Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

Latest Episodes:

Components of “Good Art”, with Burton Silverman pt. 1 Aug 31, 2017

Show notes

What does it take to create “Good Art?” Who decides? What elements or components are necessary to deem something good? My guest today is the renowned artist, Burton Silverman. This is part one of our two part conversation where we discuss a wide range of topics from the components of “Good Art,” discovering your artistic voice, the role of setting and presentation in art, racism and the fear of “the other,” and so much more! Burt draws from his vast wealth of experience and thoughtfulness and I know artists like you will value his contributions as much as I have.

What makes for “Good Art?”

How would you describe “Good Art?” Have you thought about it? Do you have a definition of it? How did you arrive at that conclusion? Artist, Burt Silverman opened up to me about what he thinks are the components of good art. Burt says that it comes down to craftsmanship and the ability to record the world in an accurate way. He further elaborates on this idea by explaining that there is an element in good artwork that transcends technical ability and taps into something deeper. In our conversation, Burt didn’t explain this “deeper” aspect further but I appreciate that he was willing to welcome an element of mystery and the unknown.

The Artistic Voice

A common question I get when it comes to diving deeper into the life of an artist is, “How do you discover your artistic voice?” So what was it like for you? What was your journey like that led you to move more and more into creating the art that you are passionate about? My guest, Burton Silverman was kind enough to consider this question and provide his insights. Burt says that for him it comes down to tapping into an inner sense from your gut and out of that flows the feelings that you believe you are compelled to share with the world. There are so many angles to this topic I know there will be some of you that really resonate with what Burt shared and others who come from a different approach - the diversity of thought is wonderful!

Setting and Presentation

What role do context, setting, and presentation have to play when it comes to viewing art work? In your opinion, does it play a role at all? Is there any difference between art that is completed and admired in the studio and artwork that is presented and shown in a gallery? How does setting impact the viewing? These are all questions and lines of thought that Burton Silverman and I discussed in our recent conversation. Burt pointed out that there is some sort of transformation that takes place from the studio setting and context to when the artwork is displayed in an intentional and meaningful way.

Creating Room for Freedom and Expression

What is your relationship to the concept of freedom when it comes to the creative process? Do you feel free to express yourself and work in a place outside of the lines? Or do you find yourself shackled to rules and boxes that you can’t cross? In our conversation, Burton Silverman and I talk about the role of rules and school of thought. Of course, they have an important role to play but they can also get in the way of our ability to push the limits and think outside of preconceived norms and expectations. I hope you get a sense of the freedom of expression that Burt and I discussed and make sure to come back next week for part two of our conversation!

Outline of This Episode

[1:50] I introduce my guest, Burton Silverman.
[4:30] Burt talks about attending Fiorello Laguardia School of the Arts.
[10:30] What is it that makes a work of art “good?”
[15:00] Discovering the artistic voice.
[24:00] The role of setting and presentation in art.
[39:00] Racism and fear of the “other”
[47:00] The role of rules and schools of thought.

Other artists mentioned on this episode

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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. ❤️

The Hard Work of An Artist, with Steve DaLuz Aug 24, 2017

Show notes

Do you struggle with putting in the focused and hard work required of you as an artist? You aren’t alone! I’ve struggled with carving out the time and maintaining that focused attention to the craft that I love. All artists struggle at some point with staying focused. What has worked for you? How have you been able to push through the difficulty? My guest, Steve Da Luz opens up and shares how he has wrestled with this obstacle in his life. I value Steve’s transparency and honesty and I know that you’ll find it just as refreshing and inspiring as I did.

Misconceptions of the “Art World”

What does it mean to follow the guidelines of the “Art World?” Is that something that you are bound to as an artist? Who are the gatekeepers of the art world? My guest, artist Steve Da Luz discusses with me what it means to be an active participant of the art world. We come to the conclusion that there isn’t some abstract and amorphous art world “out there” somewhere, but that it’s creative individuals like you and me that make up this community of artists. I’d love to hear your thoughts on mine and Steve’s discussion and how you feel about the concept of the art world.

