maybe for you, it is all about that cup of coffee or maybe it’s about getting in an early morning run - the actions we take before we decide to sit down and create can have a huge impact on our artwork! As you continue to explore this critical topic with Nicholas, I encourage you to begin paying attention to what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how it is impacting your creative process - the result might surprise you!  Outline of This Episode [0:25] I introduce my guest, Nicholas Wilton.  [4:00] Nicholas talks about the moment when everything came crashing down.  [8:00] Setting intentions and turning over a new leaf.  [11:00] What is, “ART2LIFE?”  [15:00] Why the world needs YOUR art. [20:30] The process of becoming yourself.  [28:45] Nicholas opens up about “getting stuck.”  [33:30] Pay attention to the energy you want to bring to the studio.  [37:00] How you can learn from Nicholas’ innovative approach.  [40:30] Closing thoughts.  Resources Mentioned on this episode  www.nicholaswilton.com www.art2life.com Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter 

Bringing Art to Life: An Interview with Artist, Nicholas Wilton

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

Why you might struggle to create (and what to do about it).

How do you feel heading into 2021? Do you feel like you just need the clock to strike 12:01 am on January 1st, 2021 before you can even begin to hope for anything good? I’m with you, 2020 has been a tough year, to say the least. But what if there was a way to acknowledge the struggle without letting it bog you down and rob you of your fun, joy, and passion for your art? As I’ve grown and developed professionally over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and alongside some amazing people like my good friend, Alicia.    Alicia stepped out on her own this year and started her own coaching program designed to help people like you set, reach, and accomplish tasks and goals they always had deemed “Impossible.” I get the chance to chat with Alicia several times a week as we both continue to develop and grow in our respective professions and I wanted to invite you all along for one of our conversations. Pay close attention, Alicia has some helpful insights that I know you’ll find useful, don’t miss it!    Setting impossible goals   What comes to mind when you hear, “Impossible goals.” Does it sound like a recipe for failure for you? When was the last time you set an ambitious goal? Here is the thing when it comes to goal setting, most people are terrible at it! We use excuses like New Year's resolutions to make half-hearted attempts at change but many of us find ourselves right back where we started. How do you make this time different from every other time you’ve tried and received lackluster results? You’ve got to aim higher. Yes, an impossible goal should scare you and make you a little pankiy, that’s the point!    Talk to yourself!   Do you need permission to talk to yourself? Seriously! Many people are worried that speaking out loud or writing notes to themselves seems crazy - it’s not! Our brains are designed to make sense out of complex experiences, thoughts, and encounters - talking it out can help. Whichever way is helpful for you, I’d like to encourage you to try talking to yourself - maybe for you, it’s writing in a journal or maybe it’s just speaking out loud. Have tried this before? What was your experience like? Make sure to join the conversation, I want to hear from you!    Thinking of failure as an opporutnity    I use to hate failure. Each time that my plans would crash and burn, I’d take it personally, as the universe conspired against me to ruin my plans. Do you ever feel that way when it comes to failure? Instead of constantly telling and teaching myself to do everything possible to avoid failure, I decided to embrace it. What if the failure was less of a punishment and more of an opportunity to learn and grow? In my conversation with Alicia, I even compare my failures these days to coins that Mario collects in Mario brothers!   Outline of This Episode   [1:00] Alicia talks about we met.  [2:30] The value of setting an impossible goal.  [6:30] Don’t be afraid to talk to yourself!  [10:30] Sorting your thoughts and using a journal.  [18:00] Looking ahead.  [26:00] Setting yourself up for success.  [28:30] Thinking of failure as a learning step.  [38:00] Daily lessons and small tasks.  [41:00] What do you do with the negative thoughts that pop up?  [45:00] Finding your voice and listening to it.  [47:00] Closing thoughts.   Other artists mentioned on this episode   Aristotle  Viktor Frankl    Resources Mentioned on this episode   The Morning Journal  The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron  Rejection Proof About Brooke Castillo - The Life Coach School Connect With Antrese   On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram 

