Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey

Kelly Pelfrey
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Behind the Brush is a podcast for artists who dream of turning their creativity into a sustainable career. Hosted by artist and art business owner Kelly Pelfrey, each episode dives into the behind-the-scenes of building a thriving art business—offering honest insights, practical tips, and inspiring conversations with artists who've done it. Whether you're juggling painting and parenthood or scaling your studio into something more, this show is your weekly dose of encouragement, strategy, and community.

  1. Apr 28

    Signing Off With Shipping Tips and a Full Heart

    In this final episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly delivers on one last promise, sharing her go-to shipping strategies for artists before closing the chapter on the podcast (for now). First, she walks through the exact systems she uses to ship artwork efficiently and beautifully, including hiring help, packaging with intention, and avoiding costly shipping mistakes. These are the practical tips she's refined over years of sending original work to collectors. But the heart of this episode is something deeper. Kelly shares the decision behind stepping away from the podcast: an honest reflection on seasons, priorities, and the difference between perseverance and wisdom. Through a simple but powerful metaphor of tending her roses, she offers a perspective every creative needs: you can't grow everything at once. If you've ever felt stretched, uncertain, or pulled in too many directions, this episode will meet you right where you are. Key Takeaways: Simple shipping systems that save time and stress Why hiring help sooner matters more than you think The difference between stubbornness and true perseverance How to recognize what you're called to focus on in this season Why letting go can sometimes be the wisest move Listen in to learn more : li::marker]:font-[sans-serif]" style= "--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #FFFFFF; --tw-ring-color: rgb(147 197 253 / 1); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; box-sizing: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 3ch; color: #05294b; font-family: Averta, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; border: 0px solid #bec5d0;" start="1"> [0:00:02] Shipping Assistant = More Time to Paint [0:02:30] Elevate the Unboxing Experience [0:06:29] Tight Bankers Box Method for Canvas Safety [0:10:30] Save with Discounted Shipping Platforms [0:16:45] Ending the Podcast to "Water the Roses" That Matter Most   This isn't just a goodbye… It's a reminder to create with intention, live with clarity, and water what matters most. XO, Kelly Resources Bankers Box Large Moving Box, Up to 55" TV/Picture/Mirror, 4-Pack, 48 x 4 x 33 Inches U-haul Packing Tape - Pack of 3   PirateShip.com

    22 min

  2. Apr 21

    Bring the Trip Home with Pamela Wingard: Turning Travel into Art

    In this episode of Behind the Brush, I sit down with artist Pam Wingard, whose work is full of bold color, movement, and a deep sense of place.   We talk about how travel has shaped her art from painting along the coast of Italy to soaking in the light of the south of France, and how those experiences show up in her work not as literal scenes, but as memory and emotion. Pam also shares how her style has evolved, what helped her loosen up her work, and the practical habits that keep her consistent in the studio. And at the very end, she gives one simple piece of advice about materials that's easy to overlook but can truly change your process. If you've ever wanted to paint more freely, feel more inspired, or reconnect with your creativity, this episode will meet you right where you are. What We Cover: How travel influences artistic style and color choices Painting from memory vs. reference photos Letting go of perfection and embracing a looser style Studio routines that support consistency Simple ways to create more movement in your work Why stepping away (or taking a trip) can reset your creativity   Takeaways :  [0:03:56] Led small-group Italy painting trip with acrylics-focused workshops [0:07:46] South of France and Tuscany travels, inspiring dedicated landscape collections [0:10:23] Uses warm tinted underpaintings to create a glow in blues and greens [0:14:20] Evolved from a realistic to a loose, expressive style using big brushes and music [0:29:37] Emphasizes knowing materials and tools as her key advice for artists Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Connect with Pam  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/pamelawingardart  Website https://www.pamwingard.com/  https://kpartcollective.com/collections/pam-wingard

