Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey

 Feeling overwhelmed by your messy studio? You're not alone. In this episode of Behind the Brush, artist and host Kelly Pelfrey kicks off her "When You Feel Overwhelmed By…" series with a candid look at studio chaos and how five minutes can change everything. From dirty paint water to piles of canvases,    Kelly shares real-life confessions and practical tips for turning clutter into calm. Learn h...

Meet Ohio-based artist and educator Michelle Brenner, who beautifully balances her passion for painting with her longtime teaching career. What began as a 2017 New Year's resolution to paint every day evolved into a thriving art practice, with her work now featured in galleries and private collections—including Meg Young's Nantucket home. Inspired by the calming landscapes of Lake Erie, Michelle s...

Can artists really afford to ignore the power of an email list? In this episode of Behind the Brush , we uncover how building a strong email community can elevate your art career far beyond social media. Learn how to attract genuine subscribers, craft captivating emails, and turn collectors into lifelong supporters. Forget the spammy tactics—this is about authentic connection. We dive into tools l...

Discover how to build a thriving art business and creative community with special guest Kayla Cole-Pacana. From a background in science to becoming a leader in the art world, Kayla shares her journey and passion for collecting original works that tell powerful stories. Together, we explore the upcoming KP Collective 2025 —a digital platform empowering artists to grow their visibility and independe...

What if freeing up your time could make you a better artist? In this episode of Behind the Brush , Kelly Pelfrey shares how learning to delegate transformed both her art and business. From managing the KP Collective and launching new projects to balancing family life, Kelly opens up about knowing when to ask for help. Discover how hiring a virtual assistant streamlined her workflow and reignited h...

Artist Shelby Monteverde opens up about her journey from painting commissioned dog portraits to embracing her authentic artistic voice. With honesty and courage, Shelby shares how pivotal advice from fellow artist Lily Wallace inspired her to pursue personal collections that genuinely resonate with her. Kelly and Shelby discuss the importance of saying no to projects that don't align with her valu...

Commissions are more than custom artwork—they're opportunities to transform memories into lasting treasures.   In this episode of Behind the Brush , professional artist Kelly Pelfrey reveals why commissions make up 95% of her business and how they build deeper connections with clients. She shares a moving story of creating a piece that honors a family's late mother, illustrating how commissioned a...

Artist Shannon Woodford joins Behind the Brush to share her creative journey from a childhood surrounded by art to building a thriving gallery career. She opens up about early experiences in faux painting and murals, the lessons learned from workshops, and how she developed her nature-inspired style using brushes and palette knives.  Shannon also offers candid advice on navigating gallery relation...

What if your art could fund your life and impact your community?  In this episode of Behind the Brush , Kelly Pelfrey shares how art sales have provided both financial stability and the freedom to give back. Learn practical strategies to diversify your income through commissions, small sales, and goal-setting, while embracing consistency as the key to growth.  Kelly opens up about balancing family...

Contemporary artist Kate Schultz joins Kelly Pelfrey on Behind the Brush to share her journey from a creative childhood to a thriving full-time art career. Kate reflects on early influences and how she grew from early struggles to gallery partnerships. She opens up about balancing studio time with admin work, navigating painter's block, and the role of nature in her creative process.  Kate also sh...

What if you could turn your passion for art into a thriving business—even while balancing single motherhood and a full-time job? In this first episode of Behind the Brush , Kelly Pelfrey shares her journey from teaching to becoming a full-time artist. She opens up about the challenges of juggling responsibilities, building confidence, and learning to sell and ship art.  Kelly also breaks down the...

Behind the Brush is a podcast for artists who dream of turning their creativity into a sustainable career. Hosted by artist and art business owner Kelly Pelfrey, each episode dives into the behind-the-scenes of building a thriving art business—offering honest insights, practical tips, and inspiring conversations with artists who've done it. Whether you're juggling painting and parenthood or scalin...