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...

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/ArtMagSub I 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 m...

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”✅ Elimin...

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,...

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...

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 & Modern Life, I reflect on the artist’s most essential ability: the ability to see.🎁 Your FREE Create Art Magazine subscription: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSub Drawing on ideas from Robert Henri and personal experience...

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, doubts, plateaus, perfectionism, and all the messy bits that never make it onto social media. In this video, I talk about: 01:35 How you will struggle 02:31 Why consistency beats talent 03:56 How to survive creative slumps 05:19 Why...

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 felt overwhelmed by perfectionism, stuck in comparison, or paralyzed by the need to “do it all,” this conversation is for you. You’ll learn: Why small, honest efforts beat burnout and over-ambition How to build creative habits t...

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 of meaning, attention instead of depth. But it wasn’t always this way. In this episode, I explore how art once served as a gift to the community, a force that connected and uplifted society. I’ll discuss the decline of artistic valu...

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 them. Whether it’s rushing the process, ignoring color theory, or overworking your painting, these tips will help you avoid frustration and create more confident, impactful art. 🎨 What You'll Learn: How to prepare your canvas and...

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 nature fosters creativity, reduces stress, and improves your landscape painting. Discover why plein-air painting is the ultimate practice for developing the artist’s way of seeing. Eliminate distraction along the way and continue to r...

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 stage - the dread of the blank canvas, the crushing emptiness of lost inspiration. But rather than succumb to artistic apathy, I reveal a simple "unblocking process" that can reignite the creative spark. I use it often. ✅ Free Painti...

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? - Cheap or expensive paints? - What brushes should you use for acrylics and oils? - Why are my colors and highlights not vibrant? And much more! Join the ⁠Artist's Live Channel for monthly tutorials⁠ and support. Don't forget to l...

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 inspiration in a chaotic urban environment, we explore techniques to transform ordinary scenes into compelling compositions. Join me as I demonstrate how to: - Adjust a composition to highlight interesting focal points - Identify...

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 his lifetime. In this episode, we'll explore the life, artistic career, and tragic end of this dedicated painter of subtle French landscapes. We'll trace Sisley's origins, his pivotal role in the Impressionist exhibit...

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 an uncanny ability to mimic the style of the 17th-century master Johannes Vermeer, van Meegeren forged a series of "newly discovered" Vermeer paintings that fooled the art world's top experts. Van Meegeren employed a...

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 Monet's own poignant letters and the lens of historical context, you can discover the stories of his struggles and perseverance amidst financial and personal turmoil. Discover how Monet's formative years were shaped by adversi...

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 creativity, shifting perspectives on time, and overcoming common excuses that hinder artistic pursuits. From reflecting on personal time management to making intentional decisions about what truly matters, we delve into practical strategi...

Welcome to Episode 27 of "How to Loosen Up Your Painting Podcast"! In this episode, we explore the profound impact of engaging in life-affirming activities, with a special focus on the therapeutic and empowering nature of painting. Join host Malcolm Dewey as he delves into the wisdom of Tony Robbins, guiding listeners on a journey of self-discovery and creative expression. Discover why k...

In this episode, we draw upon the poignant tale of a Chinese artist's introspective journey in old age. We explore the transformative power of art to transcend physical limitations and convey timeless truths. Through this parable, discover how artists beyond middle age can embrace their creative journey with renewed purpose, resilience, and a profound sense of fulfillment. This is a message th...

In a world bustling with endless distractions and demands, finding one's true purpose can seem like an elusive quest. But for artists, the journey to discover their creative calling can be a powerful source of purpose in life. In this podcast we'll explore the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, a concept that not only gives people a sense of purpose but also fosters a deep connection with thei...

Whether you are a full time professional or a weekend artist you will benefit by following these three fundamental rules. Being more productive is possible only when your mind, skills and attitude to your life as an artist align in a positive way. In this episode I set out the argument for three fundamental rules that have helped me and will help you too. Watch the podcast episode on https://www.y...

A painting process is a reliable structure that you can fall back on so your painting can progress. Within this process you can experiments, be bold or do whatever you need to grow in your art. The process is powerful, because it gives you a reliable framework with sufficient space to try new things. Find out more about this process and free downloads here .

What is the difference between your artist's voice and your art style? Why is it important to know the distinction? How to build your art career by working on what is really important. I cover these ideas in this episode of the Loosen Up Your Painting Podcast. Find out more and get a free download here:

As artists, we all know the feeling of being stuck in a creative rut.  That feeling of having hit a wall and not knowing how to break through it is known as artist's block. It can be frustrating and demotivating, leaving us with a lack of inspiration and motivation to continue our work. ​ In this episode, you will  learn ways to overcome artist's block  and find inspiration to paint more....