Many artists have a tricky relationship with money. The stories we tell ourselves about money can create hidden barriers to pricing and selling our work with confidence. By shining a light on these beliefs, you’ll find a path to transforming your approach to money—and building a more sustainable, abundant art practice.

In part three of this live event series on The Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re exploring some common money myths that can hold artists back. Together with a few participants, we’ll question these limiting beliefs and offer ways to reframe them, so you can feel more empowered in pricing your art and growing your creative business.

2:18 - Common money beliefs and how they shape attitudes toward spending and earning in the art world

8:50 - How to start becoming aware of and questioning your beliefs about money

13:30 - Braley’s dichotomous belief about the value of original pieces versus smaller prints

20:16 - The purpose of questioning your thoughts about pricing and selling art

25:27 - Reframing the fear of creating artwork that isn’t good enough or doesn’t feel authentic

35:17 - The impact of Morgan’s money beliefs on her pricing and ability to connect to potential collectors

46:45 - What you’re actually selling and why you create the art vs. why a potential collector wants to buy it

51:50 - The importance of separating facts from subjective stories about money

Mentioned in How Artists Can Overcome Money Mindset Blocks

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You have an inner critic blocking or interfering with your ability to fully trust in yourself and your art. That harshly critical internal voice thinks it’s doing you a favor. It thinks it’s protecting you. Yet, it says things to you that you wouldn’t dare say to a loved one or friend.

So let’s take the microphone away from your inner critic and hand it to the higher self that’s been patiently waiting to speak through you. It’s time to trust in your creative process and yourself as an artist.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll hear part two of this four-part live event series as I guide you on how to cultivate trust in your artistic voice. I’ll discuss the signs of trust or mistrust, give you the three steps to cultivating trust, and much more!

4:52 - The lesson that our inner critic can learn from The Stoics and their Memento Mori

9:22 - How to start to get more familiar and friendly with the voice of your higher self and build trust

13:45 - What it looks like when you don’t trust your voice and your process

17:54 - What it looks like when you do trust your own voice and process

23:30 - What trusting your voice means, how it (or the lack of it) might feel to you, and the first step to obtaining it

26:21 - Three starts to questions you can use to start enabling curiosity (step two) and the third step to cultivating trust

31:31 - What arrogance is and how it differs from your inner voice when analyzing your art

33:20 - The importance of seeing yourself as an amazing artist

38:41 - The power in always having full trust in yourself and the common thread that runs through all of your work

Mentioned in How to Cultivate Trust in Your Artistic Voice

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As an artist, you might have been taught (implicitly or explicitly) that your work doesn’t matter. Many artists I’ve worked with have heard it in school, at home, and in the media.

Yet, your work as an artist does matter. It can help others feel, connect, and demonstrate the beauty of the world and the human experience. But only when you’re centered, present, and confident in your creative process do you allow that potential impact to flourish.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll hear the first part of a live event I gave a while back that covers what creative confidence is, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to curate it for yourself. You’ll also hear coaching examples with a few attendees as I help them work through fears that have resulted in a lack of progress, self-sabotaging habits, and a feeling of invisibility.

4:58 - What creative confidence in your artistic abilities looks like

8:15 - The two types of confidence you can lean on as an artist and how they differ

13:51 - What usually stands in the way of creating what you want and how to overcome it

18:33 - How you can curate self-confidence and examples of thoughts that get in the way

23:19 - How Nancy’s thoughts have hindered her progress, the fears they’ve exposed, and their impact on her physically

36:08 - How Carol’s fear and familiar thoughts have led to habits of self-sabotage

42:59 - What happens in your brain when it offers you the worst-case scenario and more thoughts that can help you create self-confidence

46:22 - Why Ekaterina feels invisible despite creating all kinds of things and where to focus to begin to push past it

Mentioned in How to Cultivate Creative Confidence As an Artist

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Have you been experimenting with your paint colors lately? Do you wonder about different colors and the best way to mix them? Well, you’re in luck! Robert Gamblin and product manager Scott Gellatly are here to answer more of your questions in our special color episode!

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn about the pigments used in modern paints, the emotional content of a color, what makes student grade paints “student grade,” the best paints to use for plein air painting, and so much more. You don’t want to miss a minute of this in-depth and fascinating conversation!

2:55 - Why modern oil paints have more pigments than older ones

5:54 - Gamblin’s guide to color imaging and the emotional content of color and its impact on paint-making

9:51 - Are there paints that artists often misuse (aside from whites)?

