Self Taught Artist

In this episode of 'Self Taught Artist,' we delve into the intriguing concept of the '80% Rule' for artists. Discover why striving for perfection as an artist may not always yield the best results and learn how taking a step back at the 80% mark can breathe new life into your artistic process. Find inspiration in embracing imperfection and uncover the art of making deliberate decisions to elevate your work as an artist. Join us for an insightful exploration into the world of artistic expression, where 'Perfecting Imperfection' is the key to unlocking your true potential as an artist.

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Today we journey into the therapeutic and transformative power of art during challenging times. Life's ups and downs are a shared experience, and as artists, we have a unique refuge in our creative spirits. Discover how creating art can help during the challenging times of life by offering stability and purpose in uncertain moments. Explore the healing power of art, as it becomes a tool for self-discovery and reconnection with your true self. Learn valuable tips for harnessing the strength of your artistic expression during tough times. Whether you're an artist or someone seeking solace in creativity, this episode is a reminder that art is always here for you when you need it most.

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Dive into the vibrant world of watercolors in this episode of Self Taught Artist. Join me as I guide you through the process of creating your very own watercolor pans from tube paints, with step-by-step instructions for both beginners and seasoned artists looking to personalize their palettes. Discover tips on how to test watercolor paints before purchasing, explore different methods for trying out colors, and uncover an incredible online resource for viewing color swatches, all designed to elevate your artistic journey. Whether you're a budding artist or an experienced painter, this episode will inspire and empower you to unleash your creativity with the mesmerizing medium of watercolors. Tune in and paint your world with a spectrum of possibilities!

In this quick hits episode, we tackle a common yet frustrating issue every artist might face: a hole in your canvas masterpiece. Whether it's a tiny pinhole or a more substantial tear, we've got you covered with expert tips and a step-by-step guide on how to mend your damaged canvas. I share the essential supplies you'll need and provides detailed instructions for both minor and major repairs. With the right techniques, some patience, and a touch of creativity, you can breathe new life into your artwork, making that unsightly hole vanish into the canvas's history. Join us for a brief but important journey into the topic of canvas restoration!

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Artists, today let's talk about some fundamental watercolor questions I had when I first was starting to upgrade my watercolor paints. How to build your own custom watercolor palette? How to get the best value artist grade watercolor paints? Is there a difference between the colors you get out of watercolor tubes and dry pans? What is the difference between half pan and full pans? I'm talking about all this and more on today's episode of the Self Taught Artist. If you're a watercolor artist, this one is for you!

My FAVORITE Watercolor Palette with Empty Half Pans Included - Meeden Brand on Amazon- https://a.co/d/cwb4KYl

Gansai Tambi Watercolor Set - (Best Value Set) - https://a.co/d/2LWAWuZ

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Today we talk about Artwork Photography and Presentation. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to sell your work or an emerging artist wanting to showcase your creations on social media, this episode will help you understand the significance of high-quality artwork photography and presentation for marketing purposes and give you some tips to achieve the best possible photography of your artwork!

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Today we are exploring the art of crafting an engaging artist statement. Whether you're an emerging artist or an established one, having a compelling artist statement is crucial in communicating your artistic vision and connecting with your audience. Having an artistic statement can be important if you want to sell your art, enter your art in competitions, or have an online website and portfolio. Artists, let's get into it!

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Today we'll explore the various avenues for selling artwork and discuss their pros and cons. We talk about online marketplaces like Etsy, art galleries, art markets or craft fairs, selling art on Instagram, and more! Which option the right one for you? Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned artist, I hope this episode will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the world of where to sell your art. It's important to consider factors like reach, ease of use, fees, and the overall fit for your art style.

I'll be guiding you through the process of determining the perfect price for your artistic creations if you are looking to sell your artwork. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out with selling your art, understanding how to price your artwork is essential.

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Today on the Self Taught Artist Podcast we'll be discussing why the holidays are the perfect time to sell art, what your holiday preparation timeline should be, and what to consider making to sell during the holiday shopping season!

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Today we're talking about how to use market research and an understanding of your target audience to sell more artwork!

