That “lost” feeling? It’s not a problem. It’s the process.Today kicks off a special series I’ve been quietly building behind the scenes for a while now.It’s called the CREATE Spiral, and it’s a new framework I’ve developed to help artists understand why we get stuck and how to move forward—gently, without shame, and without needing to have it all figured out.In this first episode, we’re talking about the very first phase of the spiral: Curiosity.If you’ve been in a fog, wondering why nothing’s exciting you in the studio anymore…If you’ve felt disconnected from your work, unsure what you want to paint next…If you’ve caught yourself saying, “Is this all there is?”—this episode is for you.You’ll learn why this phase is not a detour—it’s a necessary (and powerful) part of your creative growth. And I’ll show you how to move through it in a way that invites clarity, energy, and momentum back into your practice.Your Episode MapMajor moments, minute by minute.[0:00–3:00] – Growth isn’t linear—meet the Create Spiral[4:00–6:00] – Fear and uncertainty aren’t problems—they’re part of the path[7:00–8:00] – Curiosity is your most underrated studio tool[9:20–12:00] – That “blah” feeling? It’s a clue, not a dead end[12:00–14:00] – You can’t rush clarity—give curiosity room to grow[15:00–16:30] – Follow the tiniest spark—even if it makes no sense (yet)📌 For Your Studio WallThe words worth pinning up next to your easel.“Clarity is a result of giving curiosity space and time to breathe.”“Trying to rush curiosity is like yanking a seed out of the soil because you don’t think it’s blooming fast enough.”“You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start exactly where you are.” What to Bring Into the Studio With YouBecause listening is just the beginning.If you're in that murky place where everything feels kind of blah, you’re not broken. You’re just in the curiosity phase—and that’s a vital part of your growth as an artist.Try this:Open a journal or sketchbook and finish the sentence:👉 “I'm really curious about…”Let that be your starting point.Not what will sell. Not what looks impressive. Just what feels quietly alive for you right now.Let it be messy. Let it be uncertain.Let it be enough.And if this episode hit home, come say hi on Instagram:@savvypainterpodcastI’d love to hear what your curiosity is whispering to you.Support the show
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17:30
John David Wissler - Looking Up
JD Wissler 1963-2025This is a re-broadcast of an episode from August 2015.JD was an incredible painter and a beautiful soul.Go outside. Look up. Be in awe of what you see. ❤️Support the show
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1:15:12
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1:15:12
A Quiet Practice To Build Unshakable Confidence
You ever look at another artist and think, “Ugh—I wish I had their confidence”?That thing they just seem to have—like it came standard and yours got left out?Yeah. Let’s talk about that.This week’s episode breaks down the myth that confidence is something you’re either born with or not. I’ll show you how confidence works more like painting—something you build, refine, and grow with each stroke (even the messy ones).Whether you’re struggling to price your work, share it online, or just get yourself back into the studio, this is for you.Because here’s the truth: You don’t need confidence to start.You need to start to build confidence.Your Episode Map00:38 – Confidence ≠ personality trait. It’s a practice.01:30 – Two types of confidence: Experience vs. Self-confidence04:24 – Why waiting for confidence keeps you stuck09:39 – That time I gave a talk at Disney… and panicked13:09 – Borrowing confidence from what you do know14:44 – The truth behind people who “just seem confident”17:10 – Why the tiniest baby steps matter20:00 – Megan’s workshop nerves—and why they’re totally normal22:31 – You grow into the person who can handle it24:28 – Your creative fingerprint and trusting your own rhythm25:00 – The only wrong move? No move.📌 For Your Studio WallWords worth pinning next to your easel.“Confidence is not who you are—it’s what you practice.”“Self-confidence is the trust that I can figure this out, even if I don’t have all the answers yet.”“Every time you share, you’re reinforcing your creative fingerprint.”Thoughts to Bring Into the Studio With YouBecause listening is just the beginning.If confidence feels out of reach right now, remember this: every time you show up—paint a stroke, post your work, have the awkward conversation—you are practicing confidence.Try this: pick one small thing that’s been making you hesitate. Then do it before you feel ready.I'd love to see what you do with this episode! DM me on Instagram (or tag me) and tell me what you’re trying this week.@savvypainterpodcastSupport the show