Moving to an “Off Site” Studio

What works best for you as an artist, working from a studio space at home or having an “off site” space that you can use as your creative space? Does it really matter where we end up creating our art? What role does space play in our motivations to create? Artist Steve Da Luz walks through his decision to create an “off site” studio where he can focus on his work away from his home life and all the distractions that can bring about. It was fascinating to hear from Steve as he explained why this separate location really motivated him and spurred on his creative process. I’m excited for you to hear from Steve’s intriguing insights and the unique story that he has to share.

Luck Favors the Prepared

I know, it’s a hot topic among many in the “Art World” but I went there again with my guest Steve Da Luz as we discussed the role of luck and talent in the career of an artist. Steve comes out strong with the opinion that if you are ever going to “make it” as an artist, you need to put in the work and as prepared as possible for that “lucky moment” if it ever arrives. He used the phrase “Luck favors the prepared” and I think that he made a lot of valid points in our discussion. Wherever you land on this topic, if it’s pure luck or if it’s solely based on talent or a combination of the two, I hope you take the time to hear from Steve’s experienced perspective.

Surviving Slings and Arrows

The hard work of an artist not only includes finding the time and space to practice your creative process but it also includes taking your share of ups and downs and surviving the slings and arrows tossed your way. These can be literal roadblocks and difficulties that arise in the form of finances and critics but it can also include your own demons that can trip up your artistic expression. How will you survive the slings and arrows that come your way? Take a moment and hear from Steve Da Luz as he shares his story and how he’s been able to overcome the difficulties that have come his way in his prolific career.

Outline of This Episode

[2:00] I introduce my guest, Steve Da Luz.
[4:00] How Steve decided to develop the focus of his work.
[9:30] Misconceptions of the “Art World.”
[15:00] Steve talks about his decision to move to a off site studio.
[19:00] The financial struggle to survive as an artist.
[22:00] The role of luck and preparedness regarding success as an artist.
[27:00] Not everyone is going to connect with your work.
[31:00] Surviving the slings and arrows.
[37:00] Facing setbacks.
[42:30] Steve talks about his process and technical aspects of his paintings.
[58:30] The common thread in S

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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. ❤️

Narrative Painting, with Nathan Lewis Aug 17, 2017

Show notes

What comes to mind when you think of narrative painting? Do you think of a particular painting or a series of paintings? What is it about painting with a narrative that captures an audience? My guest, Nathan Lewis is an accomplished narrative painter. In our conversation, Nathan and I spoke about the language of painting, multi figure paintings, painting through frustration and doubt, and so much more! I know artists like you will enjoy hearing from his unique perspective. I am really excited for you to get a glimpse into the world of narrative painting by hearing Nathan’s fascinating story and insights.

The Draw to Narrative Painting

Do you remember what drew you to your style or type of painting? Was it an artist that captured your imagination, a teacher that opened it up to you, or was it more of a gradual revelation? For artist Nathan Lewis, he was drawn to narrative painting through his personal pursuit of finding meaning in life. Nathan describes his attraction to art as an attraction to live a life of meaning and to find some way to interact with the world. He goes on to explain how once he got a handle on his understanding of art forms, the narrative connection just started to fall into place. Make sure you take a minute to look over Nathan’s artwork at the end of this post.

Pushing Past Fear and Failure

What do you do with fear of failure as an artists? Does it over take you sometimes? Do you use it for fuel? What is a helpful perspective we can have on this subject? Nathan Lewis has struggled with fear, doubt, and failure as an artist. To get through those difficult and potentially self defeating emotions, Nathan commits himself to his artwork at hand. He has found pushing through (not ignoring) those emotions and engaging in his art to be a helpful solution. What has worked for you in the past? What is your plan for when those feelings creep back in? I hope that hearing from Nathan can help you start to wrestle with these emotions in a way that’s helpful for you.

