Savvy Painter Podcast

Welcome to another roundtable series! This time I’m joined by Growth Studio members Louisa Jornayvaz, Braighlee Rainey, Jack Wray, and Elisabeth Svendby in a discussion about finding your voice as an artist.In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, you’ll learn about what it means to find your voice and ways you can connect with it. You’ll also get personal insights into how the participants’ have connected with their voice and how it brings meaning into their artistic practice.1:37 - Bra...

It’s one thing to have an interest in creating art or putting something on canvas. It’s another to see yourself as an artist and have an artistic practice.What’s a difference-maker between those who do and those who don’t? Creative confidence, and to talk about it, I’m joined by Growth Studio members Alyssa Marquez, Merrie Koehlert, and Andrew Rea in another roundtable series.In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, you’ll learn about the concept of creative confidence, its impact on art...

Do you turn into a nervous Nellie at the thought of other people critiquing your art? Perhaps you even try to avoid the situation, or find yourself asking what’s the point of getting a critique if art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder anyway?I’ve brought together artists from Growth Studio in a roundtable series to discuss several topics of interest to artists. We kick off the first of this series with Sabrina Setaro, Elisabeth Svendby, and Beverly Woodhall to go on a deep dive on t...

Perfectionism can show up in your studio and throughout your practice in many ways. Some are obvious, and others not so much. But what perfectionism looks like is often difficult to clearly define; the best way to illustrate it is by contrasting it with mastery.In the final episode of this four-part live series on The Savvy Painter Podcast, you’ll learn about the concepts of perfectionism and mastery and explore the different behaviors they can cause. I’ll also provide insight into how to rec...

Many artists have a tricky relationship with money. The stories we tell ourselves about money can create hidden barriers to pricing and selling our work with confidence. By shining a light on these beliefs, you’ll find a path to transforming your approach to money—and building a more sustainable, abundant art practice.In part three of this live event series on The Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re exploring some common money myths that can hold artists back. Together with a few participants, we’ll...

You have an inner critic blocking or interfering with your ability to fully trust in yourself and your art. That harshly critical internal voice thinks it’s doing you a favor. It thinks it’s protecting you. Yet, it says things to you that you wouldn’t dare say to a loved one or friend.So let’s take the microphone away from your inner critic and hand it to the higher self that’s been patiently waiting to speak through you. It’s time to trust in your creative process and yourself as an artist.I...

You have an inner critic blocking or interfering with your ability to fully trust in yourself and your art. That harshly critical internal voice thinks it’s doing you a favor. It thinks it’s protecting you. Yet, it says things to you that you wouldn’t dare say to a loved one or friend. So let’s take the microphone away from your inner critic and hand it to the higher self that’s been patiently waiting to speak through you. It’s time to trust in your creative process and yourself as an artist. In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll hear part two of this four-part live event series as I guide you on how to cultivate trust in your artistic voice. I’ll discuss the signs of trust or mistrust, give you the three steps to cultivating trust, and much more! 4:52 - The lesson that our inner critic can learn from The Stoics and their Memento Mori 9:22 - How to start to get more familiar and friendly with the voice of your higher self and build trust 13:45 - What it looks like when you don’t trust your voice and your process 17:54 - What it looks like when you do trust your own voice and process 23:30 - What trusting your voice means, how it (or the lack of it) might feel to you, and the first step to obtaining it 26:21 - Three starts to questions you can use to start enabling curiosity (step two) and the third step to cultivating trust 31:31 - What arrogance is and how it differs from your inner voice when analyzing your art 33:20 - The importance of seeing yourself as an amazing artist 38:41 - The power in always having full trust in yourself and the common thread that runs through all of your work Mentioned in How to Cultivate Trust in Your Artistic Voice Join Growth Studio

