Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

Feeling stuck in your painting practice? Try this.

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 mi...

Afraid to show your paintings? Listen to this.

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 c...

The 10 Most Important Lessons I've Learned As An Artist

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 worl...

How To Reconnect With Play And Joy In Your Art - Ep309

Let's chat about embracing experimentation, playfulness, and bringing a childlike sense of curiosity into your creative process! In this episode, Antrese Wood shares her experiences and insights on how fear of failure and perfectionism stifles creativity, and offers strategies to overcome these obstacles. How do we do that? Bring back play and experimentation into your creative process. Play and experimentation leads to authenticity, growth, and learning. Our fear of failure and perfecti...

Noah Saterstrom: On Building a Sustainable Art Practice- Ep 308

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: Exploring New Spaces: We discuss the impact of transitioning to a larger studio space and how it influences artistic practice. Adapting to Economic and Environmental Changes: The conversation shifts towards adapting to economic ...

Building Unshakeable Trust - Ep. 307

Building unshakeable trust in yourself is a gamechanger and it affects more than just your artwork. Learn why and how you can start building it today. Self-trust allows you to take risks, explore, and play in your painting without worrying about seeming scattered. You trust your creativity. With self-trust, you know you can choose one idea without fear of losing others. You feel calm and free while creating. Self-trust helps you feel calm and open when showing your work, talking about...

Q and A with Antrese - Your questions answered! - Ep306

In this episode, I answer questions about my evolution and growth over the past couple years. I'm back from a lengthy break with fresh perspectives to share. A few takeaways from this episode: I obtained several advanced coaching certifications and feel they complement my artistic side. My vision for the podcast and community is even stronger now. Progress in art and life is not linear.  I encourage reframing frustrations as opportunities to grow rather than indications of failure. Fi...

Yes! Savvy Painter is back - Ep 305

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 fo...

The Hidden Gold in Your Artistic Goals - EP 304

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 [0:01] The real power of goals [4:48] Unpacking the gift of resistance  [14:10] Exercising the skill of...

Trading Expectations for Appreciation - EP 303

Humans are pretty generous when it comes to loving other artists. It’s loving ourselves as artists with the same intensity that often needs some work. On this episode, I’m sharing insights from my recent and wonderfully unexpected time off around expectations, identifying when and why previously successful thought processes are no longer working, and leaning into appreciation to find and strengthen your inner voice. Outline of This Episode [3:15] When helpful thoughts no longer serve you ...

Staying True to Your Own Vision (Regardless of What Other People Think) - EP 302

As artists, we know the feeling of putting our heart and soul into a piece of work, only to second guess ourselves and worry about what others might think. It's a common struggle we all face! But it's important to remember that art is subjective, and the only opinion that truly matters is our own. On this episode, we will explore the struggle of staying true to our vision, how to overcome it, and other ways to embrace our authenticity while creating without fear. Outline of This Episode [...

How to Stay Sane and Productive When There Is So Much Going On - EP 301

The holidays are a time filled with both magic and chaos. It’s the most wonderful, and often most stressful time of the year. Especially if you’re an artist torn between staying productive in your studio and enjoying the season’s festivities. On this episode, I’m going to breakdown why this time of year can feel so hectic to artists, how to be kinder to yourself when the holidays get overwhelming, and how to plan ahead to make the end of 2023 merry and bright! Outline of This Episode [3:3...

Why You’re Not Selling Your Paintings - EP 300

Most artists struggle to sell their work at some point. Even Van Gough! But what if I told you it's not because your art isn’t good enough, or that your prices are too high? What if I told you that you're sabotaging your offer before you even give it? On this episode, I’m going to discuss why limiting beliefs undercut our ability to sell our work and how awareness and self-love can turn it all around. Outline of This Episode [0:07] I’m moving!  [4:24] Stereotypes, assumptions, and the p...

The Power of Connecting With Other Artists

Creative Habits - EP 298

Your creative habits are the small things you do today and every day that will determine the results in your art practice next year. If you want something different in your art practice a year from now, start paying attention to the creative habits you practice today. On this episode, I want to focus on how celebrating small wins can rewire our brains for a healthier and more productive art practice. Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter C...