The Role of Memory in Art

As an artist who also works from photography I was curious to get Nathan Lewis’ perspective on what role memory has in his artwork. The fact of the matter is, there are aspects that get lost, and some aspects that get captured when we utilize photography to assist us in our paintings. Nathan explains how he enjoys using photography to take his time with a subject. This allows him to avoid the need rush to capture something that he won’t be able to remember from the subject or scene later on if he were forced to rely on his memory. I really resonated with a lot of what Nathan had to share on this subject and I hope artists like you can connect with his unique perspective.

The Artist’s Social Life

As an artist it can be a struggle to engage with others on a social level. There are a few factors involved in this difficulty. One is that non-artists don’t really understand the demands that our craft has on our time and availability. Another struggle arises when we only socialize with fellow artists and lose that connection with other sectors of society and culture. Which one do you find yourself more drawn to? Have you taken the time to consider why that is? In my conversation with artist Nathan Lewis, we discuss our own experiences with each side of this coin. I hope you find our conversation encouraging and helpful as you navigate how this plays out in your life too.

Outline of This Episode

[1:35] I introduce my guest, Nathan Lewis.
[3:15] Nathan describes his work and how he got started as an artist.
[8:30] What drew Nathan to the narrative style of painting?
[17:00] Pushing past the fear of failure.
[19:30] How Nathan chooses his motifs.
[30:00] What is the role of memory in Nathan’s work?
[42:30] Connecting with a non-artist social circle.
[46:30] What is Nathan currently working o

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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. ❤️

Oil Painting Questions and Answers, with Gamblin Aug 10, 2017

Show notes

Do you have questions about oil painting and the best materials to use? Look no further, it’s here! Robert Gamblin, Mary, and Pete Cole join me to answer your biggest questions about oil painting and more! I’m so excited for you to hear their helpful insights into some really great topics. You’ll hear them go over questions about pigments, stories about pigment sources, why some paints have more oil separation, some great information on oil paints and toxicity, and much more! This will serve as a great resource for artists like you to keep in your back pocket. Learn how you can connect with Gamblin and utilize their great resources!

A Dedicated Focus on Oil Painting

You’ve heard that old phrase, “Jack of all trades and master of none” right? That’s what comes to mind when I hear Robert Gablin talk about why his company solely focuses on oil painting instead of branching out to provide water colors, acrylic paints, and other materials. Instead of being a jack of all trades, Robert and his team have decided to focus on being a master of one, oil paint products. Their narrow focus has paid off, they have displayed an amazing passion for detail and improvement on their niche subject. Just hearing from Robert, Mary, and Pete I could tell that they really know their field - they are the experts when it comes to oil paint!

Is the New Blue Worth it?

If you follow news about pigments and breaking developments around that subject like I do, then you’ve heard of the new “YInMn Blue” that was discovered at Oregon State University. This new color was discovered in 2009 as a byproduct of an experimentation. Since this news has recently been making the rounds on social media again it led me to get Robert Gamblin’s take on the new color and if they’ve found it worth it to start producing the color themselves. Robert explained that they found that it is not effective to produce the color for a few reasons. Their primary reason is the enormous cost it requires to create the color. This is due to the fact that the color requires three compounds and two of them are rare earth minerals. Robert’s vast knowledge was on display during our conversation and I know that artists like you will find his insights very helpful.

Mitigating Toxicity Risks

Do you find yourself concerned about your health when it comes to your time in the studio? Are you nervous about how your lifestyle as an artist will impact your health in long run? What would it mean for you to have supplies that are responsible, not only for the environment but for artists like you? My guests from Gamblin are happy to share with artists like you that their line of high-quality products are free of toxins. They want to see more artists use products that are sustainable and health conscious. Don’t let your time in the studio get clouded by concern for your health. Hear from the Gamlin team and how their products could be the best fit for you!