As an artist, you might have been taught (implicitly or explicitly) that your work doesn’t matter. Many artists I’ve worked with have heard it in school, at home, and in the media. Yet, your work as an artist does matter. It can help others feel, connect, and demonstrate the beauty of the world and the human experience. But only when you’re centered, present, and confident in your creative process do you allow that potential impact to flourish. In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll hear the first part of a live event I gave a while back that covers what creative confidence is, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to curate it for yourself. You’ll also hear coaching examples with a few attendees as I help them work through fears that have resulted in a lack of progress, self-sabotaging habits, and a feeling of invisibility. 4:58 - What creative confidence in your artistic abilities looks like 8:15 - The two types of confidence you can lean on as an artist and how they differ 13:51 - What usually stands in the way of creating what you want and how to overcome it 18:33 - How you can curate self-confidence and examples of thoughts that get in the way 23:19 - How Nancy’s thoughts have hindered her progress, the fears they’ve exposed, and their impact on her physically 36:08 - How Carol’s fear and familiar thoughts have led to habits of self-sabotage 42:59 - What happens in your brain when it offers you the worst-case scenario and more thoughts that can help you create self-confidence 46:22 - Why Ekaterina feels invisible despite creating all kinds of things and where to focus to begin to push past it Mentioned in How to Cultivate Creative Confidence As an Artist Join Growth Studio

Have you been experimenting with your paint colors lately? Do you wonder about different colors and the best way to mix them? Well, you’re in luck! Robert Gamblin and product manager Scott Gellatly are here to answer more of your questions in our special color episode! In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn about the pigments used in modern paints, the emotional content of a color, what makes student grade paints “student grade,” the best paints to use for plein air painting, and so much more. You don’t want to miss a minute of this in-depth and fascinating conversation! 2:55 - Why modern oil paints have more pigments than older ones 5:54 - Gamblin’s guide to color imaging and the emotional content of color and its impact on paint-making 9:51 - Are there paints that artists often misuse (aside from whites)? 14:36 - How modern pigments differ from mineral pigments 19:41 - Comparing Gamblin’s color palette to Rembrandt’s and the intention behind Alizarin Crimson Permanent 24:00 - What lake colors and hues are and the hues that Gamblin features 28:44 - How student grade paint differs from artist grade paint 34:20 - The best way to prevent dead spots/sinking in on your paintings 40:12 - Gamblin’s plans for skin tone colors and the concern over representation in the art world for artists of color 45:53 - Mixed colors as shortcuts, common mistakes to avoid in your palette, and when to move away from student grade color 51:54 - The different characteristics of Gamblin’s black oil colors 58:22 - Advice on the minimum amount and best paints to use for plein air painting 1:03:34 - Looking at the relationship between pigments when you’re creating a color palette 1:07:55 - Scott reveals the “secret weapon” colors he likes to use in his paintings 1:10:04 - How Robert produced his beautiful series of large iceberg paintings during his Greenland trip 1:14:27 - How to have a good white for glazing and whether some Torrit Grey colors are made by Gamblin in actual color 1:16:56 - The difference between transparent earth colors and ochres, umbres, and siennas 1:19:15 - Three reasons why cadmium and cobalt colors are so expensive (and three reasons why they’re worth it) 1:22:09 - Why Scott uses Transparent Earth Red (specifically one in the FastMatte line) for his underpaintings Mentioned in Unlocking the Secrets of Color: Robert Gamblin and Scott Gellatly Answer Your Questions Gamblin Artists Colors | Instagram | Twitter Previous Q&A with Gamblin Bonus Content: Transcripts and Extra Interview with Gamblin Claude Monet | Lori Putnam | Rachel Jones | Anna Rose Bain | Wolf Khan | Nancy Zydler | Robert Gamblin | Scott Gellatly The History of Color in Painting by Faber Birren Join Growth Studio

