How do artists develop their style, stay inspired, and make a living? The Open Sketchbook Podcast brings you real conversations with artists, educators, and ind...
Welcome to The Open Sketchbook Podcast! In this host-led episode, Evan Kitson explores how the Pomodoro Technique can help creatives reclaim their time and boost productivity- without burning out. From studio habits to classroom parallels, Evan shares how this simple time-chunking method supports deep focus, rest, and sustainable creativity.In this episode:Why “productivity” became Evan’s word of the yearHow the Pomodoro Technique works (and why it’s tomato-shaped 🍅)Parallels between studio practices and figure drawing sessionsThe role of planning and rest in creative momentumHow to build intuitive time awarenessWhy group work and community help us keep goingA drawing demo using the Pomodoro Technique (YouTube exclusive!)Want to watch the drawing demonstration? We're on YouTube!Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/gb97lMVaXBUOur YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookFeatured Technique:20 minutes on / 5 minutes off: a rhythm used in both creative work and figure drawing classes to maintain focus and prevent burnout.Weekly Sketch Starter:Draw your creative space- or a tomato, if you’re feeling brave!The Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioOur Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board:https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/postsHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:Creative Productivity: Pomodoro Techniquehttps://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=productivity-pomodoro-techniqueEvan Kitson's Graphite Drawing Materials Kithttps://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=graphite-drawing-materialsNEWSLETTER ISSUES TO READ:Writing Lists & Finding Priorities + A New Weekly Sketching Prompt!https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/writing-lists-finding-priorities-a-new-weekly-sketching-promptProductivity: Commitment to our Creative Habits + Blog Post Roundup and more!https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/productivity-commitment-to-our-creative-habits-blog-post-roundup-and-moreProductivity: Removing Friction + A New Course Starting Soon!https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/productivity-removing-friction-a-new-course-starting-soon
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Episode 4: Leah Gardner
In this episode, I sit down with painter Leah Gardner, whose luminous still-life paintings capture the magic of light & form, and focus on composition. Leah shares how she pivoted from a career in marketing to becoming a full-time artist, the role that daily painting played in developing her skills, and how she navigates running an art business as a full time artist.We also discuss the challenges of selling art online, the joys and struggles of social media, and why composition plays a bigger role in her work than the objects themselves. Plus, Leah shares insights into her process, from photographing references to making prints and engaging with her audience.Whether you're an artist looking to refine your practice or someone curious about the life of a working painter, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!Want to watch instead of listen?Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookWatch Episode 4: Leah Gardnerhttps://youtu.be/s2oNIqAQ8jkThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioStay Connected, Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter:https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/postsHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/GUEST: Leah Gardnerhttps://leahgardner.art/https://www.instagram.com/leahgardner.art/BOOKS & ARTISTS MENTIONED:Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist by Carol Marinehttps://amzn.to/3DDD5HN *affiliate linkZoey Frankhttps://zoeyfrank.com/Jeremy Mirandahttps://www.instagram.com/jeremy_miranda_/Christina Weaverhttps://www.christinaweaver.com/And Libby (free library app for audiobooks & ebooks)
In the first episode of the Open Sketchbook Podcast, host and artist Evan Kitson discusses the profound impact of Juliette Aristides' work on his artistic journey. They delve into the creation of her influential book, Classical Drawing Atelier, and explore the Atelier movement's significance in contemporary art. The conversation highlights the challenges of writing about art, the interplay between writing and visual composition, and the evolving relationship artists have with content creation in today's digital age. Juliette shares her insights on artistic growth, mentorship, and the philosophical underpinnings of her work, culminating in a reflection on the role of art in modern culture. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving role of the artist in a world saturated with images and information. They discuss the importance of understanding the 'why' behind art, the personal connections to artistic works, and the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity in a fast-paced, digital age. The dialogue also touches on the necessity of unlearning ingrained patterns and the significance of community and historical context in the artistic journey. Recommendations for further exploration in art and literature are shared, emphasizing the need for reflection and personal growth. Check out the links below!Want to see our conversation with video? We're on YouTube!Watch Episode 1 here: https://youtu.be/68E-xl_1YnIOur YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioGUEST: Juliette Aristideshttps://www.aristidesarts.com/https://www.instagram.com/juliettearistides/Aristides Atelier Onlinehttps://terracotta.art/aristides/juliette-aristides-classical-atelierHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/BOOKS MENTIONED:Juliette's Books:The Inner Life of the Artist: Conversations from the Atelier (Pre-Order)https://amzn.to/3FmI53KClassical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practicehttps://amzn.to/4kuC315Other Books Mentioned:Ottolenghi: The Cookbook, by Yotam Ottolenghihttps://amzn.to/4hccAqrRendez-vous with Art, by Philippe de Montebellohttps://amzn.to/4ivfAzcA Mathematician's Lament: How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form, by Paul Lockharthttps://amzn.to/3QPR9ReJULIETTE'S RECOMMENDATIONS:Art as Therapy, by Alain Bottonhttps://amzn.to/3DkSZqhArt and Technics, by Lewis Mumfordhttps://amzn.to/43xFP3IThe Journal of Eugène Delacroixhttps://amzn.to/4kvHexVNote- some of these are affiliate links- should you choose to make a purchase, we'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you
How do artists develop their style, stay inspired, and make a living? The Open Sketchbook Podcast brings you real conversations with artists, educators, and industry professionals to uncover the creative process, strategies for artistic growth, and the realities of an art career. Whether you're a student, and emerging artist, instructor, painter, illustrator, draftsman, or designer you'll get insights on technique, mindset, and the challenges of being an artist so that you can refine your skills, build confidence, and stay motivated. Hosted by Evan Kitson, an experienced artist and educator, this podcast explores the how and why behind making art. Hear from authors, artists, curators, and other creatives so that you can learn from their successes, struggles, and unique perspectives. Expect deep dives into traditional and contemporary techniques, candid artist interviews, and thought-provoking discussions so that you gain the knowledge and inspiration to grow in your own creative practice. If you're looking for art podcasts about creativity, materials and technique, and professional growth, The Open Sketchbook Podcast is for you. Join a growing community of artists and creatives- subscribe now and start listening today!