Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

Latest Episodes:

How Meditation Can Fuel Creativity: An Interview with Artist Michael Ryan Apr 01, 2021

Show notes

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 men

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

Exploring the Bush: An Interview with Figurative Landscape Artist Mary Tonkin Mar 18, 2021

Show notes

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 workin

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

No Way Out: A Conversation with Artist Dean Mitchell, Art Patron Kathy Flynn, and Gallery Director Nicole Wolff Mar 04, 2021

Show notes

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 a

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

Why you might struggle to create (and what to do about it). Jan 21, 2021

Show notes

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!

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

Office Hours with Antrese and Elisia Keown Dec 31, 2020

Show notes

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? This 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, Elisia Keown.

I get the chance to chat with Elisia 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, Elisia 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 panicky, that’s the point!

Talk to yourself!

Do you need permission to talk to yourself? Seriously! It sounds crazy but I promise - it’s not! Our brains are designed to make sense out of complex experiences, thoughts, and encounters - talking it out helps. Whether you write in a journal or talk out loud - I encourage you to give it a try - without feeling self conscious! 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 opportunity

I used to hate failure. I’d take it personally, like I’d done something wrong - or worse like there was something wrong with ME. 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 Elisia, I even compare my failures these days to coins that Mario collects in Mario brothers!

Outline of This Episode

[1:00] Elisia talks about how 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] S

Support the show

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

Dedication, Focus, and Setting the Right Priorities: An Interview with Artist Steven Walker Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

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.

Support the show

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

Understanding Perfectionism Dec 03, 2020

Show notes

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

Support the show

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

From Sketching Handbags to Creating Reclaimed Earth Colors and More: An Interview with Artist, John Sabraw Nov 19, 2020

Show notes

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.

Support the show

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

Thinking Big: From Idea to Action Oct 29, 2020

Show notes

How do you feel about the big idea you’ve been keeping on the back burner? Does the thought of executing your big idea fill you with excitement, dread, or somewhere in-between? Those big creative ideas that bubble up deserve their time to shine - so what are you waiting for?

Let’s face it, most of us shy away from pulling the trigger on a big idea because we are scared or overwhelmed. What if there was a way to sidestep the obstacles that block you from executing your big idea? You’ve come to the right place! I took the opportunity to get feedback from amazing artists like you who are doing their best to forge ahead with their big ideas. I know that you’ll find helpful insights that will encourage you on your creative journey - don’t miss it!

Don’t let your doubts win

There comes a time when everyone will have to come face to face with their internal doubts. Some people face this challenge early on in their creative journey and some face small doubts that creep in and disrupt in a more subtle way. If you really want to succeed and take on the big ambitious ideas that have been waiting to break out - you’ve got to learn how to deal with your doubts. Your doubts may never completely go away, and that’s ok - but they don’t have to control your life!

Turning obstacles into a to-do list

In much the same way that you can’t let your doubts control your life, you also can’t let obstacles become an excuse. Too often I’ve seen talented artists get stuck in the quicksand of chores, shortcomings, distractions, and more. You don’t have to surrender to the obstacles that block your path to executing your big idea. What if you listed out the obstacles that stand in your way and turn that list into a do-to list that will empower you on your journey? What do you have to lose? Give the to-list method a shot!

Give yourself permission to change and adapt along the way

One of the obvious ways to fuel the fire of creativity and take on big ideas is to give yourself permission to do the risky thing and even succeed. If you’ve been part of the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that I am passionate about helping artists like you adopt a healthy and growth-focused mindset. Year after year, artists with a ton of potential find themselves throwing in the towel because they can’t bring themselves to adapt and change along the way. As crucial as it is to give yourself permission to succeed, you’ve also got to give yourself room to go in a new direction.

Outline of This Episode

[0:50] My introduction to this episode.
[4:00] How listening to your doubts can throw a wrench in your plans.
[7:00] Thinking of obstacles as a to-do list.
[14:30] Are you ok with getting uncomfortable?
[17:30] So what if you don’t knock it out of the park?
[21:00] Have a plan but be ready to change along the way.
[24:30] Why constraints can be helpful.
[29:30] Are you really committed to your big idea? Give yourself permission to go for it!

