The Laura Horn Art Podcast

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! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart

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! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart

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. Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart

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 DocumentaryLife Force by Louise FletcherRex Ray Collage Art Book by Griff WilliamsLaura’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! Sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay updated. 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

In today's episode, Richie and I explore the evolution of my art sales strategy. I reflect on my early days exhibiting at cafes and art markets, where community connections and personal interactions were key (the butterfly approach). We then look at my more recent experience utilising online sales, e-course teaching, and art licensing (the hermit approach). We chat about the pros and cons of each method and consider whether there's a better option somewhere in between! Whether you're a social butterfly or prefer the solitude of the hermit life, this conversation offers plenty of food for thought for your art sales strategy. Mentioned: ⁠South Australia Living Artists Festival Life Book Online Art Course hosted by Tamara Laporte Squarespace (website builder) 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

Have you ever embarked on a creative project only to find yourself questioning your choices midway through? In this episode, I talk with Richie about my recent attempt at re-branding my website and social media. What started as a fun day of choosing new colours, fonts, and design elements quickly escalated into website chaos, leaving me questioning my artistic identity. It wasn't what I had hoped for, but I learned some valuable lessons about planning, staying true to yourself, processing feedback, and allocating time for creative projects rather than acting on a whim. While this episode focuses on branding, it's also about being mindful of what you take on and when. I hope it's encouraging and maybe provides a few laughs along the way. You've gotta love a "what-not-to-do" episode! Mentioned: Building Your Brand As an Artist PDF Episode 34: Building Your Brand As an Artist 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, I chatted with Richie about how I had a bit of a wobble. Maybe we'll call it mid-year panic. Suddenly, I could feel the year slipping away with goals unmet. Specifically, I've been feeling blocked when it comes to making online classes. How much prep does one need to do and is a rebrand of my website colours really what I should be doing right now? Yep, it's an honest one. But it's not all doom and gloom, as my procrastination led me to watch a YouTube video, which helped me figure out the real issue at hand. Tune in to find out how I turned my mid-year panic into some mid-year progress. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just need a bit of motivation to stay on track, this episode is for you! Mentioned: Rachel in Theory Mid Year Reset Video Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

The ebb and flow of creativity is inevitable. There will be times when we are itching to paint and know exactly what we want to do, and there will be times when turning up feels hard. In this episode, I answer your questions on this topic and share the ways I stay inspired, build compassion for quieter periods, honour my own rhythms, and continue seeking self-discovery and self-expression, even in small acts. From finding colour palettes to compiling sketchbook prompts, tidying up the studio, and more, there are myriad ways to respect and support our creativity, no matter the season. Richie and I hope you enjoy this short and sweet season finale. We'll be taking a little break and returning in late July with a new season filled with fresh insights and inspiration. Mentioned: Episode 167: Is It Okay to Have Multiple Art Styles? 1,500 Color Mixing Recipes Book by William F Powell Collecting Colour Palette Ideas (YT Video) Note: Some of these links are Amazon affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase through a link. Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

Recently, I made a delightful discovery: artists are still blogging! I am not sure why I thought the blogging scene was all but forgotten, but it's not. It's a little different now, especially with so many social media platforms to contend with. However, many artists are still blogging in various ways—on their own websites, on Substack, via email newsletters, and more. In this episode, I share my own experience and discuss things to consider when choosing your approach, from SEO to community building, personal satisfaction, and fitting it all in. If you have a blog or are thinking of starting one, this episode is a must! Mentioned: IG Post about Blogging Substack Squarespace Flodesk Pinterest Laura's Blog Laura's Vlog Laura's Podcast Laura's Newsletter Sign-Up

There is a lot of pressure on artists to develop one strong style, but is this the only way? This week, Richie and I discuss my personal experience with having multiple art styles and share some of the benefits of embracing variety in your work. We explore how casting a wider creative net can be advantageous and talk about how, over time, your creative voice becomes stronger, making your work identifiable even as you move through different subjects and mediums. We hope this episode provides encouragement to find the balance between consistency and experimentation that works for you and your art goals. Mentioned: Signature Style Blog Post ⁠⁠The Creative Act by Rick Rubin⁠⁠ Peter McKinnon Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

