Does 10 Minutes a Day Really Make a Difference? Michelle Brunner on How it Transformed her Career
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
Release Date: 10/28/2025
When You Don't Feel Good Enough As An Artist
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
Feeling like you’re not good enough as an artist? You’re not alone—and that doubt might be your greatest teacher. In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey opens up about overcoming comparison, from social media envy to measuring herself against masters like Monet and Sargent. She reveals how embracing individuality unlocks creativity and purpose. Kelly reminds us that art isn’t a competition—it’s a celebration of beauty in all its forms. Through practical steps like taking workshops, building community, and staying creatively consistent, she shares how humility and...
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The Honest Artist: How Grief Shaped Kendal Blanchard’s Path to Purpose
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
How do you turn personal loss into purpose? In this episode of Behind the Brush, artist Kendall Blanchard shares her inspiring journey from the bayous of Louisiana to recognition across Alabama. After losing her father, Kendall found healing through art, evolving from teacher to full-time artist and collaborating with brands like Society Social. She discusses using Instagram to build authentic partnerships, balancing motherhood with creativity, and transforming collage and texture into her artistic signature. Kendall also offers practical advice on preparing for art shows, managing...
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Episode 11: A Studio That Sparks Joy (and Creativity) --Creating Space for the Work You’re Called To Do
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
Feeling overwhelmed by your messy studio? You’re not alone. In this episode of Behind the Brush, artist and host Kelly Pelfrey kicks off her “When You Feel Overwhelmed By…” series with a candid look at studio chaos and how five minutes can change everything. From dirty paint water to piles of canvases, Kelly shares real-life confessions and practical tips for turning clutter into calm. Learn how simple systems, like giving everything a home, organizing supplies, and setting a quick timer, can transform your creative space and mindset. Whether you thrive...
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Does 10 Minutes a Day Really Make a Difference? Michelle Brunner on How it Transformed her Career
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
Meet Ohio-based artist and educator Michelle Brenner, who beautifully balances her passion for painting with her longtime teaching career. What began as a 2017 New Year’s resolution to paint every day evolved into a thriving art practice, with her work now featured in galleries and private collections—including Meg Young’s Nantucket home. Inspired by the calming landscapes of Lake Erie, Michelle shares how her experiences as a teacher shape her creative process and how her growth as a professional artist enriches her students. In this inspiring episode, Michelle discusses finding...
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They Forgot About You (Until You Emailed)
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
Can artists really afford to ignore the power of an email list? In this episode of Behind the Brush, we uncover how building a strong email community can elevate your art career far beyond social media. Learn how to attract genuine subscribers, craft captivating emails, and turn collectors into lifelong supporters. Forget the spammy tactics—this is about authentic connection. We dive into tools like Mailchimp, Flodesk, and ConvertKit, plus share creative strategies for storytelling, giveaways, and irresistible subject lines. Whether you’re just starting or ready to grow, discover why...
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Where Art Meets Business: Kayla Cole Pacana on Collectives & Community
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
Discover how to build a thriving art business and creative community with special guest Kayla Cole-Pacana. From a background in science to becoming a leader in the art world, Kayla shares her journey and passion for collecting original works that tell powerful stories. Together, we explore the upcoming —a digital platform empowering artists to grow their visibility and independence. Kayla and I dive into the importance of artistic collaboration, retreats, and education, highlighting how face-to-face connections spark growth. Learn how to choose the right collective, strengthen your...
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Where Do You Need Help? (And Why It’s the Smartest Question in Your Art Business)
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
What if freeing up your time could make you a better artist? In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey shares how learning to delegate transformed both her art and business. From managing the KP Collective and launching new projects to balancing family life, Kelly opens up about knowing when to ask for help. Discover how hiring a virtual assistant streamlined her workflow and reignited her creativity. She also explores the benefits of outsourcing web design, bookkeeping, and marketing, as well as the growth that comes from collaboration. Packed with insight and...
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Balancing Art, Life, and Business with Shelby Monteverde
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
Artist Shelby Monteverde opens up about her journey from painting commissioned dog portraits to embracing her authentic artistic voice. With honesty and courage, Shelby shares how pivotal advice from fellow artist Lily Wallace inspired her to pursue personal collections that genuinely resonate with her. Kelly and Shelby discuss the importance of saying no to projects that don’t align with her values and how that decision reshaped her career. Listeners will also gain practical insights into studio routines, pricing strategies, and how mood, environment, and family life influence her art....
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Behind the Scenes: The Art of Commissions
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
Commissions are more than custom artwork—they’re opportunities to transform memories into lasting treasures. In this episode of Behind the Brush, professional artist Kelly Pelfrey reveals why commissions make up 95% of her business and how they build deeper connections with clients. She shares a moving story of creating a piece that honors a family’s late mother, illustrating how commissioned art can become an emotional legacy. Kelly also offers practical advice on navigating the commission process—setting pricing, balancing client requests with creative freedom, and...
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Gallery Success and Signature Style: Lessons from Artist Shannon Woodford
Behind the Brush with Kelly Pelfrey
Artist Shannon Woodford joins Behind the Brush to share her creative journey from a childhood surrounded by art to building a thriving gallery career. She opens up about early experiences in faux painting and murals, the lessons learned from workshops, and how she developed her nature-inspired style using brushes and palette knives. Shannon also offers candid advice on navigating gallery relationships, overcoming rejection, and finding the right fit for your work. Her story highlights the resilience, passion, and joy that fuel a sustainable art career—and the beauty of seeing...
info_outlineMeet Ohio-based artist and educator Michelle Brenner, who beautifully balances her passion for painting with her longtime teaching career. What began as a 2017 New Year’s resolution to paint every day evolved into a thriving art practice, with her work now featured in galleries and private collections—including Meg Young’s Nantucket home. Inspired by the calming landscapes of Lake Erie, Michelle shares how her experiences as a teacher shape her creative process and how her growth as a professional artist enriches her students.
In this inspiring episode, Michelle discusses finding balance, building a consistent practice, and investing in quality materials. Her story proves that creativity and teaching can flourish side by side—with discipline, heart, and purpose.
Listen in to learn more :
(08:16) Teaching Art and Fasting Lifestyle
(14:28) Building a Business Collaboration With Feedback
(24:01) Finding Time for Artistic Passion
(29:35) Organizing Art Business With Spreadsheets
(33:19) Scheduling Social Media Posts for Visibility
(40:39) Teaching and Art Business Balancing Act
(43:52) Love for the Impressionists
(47:10) Daily Art Practice Advice
Resources –
Connect with Michelle -
https://cailinicoastal.com/collections/originalartbymichellebrunner
Instagram @michellebrunnerart
https://www.dresstheroom.com/michelle-brunner
Connect with Kelly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behindthebrush_kellypelfrey
KP Art Collective - http://kpartcollective.com/