Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey

Signing Off With Shipping Tips and a Full Heart

In this final episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly delivers on one last promise, sharing her go-to shipping strategies for artists before closing the chapter on the podcast (for now). First, she walks through the exact systems she uses to ship artwork efficiently and beautifully, including hiring help, packaging with intention, and avoiding costly shipping mistakes. These are the practical tips she's refined over years of sending original work to collectors. But the heart of this episode is something deeper. Kelly shares the decision behind stepping away from the podcast: an honest reflection on seasons, priorities, and the difference between perseverance and wisdom. Through a simple but powerful metaphor of tending her roses, she offers a perspective every creative needs: you can't grow everything at once. If you've ever felt stretched, uncertain, or pulled in too many directions, this episode will meet you right where you are. Key Takeaways: * Simple shipping systems that save time and stress * Why hiring help sooner matters more than you think * The difference between stubbornness and true perseverance * How to recognize what you're called to focus on in this season * Why letting go can sometimes be the wisest move Listen in to learn more : 1. [0:00:02] Shipping Assistant = More Time to Paint 2. [0:02:30] Elevate the Unboxing Experience 3. [0:06:29] Tight Bankers Box Method for Canvas Safety 4. [0:10:30] Save with Discounted Shipping Platforms 5. [0:16:45] Ending the Podcast to "Water the Roses" That Matter Most This isn't just a goodbye… It's a reminder to create with intention, live with clarity, and water what matters most. XO, Kelly Resources Bankers Box Large Moving Box, Up to 55" TV/Picture/Mirror, 4-Pack, 48 x 4 x 33 Inches [https://www.amazon.com/Bankers-Box-SmoothMove-Picture-7711301/dp/B007XPBW3Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_pp?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GZ4v6lf6a1Andp5Rd6zwo8y5EFomHoUFYeFuJLHv3Y1JyltKyGgEDvbnipb2_2-kHjPZeUEyH9QfwigmUqar_JUIySRdSJUW1fhnrsP3ZZZcG2ZcFGF89d9vbYjtP041BtFGwwufzFHfo8BVYWEVRGMaMD9xsVUFORMAwPs83-W6dnV6ook1dzH5aoxCQN4fGc6WvCvZVHB7Zi2xKCXtag.8Ai0Wng0iSQiZtQ3mcertOq-EjLL2663ewZ5KwSs5lc&dib_tag=se&keywords=bankers+boxes&qid=1777307457&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=8-3]U-haul Packing Tape [https://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Tape/Box-Packaging-Paper-Tape/?mid=143] - Pack of 3 PirateShip.com [https://www.pirateship.com/]

Bring the Trip Home with Pamela Wingard: Turning Travel into Art

In this episode of Behind the Brush, I sit down with artist Pam Wingard, whose work is full of bold color, movement, and a deep sense of place. We talk about how travel has shaped her art from painting along the coast of Italy to soaking in the light of the south of France, and how those experiences show up in her work not as literal scenes, but as memory and emotion. Pam also shares how her style has evolved, what helped her loosen up her work, and the practical habits that keep her consistent in the studio. And at the very end, she gives one simple piece of advice about materials that's easy to overlook but can truly change your process. If you've ever wanted to paint more freely, feel more inspired, or reconnect with your creativity, this episode will meet you right where you are. What We Cover: How travel influences artistic style and color choices * Painting from memory vs. reference photos * Letting go of perfection and embracing a looser style * Studio routines that support consistency * Simple ways to create more movement in your work * Why stepping away (or taking a trip) can reset your creativity Takeaways : 1. [0:03:56] Led small-group Italy painting trip with acrylics-focused workshops 2. [0:07:46] South of France and Tuscany travels, inspiring dedicated landscape collections 3. [0:10:23] Uses warm tinted underpaintings to create a glow in blues and greens 4. [0:14:20] Evolved from a realistic to a loose, expressive style using big brushes and music 5. [0:29:37] Emphasizes knowing materials and tools as her key advice for artists Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Connect with Pam Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/pamelawingardart [https://www.instagram.com/pamelawingardart] Website http://laurieprins.comhttps://www.pamwingard.com/ [https://www.pamwingard.com/] https://kpartcollective.com/collections/pam-wingard [https://kpartcollective.com/collections/pam-wingard]

