The Laura Horn Art Podcast

Staring at a blank sketchbook page and not sure where to begin? In this episode, I’m sharing five of my favourite ways to get started on a sketchbook page.

If you love mixed media, you’re going to love this one! We’re talking collage, monoprinting, watercolour, ink, drawing and all sorts of creative possibilities.

And as I chat through these simple starting points, I think you’ll hear just how excited I get about the possibilities! My hope is that some of that enthusiasm rubs off on you, sparks a few ideas of your own, and makes you want to run straight to your creative space and start getting something down on the page.

Find out more about my signature course, Modern Mixed Media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/mmm8⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find out more about Abstract Adventuring acrylic class: https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/abstract-adventuring

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There's a fine line between preparing and procrastinating! This week, we answer a listener question about why it can be so hard to actually sit down and make art.

It's not that we don't want to. In fact, we might be happily stocking up on art supplies, organising our creative spaces or watching art videos. But when it comes to putting those ideas into action, something holds us back.

So what's going on here? That's the question Richie and I are musing on this week. Join us as we explore why this happens, how to recognise when preparation has turned into procrastination, and what we can do to shift our focus back to making art.

Find out more about my signature course, Modern Mixed Media: ⁠⁠⁠https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/mmm8⁠⁠⁠

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I'd love to say that my journey as an artist has been a smooth one, filled with joyful painting and effortless learning, but I think we all know that's not quite how things go!

This week, I reflect on how I started to make sense of the chaos of my early creative years, get to know myself creatively, recognise what felt authentic to me, and develop a mindset that helped me finish more paintings and ultimately find more happiness in the process.

My hope is that this episode offers a little encouragement to keep going, especially if you're just starting out or feeling a bit lost along the way. It takes time to grow as an artist, but it's such a rewarding journey to be on.

Find out more about my signature course, Modern Mixed Media: ⁠⁠https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/mmm8⁠⁠

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What is flow state, why is it so beneficial for artists, and what can we do to create more opportunities for it to show up in our creative practice?

Today, Richie draws on his background in performance coaching to help us better understand what’s required to enter a flow state and how it differs from hyperfocus.

Whether you’re creating a painting, writing a blog post, filming a video, or immersed in another creative pursuit, we hope this conversation gives you a few ideas for approaching your work with flow in mind.

Find out more about my signature course, Modern Mixed Media: ⁠https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/mmm8⁠

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Marketing is a tricky part of running a creative business. It can feel pushy, icky or simply like a chore — but at other times, it can be surprisingly interesting and even fun.

Over the years, we’ve dialled our marketing up and down, tried different things, and learned through plenty of trial and error.

This week, as we head into a more marketing-focused period, we’re chatting about our experiences and what we’ve learned along the way. Ultimately, it’s a conversation about putting yourself out there and sharing what you create.

Find out more about my signature course, Modern Mixed Media: https://classes.laurahornart.com/p/mmm8

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In this episode, Richie shares a simple mindset tool for checking in on how we’re doing. Are we flat chat and edging towards burnout? Or have we eased off so much that we’re starting to disconnect and stagnate? It’s a helpful way to find that sustainable sweet spot and keep the spark alive over the long term.

We get there through a slightly meandering conversation that spans course launches, fitness regimes, family time and creative pursuits — so you’re going to have to trust us with this one!

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Are you a lover of lists, a creature of habit, or more free-flowing in how you go about your days?

Today we’re talking about different working styles and how they have both served and hindered us at different times. If you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all system, this probably isn’t the conversation for you. But if you’re looking for encouragement to find a way of working that suits your unique personality, stage of life and current goals, with room to pivot as needed, then this is a chat you won’t want to miss.

I actually said to Richie after listening back to this episode that I think it might be one of our best. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it.

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This week, we talk about the question: when is something good enough? This came about because I’ve been struggling to make some decisions around my signature course, Modern Mixed Media.

We talk about the urge to keep improving and levelling up, and how this can sometimes be counter-productive. Sometimes, what we really need is to give ourselves permission to let something be what it was and be okay with moving on to what comes next.

This can also apply to older bodies of artwork and other creative projects. We hope it gives you some food for thought around when to keep working on something — and when to let it be.

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This week I chat with Richie about watercolour painting and why it can be such a helpful medium, even if you usually work with acrylics, oils, or other materials. Whether you use it as a meditative practice, a way to create quick studies, or as a tool for improving your colour knowledge, it has so much to offer.

As usual, this conversation leads to a bigger discussion. We talk about the beauty of developing your passions, building skills and seeing the world through the eyes of an artist. We hope you enjoy the chat!

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Join us for a conversation about taking small steps towards your dreams, no matter what stage of life or your creative career you’re at. We talk about overcoming self-doubt, asking for help, building confidence through connection, and chipping away at your goals one day at a time.

We hope this episode gives you a little nudge to give your dream the attention it deserves — not in a hustle kind of way, but as a joyful challenge that’s good for the soul.

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

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In this episode, Richie and I ponder the question: is this even an art podcast anymore? Over the years, the topics we discuss have widened to include more about lifestyle, health, family and relationships. We’ve loved having the opportunity to talk honestly and let our conversations go where they want to.

This leads us to chat more about the advantage of being authentic and genuine in a world that is increasingly optimised, polished and trend-driven. We also talk about the impact of AI on creativity, how we’re navigating it in our own creative lives, and why authenticity can be a real opportunity for artists.