What is FastMatte?

Don’t you hate it when you are in a creative flow and you have to make the decision to pause and let your paint dry before you can proceed? What if there was a way to avoid that pause and continue with your creative momentum? That’s where Gamblin’s helpful product, FastMatte come in. FastMatte colors are a unique type of oil colors, every color dries fast, every color dries matte. These qualities make them perfect for underpainting techniques. FastMatte also serves as an excellent way to come back to oil painting for those painters who have switched to acrylics

because of the need for a faster drying rate. I was seriously impressed with this helpful solution that Gamblin has developed and I hope you get the chance to find out for yourself!

Outline of This Episode

[0:15] I introduce today’s special Q&A session with the Gamblin team.
[2:30] Robert Gamblin joins the podcast and shares how he started Gamblin.
[6:00] Why does G

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. ❤️

Urban Paintings, with Ehsan Maleki Aug 03, 2017

Show notes

Have you ever wondered what urban paintings out of Tehran might look like? What about the status of the art community in Iran in general? My guest, Ehsan Maleki is an Iranian artist whose painting primarily focus on urban settings and nature. In our conversation, he describes “Iranian Miniature” paintings, the impact that artist Mahmoud Farshchian has had on him, why abstract art is so hard to talk about, the role of personality in artwork, and much more! Ehsan was very gracious with his time and really helped me climb into the perspective of the Iranian art community. I’m certain artists like you will get a lot of enjoyment from our conversation.

Iranian Miniature Art

What is Iranian miniature art? My guest, Ehsan Maleki launched into a very concise and helpful explanation of what this art form entails. Iranian miniature art has a long history stretching back to the 10th century. It was mainly used as the illustration for poetry books so it is traditionally very small in size. The paintings are usually of gardens, lovers, and other idyllic settings. The shapes and lines in Iranian miniature art usually have no angles and are depicted with more curves and wavy lines. Another aspect of these paintings is that these works of art are usually highly detailed. It was a joy to hear such a detailed and fascinating description of this pocket of art history and form, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Why is Abstract Art so Hard to talk about?

Have you ever had a difficult time discussing abstract art? Do you feel like you have a good handle on what abstract art is and the role it plays in the art community yet still have a hard time talking about it with confidence? You aren’t alone! Ehsan Maleki and I both spend some time in our conversation talking about abstract art and how it has left its impact on us. At the same time, we wrestle with discussing it because of its abstract and hard to grasp nature. Ehsan puts forth the thought that to a degree, all art is abstract - and I agree!

Rethinking Art

Sometimes the people closest to an industry or content need to rethink the way they approach the subject. This is something that the art community needs to consider as well. Have we lost sight of what’s really important? Is our collective understanding and perception of art due for a reimagining? My guest, Ehsan Maleki believes that just such a rethinking is necessary. In our conversation, he explains how he has perceived the focus sway too much toward money and other endeavors that the focus on creating and experimenting with art is falling by the wayside. Even if you don’t agree with Ehsan’s assessment, the questions he’s bringing up are important to consider.

Art and Personality

How much of your personality do you let shine through in your art? Is it something that you actively bring with you when you create or is just passively there leaving its faint trace on your work? I have had the great privilege of interviewing artists who have a wide range of opinions on this subject. My guest, Ehsan Maleki wants his art to be about more than just himself. He really wants to be able to step out of the way and enable his viewer to really connect with the vision that he had in his mind when he was creating the painting. Catch a glimpse of Ehsan’s paintings in the images at the bottom of this post!

