Hooray! A new episode of the Adventures in Arting Podcast is here and it’s an interview with mixed media artist, Mary Correa, all about her art practice. As you know, an art practice is the foundation of artistic growth, and it’s something that evolves with time, life circumstances, and your creative interests. In the conversation Mom and I had with Mary, we delved into the realities of maintaining an art practice while balancing life, business, and personal creativity.
Listen below:
Here are a few lessons from my conversation with Mary, all about building a sustainable art practice. Whether you’re a full-time artist, an art educator, or someone simply looking to carve out more creative time, these takeaways from our discussion can help you build and sustain a thriving art practice.
The Role of Routine and Ritual in Art Practice
One of the most interesting parts of my conversation with Mary was about the rituals we use to enter a creative mindset. Mary shared that when she steps into her studio, she always brings coffee, turns on her twinkle lights, and spends 10-15 minutes in a composition book. Here’s a peek into Mary’s art journal:
This small, intentional warm-up helps her transition into art-making, even on days filled with business tasks like emails and class prep.
I’ve found the same thing to be true in my own practice. The more structured I am about easing into my work, the easier it is to get started. Even if it’s just swatching paint, playing with materials, or sketching a few loose lines, having a small ritual can make a big difference.
Try This: Before diving into a big project, create a short warm-up ritual. Maybe it’s flipping through a sketchbook, setting up your space in a particular way, or playing music that signals, “It’s time to create.”
The Myth of the “Perfect” Art Practice
Mary and I both laughed about the pressure to have a structured, disciplined art schedule. The reality? Life rarely works that way. Mary described how she often works in small bursts, hopping between painting, sending emails, and tackling daily life. Her art practice is fluid—she fits creativity into her day rather than waiting for a perfect uninterrupted stretch of time.
I completely relate to this. While I admire artists who can batch their work into long, focused sessions, I’ve realized that my best approach is more organic. Sometimes it’s 10 minutes, sometimes it’s an hour, but the key is showing up consistently, even in small ways.
Here’s a peek at my Studio Notebook, where you’ll find no great art. Instead you’ll find ideas!
Try This: Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, aim for consistency over quantity. If you can only create for 10 minutes, do it. Small moments add up over time.
Embracing the Evolution of Your Art Practice
As artists, we sometimes feel pressure to push ourselves in new directions—even when we’re naturally drawn to certain themes. Mary, for example, often gravitates toward florals and landscapes, yet sometimes wonders if she should branch out into something entirely different. Here she is with one of her flower paintings:
This internal debate is common: should we stick to what feels authentic, or force ourselves to diversify?
The answer? Follow what excites you. There’s a reason certain subjects call to you. If you’re repeatedly drawn to a style, a subject, or a color palette, that’s a clue about where your voice is strongest.
Try This: Instead of fighting your natural artistic tendencies, embrace them. Explore variations within your style rather than feeling pressured to reinvent yourself entirely.
Making Space for Art in a Busy Life
Mary and Mom and I also talked about how life changes impact our creative practice. Mary started making art more seriously when her son was little, using short, focused pockets of time. Now that her son is older, she’s shifting her focus to larger projects, like solo exhibitions.
Life circumstances will always shift, but art can be a constant. Whether you’re parenting, working full-time, or managing other responsibilities, the key is adapting your practice to fit your life, not the other way around.
I’ve had my son in the studio with me, almost since he was born.
It was a lot of work when he really little, but now that he’s five, it’s more easygoing. I still need to supervise most of the time, but it has opened up pockets of time for me to work, and I am hopeful those pockets will grow as he grows.
Try This: Assess what’s realistic for your current season of life. If daily painting feels impossible, maybe a weekly creative session is more sustainable. Adjust your expectations to keep creativity a consistent part of your life.
Final Thoughts: Your Art Practice is Yours
If you listen to the podcast, I’m sure you’ll understand that there’s no single “right” way to maintain an art practice. Some artists thrive with structured schedules, while others (like me!) work in bursts. Some work best alone, while others find energy in community. The most important thing is to find what works for you and embrace it without guilt.
If you’re feeling stuck in your art practice, I encourage you to experiment with different approaches, develop small rituals, and most importantly—keep making. Your art practice is like a garden trellis, supporting your growth as an artist in whatever direction feels right to you.
If you want more support in building or maintaining your art practice, check out My Art Practice, the online membership community where we create, connect, and thrive together!
Thanks for stopping by!
