Welcome back. Today’s episode is jam-packed with answers to some of the most common questions I get as a painter—how I choose what to paint, how I build strong compositions, how I keep my colors vibrant instead of muddy, and even how I save money on supplies without sacrificing quality. Whether you're tuning in with your favorite coffee or wielding your favorite paintbrush, you're in for a practical and inspiring ride.

I’ll kick things off by diving into the question I hear the most: “How do you decide what to paint?” Spoiler alert—it’s not about lacking ideas, but about managing the overflow of them. I’ll walk you through how I juggle multiple pieces at once to stay energized, where I source my reference photos (legally and affordably), and why following your curiosity is key to developing your unique style. From trail cam shots and thrift store frames to tips on avoiding muddy colors and stretching your art budget, this episode is all about helping you create with confidence and clarity. Let’s dive in.

Hey there, and welcome back to the show! I’ve got a powerful episode lined up for you today—one that might just shift your mindset in the best way possible. I'm talking with Empowerment Coach Wendy Gunn, and trust me, you’re going to want to hear this. Wendy doesn’t just talk about transforming challenges into blessings—she’s lived it. From building a thriving email list to losing over 100 pounds and keeping it off, Wendy is the real deal. If you’re ready for practical wisdom, real inspiration, and a fresh way to look at your own story, stay with us. And check out the show notes for episode 110 at passionatepainterpodcast.com for Wendy's contact info and the links to resources mentioned on the show.
#selfconfidence #confidentartist #successfulartist #passionatepainterpodcast #carolineitaliacarlson #wendygunn

Today, I get to introduce you to Amy Bernstein. Amy is a writer who has made it her mission to help creatives get out of their own way and flourish in spite of self-doubt. In this interview, she shares real-world wisdom for keeping yourself moving forward, whether you're a writer, visual artist, or both. We also talk about how artists can incorporate writing to help their art careers, and how to handle rejection. Amy's insights are a breath of fresh air that really any type of creative can add to their toolkit. 
Get the show links for this episode by doing to episode 109 at https://passionatepainterpodcast.com
#passionatepainterpodcast
#carolineitaliacarlson
#successfulartist 
#amylbernstein
#overcomedoubts 
#handlingrejection

Welcome to part 2 of my interview with Women's portrait photographer, confidence coach, and author, Elizabeth Snyder. Here, we dig into the mindset aspects of a successful creative career. We talk about Elizabeth's new book, Unbroken; Finding Your Purpose Beyond Trauma, and ways artists can experience personal growth and tune into their inner compass for maximum happiness. 

Check out the show notes for episode 107 at passionatepainterpodcast.com for Elizabeth's bio and contact information, the transcript of this interview, and the links discussed in the episode.

#passionatepainterpodcast
#carolineitaliacarlson
#successfulartist 
#elizabethsnyder
#healingart 

Welcome to part 1 of my interview with Women's portrait photographer, confidence coach, and author, Elizabeth Snyder. In this episode, you'll hear about Elizabeth's journey to living her dream of being a professional photographer. She guides her clients beyond just a great photograph, taking them through their own journey to self-acceptance and greater confidence. Elizabeth's story is inspiring and full of helpful tips.

Check out the show notes for episode 107 at passionatepainterpodcast.com for Elizabeth's bio and contact information, the transcript of this interview, and the links discussed in the episode.

#passionatepainterpodcast
#carolineitaliacarlson
#successfulartist 
#elizabethsnyder
#healingart 

Dr. Vasu Tolia is a former pediatric gastroenterologist who has embarked on a second act as an artist. Dr. Tolia's diverse life experiences filter through her art, and her knowledge of neurobiology influences her use of light, composition, and color. The captivating result conveys the tranquility and beauty of nature and the universe itself. Dr. Tolia has successfully incorporated charitable donations into her artwork sales and regularly contributes to three charities on her website. She is an inspiration. Read Vasu's bio, see her artwork, and get links from this episode at passionatepainterpodcast.com.

#holisticart, #vasutolia, #passionatepainterpodcast, #healingart, #successfulartist

Welcome to part 2 of my interview with Audiobook Coach, Producer, and Transformational Speaker Robert A. Lane. We discuss time management and the importance of reaching out to those around you for help to maximize your chances of success and avoid overwhelm. Robert shares wisdom for acknowledging fear and identifying negative self-talk as crucial steps to becoming resilient and more confident. 

