Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

• 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

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  47:52
• Finding Joy and Creative Possibility in Unfinished Work

  Do you often feel guilty or frustrated when you see a piece of unfinished art in your studio? Instead of seeing that as proof of something wrong with you or your art practice, let’s transform your relationship with your works-in-progress and unlock new (and often overlooked) possibilities!In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, learn how unfinished work holds the key to your next creative breakthrough. I explore the various types of incomplete pieces and the emotional baggage attached to them, how to overcome the self-criticism surrounding unfinished work, how to know when it’s time to release your hold on partly-done artwork, as well as advocate for embracing the untapped potential of unfinished art as part of creating a positive practice.1:39 – How I tend to categorize unfinished work5:05 – Internal and external reasons for leaving paintings unfinished6:58 – Common negative thoughts about unfinished work and my philosophy for creating a positive art practice13:05 – How to embrace the idea of letting go of a painting without feeling like a quitter19:42 – Other ways you can utilize unfinished paintings23:58 – How to know when it’s time to let go of a piece of incomplete artwork28:47 – What trusting in your creative process and the potential of unfinished paintings offer youMentioned in Finding Joy and Creative Possibility in Unfinished WorkJoin Growth StudioSupport the show

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  33:44
• The Slow Art Revolution — Because Instant Results Are a Scam

  Art is inherently slow. It demands time, thought, and presence, so embracing that slowness is essential for creating meaningful work and maintaining your artistic well-being. Yet, many artists feel behind in their art journey because they’re not producing fast enough.In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, I’ll challenge the idea that faster is better in the art world. You’ll discover how hustle culture distorts our perception of the artistic process and get a refreshing perspective that’ll help you reclaim the joy and depth of art-making in a fast-paced world.3:57 – The mindset that clashes with the time-sensitive nature of art creation7:51 – How social media puts pressure on artists to create faster10:54 – The drawbacks of chasing quick results with your art14:52 – The perks of embracing a slower approach with your art17:53 – Four quick steps to reclaim time, space, and creative joy in your art practiceMentioned in The Slow Art Revolution — Because Instant Results Are a ScamJoin Growth StudioSupport the show

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  21:53
• How to Make Art When You Don’t Feel Like an Artist

  Does staring at a blank canvas sometimes cause you to question your abilities? Many artists (even those you admire) struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and the current chaotic world only amplifies those feelings. But what if the only thing holding you back is the mere thought that you aren’t an artist?In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, we’ll dismantle the myth of the "real" artist and explore why waiting to embody this ideal is a waste of time. You’ll discover how imposter syndrome can signal that you're in the wrong environment (not the wrong career), how external stress fuels self-doubt, and how to regain control of your thoughts and stop looking for permission to be the artist you truly want to be.3:15 – Challenge your inner critic who thinks you're not a real artist10:33 – Re-define for yourself what it means to be an artist 14:00 – The importance of identifying who you want (and don’t want) to support you 17:54 – The power of choosing to embrace imperfection and uncertainty22:38 – Questions to ask when in self-doubt about your status as an artist Mentioned in How to Make Art When You Don’t Feel Like an ArtistThe Work of Byron KatieJoin Growth StudioSupport the show

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  27:49
• Why Your Art Is Exactly What We Need Right Now

  Why does your art matter when the world feels heavy, uncertain, or even chaotic? If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Who am I to create right now?”—you’re not alone. But that might be the wrong question.In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re talking about what it means to make art during difficult times. If you’re an artist feeling disconnected, stuck, or unsure whether your work even matters right now, this conversation is for you.We’ll look at why creative burnout is so common in overwhelming seasons, how to reconnect with your practice when it feels impossible to show up, and why your art is not just valid but vital. You’ll learn how to calm your nervous system, process tough emotions without pushing them down, and use your studio as a place of resistance, healing, and humanity.Because making art isn’t frivolous, it’s how we stay connected. It’s how we resist isolation. And it’s precisely what the world needs more of.3:31 – The importance of acknowledging your emotions without letting them take over7:14 – The better question to ask, and why now is exactly the right time to make your art15:16 – How to work with your emotions instead of pushing them down19:34 – Why it feels like your art doesn’t matter (and the most powerful way to push back against that)Mentioned in Why Your Art Is Exactly What We Need Right NowThe MarginalianJoin Growth StudioSupport the show

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  24:39

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