    34 min

  3. Apr 14

    Remove the Friction: Set Up Your Space to Paint More with Lauri Prins

    In this episode of Behind the Brush, I'm joined by artist Lauri Prins, a Minnesota-based painter known for her timeless sailboats, gardens, and classic blue-and-white pieces. We dive into Lauri's journey from graphic design and decorative painting back to fine art and how a simple 30-day sketchbook challenge helped her rebuild confidence, find her rhythm again, and loosen up her style in ways she didn't expect. We also talk about the practical side of actually making art consistently: things like timers, studio setup, and why making painting convenient might be the most underrated strategy out there. If you've been overthinking your work, struggling to stay consistent, or waiting for inspiration to show up… this episode will give you a much simpler way forward.   Key Takeaways: [0:02:44] Raised on Art: Growing Up in a Collector's Home [0:04:33] From BFA to Brushes: Graphic Design and Decorative Roots [0:08:35] Florida Color Fix: Travel as Creative Fuel [0:11:51] 30-Day Sketchbook Sprint: Timers, Tools, and Daily Reps [0:41:06] Make It Convenient: The Friction-Free Path to Painting   Recommendations  Canvas Lamp -  https://www.shopcanvas.co/  Masterson Sta-Wet Palette https://www.dickblick.com/products/masterson-sta-wet-premier-palette/  Storage Cabinet https://www.harborfreight.com/46-in-9-drawer-mobile-storage-cabinet-with-solid-wood-top-white-57439.html    Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Connect with Lori: Instagram: @lauridprins Website: lauriprins.com https://kpartcollective.com/collections/laurin-prins    Connect with Kelly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey  https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/ https://kellypelfrey.com/

    43 min

  4. Apr 7

    Pulling Back the Curtain: An Honest Conversation About Lately

    In this casual, behind-the-scenes episode of Behind the Brush, I'm taking a moment to reflect on the first few months of the year—what worked, what didn't, and what I'm adjusting moving forward.  I'm sharing honestly about a full (maybe too full) schedule, how I'm navigating commissions alongside creative work, and the systems that are actually helping me stay afloat right now. We'll also talk about what I'm loving this season (hello, spring and good books), where I'm feeling stretched, and the decisions I know I need to make going into the next few months. If you've been moving fast and haven't paused to reflect, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and step into the next season with more intention.   Key Takeaways: [0:02] Q1 Recap – A Full, Stretching Season 1:20] Personal Art Series – Timeline Reset to Fall [2:45] Prioritizing Commissions Over Passion Projects [5:00] Shipping Assistant – Flexible Support That Scales [6:05] Weekly Scoop System in ClickUp for Alignment Links Mentioned -  Theo of Golden: A Novel https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Golden-Allen-Levi/dp/B0CFK77BVV The Correspondent: A Novel https://www.amazon.com/Correspondent-Novel-Virginia-Evans/dp/0593798430    Let's Keep the Conversation Going:   Connect with Kelly on Instagram    https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey  https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/   https://kellypelfrey.com/

    22 min

  5. Mar 31

    Growing Into Your Voice as an Artist with Emily Pullin

    In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly sits down with abstract expressionist Emily Pullin to discuss what it really takes to grow as an artist over time. Emily shares how she went from painting dog portraits to creating layered, emotion-driven mixed-media work, and the unexpected commission that helped unlock her abstract style. They talk about balancing a full life (teaching, motherhood, and art), why not every opportunity is worth saying yes to, and how to protect your creative energy in a world that constantly demands more. Emily also shares an honest take on social media, burnout, and what it means to create work that's truly yours, even when it doesn't fit neatly into a box. If you've ever felt pulled in multiple directions or questioned your artistic voice, this one will meet you right where you are.   Key Takeaways: [0:04:37] From Dog Portraits to Deep Abstraction [0:02:51] Teacher, Mom, Artist: Designing a Sustainable Week [0:15:51] Emotion, Faith, and Memory as the Real "Subject Matter." [0:30:39] Camp in Mississippi: A Place that Paints the Paintings [0:37:44] Keep Going & Log Off: Guarding Your Creative Soul   Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Connect with Emily- Instagram: http://instagram.com/epullinartwork  http://kpartcollective.com/collections/emily-pullin  Favorite Gummy Bears https://www.albanesecandy.com/gummies/worlds-best-branded/wb-favorites/  Connect with Kelly on Instagram    https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey  https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/ https://kellypelfrey.com/