Outline of This Episode

[1:30] I introduce my guest, Ehsan Maleki.
[10:00] Ehsan describes the “Iranian Miniature” art.
[16:30] Ehsan talks about how he got his start with art.
[19:00] Why did Ehsan decide to focus on the “western” style of painting?
[22:00] Art and nature.
[28:00] Why is abstract art so hard to talk about?
[32:00] Ehsan talks about his subject material.
[42:00] Ehsan’s rituals when he approaches the canvas.
[47:30] Can you experiment too much?
[52:00] What are some co

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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. ❤️

Abstract vs Figurative Art, with Mario Naves Jul 27, 2017

Show notes

Do you find yourself in the abstract or figurative art group? Most artists end up in one group or the other, but there some who start in one group and migrate to the other. My guest, Mario Naves is an accomplished painter, art critic, and teacher. In our conversation, Mario opens up about his journey from starting out as a figurative artist and moving more toward abstract art perspective. Mario also goes over reactions to seeing his old artwork, shedding perfectionism, his creative process, and much more! I know artists like you will enjoy hearing from such a talented voice like Mario.

Reflecting on Past Artwork

Have you ever taken a trip down memory lane with your artwork? Doesn’t it almost feel like it was someone else who made those pieces? Artist Mario Naves told me a story in our conversation about a time when he was reflecting on one of his paintings that hangs in one of his friend's homes. While some artists might cringe or feel uncomfortable looking back on work they produced years ago, Mario looks back on that work fondly. He describes that moment as one of recognition but also of separation. It was fascinating to hear Mario talk about this unique and almost out of body like experience that he had while looking at this old painting of his. Make sure to get a glimpse of Mario’s artwork in the images at the end of this post.

Giving Yourself Permission to be YOU

Some artists thrive on the pressure and high expectations that they receive from others and also the person they see in the mirror. Do you find that to be helpful motivation in your creative journey? Artist Mario Naves told me that in his younger years he found himself wrapped up in his own expectations and the expectations that others had of him, lately, he’s been shedding expectations. Mario describes himself as a “recovering perfectionist” and attributes most of this change to his age. Now he feels the freedom and permission to really open up and do what he really wants to do deep down when he approaches the canvas.

From Figurative Art to Abstract Art

Every artist is on a journey. Some of us do a lot of “exploring” when we are younger and some find that impulse to branch out and “explore” later in their career. Mario Naves grew up focusing on figurative and representational art. Then there came a point where he started to branch out and move toward experimenting with abstract art. When I tried to pin down when and how Mario started to move toward abstract art, he wasn’t able to really point to a specific moment, it seems that it was more of a gradual change for him. I had a wonderful time exploring this change and evolution that Mario went through and I know that artists like you will enjoy our conversation.

Unpredictability and Structure

The beauty of the creative processes is that there is a large range of diversity in theory and practice in the art world. Much like the contrast and different approach that abstract and figurative art gives us, Mario Naves and I discussed unpredictability and structure in our conversation. It seems like these two thought processes and ways of art creation and viewing the world conflict with each other. In a way, these two approaches do contradict each other but they can also be housed in the same mind of an artist. This tension can seem like it’s impossible but Mario and I discuss how this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Outline of This Episode

[1:30] I introduce my guest, Mario Naves.
[5:15] Mario talks about his work.
[10:30] What is Mario looking for when he goes to the canvas?
[13:30] Mario’s surprise when looking back at his old paintings.
[18:30] Shedding perfectionism.
[23:00] How does Mario spend his time in the studio?
[25:00] Mario’s artistic process.
[29:30] What made Mario get involved with abstract art?
[45:00] Unpredictability and 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. ❤️

Intuitive Painting, with Alan Feltus Jul 20, 2017

Show notes

What is intuitive painting? How does the intuitive process work? It has been said that the goal of intuitive painting is to allow yourself the space to be inside color, paint, and process while locating the inner core of your creative self. My guest, Alan Feltus is an intuitive painter who has a rich depth of experience to share with our Savvy Painter audience. In our conversation, we discuss the impact Sari Dienes had on him growing up, his move to Italy, his creative process using mirrors, his advice for young artists, and so much more! I can’t wait for you hear from Alan and learn from his wonderful insights.