This week, we're answering a listener question about how to transition from your sketchbook to a canvas or alternative substrate. This topic is perfectly timed, as I've been in a sketchbook phase myself and am beginning to take the leap out. Join Richie and me as we discuss signs that you're ready, practical strategies to make the transition easier, ideas for setting up your space, and the importance of respecting cycles and revisiting sketchbooks as needed. It's an informative conversation about how to grow and develop your work. Mentioned: ⁠The Creative Act by Rick Rubin⁠ Episode 163: Embracing Artistic Exploration Without Needing To Know “The Why” Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

Do you miss the days of looking at gorgeous photographs of art on Instagram and zooming in on all the details? We sure do. That's why we've been bucking the trends and sharing more photos again, despite the platform's push towards reels. Is it the best thing for account growth? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good decision. Tune in to hear more about our social media switch up and the benefits we’ve been experiencing. We also talk about breaking up with ChatGPT and gaining clarity with YouTube. Mentioned: Episode 157: 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Reels and What To Do Instead Peter McKinnon: Photography is Dead Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

There are many ways to improve a creative space and make it feel like home. This week, Richie and I reflect back on the past year in our beloved art cottage and share the favorite updates and tweaks we've made to the space. We talk about everything from furniture, lighting, and decorating to our most recent trip to IKEA. Plus, there's plenty of laughs along the way. I'll admit I do need to stop sticking my nose into Richie's decorating! It's a fun one, but also a special conversation that goes beyond having an Instagram-worthy studio space, and instead focuses on finding space wherever you can that allows you to express your uniqueness. We hope you enjoy the conversation! Mentioned: Art Table Video Studio Tour Video Playlist Mabef Easel Home Decoration Idea FB Page Ikea FLÖNSA Cork Board Ikea SKÅDIS Peg Board Ikea FÖRHÖJA Kitchen Trolley Ikea HOVSTA Frames Ikea Torared Lamp Shade Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠⁠

Feeling the pressure to figure out and define your art? This conversation might get you thinking differently. What if you allowed yourself to play a little longer, to explore without constraints, and to gather inspiration from far and wide? That's exactly what I've been doing. Inspired by Rick Rubin's book "The Creative Act," I've discovered a fresh enthusiasm, confidence, and sense of wonder in my creative practice. It's made me realize that if we're always in a rush to reach the finish line, there's a good chance we'll miss something even more interesting and beautiful along the way. With this in mind, I've been retreating into my sketchbooks and exploring many tangents. This week, I chatted all about it with Richie. I hope the conversation leaves you as excited and inspired as it left me! Mentioned: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

How long should you persist with a creative pursuit, art style, or medium if you are not enjoying it? This episode could also have been titled: I really want to love acrylics, but I am not sure if I do? It's a personal conversation about the confusion I sometimes experience when choosing materials and processes as a mixed-media artist, but of course, it goes beyond this! If you've ever found yourself questioning whether you're on the right path creatively, or if you simply seek some encouragement in navigating your own creative decisions, this episode offers a soothing balm for your soul. I hope you enjoy the discussion! Mentioned: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 137: Angela Terris - It's Never Too Late To Piviot and Change Your Path Alex Ferguson (football manager) "bouncebackability" Marie Forleo (entrepreneur) "everything is figureoutable" Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠

This week, Richie and I chat about why it can be helpful to revisit previous art styles or processes in your art practice or business. This idea emerged as I've rediscovered and fallen back in love with the playful style of art from my very first online class, The Melting Pot. We also discuss the challenges we've faced in defining a style and approach for our YouTube channel and why we're returning to simple, short videos like we used to share when we first got started. We hope you enjoy the episode! Remember, the creative path is anything but linear—it's okay to shed things that aren't serving you well and return to something that you loved or something that was working well and maybe didn't need to be changed in the first place! Visit my ⁠resources page⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram ⁠@laurahornart

Breaks are wonderful and necessary, but they can also make it hard to get back into your artistic groove. This week, Richie and I discuss this challenge and offer practical guidance and encouragement to help you turn your creative drought into a fresh, exciting chapter. Discover the importance of taking that first step, embracing risk-taking, optimising your workspace, and selecting a project that challenges but doesn't overwhelm. If you've been struggling to find your creative flow, you won't want to miss this one! Mentioned: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 153: Making Time for Art and Protecting Your Creative Energy! Episode: 154: Old Art: Should You Keep, Transform, or Set Free? Sandi Hester YouTube Channel Helen Wells YouTube Channel Visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠resources page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurahornart⁠