Episodes
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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 ArtistJoin Growth Studio
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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 QuestionsGamblin 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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Episodes manquant?
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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 ColorsVarnishing 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 ShowGet your Stress Free Art Show Planner
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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 ArtworkGet 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 OverwhelmGet your free pricing resources
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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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Amy Scherer is a contemporary painter who works out of her home studio just outside of Seattle.
In this episode, Amy and I talk about making art even when the people around you don't quite get what it is you do. Ever have any one come into your studio and ask - "Wait, where's the TV?" 🤦♀️ IYKYK, right?
Amy lives in the suburbs and most of the people she's around just don't understand what she does, and that yes, there really is an actual artist living among them!
For Amy, what helps her stay sane is teaching other artists how to paint. She absolutely loves the chance to geek out on art with other artists! It gives her the opportunity to share her ideas on color theory, composition, and all the nuances that make a great painting.
So OF COURSE in our conversation, we geeked out on ALL THE THINGS:
how to arrange subjects in a painting. why seeing the world as an artist matters. tips on how to manage time between making art and daily life. why making mistakes is important for growing as an artist. the challenges of being seen as a real artist when you live in the suburbs. being true to yourself in your art. how being kind and understanding can help people love art even more. how Amy keeps her passion for art alive. how she balances creativity with her other responsibilities.Hope you enjoy this episode! If you do, let me know your biggest takeaway at @savvypainterpodcast
And while you're there, check out Amy's work: @A_Scherer_
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Ever felt like you're in a rut with your work?This week we I share practical strategies for boosting your creativity.
In this episode, you'll learn three ways to make creative thinking part of your everyday practice. It's quick and easy but highly effective.
The more you practice creativity, the more effortlessly it appears in your painting.
We'll talk about how to think about other artists work so that it inspires unique ideas in your own (without copying their ideas). Letting your mind wander - yep DAYDREAMING is your best friend for creating unique ideas and tapping into your authenticity.
Listen to this episode for some straightforward tips on revitalizing your artistic practice in a relaxed and simple way.
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Getting your work out there is scary for a lot of artists. Sometimes it’s because we’re afraid no one will like it, but more often it's because we are so worried about whether or not the paintings will sell.
That creates a ton of pressure.
This episode is for you if you want to show your work but secretly resist taking actions to get it out there.
I give you 3 ideas to make it easier:
Showing your work makes you a better painter: you get to see how people react to your work. Art is communication, part of communication is listening to the response.
Putting your art out there helps you find the people who will truly love and appreciate your unique voice. These are the collectors who will support you as an artist. Help them get to know you.
Sharing your work, even if it’s scary (especially if its scary) boosts your confidence. The more you do it, the easier it gets ( I promise!)
Start small, go slow until you build your confidence. Sales is just one of the byproducts you get when you purposefully practice sharing your work with other humans.
@savvypainterpodcast
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In this special episode of the Savvy Painter podcast, we're celebrating an incredible milestone: 10 years of being part of your art journey! Over the last decade, I've had the joy of connecting with so many amazing artists, sharing stories, struggles, and, most importantly, lessons. So, I thought, what better way to celebrate than to share my top 10 lessons from 10 years of Savvy Painter? These are the gems I've gathered from talking with hundreds of artists and diving deep into the art world. Let's dive in!
What's on Your Canvas Reflects What's in Your Mind: The biggest game-changer for me was realizing how directly our thoughts shape our art. It's all about noticing how your feelings and thoughts come alive on your canvas through your brushstrokes. Be Intentional with Your Work and Time: Having a plan isn't just about avoiding distractions; it's about setting intentions for your art and focusing on them. Even something as simple as a sticky note with your goal can make a huge difference. Your Work Matters: Always remember that your art makes a difference. Even when doubts creep in, know that what you're creating has value, both to you and to the world. Perfection Isn't Good Enough: Chasing perfection can actually hold you back. Connect with people through your art instead of getting caught up in making every detail flawless. Be Selective About Who You Let into Your Studio: Not every voice deserves a say in your creative space. Keep out the negativity and focus on the positive influences that help you grow as an artist. The Four Stages of Your Practice: Embrace the cycle of making art, showing it, selling it, and then resting. Recognizing and honoring each stage is key to a fulfilling art practice. Community Is Key: Never underestimate the power of being part of a community of artists. It's comforting to know you're not alone in your artistic journey. Advocate for Your Work: Believing in your own art is the first step to getting others to believe in it too. Learn to talk about your work with confidence and love. Stay Out of Your Collectors' Wallets: Pricing your art isn't about guessing what others can afford; it's about valuing your work appropriately and letting the buyers decide for themselves. Love the Art and the Artist Who Creates It: This journey is all about love—loving the process, the creation, and, most importantly, yourself as the creator. Your art is a love letter to yourself, so cherish it and the person who brings it to life.Celebrating 10 years with you has been such an honor. Your stories, feedback, and the community we've built together have made Savvy Painter more than just a podcast; it's a shared space of inspiration and growth. Here's to many more years of painting, learning, and growing together.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!
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Let's chat about embracing experimentation, playfulness, and bringing a childlike sense of curiosity into your creative process! In this episode, Antrese Wood shares her experiences and insights on how fear of failure and perfectionism stifles creativity, and offers strategies to overcome these obstacles.
How do we do that? Bring back play and experimentation into your creative process.
