
Drawing Inspiration
Join self-taught artist Mike Hendley who shares his ongoing experiences in learning how to draw and paint with those interested in exploring art at any age. Mike also talks about the challenges of being creative, making space for these passionate pursuits in our hectic lives and beginning the artist journey late in life. Grab a pad and pencil or an iPad and follow along with Mike on his journey to become a better artist through tips, tricks, interviews, and stories.
Latest episodes

Feb 20, 2024 • 1sec
109: Finding Beauty in Brokenness with Nathan Terborg
In this conversation, Nathan Terborg discusses his journey as an artist and the importance of family support. He shares how his children find his work cool and how creating with them is a rewarding experience. Nathan also talks about his use of fire and heat in his art, finding beauty in imperfections, and the value of experimentation. He emphasizes the need to overcome self-censorship and encourages artists to try new materials and techniques. Nathan also discusses the power of video in promoting art and the importance of finding time for creativity. In this conversation, Nathan Terborg shares insights on the importance of divorcing oneself from engaging with other people's opinions, especially imaginary ones. He emphasizes the value of embracing one's own creative space and allowing it to drive the work.
Etchr class
Museum of Nature (Urban Sketcher Outing)
Chickadee sketch (Etchr Drawing Course)
Frogs with markers
Clubhouse
Resin
“On Writing” byStephen King
Bernzomtaic propane
Dremel
Angle grinder
Orbital sander
Wabi-sabi
Jerry Saltz
“The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin
“Catching the Big Fish” by David Lynch
“The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield
“An Immense World” by Ed Yong
“Just Make Art” podcast Nathan Terborg and Ty Nathan Clark
“That Which Remains” show at Another gallery in Denver
===== How to reach Nathan Terborg =====
Website nathanterborg.com
Instagram@nathanterborg
===== How to reach Mike Hendley =====
MikeHendley.com
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MikeHendleyArt/
Instagram @Mike_Hendley
Show notes at DrawingInspiration.fm
You can find my newsletter and support me on Substack
Buy Me a Coffee if you like the show or my work
Podcast theme music is “Acid Jazz”
By Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

22 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 2sec
108: Golden Visions: Anna Gibbs on Nature and Gold Leaf Artistry
Anna Gibbs, an artist with a passion for the intersection of philosophy and art, discusses her journey as an artist, her academic pursuits, and her transition to a career as a full-time artist. They also touch on the challenges of pursuing art professionally, the role of social media, and the need for validation in the artist's journey. The podcast also highlights Anna's move to New Zealand, her exploration of oil painting, and her approach to digital art.

Nov 20, 2023 • 2sec
107: One Bite at a Time: 20 Years of Comics, Illustration, and Design with Ryan Claytor, Cartoonist, and Professor
Ryan Claytor discusses his latest Kickstarter book 'One Bite at a Time' and his career in comics and illustration.

13 snips
Nov 4, 2023 • 2sec
106: Drawn Together, Natural Pigments and the Many Faces of Dylan Sara
Dylan Sara, a talented artist passionate about portraiture, discusses his artistic roots, challenges of architecture school, and his unique approach to combining traditional techniques with modern technology. They also explore the use of natural pigments in ink making and the struggles of selling artwork. The guest suggests a daily practice of timed portrait sketching for noticeable improvements in a short period of time.