As self-taught artists, we have the incredible opportunity to connect with our audience on a personal level. But in order to do that effectively, we need to understand who our audience is and what they're looking for. That's where market research comes into play. Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Let's delve into the first step of selling art: assessing your art and setting realistic goals. Self-assessment is a vital process that helps you understand your unique artistic style, strengths, and areas for growth. Take the time to reflect on your artwork, identifying what makes it special and distinct. This self-awareness will serve as the foundation of your success in selling your artwork. Then, we discuss setting goals for selling artwork and steps you can start taking right now if you want to begin selling your art.

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

We’re talking about one of my favorite painting hacks today! How to achieve color harmony using a technique known as the "Mother Color." The concept of the Mother Color was introduced by Edgar Payne, a renowned landscape artist of the 20th century. This seemingly magical technique instantly creates color harmony. The best part is that it is EASY and color harmony is practically guaranteed! Let's dive in to another episode of the Self Taught Artist Podcast!

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Returning to your artistic practice can sometimes come with its own set of challenges and obstacles. Today, we'll address common creative blocks that artists experience, strategies for overcoming resistance in your art, self-criticism, and fear of failure. Additionally, we talk about techniques for generating new ideas for your art and staying motivated throughout the creative process. Artists, let's break through those barriers and unlock our artistic potential.

This is the last week of The Artistic Comeback mini series. I hope you've enjoyed it!

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

As self-taught artists, seeking inspiration becomes a valuable tool for our artistic growth. Today, we'll explore various sources of artistic inspiration, the benefits of engaging with different art forms and artist communities, and I'll recommend some artist resources that can spark your creativity and provide support along the way. Let's get inspired!

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Establishing a consistent creative routine is key to maintaining your artistic momentum. Today, we'll discuss practical tips for developing a routine, the value of small achievable goals, and strategies for incorporating art into a busy schedule. Let's get started!

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Today, we'll delve into a crucial aspect of returning to art after a long break: managing expectations. Returning to art after a hiatus can present challenges and frustrations. It's important to acknowledge these obstacles and equip ourselves with strategies to navigate them. By setting realistic expectations, embracing the process, and overcoming perfectionism and self-doubt, we can embark on our artistic comeback with confidence. Let's dive in!

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

As artists, it's crucial for us to pause and reflect on our motivations for pursuing art. What initially sparked your creative journey? What inspired you to pick up a paintbrush, a camera, or a pen? I share several reflection prompts and exercises to help you connect with your artistic motivations on today's episode of the Self Taught Artist Podcast.

Now, let's explore the benefits of reconnecting with that initial artistic passion and vision. When we reflect on the why, we tap into a wellspring of inspiration that can reignite our artistic practice. Reconnecting with our artistic purpose can bring clarity, renewed enthusiasm, and a sense of direction.

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Today we're kicking off The Artistic Comeback - a multi week series on how to come back to art after a break. It's common for life's demands and responsibilities to sometimes get in the way of our art, causing our artistic passions to be pushed aside for some time. The good news is that many successful artists have experienced similar breaks and come back stronger than ever before. Today, we'll explore the importance of acknowledging these breaks and embracing them as integral to our growth as artists. Let's get started! Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

WELCOME TO SEASON 3 OF THE SELF TAUGHT ARTIST PODCAST! We're kicking off Season 3 with a follow up episode to a very popular episode from Season 2 (Episode #44) all about using household items to get interesting effects in your artwork. One of my secrets to getting interesting mixed media artwork is to not use my paintbrushes all the time. Using objects from around the house in unexpected ways can help add visual interest and texture to your paintings. Plus, it's a ton of fun! Today I'm sharing nine more objects you can use as you're making artwork.

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Gifts are a tradition this time of year for many families. Perhaps you're being asked by family members what you want for Christmas this year and you're trying to make your wish list. Or, you're just looking for an excuse to buy yourself a fun new art supply to try. I love talking all about art supplies, so today I'm talking about gift ideas for artists and art supplies I love (or that I am wanting to try!).

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Artists, today I'm sharing three ways for you to infuse some gratitude into your art making process. Gratitude is good for your brain, good for your body, and good for your art. Since it's November and I have gratitude on my brain, we're talking about how infusing gratitude into your artistic process can result in better art.