14:36 - How modern pigments differ from mineral pigments

19:41 - Comparing Gamblin’s color palette to Rembrandt’s and the intention behind Alizarin Crimson Permanent

24:00 - What lake colors and hues are and the hues that Gamblin features

28:44 - How student grade paint differs from artist grade paint

34:20 - The best way to prevent dead spots/sinking in on your paintings

40:12 - Gamblin’s plans for skin tone colors and the concern over representation in the art world for artists of color

45:53 - Mixed colors as shortcuts, common mistakes to avoid in your palette, and when to move away from student grade color

51:54 - The different characteristics of Gamblin’s black oil colors

58:22 - Advice on the minimum amount and best paints to use for plein air painting

1:03:34 - Looking at the relationship between pigments when you’re creating a color palette

1:07:55 - Scott reveals the “secret weapon” colors he likes to use in his paintings

1:10:04 - How Robert produced his beautiful series of large iceberg paintings during his Greenland trip

1:14:27 - How to have a good white for glazing and whether some Torrit Grey colors are made by Gamblin in actual color

1:16:56 - The difference between transparent earth colors and ochres, umbres, and siennas

1:19:15 - Three reasons why cadmium and cobalt colors are so expensive (and three reasons why they’re worth it)

1:22:09 - Why Scott uses Transparent Earth Red (specifically one in the FastMatte line) for his underpaintings

Mentioned in Unlocking the Secrets of Color: Robert Gamblin and Scott Gellatly Answer Your Questions

Gamblin Artists Colors | Instagram | Twitter

 Previous Q&A with Gamblin

Bonus Content: Transcripts and Extra Interview with Gamblin

Claude Monet | Lori Putnam | Rachel Jones | Anna Rose Bain | Wolf Khan | Nancy Zydler | Robert Gamblin | Scott Gellatly

 The History of Color in Painting by Faber Birren

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You’ve heard that old phrase, “Jack of all trades and master of none,” right? Instead of being a jack of all trades, Robert Gamblin and his team at Gamblin Artists Colors have decided to focus on being a master of one: oil paint products. Their narrow focus has paid off as they display an amazing passion for detail and improvement in their product line and offer jam-packed information you can use in your studio every day. 

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn helpful insights and get some of your biggest questions about oil painting and other topics answered by Robert, product specialist Mary Weisenburger, and company president Pete Cole. You’ll hear their response to questions about pigments, oil separation, toxicity, and much more!

2:25 - Robert introduces himself and shares how he started Gamblin Artists Colors

6:05 - Robert reveals why Gamblin only provides oil paint and shares some interesting pigment formulations

15:59 - How dreams have inspired color combinations and examples of custom colors made for well-known artists

23:08 - The value of white in the painting process (and the difference between radiant and titanium white)

29:09 - The story of how flake white replacement came into existence

33:21 - Advice and recommendations for artists who are using oils for the first time

39:41 - Warm and cool-colored objects and clearing confusion around kit vs. ready-made Gamvar

45:56 - Why the oil separates from the pigment inside tubes (and what to do if you want an oilier viscosity to the paint)

49:11 - Why Gamblin doesn’t plan to introduce water-soluble oil paints and one of the biggest misconceptions about oil paintings

54:46 - The three eras of pigment history and two big drivers of misinformation about pigment toxicity

1:03:20 - Tips for artists who work in small, enclosed spaces or with a baby nearby

1:10:33 - What you can do instead of a retouch varnish and why varnish at all in the first place

1:16:18 - The trouble with finding good cadmium color alternatives that are opaque

1:19:12 - Working with cold wax mediums and what you should look out for when using them

1:22:12 - A rundown on the range of solvent-free mediums available at Gamblin Artists Colors

1:26:33 - The shelf life of oil paint in tubes and whether Gamblin is considering changing the size of their caps

1:31:28 - What FastMatte is, what inspired it, and three helpful ways to use it

Mentioned in Oil Painting Q&A: Tips, Tricks, and More with Gamblin Artists Colors

Varnishing Made Easy PDF

Gamblin Artists Colors | Instagram

“An Interview with Art Writer John Seed”

“Interview: Art and Play with Jeremiah Palecek”

James Rosenquist | Nathan Oliveira | Wolf Khan | Robert Barnes

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As an artist, you’re always about the art. Even for a show, the focus is on creating pieces, not the other things that go into making the show itself a great event. Then when you realize it’s time to plan everything out, you’re instantly overwhelmed by all that’s involved.

What you need is a guide or template that can help you prepare and eliminate a lot of pre-show jitters. I want you to be in a place where you feel confident about your show and your artwork.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn strategies for planning and executing a successful art show. I’ll take you step-by-step on how to envision, reverse-engineer, detail, plan, collaborate, and implement what you want so you can ensure that your event stays organized and goes smoothly.

3:09 - How to create a clear vision and plan for your show, step-by-step

9:21 - How to collaborate with partners and reverse-engineer a detailed plan

16:35 - How to create a calendar for planning ahead of time for your art show

22:30 - The benefit of using a calendar if you don’t like to plan and struggle to stick to a schedule

24:01 - The impact of visualizing the aftermath of a successful art show

Mentioned in How to Confidently Put Together a Successful Art Show

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Do you ever feel like pricing your art is a scary mystery? You’re not alone!

In the previous episode, you heard me share several pricing techniques you can use for your art. And while you might think there’s a way to discover that one perfect price, here’s a surprising truth: the technique you use doesn’t really matter!

In this episode of The Savvy Painter podcast, you’ll learn about the real reasons you’re procrastinating on pricing your work and why your art might not be selling (hint: it’s probably not the price). I’ll show you how your brain can be your biggest obstacle with pricing and give you practical tips to overcome your fears so you can start pricing your artwork with confidence.