Creative Mastery - EP 297

So much of what we do as artists requires an intense level of mastery. Not only with the skills we use every day in our studios, but over how we think about our work, how we show up as artists, and how we perceive ourselves. On this episode, I want to help you develop creative mastery by changing your relationship with resistance, expanding your tolerance for uncomfortable feelings, and practical tips for getting more in touch with your emotions. Outline of This Episode [0:07] Shoutouts a...

Giving Yourself a Fresh Start (My Antidote to Overwhelm) - EP 296

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 [0:07] Spinning plates and developing emotional awareness  [6:04] Finding the reset button [13:07] How I give myself a fresh st...

Choosing to Be Proud - EP 295

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 [0:00] Recapping Growth Studio Week [3:00] The best feeling in the world [7:59] Balancing pri...

Creative Confidence and Trust (Gems from Growth Studio Week) - EP 294

With Growth Studio Week in full swing, I thought it would be good to share some gems from our already incredible time together! On this episode, I’m going to talk about the power of creative confidence, how awareness helps us build our self-confidence, and how everything is built on trust. Outline of This Episode [0:47] Developing creative confidence and the power of group coaching  [7:31] Trusting yourself and killing the comparison monster [12:19] The road ahead for Growth Studio We...

Growth Studio Week - EP 293

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to join the Savvy Painter Growth Studio or receive coaching for your art practice? On this episode, I’m going to break down the topics that will be discussed during my FREE Growth Studio Week event happening October 17th through the 21st. Visit the links below to register and listen now for a taste of what’s to come! Outline of This Episode [0:03] 100 Self-Portrait update and acknowledging the expectation gap [4:08] The impact of coaching, the power...

How to Continually Move Forward With Your Art (Taking Massive Action) - EP 292

One of the major reasons why an art practice stagnates is because the artist stops moving forward. They falsely ignore genuine possibilities in pursuit of the “single right choice”. However, that choice doesn’t exist! We only have our next best step. On this episode, I'm going to show you how to continually move forward with your art by taking massive action. Outline of This Episode [2:24] Taking a peek inside the Savvy Painter Growth Studio [5:42] Overcoming analysis paralysis in your ...

When You Think Things Should Be Different Than They Are - EP 291

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 [1:11] Why artists have to live in the moment [6:07] Sealing up the energy leaks in...

Resting the Creative Mind (And Allowing More Inspiration) - EP 290

How do you decide when to take a break? Is rest a priority in your art practice? A lack of rest can lead to a lack of creativity and inspiration in your studio! On this episode, I’m going to talk about the importance of rest, why we stop ourselves from getting it, and how consistent rest creates our best work. Outline of This Episode [1:19] Breaking the power of the infinite list [3:56] Deciding when enough is enough and the lie of “shoulds” [13:24] How to stop fighting with reality, ...

Present Possibility (Lessons From 100 Self Portraits) - EP 289

Are you present when working in your art studio? Where is your mental focus when engaged in art-making? On this episode, I’m going to share how much presence and staying in the moment have impacted my self-portrait journey so far. We’ll also dive into slowing down to speed up and the power of baby steps. You don’t want to miss it! Outline of This Episode [0:42] Studio check-in and the concept blowing my mind right now [2:25] Overcoming obligation in your studio [8:57] What presence ca...

How to Curate Your Thinking About Your Art - EP 288

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 [2:27] The myth of multitasking  [7:32] Why the HOW isn’t that important [13:31] Choosing what you want to feel and how you want to think [21:59] The cumulative eff...

Choosing Your Relationship With Your Art - EP 287

For many artists, art is one of the top relationships in their life. It is something we have thought about, strived after, suffered for, and been fulfilled by for years, even decades. On this episode, I want to show you how unconditional love for your art can transform your art practice and help you create with the confidence and freedom you desire.  Outline of This Episode [5:04] You are in a relationship with your art and the power of unconditional love [11:17] Roadblocks to unconditi...