Artists - Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5 stars wherever you are listening! It helps me to keep the podcast going and reach more artists.

Social media is still the best way to grow your audience as an artist. Instagram Reels and TikTok videos have grown massively this year. If you’ve been resisting trying Reels, I’d encourage you to try it. No dancing is required, or even showing your face if you don’t want to. On today's episode, I'm sharing some ideas for simple Reels artists can make without much effort. All of these Reels ideas work for TikTok too.

I hope this list of Reels ideas for artists has inspired you to make a reel, whether it’s your first reel or hundredth reel. If you’re looking to grow your social media accounts, creating video content is the best way to do it right now.

At last I have found the color mixing recipe for the perfect green! I’m sharing it in today’s episode. I have struggled with mixing greens for a while. For some reason I have difficulty mixing the right green, and green straight out of the tube doesn’t give the depth I need to make my greenery and nature paintings realistic enough.

Artists, 'tis the season for selling art and gifting art. Often that means you have to ship art! It's the perfect time to revisit my favorite art shipping supplies, shipping methods, and of course, how to save money shipping artwork. 

Right now I'm feeling creatively burned out and like I’ve lost a little bit of my creative mojo. This week on the Self Taught Artist podcast, we're talking about the signs of Artist Burnout and what to do about it! I share six tips for how to beat burn-out as an artist. 

It's natural for your creativity to ebb and flow; it is a normal part of any creative journey!

This week I’m rewinding the clock and imagining starting over again as an artist. I explore the question: what would I do differently if I were starting from scratch today as an artist?  Here are my Top 5: 

1. I'd buy premium paint sooner. 
2. I'd buy fewer paint colors. 
3. I'd let go of Perfectionism. 
4. I wouldn't rush into selling my art. 
5. I'd share my art with friends and family more broadly. 

Self Taught Artists - reach out to me with what you'd do differently if you were to start over again!   

Don't fall prey to common scams targeting artists! Today, I describe in detail the most common online scams for artists. Typically, it involves a commission or a large art purchase seemingly out of the blue. Scammers are tricky and use all sorts of methods to trick you. My mission today is to help artists identify the red flags and learn what to watch out for. 

Did you know there are tons of household items you can use to paint? One of my secrets to getting interesting mixed media artwork is to not use my paintbrush all the time! Found objects provide added visual interest to my painting and they’re a ton of fun to experiment with. I love to use them in underlayers or to get unexpected effects in my art. Today, I’m sharing how I use household items to make my artwork, and sharing a list of 12 to try that are probably found in your house right now.

Artists, behold the power of a white border around your artwork! When I work on paper in any medium, whether it’s acrylic paints, watercolors or gouache, I love to include a crisp white border around my art sometimes (using tape.) A white border around artwork acts like a mat in a picture frame. It sets off the painting, provides a bit of contrast and intentionality to the piece. I share my best tips for how to remove tape from paper without ripping it. 

Our agenda for today is to first talk about why you might tape off your artwork in the first place. Second, we’ll discuss the seven advantages of leaving a white border around your artwork. Third, I’ll share what masking tape I use. Fourth, I’ll share my secrets on how to remove tape from a painting without tearing the paper.  Fifth, I’ll wrap up with some thoughts about why I tape my art and why I think it’s important for the composition of art on paper.

I believe you can find room for creativity and art if you really want to include them in your life. On today's episode of the Self Taught Artist, we're talking about how to make the most of a small art studio at home, or, what to do if you have no dedicated art space at home. Lots of great tips are coming your way on how to store your art supplies, maximize vertical space, and even use some creativity to create an art studio out of a closet!

One of the roadblocks I hear aspiring artists talk about is not having an art space and how that gets in the way of making art. I know it is a bit of a hassle to always be rummaging around for supplies and not know where things are or constantly pack and unpack them. So that’s why today we’re talking about how to get creative with designing your home art studio – no matter how much space you have or don’t have! If art is important to you, let’s find a way to make it happen.

Here are some links to items I mention on the show:

My favorite rolling carts for artist supplies: 

Elfa at the Container Store (there are lots of other sizes and styles available that you can add wheels to.)