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

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Today, Richie and I chat about how small acts of kindness can transform your creative practice. The idea for this conversation came about when I finally decided to clean and refresh my watercolour palettes. Taking the time to do this got me thinking about other ways I could be kind to my creativity and how that kindness might have a ripple effect on my entire art practice.

If you’ve been hard on yourself lately, this episode might be just what you need!

Mentioned in this episode:

154. Old Art: Should You Keep, Transform, or Set Free?

Creative Elements Challenge

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We're back after nearly two years! In this more personal episode, we share why we stepped away from the podcast, the health journeys we've both been navigating, and how they've changed our approach to creativity.

We also talk about letting go of certain things, embracing the natural seasons of a creative life, and why stepping away from your art doesn't erase your identity as an artist. If life has pulled you away from creating lately, we hope this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged.

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart

In this season finale, Richie and I discuss the healing power of art and how creativity has helped us both process emotions, find mindfulness, and reconnect with our playful side. I share how painting helped me navigate grief and social anxiety in my twenties, while Richie talks about how he accidentally discovered the meditative benefits of photography and why, as humans, we need struggle and challenge in our lives.

Plus, I’ve got a special announcement about my upcoming course, Modern Mixed Media. We'll be taking a short break and will return later this year with new episodes—see you then!

Learn more about Modern Mixed Media Course

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

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This week, Richie and I dive deep into my mixed media layering process. From the initial burst of excitement, through the problem-solving middle, to knowing when to stop, we share tips and personal insights on every stage of a painting. We chat about why planning isn’t always the best approach, and the surprising value of keeping a bit of mess (or, should I say, mystery) in our work.

We also reflect on last week’s discussion about balancing art and admin, and I share a few ideas I'm taking on board.

Don’t forget to check out my free course, Abstract Pattern Play, available until October 3, and my 6-week Modern Mixed Media course, open for a limited time. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into the creative process and all its intricacies!

Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠ for this episode for further information and mentions.

Links for Limited Time Course Offerings

Abstract Pattern Play FREE Course

Modern Mixed Media 6 Week Course starts 7 Oct, 2024

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

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Ever feel like you're constantly shifting between being an artist and wearing all the other hats that come with life and work? In this episode, Richie and I dive deep into the challenge of balancing creative flow with the demands of admin, routines, and the complexities of daily transitions—from work to home, from creating to planning. We share how we've been navigating a particularly rough couple of weeks, and how that experience opened up a conversation that just needed to happen. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to juggle it all, this one's for you. This is a heartfelt and honest discussion on how we work through these moments, and hopefully some reassurance that you're not alone.

Check out the ⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠ for this episode for further information and links.

⁠⁠⁠Join the waitlist⁠⁠⁠ for my Modern Mixed Media course.

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay updated.

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Not all decisions can be made with logic or business in mind. Today, Richie and I chat about the importance of "what the heck moments"—those times when we follow a creative instinct, even though it may not make sense on paper. We share examples from our own creative journey, discussing how embracing these impulses can bring deeper fulfillment, growth, and unexpected opportunities. From taking your own approach to social media, choosing promotional opportunities that align with your values, to self-publishing a book rather than going the traditional route, this episode is all about trusting your intuition and why it matters in your creative life.

Mentioned

Beyond the Visible - Hilma af Klint Documentary
Life Force by Louise Fletcher
Rex Ray Collage Art Book by Griff Williams
Laura’s “Favourite Art Book” Series on YouTube

Check out the ⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠ for this episode for further information and links.

⁠⁠Join the waitlist⁠⁠ for my Modern Mixed Media course.

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay updated.

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart

This week, Richie and I discuss how my sketchbooks came to the rescue, providing comfort after a challenging week of admin. This leads us to explore the many ways sketchbooks can benefit artists. Whether for observation, experimentation, therapy, inspiration gathering, or colour palette organisation, sketchbooks offer incredible versatility. We chat about approaches used by artists like Matisse and Frida Kahlo, and share some modern-day examples as well. Whether you’re seeking comfort or aiming to push your creative boundaries, this episode will inspire you to see your sketchbook in fresh and exciting ways.

Mentioned

Alice Sheridan

Helen Wells

Orla Stevens

Check out the ⁠show notes⁠ for this episode for further information and links.

⁠Join the waitlist⁠ for my Modern Mixed Media course.

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

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Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart

With social media becoming increasingly fast-paced and fewer photographs of artwork showing up, my appreciation for a good old book filled with art and creativity has grown! In this episode, I talk about a new series I’m sharing on YouTube where I explore my favorite creative books across different categories. Richie and I chat about how these books inspire my art practice, and I also open up about recent challenges with my online class platform. These struggles have deepened my appreciation for creativity, which leads us to discuss the importance of staying open to inspiration, chasing dreams, and thinking about the legacy we leave behind.

Check out the show notes for this episode for all the book links.

Catch up on my art book video series over on YouTube.

Join the waitlist for my Modern Mixed Media course.

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to stay updated.

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart

Ever feel like you have too many tabs open in your brain? In this episode, I share my recent struggles with overwhelm and how simplifying my art business and practice helped me find balance. I chat with Richie about the clarity I gained from organising my thoughts on a whiteboard and the comfort of returning to simple watercolour techniques. This conversation also helped me refine my vision for the new online classes I’m working on and emphasised the importance of keeping things simple and accessible.

I hope you enjoy the episode! Tune in for a fresh perspective on embracing simplicity in your creative process.

Mentioned:

Watercolour Sketchbook YouTube Video

Watercolour Supplies YouTube Video

Watercolour Explorations Online Course

Episode 89: 5 Ways To Simplify Your Art Practice

Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more!

Sign up for my ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠ to stay updated.

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