It hit me when I heard Christian Hook say he painted every day for eight years before even thinking about selling. I realized I’d been focusing on the wrong things — and it was time to come back to the craft itself.

I realized that even when no one wanted the paintings I made of my son, I couldn’t stop painting him — because sometimes what matters most is making the work you care about first. This interview reminded me how much I still want to explore: experimenting with gold leaf again, standing back from the painting, trying larger work, and deepening my study of composition. I’m also learning to quiet the selling mindset and focus more on refining my skills — and to be more empathetic toward the artists I interview, because now I know how vulnerable it feels.

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 crucial tips for artists just starting with commissions. From pricing to contracts and communication, I’ll walk you through the steps to handle commissions like a pro and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with advice to help you navigate your art business with confidence.

For years, I struggled with composition. I read books, studied guides, and even used a fancy golden ratio tool. But every time I showed my paintings to my partner (a hobby photographer), he’d say, ‘The composition isn’t quite working.’ Nothing clicked—until I attended Kelogsloops’ watercolor workshop in Munich.

He explained composition so simply: ‘Guide the viewer’s eye through the painting the way you want them to.’ It was a lightbulb moment. Since then, I see composition everywhere—in my paintings, in children’s books while reading with my son, and even in the way colors flow across a page.

This episode shares my journey to finally understanding composition, plus a special announcement—I’ll be interviewing Kelogsloops in April 2025! Tune in for insights on composition, creativity, and the artistic process.

What if the key to better art isn’t technique, but play?

This week, I embraced full experimentation—mixing inks, layering textures, and letting curiosity lead. Inspired by Rick Rubin’s seeds concept, I discovered 45 new colors, unexpected textures, and a painting sparked by the film Flow.

This episode is a reminder: creativity thrives in exploration, not perfection. If you’re feeling stuck, maybe it’s time to stop planning and start playing.

What happens when you finally get to learn from one of your biggest artistic inspirations, and it doesn’t go as planned? In this episode, I reflect on my experience attending Kelogsloops workshop in Munich, how our contrasting styles challenged me, and the unexpected lessons I took away. From redefining composition to blending styles, this journey was more about finding my artistic voice than perfecting techniques.

In this episode, I share the story of attending Agnes Cecil’s workshop in Munich and how it became a turning point in my art journey. From conquering my fear of sketching portraits to embracing the beauty of loose brushstrokes, this experience reshaped how I approach watercolor and creativity. Join me as I reflect on the lessons learned, connections made, and the freedom of trusting the process.

In this episode #22, I dive into the importance of experimenting with different painting surfaces, sharing my personal journey with various watercolor papers and other surfaces like Yupo, canvas, watercolor ground primed canvas and aquabord. I talk about how each surface affects technique and style, and encourage you to find the one that best suits your creative process. 

In this episode, Aine Divine shares her insights on the creative process, focusing on how art can be cathartic and transformative. She discusses how following sparks of inspiration, surrendering to creative blocks, and fully occupying your body with movement all play a crucial role in producing meaningful work. Aine also explores the importance of listening to your inner voice, grounding yourself, and embracing the natural flow of creativity. Tune in for a deeper understanding of connecting with your art and body during the creative journey.

Imagine 5 days of JUST PAINTING—learning and rediscovering creativity with Aine Divine. Set in the inspiring Willow Room at Cockenzie House in Edingburgh, this summer school new ways of approaching watercolor, from embracing bold brushstrokes to painting live models. I’ll share the challenges, breakthroughs, and what I will be taking with me forward from this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss my explanation of Aine’s unique teaching style and what it means to truly let go and let intuitive creativity guide you!