Growing up with Sari Dienes

Can you imagine growing with the unique opportunity to learn from an artist like Sari Dienes? What would it be like to watch her work? Artist Alan Feltus opened up to me about his childhood and how he learned from the talented Sari Dienes. Alan talks fondly of spending time with her and watching her creative process. No artist learns in isolation and without an influence, they can point back to. Some artists don’t get that influential person in their life until they are much older, Alan got to experience this time with Sari early in his life. Who is that person for you? Do they know the impact they’ve had on you?

The Freedom and Opportunity of an Artist

What drew you into the life of an artist? Were you captivated by the creative process? Did you have a hero that you looked up to and wanted to create like they did? Or was it the freedom and opportunity that the artist's lifestyle provides? When I sat down to talk with artist Alan Feltus, he described that one of his favorite aspects of being an artist is the freedom that he was able to exercise. Early in his career Alan and his wife Lani decided to move to Italy. They seized the opportunity because they both were represented by galleries at the time and they wanted to utilize their freedom to settle in a place that they could choose. You’ve got to hear Alan describe this time in his life, the passion and excitement that Alan exudes is infectious!

Intuitive Painting

The chance to climb into an artist’s brain and really get to understand what makes them tick is a privilege that I relish. I’ve always been enthralled by intuitive painting and artists like Alan Feltus. In our conversation, Alan described his process that includes the use of mirrors. He is constantly adapting and changing his process to get that unique angle that he’s never captured before. I found Alan’s process, including an on the spot description of how he would paint me in our interview, fascinating. To get a glimpse of Alan’s work, make sure to check out his images included at the end of this post!

YOU Make your Art Unique!

As we expand in this increasingly globalized world, it has become evident to many that there really isn’t a “new” way to make art, or so it seems. Everyone is influenced by someone else and that influenced can be traced back and so on. To break the monotony, artist Alan Feltus encourages younger artists to let their personality shine through in their work. He explains that some of the most captivating and unique art out there incorporates the artist's unique story. Don’t hide behind what’s easy, do the hard work of looking inward and using that as fuel to create something only you can!

Outline of This Episode

[1:30] I introduce my guest, Alan Feltus.
[3:30] Alan talks about the impact that artist Sari Dienes had on him as a child.
[17:30] What led Alan to decide to study art and become an artist?
[21:00] Alan talks about studying in Rome on the Rome Prize Fellowship.
[25:30] Why did Alan and Lani decide to move to Italy?
[30:30] Alan’s process using mirrors.
[42:00] What is Alan working on right now?
[46:30] Alan’s advice for young artists starting out today.
[1:01:30] Finding your voice as an ar

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. ❤️

The Path of a Self Taught Artist, with Julian Merrow Smith Jul 13, 2017

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how a self taught artist fares in today’s art scene? Do they have the same difficulties and opportunities as artists who have been through the traditional route? What unique lessons can we learn from this subset of creators who defy conventional expectations? My guest, Julian Merrow Smith is a self taught artist who has plenty of insight to share about his journey. In our conversation, we touched on his move to France, how he taught himself how to paint, why he decided to start teaching workshops, how he works through disappointment, and much more. I can’t wait for you to get to know the side of Julian that came out in our interview!

Creative Inspiration

What inspires you to create your artwork? Is it people, places, concepts, or something else? When I get the chance to peer into the mind of an artist I enjoy the wonderful opportunity to explore what inspires them, what really makes them come alive. It intrigues me to hear what inspires various artists as they approach their canvas. Artist Julian Merrow Smith shared with me that he likes to use what he sees around him each day at his home in the countryside of France. He draws inspiration from peaches at this point in the season when I spoke with him. Catch a glimpse of Julian’s work captured in the images section at the end of this post!

