The ebb and flow of creativity is inevitable. There will be times when we are itching to paint and know exactly what we want to do, and there will be times when turning up feels hard. In this episode, I answer your questions on this topic and share the ways I stay inspired, build compassion for quieter periods, honour my own rhythms, and continue seeking self-discovery and self-expression, even in small acts. From finding colour palettes to compiling sketchbook prompts, tidying up the studio, and more, there are myriad ways to respect and support our creativity, no matter the season. Richie a ..read more

Recently, I made a delightful discovery: artists are still blogging! I am not sure why I thought the blogging scene was all but forgotten, but it's not. It's a little different now, especially with so many social media platforms to contend with. However, many artists are still blogging in various ways—on their own websites, on Substack, via email newsletters, and more. In this episode, I share my own experience and discuss things to consider when choosing your approach, from SEO to community building, personal satisfaction, and fitting it all in. If you have a blog or are thinking of starting ..read more

This week, we're answering a listener question about how to transition from your sketchbook to a canvas or alternative substrate. This topic is perfectly timed, as I've been in a sketchbook phase myself and am beginning to take the leap out. Join Richie and me as we discuss signs that you're ready, practical strategies to make the transition easier, ideas for setting up your space, and the importance of respecting cycles and revisiting sketchbooks as needed. It's an informative conversation about how to grow and develop your work. Mentioned: ⁠The Creative Act by Rick Rubin⁠ Episode 163: Embra ..read more

There are many ways to improve a creative space and make it feel like home. This week, Richie and I reflect back on the past year in our beloved art cottage and share the favorite updates and tweaks we've made to the space. We talk about everything from furniture, lighting, and decorating to our most recent trip to IKEA. Plus, there's plenty of laughs along the way. I'll admit I do need to stop sticking my nose into Richie's decorating! It's a fun one, but also a special conversation that goes beyond having an Instagram-worthy studio space, and instead focuses on finding space wherever you can ..read more

Feeling the pressure to figure out and define your art? This conversation might get you thinking differently. What if you allowed yourself to play a little longer, to explore without constraints, and to gather inspiration from far and wide? That's exactly what I've been doing. Inspired by Rick Rubin's book "The Creative Act," I've discovered a fresh enthusiasm, confidence, and sense of wonder in my creative practice. It's made me realize that if we're always in a rush to reach the finish line, there's a good chance we'll miss something even more interesting and beautiful along the way. With ..read more

How long should you persist with a creative pursuit, art style, or medium if you are not enjoying it? This episode could also have been titled: I really want to love acrylics, but I am not sure if I do? It's a personal conversation about the confusion I sometimes experience when choosing materials and processes as a mixed-media artist, but of course, it goes beyond this! If you've ever found yourself questioning whether you're on the right path creatively, or if you simply seek some encouragement in navigating your own creative decisions, this episode offers a soothing balm for your soul. I ho ..read more

This week, Richie and I chat about why it can be helpful to revisit previous art styles or processes in your art practice or business. This idea emerged as I've rediscovered and fallen back in love with the playful style of art from my very first online class, The Melting Pot. We also discuss the challenges we've faced in defining a style and approach for our YouTube channel and why we're returning to simple, short videos like we used to share when we first got started. We hope you enjoy the episode! Remember, the creative path is anything but linear—it's okay to shed things that aren't servin ..read more

Breaks are wonderful and necessary, but they can also make it hard to get back into your artistic groove. This week, Richie and I discuss this challenge and offer practical guidance and encouragement to help you turn your creative drought into a fresh, exciting chapter. Discover the importance of taking that first step, embracing risk-taking, optimising your workspace, and selecting a project that challenges but doesn't overwhelm. If you've been struggling to find your creative flow, you won't want to miss this one! Mentioned: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 153: Making Time for Art and Protecting Your Creative ..read more

Breaks are wonderful and necessary, but they can also make it hard to get back into your artistic groove. This week, Richie and I discuss this challenge and offer practical guidance and encouragement to help you turn your creative drought into a fresh, exciting chapter. Discover the importance of taking that first step, embracing risk-taking, optimising your workspace, and selecting a project that challenges but doesn't overwhelm. If you've been struggling to find your creative flow, you won't want to miss this one! Mentioned: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 153: Making Time for Art and Protecting Your Creative ..read more

Is it nostalgia? Maybe I've got those rose-tinted glasses on again. Do you ever get the feeling that being an artist was more enjoyable before? Is all this pressure to do more and be on multiple social media platforms accumulating, taking away the joy of making art? Join me and Richie as we delve into these questions and explore how I am combating these feelings by immersing myself in my studio and 'painting it out.' If you've been feeling weary lately, we hope this episode gives you a little comfort and encouragement to keep showing up and making art. It's more important than ever! P.S. The p ..read more