If you haven't yet listened to part 1, you'll want to go back and check that out first to learn how artists can find their unique voice, and to hear about Robert's unique journey to becoming a book author and creator of a short film. 

Don't forget, I'm ringing in the new year by giving my Portrait Code Masterclass to three lucky entrants chosen at random on January 19, 2025. My masterclass contains all my other courses within its modules and will benefit painters of any subject, especially those who paint in oils. Enter by 11:59 pm on January 18, 2025 for a chance to win The Portrait Code for free. It's packed with over 7 hours of efficient, actionable instruction you can start using immediately to take your paintings to the next level. Just go to the show notes for this episode, 105, or for episode 104, and click on the big, pink entry button. One entrant per email. 
#passionatepainterpodcast 
#carolineitaliacarlson 
#robertalane
#authenticself 
#artisticvoice
#successfulartist

Welcome back,

This conversation with Audiobook Coach, Producer, and Transformational Speaker Robert A. Lane, covers a lot of ground. We talk about developing your unique voice as an artist, and The process requires digging deep to show up as your most authentic self. 

Though our discussion of authenticity references acting, Robert's wisdom applies to being authentic as any type of artist. If you've listened to this show for any length of time, you're used to being encouraged to give yourself grace and stop being a perfectionist in the creative process. Robert goes beyond the expected caution that trying to be perfect sets impossible standards and stifles creativity. He talks about why it's vitally important to show your imperfections to the world. You'll learn how artists can find their unique voice, and to hear about Robert's unique journey to becoming a book author and creator of a short film. 

As is often the case, the interview ran long, so this is part 1 of 2. Check out part 2 to get a healthy boost of encouragement and learn how to overcome the fear of rejection to reach for your dreams. We also talk about time management and how even artists can benefit from delegating. You can find part 2 at passionatepainterpodcast.com and on all the usual podcast directories.

As always, the show notes for both part 1 and part 2 will contain the links discussed in the episode, including Robert's short film, I-Doll, just made public via YouTube, for you.

One quick announcement. I'm ringing in the new year by giving my Portrait Code Masterclass to three lucky entrants chosen at random on January 19. And though the name of the course is The Portrait Code, it contains all my other courses within its modules. The content of this course will benefit painters of any subject, especially those who paint in oils.

You'll learn about composition, perspective, color theory, and so much more in addition to the portraiture lessons. You'll also get a module on confidence as an artist and lots of free bonuses! Enter for free in the show notes for both part 1 and part 2 of this interview before midnight on January 18. Just go to passionate painter podcast.com and click on episode 104 or 105  to find the big pink entry button.

Enjoy the interview

In this Passionate Painter Podcast Video Interview, Caroline Italia Carlson interviews Artist and Art Retreat business owner Misty Gage. 

In this episode, you'll hear how Misty grows her audience, overcomes her resistance to selling, and how to reboot your creativity through a studio refresh.

If you haven't yet checked out part 1, you'll want to give it a listen to hear about Misty's background, inspiration, mindset, overcoming fear of the blank page, the structure of Misty's business, how she promotes her work, art business websites, pricing, and mistakes to avoid when taking pictures of your art.

Get the full show notes at passionatepainterpodcast.com by searching for episode 103 in the search bar.

Become a podcast insider when you sign up for my newsletter and receive a reusable coupon for 30% off any of the courses in the Passionate Painter Academy, plus access to Caroline's ever-growing bonus vault of ebooks, cheat sheets, and checklists. Sign up in the sidebar of the podcast at passionatepainterpodcast.com
#passionatepainterpodcast 
#artpodcast #carolineitaliacarlson #mistygage

In this Passionate Painter Podcast Video Interview, Caroline Italia Carlson interviews Artist and Art Retreat business owner Misty Gage. 

In this episode, you'll hear about Misty's background, inspiration, mindset, overcoming fear of the blank page, the structure of Misty's business, how she promotes her work, art business websites, pricing, and mistakes to avoid when taking pictures of your art.

In part 2, you'll hear how Misty grows her audience, overcomes her resistance to selling, and how to reboot your creativity through a studio refresh.

Become a podcast insider when you sign up for my newsletter and receive a reusable coupon for 30% off any of the courses in the Passionate Painter Academy, plus access to Caroline's ever-growing bonus vault of ebooks, cheat sheets, and checklists. Sign up in the sidebar of the podcast at passionatepainterpodcast.com

#passionatepainterpodcast 
#artpodcast #carolineitaliacarlson #mistygage