Hello friends, and welcome to Art & Cocktails. In this solo episode, I’m Ekaterina Popova ( Kat), inviting you to return to the joy, curiosity, and grounding that comes from showing up for your art without overcomplication or pressure.

This summer, I started a 100-day painting challenge that has completely reignited my love for the process. I share how working small, limiting my decisions, and committing to consistent daily practice has kept me inspired and overflowing with ideas. We discuss why slowing down and simplifying can help you create more, how to eliminate decision fatigue in your practice, the power of small daily creative commitments, using challenges to build confidence and spark inspiration, and how to protect your joy in art while still pursuing professional goals.

Whether you’ve been in a creative rut or simply want to fall in love with making again, this episode will remind you why you started.

Join the 100-Day Painting Challenge & Course. We start August 18, 2025. Learn alla prima techniques, get weekly demos, safe material tips, and join a supportive community committed to creating every day. Perfect for oil or acrylic painters.

👉 Enroll here: https://www.katerinapopova.com/100-day-painting-challenge-course

Mentioned in this episode: Emergency Exit group exhibition at Cole Gallery, Menorca — available works on Artsy: www.artsy.net/show/cohle-gallery-emergency-exit

Read on Substack: https://ekaterinapopova.substack.com/

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