    44 min

  6. Mar 24

    Chinoiserie, Prints, and Paid Maternity Leave: Elizabeth Alice's Art Business

    In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly sits down with artist Elizabeth Alice to discuss what it really takes to turn creativity into a sustainable, full-time career. Elizabeth shares her journey from drawing her first commissioned poster in second grade to building a thriving art business with multiple income streams. After starting in fashion and running a custom illustration business, she eventually pivoted into painting full-time in 2020 and hasn't looked back. They dive into burnout, pricing your work, and why relying on one-off commissions can hold you back. Elizabeth also breaks down how she built consistent income through prints, Etsy, wholesale, and licensing, to the point that she created her own paid maternity leave. If you've ever wondered how to actually make money as an artist (without burning out), this conversation is packed with practical insight and real-world experience. In this episode, you'll learn: Why mastering your original work comes before anything else How to create multiple income streams as an artist The truth about prints, Etsy, and licensing What burnout can teach you about your business model How Elizabeth developed her signature chinoiserie style   Key Takeaways: [0:06:12] Early Business: Custom Clothing and Emotional Labor [0:12:53] Every "Detour" Becomes Future Career Fuel [0:18:58] Building Multiple Income Streams as an Artist [0:24:44] Wholesale via Faire: Turning Prints into Shop Inventory [0:33:49] Modern Chinoiserie: Traditional Techniques, New Mediums [0:42:23] Pricing to Fund Play, Experiments, and Growth     LINKS -  https://www.faire.com/  https://www.dickblick.com/products/royal-langnickel-sabletek-brushes/  https://www.dickblick.com/    Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Connect with Elizabeth: Instagram: @ElizabethAliceStudio Website: elizabethalicestudio.com  http://kpartcollective.com/collections/elizabeth-alice  Connect with Kelly on Instagram    https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey  https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/   https://kellypelfrey.com/

    47 min

  7. Mar 17

    Painting with Acrylics: My Story, My Process, My Best Tips

    In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly shares how acrylic paint became her go-to medium—from her earliest art classes to the way she uses it now in her professional work. She discusses why acrylics have worked well across different seasons of life, especially during motherhood, and how they've supported both her creativity and her business. If you already paint with acrylics, or you're curious about trying them, this episode is full of helpful, real-world insight. Kelly also shares simple tips that have made a big difference in her own process, so you can paint with more freedom, more confidence, and a lot more enjoyment.       In this episode, we talk about: Kelly's early experiences with acrylics and how they shaped her as an artist Why acrylics became her primary medium (and still are today) The difference between painting fast vs. painting with intention How to build confidence through repetition and play The role of limitations (time, space, materials) in creative growth Why your medium doesn't determine your value as an artist     Key Takeaways: [0:05:55] – Acrylics as a "Native Language" Medium [0:14:22] – Limited Palette, No-Black Philosophy [0:10:40] – Learning to Paint Over and Let Go [0:18:58] – Why Acrylics Win for a Busy Mom Artist [0:24:00] – 14 Practical Acrylic Power Tips       Let's Keep the Conversation Going: If you try something from this episode, Kelly would love to hear about it! Connect with Kelly https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/ https://kellypelfrey.com/

    39 min

  8. Mar 10

    From Emailing Lilly Pulitzer at 22 to Painting Eight-Foot Commissions with Kelsey Nichols

    In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly sits down with South Carolina artist Kelsey Nichols, whose creative journey has taken more than one beautiful turn. Before building her art business, Kelsey was one of the youngest Lily Pulitzer store owners in the company's history. After years in retail, motherhood, and a life-altering season following her daughter's traumatic brain injury, she found her way back to painting in 2018—first as an outlet, then as a true calling. Kelsey shares how a nudge from her sister helped her begin selling her work, how she built momentum through Instagram and word of mouth, and what it's been like to create both for collectors and on a large scale for designers. She also talks about being featured in a major magazine, the meaning behind her Sailor's Valentine collection, and the early inspiration for a new Mother's Day collection rooted in friendship, support, and the people who light us up. This conversation is warm, honest, and full of encouragement for artists who are just starting, starting again, or growing into the next version of their work.   In this episode, we talk about: Kelsey's path from retail business owner to full-time artist How she re-entered the art world after earning her fine art degree years earlier What it's like to create large-scale abstract commissions for designers and collectors The history and inspiration behind her Sailor's Valentine pieces How she thinks about upcoming collections and seasonal inspiration Why her advice to artists is simple: just start   Listen in to learn more  [0:04:57] Wild Career Pivot: From Lilly Store Owner to Full-Time Artist [0:09:22] Level-Up Moment: Treating Art as a Real Business in 2020 [0:15:29] Dream Commissions: Eight-Foot Canvases and a Secret Jib Door [0:25:04] Shell Stories: Reviving the 1600s Sailors' Valentine Tradition [0:27:31] New Collection Spark: Motherhood, Friendship, and "Candle-Lighter" Art   Connect with Kelsey: Instagram: @kelseynicholsart   Website: KelseyNicholsArt.com Connect with Kelly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/ https://kellypelfrey.com/

    37 min
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Behind the Brush is a podcast for artists who dream of turning their creativity into a sustainable career. Hosted by artist and art business owner Kelly Pelfrey, each episode dives into the behind-the-scenes of building a thriving art business—offering honest insights, practical tips, and inspiring conversations with artists who've done it. Whether you're juggling painting and parenthood or scaling your studio into something more, this show is your weekly dose of encouragement, strategy, and community.

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