Instagram can be inspiring… and also a time-sucking, dopamine-fueled hamster wheel (Kelly's words plus a few rodent metaphors). In this solo episode, Kelly shares what she genuinely enjoys about Instagram, what frustrates her as an artist and business owner, and what's shifted on the platform since 2020. She breaks down what Instagram rewards right now (like saves, shares, and meaningful engagement), why gorgeous art still stops the scroll, and how storytelling + carousels create a "gallery experience" that keeps people lingering. You'll also hear Kelly's simple posting rhythm for 2026—including her Friday small-painting sales strategy.

Listen in to learn more :

00:00 — Instagram: Love it or hate it? 06:10 — The real problem: time management + dopamine loops 14:45 — Instagram isn't what it used to be (and that's okay) 21:30 — The strategy that still works: carousels + storytelling 32:20 — Kelly's 2026 posting rhythm + Friday sales plan

Connect with Kelly on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/

In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly sits down with mural artist Marian Pouch, who turned a personal home project into a thriving custom mural business over the last decade. Marian shares what mural work is really like—from scheduling around family life and travel, to working in clients' homes (yes, it can get awkward), to navigating renovation chaos like missing lights or plumbing issues She explains how she prices murals on a per-project basis, why wall paint outperforms acrylics in durability, and how she organizes client communication. Marian also discusses her evolving relationship with Instagram and concludes with practical, confidence-boosting advice for artists.

Listen in to learn more :

• [00:02] - The Muralist's Journey: Building a Career from Passion

• [06:09] - Work-Life Balance for Creative Professionals

• [13:57] - Transparent Pricing and Project Management

• [24:49] - Building Relationships and Personal Connections in Art

• [45:26] - Navigating Social Media as an Artist

Connect with Marian

https://www.marianpouchart.com https://www.instagram.com/marianpouch

Connect with Kelly on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/

In this New Year episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey pulls back the curtain on her art business with an honest reflection she calls The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. She shares what worked well in her studio and business, what she won't repeat, and what felt messy but necessary for growth. From creating over 150 paintings and launching a podcast to navigating overbooking, cash-flow stress, and holiday fulfillment challenges, Kelly shares real lessons artists rarely talk about. This episode isn't about perfection—it's about discernment. Kelly invites listeners to reflect on their year with clarity, learn from what bore fruit, make minor adjustments where needed, and enter the new year with wisdom, intention, and grace. Listen in to learn more :

• (02:45) How to evaluate your year using "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly."
• (07:30) Why celebrating creative output matters (even when it feels uncomfortable)
• (18:10) The hidden cost of overbooking and saying yes too often
• (33:40) Lessons learned from holiday products, shipping stress, and fulfillment mistakes
• (47:20) Simple reflection questions that help you move forward without burnout

Connect with Kelly on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/

In this short and reflective episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey invites artists into the quiet, often-overlooked space between Christmas and the New Year.

She shares why this "in-between week" is the perfect time to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the heart behind your creative work. Kelly walks listeners through a gentle reflection process—brain dumping ideas, praying or daydreaming through possibilities, and choosing one meaningful, doable intention for the months ahead.

She also vulnerably shares her own creative intention for 2026 and encourages artists not to rush clarity but to honor the season. This episode is about listening, aligning, and stepping forward with intention.

Listen in to learn more :

• (01:20) Why the week between Christmas and New Year matters more than we realize

• (04:10) How a simple brain dump helps clarify creative direction

• (09:30) Choosing one meaningful, doable intention instead of chasing everything

• (14:45) Different types of intentions artists can set: financial, creative, rhythm, or mindset

• (20:40) Why honoring inspiration—even when it feels risky—matters for long-term growth

Download the worksheet –Click Here!

Connect with Kelly on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/

In this short and gentle Christmas-week episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey offers a pause—an invitation to breathe, reflect, and notice the beauty tucked inside the season's chaos. She reminds artists that Christmas is a story of God stepping into ordinary, messy life and that creativity echoes that same light-bringing presence. Kelly shares gratitude for the first 18 episodes of the podcast and for the community of artists walking this journey together. This episode is less about strategy and more about stillness, encouragement, and remembering that creating beauty is both a gift and a calling. Merry Christmas, friends.

Listen in to learn more :

(01:10) It's okay to pause during busy seasons (02:05) Creativity reflects God's presence with us (03:10) Art brings light, even in ordinary days (04:15) Gratitude for community and shared journeys (05:05) Enter the new year with peace and hope

Connect with Kelly on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/

In this solo episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey shares her second must-do recommendation for artists in 2026: sign up for a workshop or retreat. Drawing from her recent plein air retreat experience, Kelly walks through what it's really like to participate—from feeling like a beginner again to finding rhythm, clarity, and creative momentum. She explains why getting out of your studio, learning from a live instructor, and creating alongside other artists leads to deeper growth than working alone. This episode is an encouraging reminder that you don't have to be "ready" to invest in your art—you get ready by showing up.

