{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Finding Your Voice: Todd M. Casey on Art Education, Social Media Fatigue and Staying Curious","description":"In this insightful conversation, Kat sits down with celebrated realist painter, author and educator Todd M. Casey. Known for his bestselling books The Art of Still Life and The Oil Painters\u2019 Color Handbook, Todd opens up about the winding road that shaped his artistic life, from studying at MassArt to discovering the atelier system and developing a deep appreciation for classical training. He shares refreshing honesty about navigating art school, finding mentors, resisting social media pressure, and staying connected to the curiosity that fuels meaningful work. Whether you\u2019re a painter refining your technique, a creative searching for direction, or an artist feeling overwhelmed in a content-driven world, this episode offers clarity and grounded wisdom for your path ahead.  What We Cover \u2022 Todd\u2019s early years discovering art alongside his brother and studying at MassArt \u2022 How returning to foundational training transformed his approach to painting \u2022 What traditional art education gets wrong, and what artists actually need to grow \u2022 Why guidance and consistent mentorship are essential for developing strong technique \u2022 The double-edged sword of social media for artists: visibility, burnout, and boundaries \u2022 How curiosity, awareness and everyday life become the fuel for new ideas \u2022 Navigating commercial expectations, artistic identity and pivoting when your work evolves \u2022 The importance of resisting fear-driven creativity and choosing work that feels true \u2022 Todd\u2019s upcoming books and teaching philosophy  About Today\u2019s Guest Todd M. Casey is an artist, author and teacher whose work blends classical realism with a contemporary, introspective approach. Born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, he studied at MassArt, the Academy of Art University, and eventually trained under Jacob Collins at the Water Street Atelier. His paintings and teachings emphasize discipline, observation and a deep respect for the craft of oil painting. He is the author of bestselling books The Art of Still Life and The Oil Painters\u2019 Color Handbook, with two new books forthcoming in 2026 and 2027. Todd teaches at the Lyme Academy of Fine Art and through online programs offered worldwide.  Links &amp;amp; Resources \u2022 Follow Todd M. Casey: Website \/ Instagram \/ Patreon \u2022 The Art of Still Life and The Oil Painters\u2019 Color Handbook \u2022 Learn with Todd: Online workshops and mentorship \u2022 Explore Create! Magazine: https:\/\/www.createmagazine.com \u2022 Support independent art publishing on our Substack: createmagazine.substack.com  Want More Conversations Like This? Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a fellow artist who needs a dose of real-world wisdom and encouragement. ","author_name":"The Create! Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/www.createmagazine.com\/podcast","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39361310\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/39361310"}