Resources Mentioned on this episode

Connect With Antrese

Support the show

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

Cityscapes and Shifting Perspectives: An Interview with Artist, Mike East Oct 15, 2020

Show notes

When it comes to your time at the canvas, do you paint from observation or with reference photos and other tools? Have you had the opportunity to experiment with the size and scale of your paintings? I know that artists like you will be thrilled to hear from the brilliant and talented artist, Mike East.

Mike is a representational painter who lives in Flordia with his wife and two children. Over the course of our conversation, Mike and I discussed how the choice of canvas size can impact your painting, how Mike’s thought process shifts when he changes his subject matter, and so much more. I know that artists like you will learn a lot from Mike’s seasoned perspective - make sure to check out the images of Mike’s artwork located at the end of this post!

Cityscapes and finding the right perspective

Think of your favorite work of art that you’ve produced in the last year- what is it that stands out in your mind? Do you love how the colors turned out? Are you over the moon about the lighting and textures you were able to convey? Mike East spent over ten years working almost exclusively on cityscapes as he plodded and navigated his early career. Through all the challenges over the years, Mike points out that getting the right perspective with his cityscape projects really helped him grow as an artist. In fact, stepping out of that area of success and comfort proved to be challenging and rewarding in the next phase he now finds himself in.

Making a mindset shift

Let’s face it, most people abhor change - they construct their whole lives around avoiding discomfort and change - many artists aren’t any different. If you have any intention of growing as an artist, you need to make your peace with “Change.” Don’t look at change as the enemy, look at it as an opportunity to explore and expand your skillset. After years of working on cityscapes, Mike East was ready for a change and that journey began with preparing his mindset for a significant shift.

The challenge and freedom of “Going big”

I love talking to my fellow artists when it comes to the subject of scale - from huge murals to small paintings - it’s a joy to see artists light up over the parameters they’ve set for themselves. When it comes to the parameters of your canvas, do you find it liberating or constricting? Does going small or going large fill you with a sense of freedom or dread? Imagine what it would look like to push past those feelings to explore new possibilities. When I talked to Mike East about the scale and scope of his paintings - I really got the sense that Mike relishes the freedom that large-scale paintings give him. What can you learn from Mike’s story? Make sure to check out the link to mike’s website and his Instagram account located in the resources section.

Outline of This Episode

[2:30] I introduce my guest, Mike East.
[6:00] Mike talks about how he got started as an artist.
[7:30] What really lights Mike up.
[11:00] Why Mike loves working on a large scale.
[17:30] Investigating complexity.
[24:00] Mike talks about his time in college.
[36:00] Giving yourself permission to work outside of the box.
[42:30] Mike opens up about his time visiting Europe.
[45:30] How COVID has impacted Mike’s work life.
[50:30] The challenge of working from life when it comes to cityscapes.
[54:00] Closing thoughts.

Other artists mentioned on this episode

Resources Mentioned on this episode

Websi

Support the show

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

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Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

In sudden demand

Finding your center

Trust yourself

Outline of This Episode

Other artists men

Brining the bush to life

Learning to adapt

Feeding your curiosity

Outline of This Episode

What inspired “No Way Out”

This needs to be in a museum

Outline of This Episode

Setting impossible goals

Talk to yourself!

Thinking of failure as an opportunity

Outline of This Episode

How Painter Steven Walker Learned the hard way

Rolling with the punches

Finding your center

Outline of this episode

Confusing perfectionism with excellence

Don’t let fear have control!

Embrace accidents and paint from a place of love

Outline of This Episode

Resources Mentioned on this episode

Throwing it all away

Speaking your truth

Exploring sustainability

Outline of This Episode

Don’t let your doubts win

Turning obstacles into a to-do list

Give yourself permission to change and adapt along the way

Outline of This Episode

Resources Mentioned on this episode

Connect With Antrese

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