Play and experimentation leads to authenticity, growth, and learning. Our fear of failure and perfectionism blocks creativity, so we discuss concrete techniques to recognize and work through these fears. Embracing mistakes and imperfections as part of your process, and maintaining a sense of curiosity and joy, are keys to creating meaningful and emotional art.
Here's what you learn how to do today in this episode:
Embrace experimentation and playfulness in your creative process to unlock authenticity and growth. Recognize when fear of failure or perfectionism is driving your actions and stifling creativity. Name and acknowledge your fears, then paint your way through them by reconnecting with your purpose as an artist. Remind yourself that "perfection is not enough" – technical mastery alone does not create emotional connection. When you make a "mistake," say "how interesting" to shift into a mindset of curiosity and exploration. Check out the teachings of Benjamin Zander (composer/teacher) for inspiration on embracing imperfection and connecting with audiences. Keep your adventurous, childlike spirit alive in your artwork. Create space and habits that allow for joyful, uninhibited creative expression.Show notes and links are here
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Noah Saterstrom and Antrese Wood delve into the intersection of art, space, and personal evolution. Noah shares insights into his art practice, shedding light on how artists navigate their creative process and the challenges they face. Here are some key takeaways:
Exploring New Spaces: We discuss the impact of transitioning to a larger studio space and how it influences artistic practice. Navigating the Art Market: Insights into the challenges of selling art in different economic climates, and the creative strategies artists employ. Creative Process and Evolution: A deep dive into Noah's artistic journey, the evolution of his work, and how social media has transformed the way artists share and sell their art. The Importance of Failure in Art: Noah emphasizes the role of failure in the creative process and how it drives innovation and growth.This episode offers you a unique glimpse into the life of an artist navigating the intersections of creativity, market dynamics, and personal growth.
Full show notes on SavvyPainter.com
Connect with Noah: @NoahSats
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Building unshakeable trust in yourself is a gamechanger and it affects more than just your artwork.
Learn why and how you can start building it today.
Self-trust allows you to take risks, explore, and play in your painting without worrying about seeming scattered. You trust your creativity. With self-trust, you know you can choose one idea without fear of losing others. You feel calm and free while creating. Self-trust helps you feel calm and open when showing your work, talking about it, and discussing pricing. Without self-trust you doubt choices, compare yourself, second-guess, become stagnant, jump between projects, feel caged by past successes. Ways to build self-trust: recognize what you like/dislike, practice keeping tiny promises to yourself, have grace when you make mistakes, turn down the volume on your inner critic. Building self-trust is a practice - your brain has decades of lying to you that you can't be trusted. But you can rebuild trust in yourself. -
In this episode, I answer questions about my evolution and growth over the past couple years. I'm back from a lengthy break with fresh perspectives to share.
A few takeaways from this episode:
I obtained several advanced coaching certifications and feel they complement my artistic side. My vision for the podcast and community is even stronger now. Progress in art and life is not linear. I encourage reframing frustrations as opportunities to grow rather than indications of failure. Find balance across periods of your life, not daily. Different priorities may have more focus (and time) during different seasons of your life. It's supposed to be that way. Time management is a learnable skill. Set boundaries and create small creative spaces amidst obligations. What's next for Savvy Painter? Going forward, I have 10x more conviction in my vision of supporting artists through this podcast and community. I see frustrations in art and life as invitations to grow so that I can make an even bigger impact. I'm more convinced of that than ever. This is just the beginning.
Got questions for the next Q and A episode? Send me a message on Instagram or shoot me an email - I'd love to hear them!
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What's next with Savvy Painter? After a much needed (and longer than expected) break, Savvy Painter is back!
I'm thrilled to reconnect with you and continue the conversation with our artist community. In this episode, I share what I experienced during this pause. I reflect on the importance of mental health and trusting your intuition. I explore self-imposed deadlines and the realization that growth often comes from stepping back rather than pushing through.
I have so much gratitude for the unwavering support of the podcast community. I am continually in awe of the interconnectedness of artists and the power of collective encouragement.
Moving forward, the podcast will return to a weekly schedule, with upcoming episodes featuring Q&A sessions, discussions on creative thinking, and occasional interviews. To submit questions for the Q&A episodes, email me at [email protected]
Thank you for being a part of the Savvy Painter community—I'm excited for this next chapter together!
Talk soon!
~Antrese
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Goal setting is an important part of any artistic journey. However, we often think goals are about achieving the thing and getting to the end rather than treasuring the gold that can be found along the way. On this episode, I want to share how setting goals is the way to mastery and how missed goals can be the path to creating the art practice of your dreams.
Outline of This Episode [0:01] The real power of goals [4:48] Unpacking the gift of resistance [14:10] Exercising the skill of overcoming doubt [28:43] Lessons learned from goal setting Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community The War of Art (Book) Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter -
Humans are pretty generous when it comes to loving other artists. It’s loving ourselves as artists with the same intensity that often needs some work. On this episode, I’m sharing insights from my recent and wonderfully unexpected time off around expectations, identifying when and why previously successful thought processes are no longer working, and leaning into appreciation to find and strengthen your inner voice.
Outline of This Episode [3:15] When helpful thoughts no longer serve you [7:56] Identifying unhealthy expectations [15:36] Leaning into appreciation Resources Mentioned on this episode The Savvy Painter Growth Studio The Savvy Painter Community Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter - Montre plus
