Mad Enchantment: What Claude Monet Can Teach Us About Making Art in Difficult Times

In this episode, I review Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies by Ross King—a moving account of Monet’s final years, his enormous Water Lilies project, declining health, personal loss, and determination to keep painting through the First World War. More than a story about a famous artist, this is a powerful reminder for every creative person—especially those of us in midlife and beyond—that our most meaningful work may still be ahead of us.Find me on YouTube and on my painting school.

There comes a time in middle age when we may find ourselves looking backward with nostalgia and forward with worry. But while we are doing that, the present moment — the only time we truly have — is quietly slipping away. In this episode, “You Are Only King for a Day,” I reflect on the importance of taking action now. We look at how great musicians like Van Morrison and Pink Floyd created unforgettable music because they used their time well. They did not wait forever. They got on with the work. I also take a light-hearted look at ideas like the Mandela Effect and theories around CERN supposedly disturbing time itself. Whether time feels strange or not, one thing remains true: we cannot control the universe, but we can control what we do today. This episode is a reminder to stop waiting for perfect conditions. Start with what you have. Paint, write, create, learn, practice, connect, and make this day count. Because you are only king for a day.🎧 Listen to the full episode and let me know: What is one thing you are going to start today?Find more inspiration on my YouTube channel. Also get your free subscription to Create Art Magazine.

How do artists improve, grow, and eventually succeed?Not through talent alone, and certainly not through inspiration every day. More often, the difference is persistence.(🎁Get your free magazine here)In this episode, I explore why persistence is the true secret sauce behind artistic growth and creative success. Now that we have reached the middle of the year, June is the perfect time to pause, reflect on what has been working, and recommit to the habits that can carry your art forward for the rest of the year.00:00 I discuss 10 key ideas about persistence, including:03:58 What persistence looks like05:01 More important than motivation08:28 why finishing matters more than starting11:12 how to survive the ugly stage of a painting13:11 Building skill through repetition16:02 A Clear creative direction17:59 Learning from failures19:50 how community helps artists keep going22: Returning after a long break24:45 Protect your creative energy27:00 why persistence shapes artistic identityI also share examples from artists and creatives such as Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Degas, Georgia O’Keeffe, Matisse, Turner, and David Hockney to show that persistence is often what separates those who grow from those who give up too soon.If you are feeling discouraged, stuck, or uncertain about your progress this year, this episode is for you.In this video:A practical mid-year reset for artists10 lessons on persistenceExamples from famous artistsA challenge for the next six monthsIf you enjoy this episode, let me know in the comments:What is one creative habit you will persist with for the rest of this year?#paintingpodcast #artistmindset #persistence #creativity #landscapepainting #impressionistpainting #malcolmdewey #createartmagazine

What color should you tone your canvas with? In this video I look at the best toning colors for different painting subjects including landscapes, seascapes, and portraits.✅ Your free magazine: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSubI explain why I often prefer cool red or burnt sienna, especially for landscapes with lots of greens, and why I usually avoid yellow ochre or yellow grounds that can make blues turn into dull green passages.In this video:00:00 Introduction00:34 Landscapes, seascapes and portraits01:03 Cool Red - Best for landscapes02:07 Burnt Sienna02:42 Burnt Umber03:23 Raw Umber03:50 Neutral Grays05:26 Transparent Oxide Red06:03 Colors to Avoid06:58 Experiment!09:09 Free magazine subscription#oilpainting #landscapepainting #portraitpainting #underpainting #arttutorial #paintingtips #burntsienna #impressionism

An artist recently asked me: “Why bother toning your canvas if you’re going to cover it with opaque paint anyway?” It’s a great question — and there are five solid reasons (plus a bonus tip) every landscape painter should know.In this video I cover:✅ Why a white canvas works against you✅ How toning helps you judge values accurately✅ Using under-tones for color harmony and “under-glow”✅ Eliminating distracting white specks✅ How a toned canvas inspires bolder painting🎁 BONUS: The wipe-out method for composing your scene in monochromeWhether you paint in oils, acrylics, or gouache, toning your canvas is one of the simplest habits that will instantly improve your paintings.⏱ CHAPTERS00:00 The Question Every Artist Asks00:30 Reason 1: Beat the Blank Canvas01:15 Reason 2: Judge Values Properly02:08 Reason 3: Color Harmony & Under-Glow03:52 Reason 4: No More White Speckles04:45 Reason 5: Momentum & Inspiration03:00 Bonus: The Wipe-Out Technique🎨 MORE FROM ME👉Free Magazine Subscription — https://art.malcolmdewey.art/ArtMagSub👉 Free course: https://art.malcolmdewey.art/FreeCourse

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

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

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

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.

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-ambitionHow to build creative habits that feel good (and actually stick)Why letting go of perfection unlocks flow and joyHow consistency works with—not against—your natural rhythmWhether 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.