Loosen Up Your Painting Podcast

Malcolm Dewey
  • 3.7 (3)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED BI-MONTHLY

Join visual artist Malcolm Dewey with tips and advice on how to improve your painting, art practice and grow your inspiration for creativity. For beginners to advanced you will learn new ways to grow your painting fun and enjoyment. Find out more at www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com

  1. 30 APR

    Paint Looser Without Wasting Oil Paint

    Are you afraid of wasting expensive oil paint? That fear may be one of the biggest reasons your paintings look tight, thin, or overworked. In this episode, Malcolm Dewey explains how to practice bold, loose brushwork without using excessive amounts of paint. The solution is simple: paint big on a small surface. You’ll learn why small studies, such as 6x9-inch panels or even gessoed 10x10 cm cards, are ideal for developing confidence. Malcolm also shares practical exercises, such as using a larger brush, limiting your brushstrokes, setting a 20-minute timer, and loading the brush properly, so your paintings look rich and expressive rather than timid. Plus, face the truth that If you want to loosen up your painting style, stop painting from fear, and build confidence with oils, this episode is for you. Get your magazine subscription here: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSub

    13 min

  2. 16 MAR

    Keep the Creative Fire Going in March

    It’s March.The excitement of the New Year has faded. Some goals are working… some are wobbling… and some quietly disappeared.That’s normal.In this podcast, I talk honestly about what happens after the January enthusiasm wears off — and how artists can adjust, refocus, and keep moving forward without guilt or burnout.We’ll look at:00:00 Why motivation fades (especially for painters)03:24 How to use micro goals to rebuild momentum04:35 No Guilt: Practical ways to stay accountable04:53 Ask three Questions06:00 Maturing as an Artist07:21 How to Reset for SuccessIf your painting goals have stalled, this video will help you reset intelligently and keep the creative fire going — one brushstroke at a time.🎁 Your FREE Magazine: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSub➕🎁 Your FREE Loose Painting Guide: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/LoosenUp

    10 min

  3. 2 FEB

    Seeing Clearly in the Age of Distraction | Art & Modern Life

    As we begin a new year, many artists feel pulled in too many directions — by screens, noise, fear-driven media, and constant distraction. In this first episode of Art & Modern Life, I reflect on the artist’s most essential ability: the ability to see.🎁 Your FREE Create Art Magazine subscription: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSubDrawing on ideas from Robert Henri and personal experience, this video explores how observation, focus, and intentional creativity help artists stay grounded and clear in a world designed to fragment attention.In this video, we talk about:Why seeing is the artist’s first and most important skillHow distraction and fear-based media affect creativityThe difference between looking and truly observingWhy analogue creative time matters more than everHow art helps us reclaim focus without fighting technologyThis is an invitation to slow down, see more clearly, and begin the year with intention.🎨📕Books by Malcolm:52 Weeks of Creative Living: https://amzn.to/3WvQV5w52 Weeks of Creative Mastery: https://amzn.to/3YdXCdUThe Creative Awakening: https://amzn.to/3zRjuBxSell Your Art of Not?: https://amzn.to/3zM6TzsHow to Loosen Up Your Painting: https://amzn.to/4f5Rx9nAn Artist's Survival Guide: https://amzn.to/4d7Aq58An Artist's Guide to Plein Air Painting: https://amzn.to/3Wg5qZO

    13 min

  4. 15/12/2025

    The Real Secret to Improving Your Art

    Feeling stuck in your painting journey? You’re not alone.Today’s Artist's Chat is an honest conversation about how to stay in the game as an artist — through slumps, doubts, plateaus, perfectionism, and all the messy bits that never make it onto social media.In this video, I talk about:01:35 How you will struggle02:31 Why consistency beats talent03:56 How to survive creative slumps05:19 Why studies are your friends06:51 The trap of perfectionism08:57 Why slow growth is the normal path for every artist10:28 And why showing up is half the battle11:16 Create Art Magazine Your FREE magazine: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSubIf you’re a painter who sometimes struggles with motivation or feels like you’re not improving fast enough, I hope this helps you breathe a little easier.

    12 min

  5. 03/06/2025

    Stop Trying So Hard: The Power of Gentle Momentum

    In this episode, we explore the surprisingly powerful concept of gentle consistency—a kinder, more sustainable approach to building your creative practice. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by perfectionism, stuck in comparison, or paralyzed by the need to “do it all,” this conversation is for you. You’ll learn: Why small, honest efforts beat burnout and over-ambition How to build creative habits that feel good (and actually stick) Why letting go of perfection unlocks flow and joy How consistency works with—not against—your natural rhythm Whether you're a painter, writer, or maker of any kind, this episode offers real-world encouragement to help you show up with ease, not pressure. Start where you are. Create a little. Let it grow. 🎨 Gentle consistency is not weakness—it’s quiet creative power.

    11 min

  6. 01/04/2025

    Beyond Clicks and Trends: The Artist’s Role in Society

    Have we lost the true purpose of art? In a world of endless distractions, fast content, and fleeting trends, art has been reduced to a commodity—chasing clicks instead of meaning, attention instead of depth. But it wasn’t always this way. In this episode, I explore how art once served as a gift to the community, a force that connected and uplifted society. I’ll discuss the decline of artistic values, the impact of social media, and how we can quietly reject distractions to reclaim art’s deeper purpose. This isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about action. A return to intention, craft, and authenticity. Whether you're an artist or someone who values creativity, this is a conversation we need to have. Let’s start the quiet revolution.

    23 min

  7. 15/01/2025

    5 Common Painting Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them)

    Are beginner painting mistakes holding you back? In this video, I break down the top 5 common painting mistakes that every artist struggles with and show you how to fix them. Whether it’s rushing the process, ignoring color theory, or overworking your painting, these tips will help you avoid frustration and create more confident, impactful art. 🎨 What You'll Learn: How to prepare your canvas and materials the right way. Essential color theory tips to simplify your palette. Proper brush handling and maintenance for better results. Why patience is key—and how to know when to stop painting. As a bonus, I’ve included this FREE PDF download with more video resources to help you improve your painting today. No sign-up required—just click and download! Start your year off right and take your painting to the next level. Watch now and let’s paint with confidence!"

    14 min

  8. 02/01/2025

    The Year of Seeing: Transforming Life and Art

    The difference between looking and seeing is profound—and it’s a skill every artist must master. Join me as we discuss how slowing down to notice fleeting details in nature fosters creativity, reduces stress, and improves your landscape painting. Discover why plein-air painting is the ultimate practice for developing the artist’s way of seeing. Eliminate distraction along the way and continue to realise your true creative potential. More at: https://www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com/painting-secrets.html

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join visual artist Malcolm Dewey with tips and advice on how to improve your painting, art practice and grow your inspiration for creativity. For beginners to advanced you will learn new ways to grow your painting fun and enjoyment. Find out more at www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com

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