Office Hours with Antrese and Alicia 

 In this interview with the artist Steven Walker, we explore how dedication, focus, and setting the right priorities creates an environment that empowers creativity and excellence in the studio. What grounds you in the chaos that life throws your way? Is your painting what grounds you and keeps you headed in the right direction? Maybe for you, it’s family or friends who keep you focused on what really matters in life. While the answer might change from person to person, the truth is, we all need something that helps us keep it all in perspective.  It was an honor to speak with my guest, Steven Walker as we explored what it takes to make the most of the hand you're dealt. From parenting, understanding depression, honing your craft, and so much more - Steven was kind enough to really open up in our wide-ranging conversation - I know that artists like you will learn a lot!  How Painter Steven Walker Learned the hard way Every artist has that one hurdle that stands in their way - some of us deal with multiple hurdles at once and often at different times through our lives. Steven Walker remembers learning several lessons in his life the hard way - one, in particular, was the first time he tried to mix colors for his first painting.  Then, fresh out of high school, Steven quickly learned that being the most talented in a high school doesn’t mean much in college. Steven excelled in high school where he honed his skill at drawing but he never took the opportunity at the canvas. You would never guess that Steven’s creative journey started that way by looking at his artwork today!  Rolling with the punches Let’s face it, no one plans on having to struggle with mental health. For years, Steven struggled with depression, he couldn’t understand what it was that was holding him back for so long. Eventually, Steven got the help he needed to thrive and live with his depression - he learned how to roll with the punches. If you want to succeed, you need to find what works for you - every one of us has a different answer for how we will face adversity and challenges when they arise. Finding your center One of the best ways to weather the storms that life throws your way is to find your center. While the rest of the world might assume that we live to work, the truth is we need something that grounds us just like everyone else. Steven's center is his family, plain and simple. When things go crazy in life, Steven buckles down and makes sure that his family is OK above all else. You can also see this theme of finding your center expressed through Steven’s artwork, make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post.     Outline of this episode [2:30] I welcome my guest, artist Steven Walker.  [4:30] Early artistic influences.  [6:00] How Steven got started as a painter.  [16:30] Struggling to get noticed.  [25:00] Steven opens up about his habits and how he approaches the canvas.  [30:00] Navigating COVID as a painter, partner, and parent.  [35:00] Steven shares how he has lived with depression over the years.  [45:00] Why family is so important to Steven.  [49:00] The most pivotal moments in Steven’s career.  [54:00] Balancing family life and an art career.    Resources Mentioned in this episode   Website: https://stevenwalkerstudios.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenwalkerstudios/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.s.walker     

Dedication, Focus, and Setting the Right Priorities: An Interview with Artist Steven Walker

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

Understanding Perfectionism 

Have you ever felt like you just don’t “fit in” at non-artist gatherings? What do you do with that feeling? Do you shrink back and retreat to the safety of your peers and insulate? Or do you press into the discomfort and forge your path? Everyone’s story is going to be different and that’s the beauty of our corner of society, we embrace the mosaic of diversity - but what would it look like if we were to integrate our creative outlook with other areas?  That’s where my guest and talented artist, John Sabraw comes in! Hailing from Lakenheath, England, John is an activist and environmentalist - his paintings, drawings, and collaborative installations are produced in an eco-conscious manner, and he continually works toward a fully sustainable practice. In our conversation, John opens up about his time working with Kerry James Marshall and how he got involved with Gamblin and producing their reclaimed earth colors. Trust me, you’ll find John’s perspective refreshing and engaging - I know I did!  Throwing it all away  You know those days where you feel like tossing everything in your studio in the garbage? Imagine doing that and then getting an invitation to Washington DC to meet members of Congress because your art was selected as the winner of a competition. Sounds crazy, right? It actually happened to John Sabraw!  As he struggled in high school and tried to decipher the way he wanted his life to go, John reached a breaking point where he just had to walk away. He took all his artwork that he had completed in his high school art class and tossed it in the dumpster and then took off for a week. When he returned, what he saw changed the course of his career - his teacher had entered him into a contest and he had won! John’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing from there - he faced setbacks and challenges but this initial success helped see the talent he had honed.  Speaking your truth  How does your truth, your authenticity show up in your artwork? Do you try to embrace it or do you try to go in a different direction? As the United States was gearing up for the Iraq war in 2003, John felt like he needed to speak out and share his conviction that war was not the answer with his art. The result was a fierce backlash that made John rethink his approach and if he wanted to make a stand that would continue to incur this type of reaction from people. John didn’t back down, he just decided to change his approach - this launched him on the path to his work with sustainability and activism.  Exploring sustainability  Imagine visiting a community ravished by the scourge of industrial waste and environmental destruction and finding in that mess and contamination a way to create sustainable paint colors. No, this isn’t a pipe dream, this actually happed with John’s efforts to collaborate with scientists on many projects. One of his current collaborations involves creating paint and paintings from iron oxide extracted in the process of remediating polluted streams. I hope you are as inspired by John’s story as I have been - make sure to check out images of John’s artwork located at the end of this post! Outline of This Episode [2:50] I introduce my guest, John Sabraw.  [4:00] How did John get started as an artist?  [18:30] John describes his artwork.  [25:00] Speaking authentically and truthfully.  [27:30] Exploring sustainability.  [33:00] How artists can help with creative problem-solving.  [45:00] Why we need more artists who speak up and break out of their silos.  [52:00] You don’t have to be an expert to contribute to the conversation.   [55:00] Closing thoughts.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Savvy Painter Anti-Racist Episode Jacob Lawrence Kerry James Marshall Resources Mentioned on this episode www.johnsabraw.com  TED talk: www.ted.com/talks/john_sabraw_how_i_make_paint_from_poison   Gamblin Reclaimed Colors: https://gamblincolors.com/reclaimed-earth-colors/  

From Sketching Handbags to Creating Reclaimed Earth Colors and More: An Interview with Artist, John Sabraw

Savvy Painter is a weekly podcast for artists who mean business. Antrese Wood talks to experts in the field about the business of art and how it gets created. Want to know how leaders in the fine art world of plein-air and landscape painting got their start? What habits do top artists have in common? Every week, we talk about representational painting, abstract art, alla prima painting, art competitions, art materials, watercolor, oil painting, how to get into an art gallery, how to succeed with your art business and so much more!

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Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

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