You’ve heard that old phrase, “Jack of all trades and master of none,” right? Instead of being a jack of all trades, Robert Gamblin and his team at Gamblin Artists Colors have decided to focus on being a master of one: oil paint products. Their narrow focus has paid off as they display an amazing passion for detail and improvement in their product line and offer jam-packed information you can use in your studio every day.  In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn helpful insights and get some of your biggest questions about oil painting and other topics answered by Robert, product specialist Mary Weisenburger, and company president Pete Cole. You’ll hear their response to questions about pigments, oil separation, toxicity, and much more! 2:25 - Robert introduces himself and shares how he started Gamblin Artists Colors 6:05 - Robert reveals why Gamblin only provides oil paint and shares some interesting pigment formulations 15:59 - How dreams have inspired color combinations and examples of custom colors made for well-known artists 23:08 - The value of white in the painting process (and the difference between radiant and titanium white) 29:09 - The story of how flake white replacement came into existence 33:21 - Advice and recommendations for artists who are using oils for the first time 39:41 - Warm and cool-colored objects and clearing confusion around kit vs. ready-made Gamvar 45:56 - Why the oil separates from the pigment inside tubes (and what to do if you want an oilier viscosity to the paint) 49:11 - Why Gamblin doesn’t plan to introduce water-soluble oil paints and one of the biggest misconceptions about oil paintings 54:46 - The three eras of pigment history and two big drivers of misinformation about pigment toxicity 1:03:20 - Tips for artists who work in small, enclosed spaces or with a baby nearby 1:10:33 - What you can do instead of a retouch varnish and why varnish at all in the first place 1:16:18 - The trouble with finding good cadmium color alternatives that are opaque 1:19:12 - Working with cold wax mediums and what you should look out for when using them 1:22:12 - A rundown on the range of solvent-free mediums available at Gamblin Artists Colors 1:26:33 - The shelf life of oil paint in tubes and whether Gamblin is considering changing the size of their caps 1:31:28 - What FastMatte is, what inspired it, and three helpful ways to use it Mentioned in Oil Painting Q&A: Tips, Tricks, and More with Gamblin Artists Colors Varnishing Made Easy PDF Gamblin Artists Colors | Instagram “An Interview with Art Writer John Seed” “Interview: Art and Play with Jeremiah Palecek” James Rosenquist | Nathan Oliveira | Wolf Khan | Robert Barnes Join Growth Studio

As an artist, you’re always about the art. Even for a show, the focus is on creating pieces, not the other things that go into making the show itself a great event. Then when you realize it’s time to plan everything out, you’re instantly overwhelmed by all that’s involved. What you need is a guide or template that can help you prepare and eliminate a lot of pre-show jitters. I want you to be in a place where you feel confident about your show and your artwork. In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn strategies for planning and executing a successful art show. I’ll take you step-by-step on how to envision, reverse-engineer, detail, plan, collaborate, and implement what you want so you can ensure that your event stays organized and goes smoothly. 3:09 - How to create a clear vision and plan for your show, step-by-step 9:21 - How to collaborate with partners and reverse-engineer a detailed plan 16:35 - How to create a calendar for planning ahead of time for your art show 22:30 - The benefit of using a calendar if you don’t like to plan and struggle to stick to a schedule 24:01 - The impact of visualizing the aftermath of a successful art show Mentioned in How to Confidently Put Together a Successful Art Show Get your Stress Free Art Show Planner Join Growth Studio

Do you ever feel like pricing your art is a scary mystery? You’re not alone! In the previous episode, you heard me share several pricing techniques you can use for your art. And while you might think there’s a way to discover that one perfect price, here’s a surprising truth: the technique you use doesn’t really matter! In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn about the real reasons you’re procrastinating on pricing your work and why your art might not be selling (hint: it’s probably not the price). I’ll show you how your brain can be your biggest obstacle with pricing and give you practical tips to overcome your fears so you can start pricing your artwork with confidence. 1:41 - Common fears that artists have with how they price their work and the truth about pricing 5:08 - The real problem you have with pricing and how it causes you to silently quit 9:52 - How your brain sometimes tries to stop you from doing something you want to do 12:56 - Why you can’t get it wrong and how to gut-check your pricing decisions 15:32 - A few guidelines to help you price your artwork 17:52 - Why, more often than not, your price has nothing to do with why someone didn’t buy your work Mentioned in How to Stop Procrastinating and Finally Price Your Artwork Get your free pricing resources How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm Join Growth Studio

