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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

When Composition Finally Clicked: My Journey Through Books, Tools & a Workshop | #ArtComposition Ep. 033

For years, I struggled with composition. I read books, studied guides, and even used a fancy golden ratio tool. But every time I showed my paintings to my partner (a hobby photographer), he’d say, ‘The composition isn’t quite working.’ Nothing clicked—until I attended Kelogsloops’ watercolor workshop in Munich.

He explained composition so simply: ‘Guide the viewer’s eye through the painting the way you want them to.’ It was a lightbulb moment. Since then, I see composition everywhere—in my paintings, in children’s books while reading with my son, and even in the way colors flow across a page.

This episode shares my journey to finally understanding composition, plus a special announcement—I’ll be interviewing Kelogsloops in April 2025! Tune in for insights on composition, creativity, and the artistic process.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Finding My Signature: The Journey to Owning My Art | #Ownyourart Ep. 032

“Who wants my signature?" That was my first thought when a client asked if my paintings came signed. I had always admired the signatures of artists like Klimt and Van Gogh but never felt my work deserved that kind of mark. But then I stopped and asked myself—why? Why wasn’t I worthy of a signature? That question sparked a journey, one that had me filling entire sheets of watercolor paper, refining my letters, and finally, stepping into my identity as an artist.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Making Painting a Habit: How to Build a Sustainable Practice | #MaketimeforArt Ep. 031

For me, that shift happened in 2023 when I committed to painting my son every day for 31 days, leading up to his third birthday. By the time the month ended, painting had become a daily ritual. Now, if I don’t paint—even just a little—it feels off, like something is missing. That’s the habit you want to build. Painting as a natural part of your life.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Embracing the Unfamiliar: Finding Growth in Kelogsloops’ Workshop | #ArtGrowth Ep. 029

What happens when you finally get to learn from one of your biggest artistic inspirations, and it doesn’t go as planned? In this episode, I reflect on my experience attending Kelogsloops workshop in Munich, how our contrasting styles challenged me, and the unexpected lessons I took away. From redefining composition to blending styles, this journey was more about finding my artistic voice than perfecting techniques.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Listening In: Aine Divine on Art as Catharsis, Following Sparks, Surrendering to Creative Blocks, and Fully Occupying Your Body in the Creative Process| Ep.19

In this episode, Aine Divine shares her insights on the creative process, focusing on how art can be cathartic and transformative. She discusses how following sparks of inspiration, surrendering to creative blocks, and fully occupying your body with movement all play a crucial role in producing meaningful work. Aine also explores the importance of listening to your inner voice, grounding yourself, and embracing the natural flow of creativity. Tune in for a deeper understanding of connecting with your art and body during the creative journey.

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