Remove the Friction: Set Up Your Space to Paint More with Lauri Prins

In this episode of Behind the Brush, I'm joined by artist Lauri Prins, a Minnesota-based painter known for her timeless sailboats, gardens, and classic blue-and-white pieces. We dive into Lauri's journey from graphic design and decorative painting back to fine art and how a simple 30-day sketchbook challenge helped her rebuild confidence, find her rhythm again, and loosen up her style in ways she didn't expect. We also talk about the practical side of actually making art consistently: things like timers, studio setup, and why making painting convenient might be the most underrated strategy out there. If you've been overthinking your work, struggling to stay consistent, or waiting for inspiration to show up… this episode will give you a much simpler way forward. Key Takeaways: * [0:02:44] Raised on Art: Growing Up in a Collector's Home * [0:04:33] From BFA to Brushes: Graphic Design and Decorative Roots * [0:08:35] Florida Color Fix: Travel as Creative Fuel * [0:11:51] 30-Day Sketchbook Sprint: Timers, Tools, and Daily Reps * [0:41:06] Make It Convenient: The Friction-Free Path to Painting Recommendations Canvas Lamp - https://www.shopcanvas.co/ [https://www.shopcanvas.co/] Masterson Sta-Wet Palette https://www.dickblick.com/products/masterson-sta-wet-premier-palette/ [https://www.dickblick.com/products/masterson-sta-wet-premier-palette/] Storage Cabinet https://www.harborfreight.com/46-in-9-drawer-mobile-storage-cabinet-with-solid-wood-top-white-57439.html [https://www.harborfreight.com/46-in-9-drawer-mobile-storage-cabinet-with-solid-wood-top-white-57439.html] Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Connect with Lori: Instagram: @lauridprins [https://www.instagram.com/lauridprins/] Website: lauriprins.com [http://lauriprins.com] https://kpartcollective.com/collections/laurin-prins [https://kpartcollective.com/collections/laurin-prins] Connect with Kelly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey [https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey] https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart [https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart] KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/ [http://kpartcollective.com/] https://kellypelfrey.com/ [https://kellypelfrey.com/]

Pulling Back the Curtain: An Honest Conversation About Lately

In this casual, behind-the-scenes episode of Behind the Brush, I'm taking a moment to reflect on the first few months of the year—what worked, what didn't, and what I'm adjusting moving forward. I'm sharing honestly about a full (maybe too full) schedule, how I'm navigating commissions alongside creative work, and the systems that are actually helping me stay afloat right now. We'll also talk about what I'm loving this season (hello, spring and good books), where I'm feeling stretched, and the decisions I know I need to make going into the next few months. If you've been moving fast and haven't paused to reflect, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and step into the next season with more intention. Key Takeaways: [0:02] Q1 Recap – A Full, Stretching Season 1:20] Personal Art Series – Timeline Reset to Fall [2:45] Prioritizing Commissions Over Passion Projects [5:00] Shipping Assistant – Flexible Support That Scales [6:05] Weekly Scoop System in ClickUp for Alignment Links Mentioned - Theo of Golden: A Novel https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Golden-Allen-Levi/dp/B0CFK77BVV [https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Golden-Allen-Levi/dp/B0CFK77BVV] The Correspondent: A Novel https://www.amazon.com/Correspondent-Novel-Virginia-Evans/dp/0593798430 [https://www.amazon.com/Correspondent-Novel-Virginia-Evans/dp/0593798430] Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Connect with Kelly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey [https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey] https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart [https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart] KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/ [http://kpartcollective.com/] https://kellypelfrey.com/ [https://kellypelfrey.com/]

Growing Into Your Voice as an Artist with Emily Pullin

In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly sits down with abstract expressionist Emily Pullin to discuss what it really takes to grow as an artist over time. Emily shares how she went from painting dog portraits to creating layered, emotion-driven mixed-media work, and the unexpected commission that helped unlock her abstract style. They talk about balancing a full life (teaching, motherhood, and art), why not every opportunity is worth saying yes to, and how to protect your creative energy in a world that constantly demands more. Emily also shares an honest take on social media, burnout, and what it means to create work that's truly yours, even when it doesn't fit neatly into a box. If you've ever felt pulled in multiple directions or questioned your artistic voice, this one will meet you right where you are. Key Takeaways: [0:04:37] From Dog Portraits to Deep Abstraction [0:02:51] Teacher, Mom, Artist: Designing a Sustainable Week [0:15:51] Emotion, Faith, and Memory as the Real "Subject Matter." [0:30:39] Camp in Mississippi: A Place that Paints the Paintings [0:37:44] Keep Going & Log Off: Guarding Your Creative Soul Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Connect with Emily- * Instagram: http://instagram.com/epullinartwork [http://instagram.com/epullinartwork] * http://kpartcollective.com/collections/emily-pullin [http://kpartcollective.com/collections/emily-pullin] * Favorite Gummy Bears https://www.albanesecandy.com/gummies/worlds-best-branded/wb-favorites/ [https://www.albanesecandy.com/gummies/worlds-best-branded/wb-favorites/] Connect with Kelly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey [https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey] https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart [https://www.instagram.com/kellypelfreyart] KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/ [http://kpartcollective.com/] https://kellypelfrey.com/ [https://kellypelfrey.com/]