Have you ever gone art supply shopping at the Dollar Store? I found so many great art supplies on my latest trip to the Dollar Store I knew I had to make a podcast about it. Despite passing this store 2 or 3 times a week for many years, I had completely overlooked Dollar Tree as a great source for art supplies. Today on the Self Taught Artist podcast I'm talking about what art supplies I bought at the Dollar Store, and what art supplies I recommend you avoid buying at the Dollar Store. You know I love talking about art supplies, and good value art supplies are my favorite! Artist friends, tune in to find out more. 

This week on the Self Taught Artist podcast we are continuing our Color Mixing and Color Theory Workshop. This is the continuation of a multi-week deep dive into all things color, color theory, and color mixing. Last week we talked about the three dimensions of color: hue, value, and chroma. Today we learn how to use these three dimensions of color to mix any color of paint (using three easy questions).

FREE PAINT CHIPS LINK: Sherwin Williams will actually mail you 10 paint color chips for free! You get to pick the colors. Free delivery. (US + Canada)

This week on the Self Taught Artist podcast we are starting our Color Mixing and Color Theory Workshop. This is the beginning of a multi-week deep dive into all things color, color theory, and color mixing. First, let's take a few minutes this week to talk about the three dimensions of color: hue, value, and chroma. What do these artist terms mean? How do they connect to your artwork? How can mastering these three dimensions of color help you to improve your art? Tune in to find out! Next week, we're going to use these three dimensions of color to talk about how to mix any color of the rainbow with your paint (using three easy questions). 

Artists, I think you'll love this color mixing and color theory series because it will help you to go a level deeper with your understanding of art and your artist materials. 

Artists - it's time to start preparing for the Holidays! This episode is for everyone, not just those who sell their art. You can use art as a wonderful gift for loved ones. Let’s talk about gifting, artsy gift ideas, what holiday items to make if you are selling your art, how to add some pizazz to your presents with artistic gift wrapping, and other art ideas for the holidays. Fellow self taught artists I want to get you excited now so you can get prepared for the holidays!

If you’re looking for an excuse not to paint, you’ll find it. Perhaps you know the feeling... you're tired after a long day at work and you just want to sit on the couch and turn your brain off, even though you know that painting would help you feel better than the TV would! Sometimes it takes a lot of activation energy to get us into art making mode, so we make up excuses to put it off for another day. Today, I'm giving you some tips that I use to paint more often. The more I'm painting, the more skilled of an artist I become, and the more I love painting.  The tricky part is getting me off the couch and into my art studio sometimes! This episode is for any artist that can relate. Together, let's get rid of excuses and paint more often! Practice really does make progress!

Please take a minute to rate the Self Taught Artist podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Today I’m making the case for painting small. It doesn’t matter what kind of painting you like to do – acrylic painting, watercolor painting, gouache painting, or oil painting – this episode applies to all kinds of artists! For a long time, I thought “bigger is better” when it comes to art. I wrongly equated size to quality and impact. This week, I’m telling you all about my experiments with painting small studies and small paintings. I’m convinced, especially for learning, small substrates can’t be beat!

Small paintings can be great for studies, trying new compositions, experimenting with your artistic style and finding your artistic style, getting lots of practice, and even for selling your art!  Small paintings can be a great entry point for a wider pool of potential art buyers.

Listen to this episode of the Self Taught Artist podcast to learn more about why I’m loving painting small.

Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Let's make it a summer to remember. Today's episode is about how to have an Art STAYcation. Even if you're not traveling somewhere this summer for vacation, you can make awesome art memories at home. Today I'm talking about how to plan a memorable staycation, what kinds of projects are perfect for an artist staycation, and the benefits of doing an art staycation in the first place! For me, summer is all about creating fun memories and an art staycation is a way to bust out of your normal routine and dive more deeply into your art. Depending on how much time you have, you can scale up or scale down your art staycation -- it could last just an afternoon, a whole day, or a whole weekend!!

Self taught artists, I hope you use this summer to express yourself creatively no matter where you are in the world!

Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

It's summer time and I know a lot of people go traveling this time of year. On today's podcast, we're talking about how to bring your art supplies with you on vacation! I'm going to share my favorite way to paint on vacation and share my art with others (hint: postcards!!), my favorite vacation painting medium, and the supplies I'd pack if I had a trip coming up. 

