Exploration feels like chaos. And that’s the point.
Ever get to that point in a painting where nothing’s working the way you thought it would? Where the idea is still in there somewhere, but the canvas isn’t cooperating?That’s not a mistake. That’s the part where things get real.In this episode of the Savvy Painter podcast, we’re talking about the Exploration phase of the Creative Spiral. The phase most artists dread, not because they’re doing it wrong, but because it asks them to stay with what’s actually happening in the painting. Not the plan. Not the ideal image in their head. Just… this. Right here.It’s uncomfortable, often messy, and full of not-knowing. But it’s also where your voice starts to take shape, not as an idea, but in the act of making.🎧 Episode Map[2:55] Why your painting doesn’t match the idea in your head (and why that’s normal)[5:45] What “not knowing” really means, and why your brain fights it[9:50] Intuitive painting isn’t winging it. There is a plan. It just looks different.[12:40] The experimenter’s crisis: this isn’t what I thought it would look like[15:10] The two thoughts that tend to paralyze painters in this phase[17:30] Why looking bad might be a good sign[20:00] This is where your voice starts to show up—in motion, not in theory[23:45] What to do when you have no idea what to do next[26:00] Try this instead: make it truer, not prettier[28:30] Exploration isn’t aimless. It’s a choice to stay with what’s here, even if it’s unclear🎨 For Your Studio WallSome reminders worth keeping close:“Messy isn’t the opposite of skill. It’s how skill gets built.”“The painting gets honest when you do.”“You’re not supposed to know before you do the thing.”“It’s not a straight line, and it’s not supposed to be.”What to Bring Into the Studio With YouBecause just listening isn’t the pointA willingness to get lost, on purposePermission to make 20 versions no one ever seesCuriosity over controlThe guts to keep going when things look weird (because they will)💬 Talk to MeWhat’s your relationship with the messy middle?Leave a comment on Instagram (@savvypainterpodcast) or DM me and tell me how you know you’re in the exploration phase.You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out in isolation. This is what we practice inside Growth Studio, week after week.Support the showAnd hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcastI’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️
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27:25
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27:25
The Voice That Says You’re Not Ready? Fire It.
Resistance isn’t laziness—it’s fear wearing a disguise. Let's break down the REAL reason resistance shows up right after creative excitement kicks in—and how to move forward without force. If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding the studio for no “good” reason, this one’s for you. We're going to talk about why resistance is actually a turning point in your creative spiral, not a sign to stop. Plus, hear how one artist in Growth Studio used this awareness to navigate a wave of unexpected yeses.Your Episode Map:[00:01] The real reason resistance shows up—and why it means you’re growing, not failing.[04:45] The “I AM” trap: how we confuse resistance with identity.[11:30] What your brain fears MORE than failure.[13:00] Growth Studio story: When you get what you asked for[20:00] Why your brain thinks change is dangerous—[25:00] The smallest moves to shift resistance and restore your momentum.Support the showAnd hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcastI’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️
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25:05
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25:05
You’re Not Lost—You’re in the Curiosity Phase
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 showAnd hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcastI’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️
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17:30
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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 showAnd hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcastI’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️
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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 showAnd hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcastI’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️
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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