Loosen Up Your Painting Podcast

Mad Enchantment: What Claude Monet Can Teach Us About Making Art in Difficult Times

In this episode, I review Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies by Ross King—a moving account of Monet’s final years, his enormous Water Lili

You Are Only King for a Day: Make Time Count Now

There comes a time in middle age when we may find ourselves looking backward with nostalgia and forward with worry. But while we are doing that, the present moment — the

Why Persistence Matters More Than Talent

How do artists improve, grow, and eventually succeed?Not through talent alone, and certainly not through inspiration every day. More often, the difference is persistence.

What Colors for Toning Your Canvas?

What color should you tone your canvas with? In this video I look at the best toning colors for different painting subjects including landscapes, seascapes, and portraits

5 Reasons to Tone Your Canvas Before Painting

An artist recently asked me: “Why bother toning your canvas if you’re going to cover it with opaque paint anyway?” It’s a great question — and there are five solid reason

Paint Looser Without Wasting Oil Paint

Are you afraid of wasting expensive oil paint? That fear may be one of the biggest reasons your paintings look tight, thin, or overworked. In this episode, Malcolm Dewey

Keep the Creative Fire Going in March

It’s March.The excitement of the New Year has faded. Some goals are working… some are wobbling… and some quietly disappeared.That’s normal.In this podcast, I talk honestl

Seeing Clearly in the Age of Distraction | Art & Modern Life

As we begin a new year, many artists feel pulled in too many directions — by screens, noise, fear-driven media, and constant distraction. In this first episode of Art & M

The Real Secret to Improving Your Art

Feeling stuck in your painting journey? You’re not alone.Today’s Artist's Chat is an honest conversation about how to stay in the game as an artist — through slumps, doub

Stop Trying So Hard: The Power of Gentle Momentum

In this episode, we explore the surprisingly powerful concept of gentle consistency—a kinder, more sustainable approach to building your creative practice. If you’ve ever

Beyond Clicks and Trends: The Artist’s Role in Society

Have we lost the true purpose of art? In a world of endless distractions, fast content, and fleeting trends, art has been reduced to a commodity—chasing clicks instead o

5 Common Painting Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them)

Are beginner painting mistakes holding you back? In this video, I break down the top 5 common painting mistakes that every artist struggles with and show you how to fix t

The Year of Seeing: Transforming Life and Art

The difference between looking and seeing is profound—and it’s a skill every artist must master. Join me as we discuss how slowing down to notice fleeting details in natu

Painting Through the Struggle: An Artist's Guide to Creative Renewa

Feeling stuck in a creative rut? Discover is a powerful technique for overcoming artistic blocks and reconnecting with your painterly passion. The monologue sets the sta

5 Painting Tips I Wish I Knew When Starting Out

In this episode, I will answer important questions beginners want to know about painting in a loose style. Join me as I discuss: - Oils or acrylics? What medium is best

Unlocking the Artist's Eye: Finding Beauty in the Mundane

In this episode, we delve into the art of seeing like an artist and discovering beauty in even the most mundane surroundings. Inspired by a student's struggle to find ins

The Forgotten Impressionist: Alfred Sisley's Life, Art and Lessons

Though operating in the same avant-garde circle as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and others, Alfred Sisley never achieved their level of fame and financial success during

The Master Forger: How a Dutch Artist Fooled the Art World

In the 1930s and 1940s, a Dutch painter named Han van Meegeren pulled off one of the most audacious art frauds in history. With a combination of ingenious techniques and

Claude Monet's Early Trials and Triumphs: A Story of Resiliance

Claude Monet, the iconic Impressionist painter, did not have an easy life. We look into the period from his birth until 1880, a pivotal moment in his career. Through Mone

How to Carve Out Creative Time Once and For All

In this episode of the podcast, we tackle the number one challenge faced by artists: finding time to create. Join us as we explore the importance of prioritizing creativi