Discovering What NOT to do

It’s always a privilege when I get to sit down and talk to artists whose career path has been different than my own. I love hearing from artists who discovered their passion for art late in life and from others who found their way as a self taught artist. Julian Merrow Smith took the time to share with me his journey and the lessons he has taken away from the experience of teaching himself how to paint. One of the key insights that Julian shared with me is how he was able to discover his unique voice and creative path by putting in the long hard hours and by deciding after each completed work what aspect he did NOT want to continue to produce from that painting. Julian was kind enough to share many more insights and lessons from his art career - I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

From Self Taught Artist to Teacher

Can you imagine the pressure and stress that comes with teaching students to do what you’ve only discovered how to do on your own? Imagine you have no frame of reference to look back upon, no formal teaching in the subject matter in which you are being asked to teach. Self taught artist Julian Merrow Smith found himself in that very scenario. Students and established artists alike have been drawn to Julian’s work and want to learn from him. In proper response, Julian has begun offering workshops. The unique circumstance is not lost on Julian, in our conversation we discussed his feelings of serving as a teacher in a subject where he didn’t have one.

Momentum can be KEY

How do you keep the ball moving as an artist? What practices do you turn to that keep you coming back to the canvas over and over again to hone your craft? I’ve heard from artists over and over again that once they’ve stepped away from their work for a period of time, they find it very difficult to return. Yet, I also have heard from well-known artists that stepping away for a period of time has been essential for their mental and emotional capacity to continue to create. In my conversation with Julian Merrow Smith, we discussed how this topic has played out in his creative journey. There may not be a one size fits all solution, but the KEY is figuring out what works for YOU.

Outline of This Episode

[1:40] I introduce my guest, Julian Merrow Smith.
[3:30] How Julian got his start as an artist.
[8:30] Why did Julian move to France?
[11:00] Julian talks about teaching himself how to paint.
[13:00] How do you find your voice as an artist?
[16:00] Julian’s process in the studio and wha

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. ❤️

Art and Play, with Jeremiah Palecek Jul 06, 2017

Show notes

What comes to mind when you think of art and play? Do you consider art as a playful act? Imagine how this shift in mindset can bring forth a wide range of freedom and joy in the creative process. My guest, artist Jeremiah Palecek takes time in our conversation to detail how he appreciates the role of art and play. If you’ve been around the Savvy Painter community for very long, you know that this is one of my favorite subjects! I had a wonderful time discussing this topic and a wide range of other subjects in our conversation. Make sure to check out images of Jeremiah’s artwork at the end of this post!

A Family of Artists

Who helped shape your creative imagination as a child? Was it a parent or grandparent? Did it take longer for you to discover your creative spark? Maybe for you, it was a teacher that helped usher you in on your journey as an artist. For Jeremiah Palecek, it started at an early age surrounded by art in his grandmother's house. But it wasn’t just his grandmother, Jeremiah’s father also took an active role in helping to shape his exposure to various artists. On top of all these wonderful experiences and influences in his early years, Jeremiah also shared with me that he married a fellow artist. With all of these wonderful influences, it’s interesting to see how Jeremiah’s journey has led him to where he is today, creatively speaking. Don’t take for granted the influence you could have on the next generation of young artists!

Art as a Playful Act

Carl Jung once said, “The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect, but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity.” Does this perspective on art and play resonate with you? Do you find that your creative inspiration comes from a deep place of “inner necessity?” Artist Jeremiah Palecek describes his process saying, “I jump in before my ideas are fully formed.” During the course of our conversation, I got the sense from Jeremiah that this idea of following the “inner necessity” is something that he is very comfortable with as it influences his projects and the way he prepares for a new series of paintings. It was wonderful to get Jeremiah’s perspective on art and play and I know artists like you will enjoy it too!

Technology, Facial Recognition Software, and Art

One of my favorite things about the Savvy Painter community is the diverse symphony of perspectives and influences that we get to celebrate. The range of artists vary so vastly from landscape work to framework, from shapes to portraits, and on and on I could go. My guest, Jeremiah Palecek is no exception to the celebration of unique perspectives. Jeremiah is currently working on a fascinating project that draws inspiration from facial recognition technology and how computers view human faces. We spent some time in our conversation centered on this fascinating and peculiar angle on portraits and the human face, I know you will find it as interesting as I did!