Pricing your artwork can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m breaking down common pricing methods like cost-based and market-based approaches, helping you figure out what works best for you. Whether you’re just starting or more experienced, you’ll walk away with a clearer idea of how to confidently set prices for your work. This isn't just about the numbers; it's about connecting to the value of your art and feeling good about your decisions. I’ll guide you through overcoming the common doubts and discomfort around pricing, so you can develop a strategy that supports your creative practice. In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I explore detailed insights into size-based pricing, market comparisons, and more. I also cover key considerations like gallery markups and international sales, plus offer a free pricing spreadsheet to help you get started. By the end, you'll feel empowered to set prices that truly reflect the value of your work. 02:40  - The most common question I get from artists: How to price your work? 03:25 - Cost-based pricing: A logical but sometimes tricky method 05:25 -  Size-based pricing: A simple, structured approach with a few caveats 06:55 - Market-based pricing: Comparing yourself to other artists in your field 10:00 - Emotional pricing and perceived value: When and how to use it 11:40 - Addition-based pricing for limited edition prints 14:20 - Adjusting pricing for international markets and gallery settings 17:20 - Allowing a gallery or online platform to set the price 21:15 - Next steps to choosing the right pricing method for you right now 24:00 - The best pricing method for artists Mentioned in How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm Get your free pricing resources Join Growth Studio

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.

Let’s talk about color and process with Erin Raedeke. In this episode, Erin shares how she went from using timid neutral colors to canvases filled with bold hues in her sun filled still lifes. Her use of color seems to be a metaphor for her life. Erin is an accomplished painter known for her perceptual and observational work that recreates personal memories from childhood. Here are a few highlights from our chat: Personal Stories in Art: Erin's paintings are like pages from her life. She chooses objects from her Gen X childhood to re-examine the moments that impacted her as an adult. Fear and Fascination with Color: Erin’s relationship with color has evolved over time. Initially intimidated by the complexity of mixing and using bold colors, she now expresses her feelings powerfully with bold color choices. The Art of Still Lifes:  Erin creates still lifes that do more than just show objects. She uses them to tell deep stories, connecting objects to the narratives within everyday scenes. Creative Process and Curiosity: Erin's process is driven by curiosity and experimentation. Her approach involves setting up scenes from life and allowing her curiosity about colors and forms to guide the development of each piece. She doesn’t hesitate to completely change the painting if she has a better idea. Upcoming Solo Show Prep: Erin shares her preparations for an upcoming art show. She plans to use new ideas to explore her inner feelings and the world around her. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in how artists use their life experiences and emotions to create meaningful art. Join us to get inspired by Erin Raedeke's journey and her approach to painting. Full show notes here       Connect with Erin: Instagram @erinraedeke erinraedeke.com

A lot of artists come to me wanting to know how to paint more. How to paint better. They want to be prolific painters. So in this episode, I walk you through how to become a prolific painter in three, very straightforward steps. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck or not achieving as much as you could, this episode is for you. Personally, I’m not a big fan of doing things just for the sake of doing them. I like to have a reason and a clear purpose. Of course, I paint because I like to paint but having a clear purpose keeps me centered when things get tough or I don’t “feel like painting.” I’d rather not leave painting up to my whims. It’s too important to me. Main Takeaways from this episode: The quality of your thoughts directly influences the quality of your paintings; mastering your mental landscape is key to improving your art. Being a prolific painter isn't just about quantity; it's about consistently creating meaningful and deliberate artwork. Aligning your emotions with your artistic goals enhances creativity and productivity, making the art-making process more fulfilling. Relentless Action: Painting success comes from consistent, purposeful action—setting clear goals, choosing desired emotions, and persisting through challenges. Developing a strategic approach to your art practice can transform your effectiveness as an artist, leading to more significant personal and professional growth.   When you are ready for more, join Growth Studio, I’ll help you feel confident so you can make, show, and sell your artwork. Visit savvypainter.com/join. But for now, enjoy the episode!