Listen in to learn more :

(02:10) Why workshops should be a 2026 non-negotiable (06:45) Feeling uncomfortable means you're learning. (12:30) How community accelerates artistic growth (18:20) The power of live feedback and critique (24:40) Why investing in yourself pays off creatively and professionall.y

Resources –

Amazon Easel https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pochade+box

Strada Easel https://www.stradaeasel.com/products/strada-mid

Connect with Kelly on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/

Artist and retreat host Fallon Peper joins Behind the Brush to share how she went from burned-out first-grade teacher to full-time artist and creator of Field & Flow plein air retreats. Fallon tells the story of leaving the classroom without a plan, interning and working in Charleston galleries, and slowly stepping into her painting practice. She explains how retreats were born from her need for community, and why housing artists together, feeding them well, and removing logistical concerns create powerful growth. Kelly and Fallon unpack the value of workshops, organic networking, and painting alongside others, while offering practical encouragement for artists who feel alone, undertrained, or nervous to invest in a retreat.

Listen in to learn more :

(06:30) From Burnout to Brave Pivot (18:40) Internships, Galleries, and Organic Connections (36:10) Why Plein Air Retreats Change Artists (56:20) Community Over Comparison (01:03:30 Say Yes, Then Figure It Out.

Resources –

Connect with Fallon

Website - www.fallonfineart.com

Linen Panels https://www.amazon.com/Centurion-Deluxe-Primed-Linen-3-Pack/dp/B0049V2VIK

Kemper Tool

https://www.amazon.com/Kemper-4336842105-Wipe-Out-Tool/dp/B0001VNQRC

Connect with Kelly on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/

Learn how to set fair, confident pricing for your artwork with strategies that honor both your creative effort and market demand. In this episode, Kelly breaks down real examples from working artists and addresses common insecurities that make pricing feel intimidating. You'll discover how to use Instagram and peer comparisons for market research, establish a baseline that fits your career stage, and avoid undervaluing your work. Kelly also explores how demand shapes pricing, why small test releases matter, and the importance of setting a minimum price you won't dip below. Through honest stories and practical guidance, you'll walk away ready to price your art with clarity—not emotion—and even embrace bold increases when your work deserves it.

Listen in to learn more :

(05:39) Art Pricing Market Research and Analysis

(12:29) Price Adjustments and Sales Strategy

(16:15) Pricing Strategy Based on Size

(19:35) Struggling Artist's Sales Difficulties

Resources –

Connect with Kelly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/

Meet self-taught artist Kristin Cooney, who made the unexpected leap from dentistry to painting. Drawing inspiration from vintage photographs of glamorous women, Kristin transforms historical moments into joyful coastal scenes, florals, and abstracts. She shares the creative process behind her vibrant work and the surprising parallels between art and dentistry—especially value contrast.

Kristin also offers practical advice on the business of art, from shipping large paintings through UPS and Shopify to rebuilding her audience after a hacked Instagram account. She highlights the power of email marketing, creating quality prints, and generating passive income. Her story encourages artists of any age to keep learning, stay curious, and pursue their passion with confidence.

Listen in to learn more :

(04:09) The Impact of Color Inspiration

(06:58) Developing a Business From Instagram Art

(11:36) Building Website Skills With Shopify

(28:20) Embracing Creativity at Any Age

(33:25) Strategic Print Release Planning

(42:41) Appreciate Your Progress as an Artist

Resources –

Connect with Kristin Cooney

https://kristincooneystudio.com/

Connect with Kelly on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/

Feeling like you're not good enough as an artist? You're not alone—and that doubt might be your greatest teacher. In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey opens up about overcoming comparison, from social media envy to measuring herself against masters like Monet and Sargent. She reveals how embracing individuality unlocks creativity and purpose. Kelly reminds us that art isn't a competition—it's a celebration of beauty in all its forms. Through practical steps like taking workshops, building community, and staying creatively consistent, she shares how humility and dedication shape lasting growth. This episode will inspire you to honor your unique path and create with gratitude, confidence, and joy.

Listen in to learn more :

(01:07) Comparing Yourself to Artists

(05:36) Being Faithful in Creative Pursuits

(11:09) Improving Art Skills Through Workshops

(14:13) Managing Overwhelm in Business

(18:23) Distraction From Painting

Resources –

Connect with Kelly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/

https://kellypelfrey.com/