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25:26
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25:26
Why Rejection Hurts—and What to Do With It
Today, we’re talking about something that every artist encounters—but few talk about openly: rejection.Whether it’s a juried show, a gallery application, or simply putting your work on social media, the fear of hearing “no” often holds artists back in big ways. But here’s the truth: rejection isn’t the problem. It’s the meaning we attach to it that creates so much pain and paralysis.Antrese breaks down:Why rejection feels so intense—and why that’s totally normalThe science behind the physical response to rejection (it’s not all in your head)How your brain turns a simple “no” into a worst-case-scenario spiralReal stories from Growth Studio artists navigating fear, discomfort, and unexpected winsWhat it means to build rejection resilience—and how to do itYou’ll also hear about a two-month Rejection Challenge happening inside Growth Studio, and why some artists are already discovering that the “no’s” they feared are turning into surprising “yeses.”If rejection has ever stopped you from taking action, this episode is for you.Links and Resources:Learn more about Growth StudioConnect with Antrese: @savvypainterpodcastLike what you hear?Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more artists find this show. And if you know someone who needs to hear this, send it their way.Support the show
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23:54
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23:54
In the Zone: Artists Talk Flow State (and Losing Track of Time)
Have you ever been so immersed in your painting that you completely lost track of time? That magical moment where everything clicks, the inner critic goes quiet, and it feels like the brush is moving on its own? That’s what we’re diving into today—flow state.But here’s the twist: is flow always a good thing? Or can it actually hold you back from experimenting and growing as an artist?In this episode, I’m bringing you inside Growth Studio for a real, unfiltered conversation with artists who are wrestling with those exact questions. You’ll hear how each of us defines and experiences flow, the unexpected ways it shows up (or doesn’t), and why your version of it might look completely different from anyone else's.Whether you’ve had that dreamy, meditative painting session or you’re wondering why it feels so elusive, this conversation will make you think differently about what flow actually is—and how it might be the key to unlocking your most authentic work.In This Episode:What flow state actually feels like—and why it’s different for everyoneThe surprising relationship between flow and experimentationHow presence and letting go of self-judgment are key to deep creative focusThe role of technical skill in entering (and sustaining) a flow stateWhy some artists lose track of time, and others feel like they “wake up” to a finished paintingHow being seen by others can either block or boost your creative rhythmAnd why finding flow might just be a form of falling in love—with your art and with yourselfBig Takeaways:Flow isn’t a formula—it’s deeply individual and may even shift over time.Being fully present is what unlocks your most powerful creative moments.Community matters—having other artists to talk with, compare notes, and challenge your thinking expands what’s possible.And maybe most importantly: flow feels like love—something you never want to end.If this episode speaks to you, imagine having these kinds of conversations all the time. That’s exactly what we do inside Growth Studio. If you’re looking for a supportive, inspiring artist community that challenges you and cheers you on—come join us.Support the show
Savvy Painter, hosted by Antrese Wood, offers a treasure trove of insights artists can't afford to miss. Visit https://savvypainter.com Antrese's teachings focus on nurturing a creative mindset and prioritizing mastery over perfection, making it a must-listen resource for artists worldwide.Whether you're an emerging artist looking to hone your skills or an established pro seeking fresh perspectives, the show offers practical advice and inspirationBut the real magic happens when you apply Antrese's teachings in your own studio. Her guidance can help you unlock new levels of creativity and growth in your art. If you're serious about elevating your skills and mindset, join Growth Studio—a unique opportunity to work directly with Antrese and join an amazing community of like minded artists.
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