Tuesday Art Chat with Kerri

Wildlife artist Kerry Dixon discusses how Instagram can serve as a digital portfolio for artists, emphasizing the importance of sharing artwork for visibility and community building.
www.kerridixonart.com
Points of Interest
Artists often create artwork that remains unseen; Instagram offers an online gallery space.
Instagram as a visual diary to track artistic progress and milestones over the years.
The platform helps connect artists globally and build a supportive community.
How to differentiate inspiration from comparison; learning from others rather than feeling discouraged.
Success stories of artists gaining opportunities like product endorsements through genuine engagement.
Different Instagram features explained: posts, carousels, stories, reels—each with unique purposes.
Advice for beginners: start simple, create an account, upload a few artworks, and focus on sharing authentically.
Encouragement to join or showcase within the Creative Barn community, fostering mutual support.
The ultimate goal is creating and sharing work that reflects your story, not chasing fame.

In this episode, wildlife artist and educator Carrie Dixon dives into the fascinating world of abstract realism—a style that blurs the lines between accuracy and expression. Discover how moving beyond photographs can unleash your artistic voice and evoke emotion in your art.
Main Topics:
What is abstract realism and how does it differ from pure realism and abstraction
The importance of artistic voice and emotional communication in art
How history and movement like impressionism and cubism influence abstract realism
Techniques for integrating abstraction into realistic subjects, especially in pastel
The role of image gathering, inspiration boards, and decision-making in developing a unique style
The idea that mastery in realism enables artists to know what to leave out for more impactful work

SOFT PASTEL WEEK JOIN HERE starts 12th July 2026

Learning to See: Transform Your Artwork by Changing Your Observation Skills
Discover how shifting your perception can dramatically improve your art, regardless of your skill level. In this episode, wildlife artist and art educator Carrie Dixon explores simple yet powerful right brain drawing exercises that help artists see more clearly and create more realistic artwork.
Watch the exercises on Youtube Here

Imagine a world where learning art is as simple as sitting at your kitchen table. Fifty years ago, that would have meant limited access to professional guidance, with trial and error as your only mentor. Today, you can learn from artists worldwide, rewatch tutorials, and join vibrant communities—all from your couch. Kerri explores how technology like AI isn't replacing artists but empowering them to solve practical challenges—like enhancing blurry photos for commissions—freeing up more time for creativity. She shares how artists are using these tools creatively, not as shortcuts but as supports that foster growth and confidence.
Learn more about the Creative Barn Membership

Time Stamps
00:00 - Introduction: Why now is the best time in history to be an artist00:29 - Debunking the myth of the starving artist and redefining success00:56 - Access to education and community today versus in the past01:52 - The importance of online learning and feedback02:25 - How communities help combat artistic isolation03:24 - The impact of modern art materials and tools04:49 - Success isn’t just about money or fame05:33 - Creativity at any age and dispelling opportunity myths06:30 - The explosion of quality art supplies and possibilities07:21 - Success stories and different measures of achievement08:01 - The value of art in a noisy, digital world08:49 - Positive friction: technology’s role in supporting rather than replacing art09:51 - Sharing personal growth and expanded understanding of being an artist10:20 - How AI tools help solve practical problems, not replace artists11:34 - Enhancing reference photos with AI for commissions12:32 - The importance of tools as support, not substitutes for creativity13:26 - Evolution of tools in art and signs industry for creativity and growth14:47 - Lifelong learning and embracing new tools at any age15:14 - The core message: more access, more permission, more opportunity15:44 - Encouragement to enjoy creating regardless of commercial goals

Most artists think genuine creativity means drawing everything freehand— but history tells a different story. Many of the world's greatest masters didn't rely solely on pure skill; they used tools, assistants, and clever transfer methods that were as modern in their time as grids and projectors are today. So why are we still carrying the guilt of "cheating" when using these techniques?

Show Notes
The common misconception that all great artists draw entirely freehand
Historical evidence showing artists' use of assistants, grids, and transfer methods from the Renaissance to modern times
The popular techniques of grid enlarging, pouncing, and optical aids like the camera obscura
How famous artists like Raphael, Titian, Rubens, and even Dürer employed various tools and methods
The evolution of technological aids, including the debate around the camera obscura and digital tools
Why feeling guilty about using tools like line art or transfer methods is unnecessary
The importance of focusing on the message and skill in the art, rather than the process's difficulty
Encouragement to adopt helpful tools without shame for better creativity, efficiency, and enjoyment

Learn more about The Creative Barn Membership Here