Loosen Up Your Painting Podcast

Why Persistence Matters More Than Talent 09.06.2026 32m

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 Colors for Toning Your Canvas? 28.05.2026 10m

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

5 Reasons to Tone Your Canvas Before Painting 18.05.2026 8m

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

Paint Looser Without Wasting Oil Paint 30.04.2026 12m

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.Get your magazine subscription here: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSub

Keep the Creative Fire Going in March 16.03.2026 9m

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

Seeing Clearly in the Age of Distraction | Art & Modern Life 02.02.2026 12m

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/ArtMagSubDrawing on ideas from Robert Henri and personal experience, this video explores how observation, focus, and intentional creativity help artists stay grounded and clear in a world designed to fragment attention.In this video, we talk about:Why seeing is the artist’s first and most important skillHow distraction and fear-based media affect creativityThe difference between looking and truly observingWhy analogue creative time matters more than everHow art helps us reclaim focus without fighting technologyThis is an invitation to slow down, see more clearly, and begin the year with intention.🎨📕Books by Malcolm:52 Weeks of Creative Living: https://amzn.to/3WvQV5w52 Weeks of Creative Mastery: https://amzn.to/3YdXCdUThe Creative Awakening: https://amzn.to/3zRjuBxSell Your Art of Not?: https://amzn.to/3zM6TzsHow to Loosen Up Your Painting: https://amzn.to/4f5Rx9nAn Artist's Survival Guide: https://amzn.to/4d7Aq58An Artist's Guide to Plein Air Painting: https://amzn.to/3Wg5qZO

The Real Secret to Improving Your Art 15.12.2025 12m

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 struggle02:31 Why consistency beats talent03:56 How to survive creative slumps05:19 Why studies are your friends06:51 The trap of perfectionism08:57 Why slow growth is the normal path for every artist10:28 And why showing up is half the battle11:16 Create Art Magazine Your FREE magazine: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSubIf you’re a painter who sometimes struggles with motivation or feels like you’re not improving fast enough, I hope this helps you breathe a little easier.

Stop Trying So Hard: The Power of Gentle Momentum 03.06.2025 11m

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-ambitionHow to build creative habits that feel good (and actually stick)Why letting go of perfection unlocks flow and joyHow consistency works with—not against—your natural rhythmWhether you're a painter, writer, or maker of any kind, this episode offers real-world encouragement to help you show up with ease, not pressure. Start where you are. Create a little. Let it grow.🎨 Gentle consistency is not weakness—it’s quiet creative power.

Beyond Clicks and Trends: The Artist’s Role in Society 01.04.2025 22m

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 values, the impact of social media, and how we can quietly reject distractions to reclaim art’s deeper purpose.This isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about action. A return to intention, craft, and authenticity. Whether you're an artist or someone who values creativity, this is a conversation we need to have.Let’s start the quiet revolution.

5 Common Painting Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them) 15.01.2025 14m

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 materials the right way. Essential color theory tips to simplify your palette. Proper brush handling and maintenance for better results. Why patience is key—and how to know when to stop painting. As a bonus, I’ve included this FREE PDF download with more video resources to help you improve your painting today. No sign-up required—just click and download! Start your year off right and take your painting to the next level. Watch now and let’s paint with confidence!"

The Year of Seeing: Transforming Life and Art 02.01.2025 15m

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 realise your true creative potential. More at: https://www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com/painting-secrets.html

Painting Through the Struggle: An Artist's Guide to Creative Renewa 20.11.2024 21m

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 Painting Courses: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/5Courses Through a series of quick painting studies, you will experience the gradual loosening of mental cobwebs and the rekindling of that elusive inspiration. Then, visit my studio and watch the second study from start to finish. I will also discuss the deeper meaning of the artistic life. Filled with inspiration on the artist's purpose, the challenges of creativity in a difficult world, and the immense satisfaction of pushing past creative blocks, this video intends to help any painter, illustrator, or creative soul struggling to find their way. Rediscover your passion and start producing your best work yet. 📕Books by Malcolm: 52 Weeks of Creative Living: https://amzn.to/3WvQV5w 52 Weeks of Creative Mastery: https://amzn.to/3YdXCdU The Creative Awakening: https://amzn.to/3zRjuBx Sell Your Art of Not?: https://amzn.to/3zM6Tzs How to Loosen Up Your Painting: https://amzn.to/4f5Rx9n An Artist's Survival Guide: https://amzn.to/4d7Aq58 An Artist's Guide to Plein Air Painting: https://amzn.to/3Wg5qZO 🎨Art Materials: - Jackson's Pastels: https://tidd.ly/4gamuJW - Arches Oil painting paper: https://amzn.to/3YCLW0Y - Michael Harding Paints: https://swiy.co/MichaelHarding - Gouache Paint: https://amzn.to/3tK9V4K - Acrylic Paints: https://amzn.to/4bMXZiE - Brush Cleaner: https://amzn.to/462ETmx - Palette Paper: https://amzn.to/3PvBG9o - Color Wheel: https://amzn.to/3HPYnzP - Maimer Paints: https://amzn.to/3DZgFh1 - Rembrandt Oils: https://amzn.to/3IhJA2m - Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Introductory Set: https://amzn.to/2sLyeQh - Artists' Grade Gamsol Oil Color Size: 1 Liter: https://amzn.to/2tsbQve - Oil & Acrylic Paint Brushes Set. 100% Natural Chungking: https://amzn.to/2QJPs8F - Palette Knife Painting Set: https://amzn.to/39Isac6 - Artist Paint Brushes - Top Quality Red Sable : https://amzn.to/2rU0oYQ - Brush Cleaner: https://amzn.to/2QoLN0R - H-Frame Artist's Easel: https://amzn.to/2Fn2UtK - Canvas panels for practice: https://amzn.to/2Fmuuax

