#7 Using Collage to Spark New Paintings with Ben Crawford
In this episode of Smerdon Toast, artist Ben Crawford joins us to explore how collage can be used as a powerful tool for creating artwork. From paper cut-outs to digital collaging, we dive into techniques, challenges, and creative possibilities that collage opens up for painters, mixed media artists, and anyone curious about starting their own art journey.What youโll learn in this episode:๐จ Why artists use collage as a starting point for painting๐จ Ben Crawfordโs personal approach to collage in his art๐จ Where did collage begin?๐จ The worst and best advice Ben has received as an artistWhether youโre an emerging artist, a collage enthusiast, or just love hearing how creative people work, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.๐ Subscribe to Smerdon Toast for more conversations with artists: Smerdon Toast Youtube๐จ View Ben Crawfordโs art: www.bencrawford.com๐จ View Anne Smerdonโs art: www.annesmerdon.com๐จ View Seabastion Toastโs art: www.seabastiontoast.com
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1:15:32
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1:15:32
#6 Abstract Painting Meets Realism: How to paint on the edge of both styles
We discuss: ๐จ How can thinking abstractly can transform your painting practice, opening up new creative possibilities even if you usually work in a realistic style. ๐จ What is โrealโ in art? ๐จ And why do we keep circling back to the tug of war between realism and abstraction? To push ourselves, we set a painting challenge: create a work that sits right on the edge of realism and abstraction โ predominantly abstract, but still recognizable. The result? A creative experiment that forced us to blur the line between clarity and imagination. Watch along to see our paintings unfold. Whether youโre an artist, art student, art collector or just curious about how abstraction and realism shape the way we see the world, this conversation is packed with art history insights, painting tips, and creative inspiration. Do you prefer to work abstractly or realistically? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments (or use #smerdontoast when posting to social media) as weโd love to hear your thoughts. ๐ Donโt forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more episodes on painting, art history, and creative challenges. ------------ ๐๏ธ About Smerdon Toast: Smerdon Toast is a YouTube and podcast series created by award-winning Australian painters Anne Smerdon and Seabastion Toast. Each episode, we challenge each other with a different art challenge designed to push our painting skills and stretch our creative muscles. From painting competitions and timed painting sessions to unusual art topics, we invite you to join us for a deep dive into the world of contemporary art-making. ๐ผ๏ธ Shop the artworks from each episode: ๐ www.annesmerdon.com ๐ www.seabastiontoast.com ------------ Key topics from this episode: Abstract painting techniques, Realism in art history, Realism vs abstraction debate, Painting challenges for artists, How to think abstractly as a painter, Finding your balance between realism and abstraction
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#5 Should I go to art school? (PLUS the power of secondary colours)
We discuss:๐จ the pros and cons of going to art school 13:20 ๐จ how to research the right art school for you 27:00 ๐จ alternatives to art school for those that can't afford the cost or time of a degree 32:00 ๐จ why learning the fundamentals of drawing and painting is so important ๐จ what secondary colours are and how we've used them ๐จ the science of colour 7:15 ๐จ where you can find our foundational oil painting courses 46:20 Want to join the challenge? Share your work using #smerdontoast on Instagram, Tiktok or YouTube โ weโd love to see it! ๐ผ๏ธ Shop the artworks from each episode: ๐ www.annesmerdon.com ๐ www.seabastiontoast.com๐ผ๏ธ View our foundation painting courses:๐ Toastโs foundation painting course๐ Smerdonโs oil painting course
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#4 Painting the Backlit Subject
Follow along with the painting process as award-winning Australian artists Anne Smerdon and Seabastion Toast take on the deceptively simple painting challenge of painting something backlit (where the subject is drenched in shadow and the light comes from behind). What sounds easy turns out to be a technical, emotional and philosophical minefield. We discuss: ๐จ value (or tonal) massing and why tone does all the work when colour gets all the glory ๐จ painting techniques and losing contrast to gain atmosphere ๐จ the painting challenge and agony from working on a square canvas ๐จ the birth of abstract art and the realisation that maybe its not the subject but how we see it that matters ๐จ imposter syndrome in artists and the need for external validation ๐จ the joys of leaving things unsaid in your work ๐จ the art collection and art styles of artists Glenn Dean, Jeremy Lipking and Bonnard Want to join the challenge? Share your work using #smerdontoast on Instagram, Tiktok or YouTube โ weโd love to see it! ๐ผ๏ธ Shop the artworks from each episode: ๐ www.annesmerdon.com ๐ www.seabastiontoast.com
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39:37
#3 Painting light
Light is everything. In this episode, we dive deep into how artists see, capture, and harness light in painting. We talk about: โข The struggles of turning solid paint into a visual map of light beams โข Using colored light to create harmony and mood โข How the shadow is essential to see light โข Morandi, art historical glow-ups, and why cats with no hair deserve a place in art history โข Plus, a little beat poetry and philosophical rambling (as usual) Whether you're a painter seeking to elevate your understanding of light, or an art collector curious about what makes a painting glow, this oneโs for you. Subscribe for more deep-dives into painting, colour theory, and the messy beauty of contemporary representational art. Hosted by working artists who actually paint (and talk a lot). Drop a comment about your favourite use of light in artโor your favourite hairless cat. #paintingchallenge #artchallenge #improveyourpaintingskills #artistvlog #paintingstudies #contemporaryart #learnhowtopaint #paintingtechniques #artforcollectors #smerdontoast
Smerdon Toast is a YouTube and podcast series created by award-winning Australian painters Anne Smerdon and Seabastion Toast.
Join us as we go deep into the why, how and "what the?" of being an artist. We give ourselves monthly painting challenges and share what we learn, what we struggled with and what we discovered along the way. We invite you to join our challenges and improve your oil painting skills, artistic knowledge and life advice along with us.
Want to join the challenge? Share your work using #smerdontoast โ weโd love to see it!
๐ผ๏ธ Shop the artworks from each episode:
๐ www.annesmerdon.com
๐ www.seabastiontoast.com
Australia