Loosen Up Your Painting Podcast

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.(🎁Get your free magazine here)
In this episode, I explore why persistence is the true secret sauce behind artistic growth and creative success. Now that we have reached the middle of the year, June is the perfect time to pause, reflect on what has been working, and recommit to the habits that can carry your art forward for the rest of the year.00:00 I discuss 10 key ideas about persistence, including:03:58 What persistence looks like05:01 More important than motivation08:28 why finishing matters more than starting11:12 how to survive the ugly stage of a painting13:11 Building skill through repetition16:02 A Clear creative direction17:59 Learning from failures19:50 how community helps artists keep going22: Returning after a long break24:45 Protect your creative energy27:00 why persistence shapes artistic identityI also share examples from artists and creatives such as Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Degas, Georgia O’Keeffe, Matisse, Turner, and David Hockney to show that persistence is often what separates those who grow from those who give up too soon.If you are feeling discouraged, stuck, or uncertain about your progress this year, this episode is for you.In this video:A practical mid-year reset for artists10 lessons on persistenceExamples from famous artistsA challenge for the next six monthsIf you enjoy this episode, let me know in the comments:What is one creative habit you will persist with for the rest of this year?#paintingpodcast #artistmindset #persistence #creativity #landscapepainting #impressionistpainting #malcolmdewey #createartmagazine

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.✅ Your free magazine: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSubI explain why I often prefer cool red or burnt sienna, especially for landscapes with lots of greens, and why I usually avoid yellow ochre or yellow grounds that can make blues turn into dull green passages.In this video:00:00 Introduction00:34 Landscapes, seascapes and portraits01:03 Cool Red - Best for landscapes02:07 Burnt Sienna02:42 Burnt Umber03:23 Raw Umber03:50 Neutral Grays05:26 Transparent Oxide Red06:03 Colors to Avoid06:58 Experiment!09:09 Free magazine subscription#oilpainting #landscapepainting #portraitpainting #underpainting #arttutorial #paintingtips #burntsienna #impressionism

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 reasons (plus a bonus tip) every landscape painter should know.In this video I cover:✅ Why a white canvas works against you✅ How toning helps you judge values accurately✅ Using under-tones for color harmony and “under-glow”✅ Eliminating distracting white specks✅ How a toned canvas inspires bolder painting🎁 BONUS: The wipe-out method for composing your scene in monochromeWhether you paint in oils, acrylics, or gouache, toning your canvas is one of the simplest habits that will instantly improve your paintings.⏱ CHAPTERS00:00 The Question Every Artist Asks00:30 Reason 1: Beat the Blank Canvas01:15 Reason 2: Judge Values Properly02:08 Reason 3: Color Harmony & Under-Glow03:52 Reason 4: No More White Speckles04:45 Reason 5: Momentum & Inspiration03:00 Bonus: The Wipe-Out Technique🎨 MORE FROM ME👉Free Magazine Subscription — https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSub👉 Free course: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/FreeCourse

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 explains how to practice bold, loose brushwork without using excessive amounts of paint. The solution is simple: paint big on a small surface. You’ll learn why small studies, such as 6x9-inch panels or even gessoed 10x10 cm cards, are ideal for developing confidence. Malcolm also shares practical exercises, such as using a larger brush, limiting your brushstrokes, setting a 20-minute timer, and loading the brush properly, so your paintings look rich and expressive rather than timid. Plus, face the truth that If you want to loosen up your painting style, stop painting from fear, and build confidence with oils, this episode is for you.
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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 honestly about what happens after the January enthusiasm wears off — and how artists can adjust, refocus, and keep moving forward without guilt or burnout.We’ll look at:00:00 Why motivation fades (especially for painters)03:24 How to use micro goals to rebuild momentum04:35 No Guilt: Practical ways to stay accountable04:53 Ask three Questions06:00 Maturing as an Artist07:21 How to Reset for SuccessIf your painting goals have stalled, this video will help you reset intelligently and keep the creative fire going — one brushstroke at a time.🎁 Your FREE Magazine: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSub➕🎁 Your FREE Loose Painting Guide: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/LoosenUp