Say Goodbye to Overwhelm (The Power of Constraints) - EP 286

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 ...

Finding Your Artistic Voice - EP 285

A lot of artists struggle with finding their voice. To the point that some believe they don’t have one at all. This is absolutely false! Every artist has a voice, and I want to help you find it. On this episode, we’ll dive into what our voice looks like and how to listen to it, cultivating awe in your art practice, and the results you get from finding your voice. Outline of This Episode [6:25] What is your artistic voice?  [9:37] Learning how to listen to your voice [14:54] The practi...

How to Create Clarity and Focus in Your Art Practice - EP 284

So many artists desire both clarity and focus in their art practice. We yearn for a practice that is stable, dependable, and free of distractions and confusion. Yet often, that is far easier said than done. On this episode, I’ll show you how to gain greater clarity and focus in your art practice so that you can focus all of your energy on the art you want to create. Outline of This Episode [1:57] The role clarity plays in art and decision making [5:02] How being clear and focused helps ...

Releasing Other People's Opinions About Your Art - EP 283

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 [3:54] Why other people’s opinions matter and creating safety within ourselves [14:49] Cultivating curiosity creates better art [20:38]...

Choosing Your Own Beliefs About Your Art - EP 282

When we change one thought in any area of our thinking it changes everything else. The more I think about this principle the more I begin to question what is possible through my art and creativity. On this episode, we’re going to talk more about negative underlying beliefs and how choosing our beliefs on purpose is a powerful habit for our art practice. I’ll also prepare you for what to expect from yourself when you begin to change your thinking, as well as how and when you need to change yo...

Trusting Your Decisions Is Trusting Your Voice - EP 281

One of the most important habits you can have is trusting your decisions. We often look at the outcome of a decision to determine whether or not the choice was good or bad. And we use that metric to determine how much we can trust ourselves. But what if I told you that the quality of a decision has nothing to do with the outcome? On this episode, I’ll discuss the importance of trusting your decisions, how trust builds confidence, and how a habit of trust leads to mastering your skills and cl...

Having Your Own Back - EP 280

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 [1:58] Why you need to have your own back  [5:32] The art of being kind to yourself [15:10] Why yo...

Thoughts on Commissioned Art - EP 279

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 [1:28] The destructive power...

Your Self-Concept as an Artist - EP 278

Have you ever thought about what it means to YOU to be an artist? Do you have a good grasp of your identity? I invite you to gain clarity on how you define that for yourself so you can have more confidence in your studio. On this episode, we will explore our self-concept and take a deeper look at why the way we see ourselves matters so much to our art practice.  Outline of This Episode [1:18] The three concepts of art creation [5:43] Why our self-concept is so important  [10:58] The a...

The Stories We Tell About Our Art - EP 277

Does your art practice feel limited? Is your mindset preventing you from achieving your full potential as an artist? Our possibilities are determined by the kinds of stories we tell about our art. On this episode, I’ll teach you how to notice the negative stories that keep you from the art practice you want. Outline of This Episode [1:22] Why our stories matter and finding our super power [7:04] The power of awareness in changing our mindset [9:43] Exposing the false stories we tell o...

Creating Ease in Your Studio - EP 276

Is your art studio a place of peace or chaos? How do we intentionally create a sense of ease in our art practice? On this episode, I’ll take a deep dive into how you can bring that ease into the studio, why "hard" work is over rated, and the benefits of bringing fun, curiosity, and playfulness into our art practice. Outline of This Episode [0:57] What does (and doesn’t) ease in our art studio look like? [3:09] Why hard work doesn’t automatically make good art [11:04] Why ease and blac...

How We Grow and Evolve as Artists - EP 275

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 [1:15] Why we think we need linear success  [3:29] Bringing the right side of your brain into your art practice [8:28] The evolution of our art through trust [...