Don't leave your creativity at home...Vacation is the perfect time to make some art! Vacation provides a new perspective and a new set of surroundings. How better to capture the feeling of being on vacation and capture the memories than through art!?

Self taught artists, I hope you use this summer to express yourself creatively no matter where you are in the world!

Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The artist's signature is such a small part of a painting, but it carries huge weight! Today we're talking about why you should sign your art, how to sign your art, and why I think signing your art is an important part of the process of really owning the title of "artist." You (yes, you!) are an artist!! So you should be signing your art. I had some hangups that led me on a journey from not signing my art, to signing it with an illegible scribble, to now proudly signing my artwork whether I sell it or not! On today's episode, I talk about my journey as well as discuss some different ways to sign your art.

Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you want to reach out, my email is laurenkristineart@gmail.com

This week's episode is a quick and easy hack to improve your color mixing. When I say it's an easy artist hack, I mean it! It's a shame that I didn't do it for YEARS! I had no idea I was holding myself back and mixing muddy colors for this reason. Any painter needs to listen to this episode to make sure you're not making the same mistake I was. I think this podcast applies to acrylic painters, watercolor painters, gouache painters, and oil painters alike. If you're a painter, you should listen!

Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you want to reach out, my email is laurenkristineart@gmail.com

I saved the best tip for last. I think this method is a *game changer* for Self Taught Artists because it helps to train your eye with what is important! If you want to loosen up your painting, or just become better at painting from a reference photo, this episode is for you. I'll walk you through my favorite method for loosening up my painting step by step.

 It takes just a little bit of technology magic to make it happen. 

Download the PRISMA app here:

Today's episode has some "tough love" for people who want to sell their artwork. Selling artwork is hard and it takes a lot of time to build up an audience and collector base. In the early stages of selling your art, or if you aspire to sell your artwork I have a big tip for you: conduct market research. What do I mean by this? Listen to the podcast to find out! Today's episode is for people who are new to selling their artwork, people who want to sell more artwork, and people who are frustrated they're not selling more artwork. In short, it's all about art business sales!

Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you want to reach out, my email is laurenkristineart@gmail.com

Can’t draw? No problem! Today on the podcast I'm sharing 3 methods to bypass drawing altogether and just get painting. A perceived lack of drawing skills stops a lot of people from getting into painting. They think they can't paint if they can't draw well. Guess what!? That's 100% not true. You don’t have to draw to be a good artist. If you are good at drawing, you may also be interested in today's episode because these methods can speed up your artistic process by using some of the tools I talk about.

Do you hoard your art supplies? Do you buy the "good stuff" and then find yourself waiting for the "perfect" time to use it? I do!! I'm going out on a limb here and guessing that I'm not the only person who does this. I've been working on it and have 5 ideas to share with you.

I think it's usually my inner perfectionist that emerges and stops me from using my favorite art supplies. I will perpetually wait for the right time, wait the best idea to emerge, or delay until my skill level increases a bit more... you name it, I've used all the excuses in the book. I've been working on this and trying to use some strategies in my art practice to get myself using my favorite art supplies again. Today on this episode, I'm first going to do a deep dive into understanding why I hoard my art supplies and find myself instinctually holding back from using them. Next, I'll share 5 different ways I've addressed this myself and how I made a change. I took off the pressure of perfection and started using the art supplies that bring me joy. 

Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you want to reach out, my email is laurenkristineart@gmail.com

Let’s talk about impostor syndrome as an artist! The #1 way that I see Impostor Syndrome come up for artists is a belief that they're not a "Real Artist" if they didn’t go to art school. Guess what, even if you have ZERO formal training, you are still an ARTIST. If you enjoy making any kind of artwork for fun or as a business, you are an ARTIST.  We’re talking all about Impostor Syndrome today, breaking it down, and banishing it for good! On this podcast you'll get a motivational pep talk with a lot of different ways to blast impostor syndrome thoughts out of your brain. Bookmark this one for any day you need a creative pep talk to get you painting again!

Please take a minute to rate the podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, hit the "subscribe" button so you never miss an episode.

If you want to reach out, my email is laurenkristineart@gmail.com