1:41 - Common fears that artists have with how they price their work and the truth about pricing

5:08 - The real problem you have with pricing and how it causes you to silently quit

9:52 - How your brain sometimes tries to stop you from doing something you want to do

12:56 - Why you can’t get it wrong and how to gut-check your pricing decisions

15:32 - A few guidelines to help you price your artwork

17:52 - Why, more often than not, your price has nothing to do with why someone didn’t buy your work

Mentioned in How to Stop Procrastinating and Finally Price Your Artwork

Get your free pricing resources

How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm

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Pricing your artwork can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m breaking down common pricing methods like cost-based and market-based approaches, helping you figure out what works best for you. Whether you’re just starting or more experienced, you’ll walk away with a clearer idea of how to confidently set prices for your work.

This isn't just about the numbers; it's about connecting to the value of your art and feeling good about your decisions. I’ll guide you through overcoming the common doubts and discomfort around pricing, so you can develop a strategy that supports your creative practice.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I explore detailed insights into size-based pricing, market comparisons, and more. I also cover key considerations like gallery markups and international sales, plus offer a free pricing spreadsheet to help you get started. By the end, you'll feel empowered to set prices that truly reflect the value of your work.

02:40  - The most common question I get from artists: How to price your work?

03:25 - Cost-based pricing: A logical but sometimes tricky method

05:25 -  Size-based pricing: A simple, structured approach with a few caveats

06:55 - Market-based pricing: Comparing yourself to other artists in your field

10:00 - Emotional pricing and perceived value: When and how to use it

11:40 - Addition-based pricing for limited edition prints

14:20 - Adjusting pricing for international markets and gallery settings

17:20 - Allowing a gallery or online platform to set the price

21:15 - Next steps to choosing the right pricing method for you right now

24:00 - The best pricing method for artists

Mentioned in How to Confidently Price Your Artwork Without Overwhelm

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If you're an artist who has given up on setting goals for your art practice because they never seem to turn out - this episode is for you!

I know a lot of artists who are resistant to setting goals. I get it. It seems impossible without sacrificing your creative process. 

Setting goals is not just about achieving them, it's about who you become in the process of going after them. 

In this episode, I give you practical tips to help you reach your artistic goals without drowning in overwhelm or stiffling your creative process.

Setting and achieving goals is a skill that can be learned and mastered. Anyone can do it yep, even a super creative, hard to tame artist like you!

When you are ready to level up your painting practice and get weekly mentorship, join us in Growth Studio. You'll be part of a truly amazing group of artists: savvypainter.com/join.

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Let’s talk about color and process with Erin Raedeke. In this episode, Erin shares how she went from using timid neutral colors to canvases filled with bold hues in her sun filled still lifes. Her use of color seems to be a metaphor for her life. Erin is an accomplished painter known for her perceptual and observational work that recreates personal memories from childhood.

Here are a few highlights from our chat:

Personal Stories in Art: Erin's paintings are like pages from her life. She chooses objects from her Gen X childhood to re-examine the moments that impacted her as an adult.

Fear and Fascination with Color: Erin’s relationship with color has evolved over time. Initially intimidated by the complexity of mixing and using bold colors, she now expresses her feelings powerfully with bold color choices.

The Art of Still Lifes:  Erin creates still lifes that do more than just show objects. She uses them to tell deep stories, connecting objects to the narratives within everyday scenes.

Creative Process and Curiosity: Erin's process is driven by curiosity and experimentation. Her approach involves setting up scenes from life and allowing her curiosity about colors and forms to guide the development of each piece. She doesn’t hesitate to completely change the painting if she has a better idea.

Upcoming Solo Show Prep: Erin shares her preparations for an upcoming art show. She plans to use new ideas to explore her inner feelings and the world around her.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in how artists use their life experiences and emotions to create meaningful art. Join us to get inspired by Erin Raedeke's journey and her approach to painting.

Full show notes here

Connect with Erin:

Instagram @erinraedeke

erinraedeke.com

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A lot of artists come to me wanting to know how to paint more.

How to paint better.

They want to be prolific painters.

So in this episode, I walk you through how to become a prolific painter in three, very straightforward steps.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck or not achieving as much as you could, this episode is for you.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of doing things just for the sake of doing them. I like to have a reason and a clear purpose. Of course, I paint because I like to paint but having a clear purpose keeps me centered when things get tough or I don’t “feel like painting.”

I’d rather not leave painting up to my whims. It’s too important to me.

Main Takeaways from this episode:

• The quality of your thoughts directly influences the quality of your paintings; mastering your mental landscape is key to improving your art.

• Being a prolific painter isn't just about quantity; it's about consistently creating meaningful and deliberate artwork.

• Aligning your emotions with your artistic goals enhances creativity and productivity, making the art-making process more fulfilling.

• Relentless Action: Painting success comes from consistent, purposeful action—setting clear goals, choosing desired emotions, and persisting through challenges.

• Developing a strategic approach to your art practice can transform your effectiveness as an artist, leading to more significant personal and professional growth.

When you are ready for more, join Growth Studio, I’ll help you feel confident so you can make, show, and sell your artwork. Visit savvypainter.com/join. But for now, enjoy the episode!

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