Heart to Heart with artist Amanda Hilburn

Today we're talking about letting go of fear in your art process — and how fear sneaks in without us even realizing it. I'll share a few simple ways to loosen up, take the pressure off, and start creating with more freedom and joy. Plus, my Art of Letting Go workshop starts today! If you're ready to paint more freely, it's not too late to join us. Find all the details here: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/workshop/

Ever feel stuck in your painting? Like nothing looks right and you're just spinning your wheels? In today’s episode, we’re talking about something simple but transformative—play. Play isn’t just for kids—it’s actually one of the most powerful tools we have as artists. It can break through frustration, invite joy back into your creative process, and even help you find your unique style. ✨ Whether you’re a total beginner or have been painting for years, this is your reminder that creativity is supposed to feel good. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: 👉 Join the $10 "Art of Letting Go" Workshop (April 28–May 2)  https://artbyamandahilburn.com/workshop/ We’ll be focusing on loosening up, layering, and creating joyful florals—without the pressure.

If your florals feel stiff or overworked, you might be making this super common mistake. In this episode, I’ll show you how loosening up can lead to more expressive, joyful paintings—and how my process evolved.  Join my $10 workshop, The Art of Letting Go, starting April 28. 👉 https://artbyamandahilburn.com/workshop/

Spring is the season of fresh starts—and creativity can be one of the most grounding ways to reconnect with yourself. In today’s episode, I’m exploring how painting (or any creative practice) helps quiet the noise of daily life and brings us back to who we really are. I’m also sharing how media overload might be affecting your focus and inspiration more than you realize, and offering a few gentle ways to create more space for creativity in your day. Plus, a soft peek at something special I’ve been working on for May to help you loosen up and enjoy the process even more.

Struggling to find your unique art style? The key might be simpler than you think—trusting yourself. In this episode, I’ll share why self-trust is essential for artistic growth, how overthinking holds you back, and practical ways to build confidence in your creative choices.

Have you ever wanted to start painting but weren’t sure where to begin? Sunflowers are one of the best subjects for beginner artists! In this episode, I’ll share why sunflowers are so fun (and forgiving) to paint, how they help you build confidence with brush control and layering, and why they’re the perfect way to loosen up your style. 🎨 Want to paint a sunflower with me? Grab my free Paint a Sunflower tutorial and follow along step by step! Get it here → https://artbyamandahilburn.com/free-sunflower-painting-lesson/ Hit play, get inspired, and let’s create something beautiful together!

Do you ever feel like you need hours of free time to really make progress with painting? I’ve been there too! But the truth is, small, consistent practice is the secret to building confidence and skill. In this episode, I’m sharing how setting aside just 15 minutes a day can transform your painting practice—removing overwhelm, building momentum, and making painting feel fun instead of intimidating. I’ll also give you a few quick and easy ideas to try when you only have a few minutes to spare. 🎨 Want to put this into action? Grab my free mini tutorial, "Paint a Loose Floral in 15 Minutes" https://artbyamandahilburn.com/free-sunflower-painting-lesson/ After you try it, send me a DM or email a photo of what you painted—I’d love to see it! 💛

Ever wonder what people mean when they say a painting has movement? In this episode, we’re diving into the magic of movement in art—specifically how warm and cool colors can push, pull, and guide the viewer’s eye. I’ll break down how color temperature creates depth and energy. Whether you’re painting landscapes, florals, or abstracts, this is a game-changer for adding life to your art!   Link to the free painting lesson mentioned in the episode: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/free-sunflower-painting-lesson/

I'm back! After taking a break from the podcast, I’m excited to start sharing episodes with you again. In this episode, I’ll chat about why I stepped away, why I’ve decided to return, and what you can expect moving forward. Whether you’re a new listener or you’ve been here since the beginning, I’m so glad you’re here! Hit subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes, and let’s dive back into creativity together. Link to the course mentioned in this episode: Painterly: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/painterly/

Let's chat about recharging as an introvert with an online business.  Watch the video version on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIoVzMpJhEBKbMjhMkAqMjg Introverts in Business video I mention in the podcast is here: https://youtu.be/5B6JlmJnOz8

Burnout happens when we hustle without boundaries. In this episode I share three things that help me prioritize and balance my health and business.

This is a time when I normally look back at the previous year, make plans for the new year, and change anything that I want to do differently in my art business. I’m going to make some changes that I hope make 2023 a easier year for me. You can find the blog post about this topic here: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/new-year-and-new-plans/

Finding time in your schedule to be creative is a challenge for us all, but it's so worth the effort! 

What is success? Just like art...it's so subjective. It really hinges on your own priorities and what you want. Let's talk about that.

In my own experience, finding your artistic voice is what we are really looking for when we say we want to find our style.

I mention a time lapse painting in this episode. You can watch that here on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/MZYmLOW_o5o

Change the way you think about commissions. 

I’ve been painting irises and thinking about how I don’t know everything that there is to know about painting. Let’s chat about waiting until you know it all or waiting until something is perfect to share it. Watch me paint and chat with me here on the blog: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/are-you-waiting-on-perfection/

There is a difference between having a hobby or a business, and you should consider a few things before you begin selling your artwork. The decision is really yours, of course.  You get to decide if you want to paint and sell your work as a business owner or just paint for the fun of it.   FIND THE BLUEBIRD SOCIETY HERE: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/join-the-bluebird-society/

Have you struggled with this question? I hope this will help. Find the blog post on this same topic here: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/am-i-a-real-artist-telling-a-big-part-of-my-story/ Music by: FlowBeats