Amy Scherer is a contemporary painter who works out of her home studio just outside of Seattle. In this episode, Amy and I talk about making art even when the people around you don't quite get what it is you do. Ever have any one come into your studio and ask - "Wait, where's the TV?" 🤦‍♀️ IYKYK, right? Amy lives in the suburbs and most of the people she's around just don't understand what she does, and that yes, there really is an actual artist living among them! For Amy, what helps her stay sane is teaching other artists how to paint. She absolutely loves the chance to geek out on art with other artists! It gives her the opportunity to share her ideas on color theory, composition, and all the nuances that make a great painting. So OF COURSE in our conversation, we geeked out on ALL THE THINGS: how to arrange subjects in a painting. why seeing the world as an artist matters. tips on how to manage time between making art and daily life. why making mistakes is important for growing as an artist. the challenges of being seen as a real artist when you live in the suburbs. being true to yourself in your art. how being kind and understanding can help people love art even more. how Amy keeps her passion for art alive. how she balances creativity with her other responsibilities. Hope you enjoy this episode! If you do, let me know your biggest takeaway at @savvypainterpodcast And while you're there, check out Amy's work: @A_Scherer_

Ever felt like you're in a rut with your work?This week we I share practical strategies for boosting your creativity. In this episode, you'll learn three ways to make creative thinking part of your everyday practice. It's quick and easy but highly effective. The more you practice creativity, the more effortlessly it appears in your painting. We'll talk about how to think about other artists work so that it inspires unique ideas in your own (without copying their ideas). Letting your mind wander - yep DAYDREAMING is your best friend for creating unique ideas and tapping into your authenticity. Listen to this episode for some straightforward tips on revitalizing your artistic practice in a relaxed and simple way.

Getting your work out there is scary for a lot of artists. Sometimes it’s because we’re afraid no one will like it, but more often it's because we are so worried about whether or not the paintings will sell. That creates a ton of pressure. This episode is for you if you want to show your work but secretly resist taking actions to get it out there. I give you 3 ideas to make it easier: Showing your work makes you a better painter: you get to see how people react to your work. Art is communication, part of communication is listening to the response. Putting your art out there helps you find the people who will truly love and appreciate your unique voice. These are the collectors who will support you as an artist. Help them get to know you. Sharing your work, even if it’s scary (especially if its scary) boosts your confidence. The more you do it, the easier it gets ( I promise!) Start small, go slow until you build your confidence. Sales is just one of the byproducts you get when you purposefully practice sharing your work with other humans. @savvypainterpodcast

In this special episode of the Savvy Painter podcast, we're celebrating an incredible milestone: 10 years of being part of your art journey! Over the last decade, I've had the joy of connecting with so many amazing artists, sharing stories, struggles, and, most importantly, lessons. So, I thought, what better way to celebrate than to share my top 10 lessons from 10 years of Savvy Painter? These are the gems I've gathered from talking with hundreds of artists and diving deep into the art world. Let's dive in! What's on Your Canvas Reflects What's in Your Mind: The biggest game-changer for me was realizing how directly our thoughts shape our art. It's all about noticing how your feelings and thoughts come alive on your canvas through your brushstrokes. Be Intentional with Your Work and Time: Having a plan isn't just about avoiding distractions; it's about setting intentions for your art and focusing on them. Even something as simple as a sticky note with your goal can make a huge difference. Your Work Matters: Always remember that your art makes a difference. Even when doubts creep in, know that what you're creating has value, both to you and to the world. Perfection Isn't Good Enough: Chasing perfection can actually hold you back. Connect with people through your art instead of getting caught up in making every detail flawless. Be Selective About Who You Let into Your Studio: Not every voice deserves a say in your creative space. Keep out the negativity and focus on the positive influences that help you grow as an artist. The Four Stages of Your Practice: Embrace the cycle of making art, showing it, selling it, and then resting. Recognizing and honoring each stage is key to a fulfilling art practice. Community Is Key: Never underestimate the power of being part of a community of artists. It's comforting to know you're not alone in your artistic journey. Advocate for Your Work: Believing in your own art is the first step to getting others to believe in it too. Learn to talk about your work with confidence and love. Stay Out of Your Collectors' Wallets: Pricing your art isn't about guessing what others can afford; it's about valuing your work appropriately and letting the buyers decide for themselves. Love the Art and the Artist Who Creates It: This journey is all about love—loving the process, the creation, and, most importantly, yourself as the creator. Your art is a love letter to yourself, so cherish it and the person who brings it to life. Celebrating 10 years with you has been such an honor. Your stories, feedback, and the community we've built together have made Savvy Painter more than just a podcast; it's a shared space of inspiration and growth. Here's to many more years of painting, learning, and growing together. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!