When the Muppets in the Balcony Are Yammering Away - EP 274

Get a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the Savvy Painter Community as I share a recent talk I gave during Mindset Monday all about our witness. We all have one! That inner critic sees everything we do and provides a running negative commentary like Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets. Listen to this episode to learn how to shut those guys up and turn your mindset (and your witness) into a positive one! Outline of This Episode [2:41] Can I get a positive witness?  [5:48] Recappin...

The Artist Thermostat: Why It Can’t Be That Easy - EP 273

Are limiting beliefs holding you back from being the artist and person you want to be? Many artists are not satisfied in their art practice but fail to see why they haven't reached the place they want to be. Is it external circumstances or something deeper? On this episode, I’m going to discuss how our underlying belief systems impact what happens in our art studio and how you can take control of your growth. <> Outline of This Episode [0:54] The reason our feelings are so powerful and ...

Patience Is about More than Waiting - EP 272

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 ...

The Messy Middle Is an Essential Part of the Art Journey - EP 271

Are you in the messy middle? That part of creating where it starts to get a little uncomfortable or uncertain. Or maybe, that’s how you feel about your art practice as a whole. In any case, you have some decisions to make. On this episode, I’m going to give you insight on how to navigate the messy middle of both individual paintings and plateauing art practices while teaching you how to get to know your inner voice.  Outline of This Episode [0:13] Welcome to the messy middle [1:55] Naviga...

Punishing Yourself Doesn’t Make You A Better Artist. Here’s What Does -

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...

The Secret to Becoming a Great Painter Is Right Under Your Nose - EP 269

One of the most underrated qualities of a successful art practice is consistency. There is an insane amount of power that comes from showing up to your studio on good days, bad days, and all the days in between. On this episode, get a taste of what it’s like to be part of the Savvy Painter Community as I share a Mindset Monday talk about creating an art practice that you can rely on. Outline of This Episode [1:23] The consequences of an inconsistent art practice and the struggle to find b...

Why I Do What I Do - EP 268

The Savvy Painter Podcast is officially 8 years old! I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to talk about why I do what I do. I’m often asked why I devote so much time and energy to helping other artists. The short answer is that it’s my passion. On this episode, I’ll discuss the long answer and share snippets of conversations with other artists discussing my WHY, art’s impact on humanity, and the power of invitation. Outline of This Episode [2:37] What’s your dollar amount to st...

Future You is Waiting to Meet You - EP 267

How do I become the artist I’ve always wanted to be? Asking that question can be dangerous because often the answer isn’t for the faint of heart. Working on ourselves isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth the effort. On this episode, I want to show you how to hold space for what is and what will be in your art journey and how to take steps right now to build the future you. Outline of This Episode [1:45] How our habits impact our results [4:01] The power of belief over doubt in your ar...

This Is How You Take Your Power Back - EP 266

Many artists are surprised by the results of their art practice. Despite feeling like they have put in the proper time and effort for success, the outcome doesn’t meet their expectations. They may even feel it’s unfair that other people have achieved more than them in a smaller amount of time. This is what I call “disempowered thinking”! On this episode, I want to help empower you when it comes to making art. I want to teach you how to stop giving your power away and make the changes needed t...

Your Art Matters. - EP 265

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 [0:40] What expands your mind also expands your art [4:23]...

How To Create Meaningful Paintings - EP 264

Every artist wants to produce meaningful work. Yet the pressure to constantly do so can be an ironic obstacle to creating art that is meaningful. I want to help alleviate that pressure by showing you that meaningful work doesn’t always need to make a big statement. On this episode, I’ll dive into why that is, how to create our own meaning, and why you might be painting for the wrong people. Outline of This Episode [0:55] The artist’s unnecessary burden [4:37] Appreciating the small mome...

Scarcity vs. Abundance - EP 263

Have you ever felt like an hourglass that’s always running out? Of time? Of ideas? Of patience? You may be struggling with a scarcity mindset. It truly damages our ability to create with confidence and find our voice. On this episode, I want to dive into why we as artists feel like we don’t have enough, the differences between scarcity and abundance, and how to rewire your brain so you can thrive creatively.   Outline of This Episode [0:50] The relationship between time and a scarcity m...