Consistency and the Creative Process

Do you struggle with finding the right rhythm to create your artwork? Are you looking for a way to cut through all the noise and figure out what it will take to hone in on your creative process? One KEY way to stay on course and cut through the noise is to practice consistently. Imagine the ground you could cover if you could set aside a consistent slice of time each day to work on your art? Sure, there will always be time for excuses and give yourself the grace of the occasional exception - but don’t underestimate the power of consistency! Don’t just take my word for it - my guest, Jeremiah Palecek attests to the creative energy that is unlocked when you give yourself the permission to show up at the same place and time each day to allow your creative vision to unfold. So what are you waiting for? Try it out!

Outline of This Episode

[1:22] I introduce my guest, Jeremiah Palecek.
[3:40] How Jeremia

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Art and the Impact of Social Media, with John Wentz Jun 29, 2017

Show notes

With the impact of social media and the ability to get instant feedback from your audience and fanbase, an important question for artists to consider is “What are you willing to compromise?” If the majority of your followers don’t find your new experimental process or project interesting or if they go so far as giving you negative feedback, what do you do? Do you give in to popular opinion or do you follow your convictions? This problem is unique to the issue of having your artwork exposed to the public via social media. Artist John Wentz and I spent time going deep into this subject during our conversation. He has some great points to address when considering the level of engagement an artist should have with their digital audience given the difficulties that can arise.

Social Media and the inability to Slow Down

One of the drawbacks to living in such an increasingly modernized and advanced society is the impact of social media on our ability to slow down. Every spare moment can be filled by pulling out that smartphone and checking Facebook or Twitter. Can you imagine how this has impacted the way we think and process what should be quite moments in our lives? Consider the implications of not being able to slow down and be present, that can drastically change the creative and artistic process. My guest, John Wentz believes that the impact of social media has distracted us in more ways than we realize. He says that we need to be vigilant of this influence and work intentionally to create those spaces, especially as artists, to be present and at peace in mundanity and stillness.

Appropriation vs. Influence

What is the difference between appropriating art and being influenced by it? What does it mean to understand, appreciate, and respect someone's artwork and genuinely let it influence you without appropriating it? Artist John Wentz devoted some time in our conversation to this topic and how he sees it’s impact on the art world. He focused more on the meaning behind the use of an individual who sees work they resonate with and tries to incorporate that into what they are trying to create. John also posits the idea that maybe social media is the new art and we are more of a hive mind now rather than when we use to operate more as individuals. Our conversation was a fascinating one that I thoroughly enjoyed and I know you will too!

The benefit of stepping away

How do you take care of yourself creatively, emotionally, mentally, etc.? What is your plan to avoid burning out and getting turned off of the work that you do? If you don’t have one in place, it might be a good time to consider creating a plan to help you recharge. Artist John Wentz spoke with me about a recent period in his life where he was able to step away from painting and take a two-month break. John speaks of this break from the creative process as being extremely helpful and rejuvenating. He found that when he was able to step away for a period of time when he returned to his work at the easel, he was able to really reconnect to his inner place of motivation.

The Draw of New York

Many artists find themselves drawn to the city of New York. There are a number of factors involved with this draw, from the dense population to the history, and even the iconic nature of the city, what’s not to love? John Wentz devotes a large portion of his current work that is being shown in galleries to the city of New York. He tries not to be too “heady” with the concepts that he puts forth but you can tell in our conversation that his passion and fascination with city really shines through. I was able to really connect with John on this note because he mentioned that he enjoyed just sitting back in Union Square and watching people go by all day long.

Outline of This Episode

[1:40] My introduction to this week’s guest, John Wentz.
[3:30] John talks about how he got started with art.

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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. ❤️

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