5 Painting Tips I Wish I Knew When Starting Out 23.10.2024 35m

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 like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more art tutorials and inspiration!

Unlocking the Artist's Eye: Finding Beauty in the Mundane 03.07.2024 16m

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 and enhance strong value structures - Look beyond superficial flaws to find artistic potential - Utilize color and light to bring energy to your artwork Whether you're working from photographs or painting en plein air, these tips will help you see your surroundings with fresh eyes and unlock your artistic potential. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more art tutorials and inspiration! #ArtTutorial #SeeLikeAnArtist #CompositionTips #FindingBeauty #ArtInspiration #PaintingTechniques

The Forgotten Impressionist: Alfred Sisley's Life, Art and Lessons 29.05.2024 24m

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 exhibitions of the 1870s-80s, and his perpetual struggles to sell his naturalistic depictions of the provinces despite support from dealer Paul Durand-Ruel. Personal tragedies like his father's death and cancer diagnosis added to Sisley's melancholy in later years. A detailed 1897 retrospective exhibition failed to gain traction, leaving Sisley deeply disheartened before he died in 1899 at age 59. We'll examine how Sisley's modest, poetic vision and quiet dedication to capturing nature's fleeting beauty ultimately couldn't overcome the public's resistance to Impressionism. As we contrast Sisley's resigned approach with Claude Monet's fierce self-promotion, opportunism, and cultivation of patronage, a stark difference emerges. Sisley's modest, poetic vision and quiet dedication to capturing nature's fleeting beauty couldn't overcome the public's resistance to Impressionism. In contrast, Monet's strategic moves helped establish Impressionism. What lessons can today's artists take from these divergent paths? Join us for an insightful look at this 'forgotten Impressionist' and the qualities that allowed Monet's light to shine brighter. For more, visit www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com

The Master Forger: How a Dutch Artist Fooled the Art World 08.05.2024 34m

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 wide range of deceptive methods to create forgeries so convincing that they commanded record-breaking prices from prestigious museums and collectors, including the notorious Nazi leader Hermann Göring. In this episode, discover story of van Meegeren's forged Vermeers, exploring the meticulous methods he used to craft his deceptions, the psychological allure that made experts so susceptible to his cons, and the ironic twist that saw him touted as a patriot for duping the Nazis out of millions. We'll also examine the lasting impact of van Meegeren's forgeries on the art world, exposing vulnerabilities in authentication processes and raising profound questions about the nature of artistic genius, deception, and the enduring power of a masterful forgery.

Claude Monet's Early Trials and Triumphs: A Story of Resiliance 03.04.2024 26m

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 adversity, from his humble beginnings in Le Havre to his struggles as a young artist in Paris. Learn about the profound influence of English artists during his transformative years in London, where he honed his craft amidst a backdrop of industrial revolution. Uncover the pivotal role played by patrons like Paul Durand-Ruel, whose unwavering belief in the Impressionist movement provided crucial support during Monet's darkest hours. Through Monet's own words and we witness the spirit of an artist who refused to succumb to despair, finding inspiration in the beauty of the natural world and the bonds of friendship. Explore more about the Impressionist movement on my YouTube channel where I have many videos on their techniques.

How to Carve Out Creative Time Once and For All 20.03.2024 12m

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 strategies for carving out dedicated creative time in our busy lives. Tune in and discover how to make painting a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Find more at www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com

Paint Your Path to Fulfillment: The Power of Creativity and Self-Expression 06.03.2024 11m

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 keeping your hands and right brain busy is a form of self-actualization, and how painting serves as both a meditation and a catalyst for positive momentum in our lives. From breaking away from digital addiction to overcoming self-doubt and apathy, this episode offers actionable insights for individuals of all ages seeking fulfillment and joy through the art of painting. Tune in as we unveil the transformative potential of embracing creativity and self-expression, and learn how to paint your path to fulfillment. Find out more about the Artist's Live Channel: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/Live

Brushstrokes of Resilience: Finding Meaning and Purpose in Creativity Beyond Middle Age 21.02.2024 13m

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 that we can lose in the noise of modern living. This makes it more important than ever to make the leap into a creative life. Find more on my YouTube channel or on my website www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com