7 snips
Sep 25, 2023 • 1sec
105: Capturing Light and Life: The Watercolour World of Shelley Prior
Mike reflects on his class from Wild Wonder Conference 2023 and upcoming changes. Shelley Prior joins the podcast to talk about her love affair with watercolour. It has led her to develop a highly realistic style, capturing everything from birds and wildlife to portraits, still life, and breathtaking landscapes. But that's not all; she is also an active instructor who's been imparting her knowledge in workshops in Canada and occasionally in the U.S..
What stands out when you look at Shelley's work is the play of light. She believes that light is the 'life of the painting,' a philosophy that shines through every piece she creates. Shelley's work perfectly exemplifies how meticulous planning, quality materials, and an endless love for experimentation can lead to stunning artistry.
Subscribe to Mike’s Newsletter
Wild Wonder Conference
Etchr Course
Robert Bateman interview #20
Sarah Mckendry interview #99
ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
Ripley’s Aquarium Canada
Point Pelee National Park
Monarch butterflies
Wagon wheel piece
Glass image
Hummingbird
Arches paper
Gator board
Jono Dry wetting paper (YouTube)
Winsor & Newton
Daniel Smith
Holbein
Da Vinci Paint Co.
Shelley’s materials
YouTube (ShelleyPriorFineArt)
Dundas Valley School of Art
Art Gallery of Burlington
Zoom workshops
Hazel Soan Interview #96
===== How to reach Shelley Prior =====
Website shelleypriorart.com
YouTube (ShelleyPriorFineArt)
@shelleypriorfineart on Instagram
===== How to reach Mike Hendley =====
MikeHendley.com
Instagram @Mike_Hendley
Twitter @MikeHendley
Mike’s drawing kit
Show notes at DrawingInspiration.fm
===== Support the Podcast =====
Become a patron of the show
Buy Me a Paintbrush if you like the show or my work
Podcast theme music is “Acid Jazz”
By Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

13 snips
Sep 12, 2023 • 2sec
104: Watercolors Meet Wanderlust on Alena Gastaldi’s Artistic Pilgrimage
Alena Gastaldi, artist and urban sketcher with a background in architecture, joins Mike on the podcast. They discuss topics such as the Wild Wonder Conference 2023, Alena's journey from architecture to drawing and sketching worldwide, and the importance of using good quality materials for drawing and painting. They also touch on their love for reading and learning English, and explore the use of gouache in watercolor painting. Additionally, they discuss their dreams of sketching in Peru and Mexico, the joys of teaching and the power of Patreon.

Jul 11, 2023 • 21sec
103: Taking Time to Reflect, Brainstorm, Plan, and Create
In this episode, the host reflects on their recent experiences and the importance of reflection in the creative process. They discuss upcoming courses on drawing animals in graphite and their participation in an exciting speaking event. The host also shares their experience using new oil brushes in digital artwork and their recent urban sketching session in Ottawa. They reflect on receiving a parking ticket and discuss their future plans for creative projects, including Patreon and Discord.

14 snips
Jun 26, 2023 • 1sec
102: Life in Art and Nature: Reflections on Nearly Four Decades of Exploration with Roseann Hanson
Mike embraces a new mindset to pull himself out of a slump. He also talks about some recent work and prep for courses and talks. Roseann Hanson joins the podcast to talk about her journey from an early exposure to nature and art to writing and science. She talks about the various cliffs she has encountered and her mindset in moving through life is something we can all learn from. Her homework is a challenge for Mike.
Mike’s shoebill stork
Decoupage
Brenda Star Reporter
Johnathan Hanson
Southern Arizona Nature Almanac
Portal, Arizona
Chiricahua Mountains
Kenya
Maasai
Mastodon
Sabre-tooth cats
Sky Islands, Arizona
Toyota Landcruiser
Fairbanks, Alaska
Raven
Rockhounding
Turquoise
Agate
Opal
Fire opal
Tucson Gem and Mineral Society
Lapidary
Make it at Market (Britbox)
John Muir Laws
Shari Blaukopf on Drawing Inspiration
White-crowned sparrow
Freeform (App store)
Rapidographs
Platinum Carbon Ink
Marc Taro Holmes on Drawing Inspiration
Field Arts
Walnut ink
Prickly Pear ink
Fugitive pigments
William Turner
Around the world in 80 trees
Nature Journal Academy
Wild Wonder Conference
Jo Brown on Drawing Inspiration (#13 and #40)
Etchr hot press sketchbook
Moleskine sketchbook
===== How to reach Roseann Hanson =====
ExploringOverland.com
@roseannhanson on Instagram
===== How to reach Mike Hendley =====
MikeHendley.com
Instagram @Mike_Hendley
Twitter @MikeHendley
Mike’s drawing kit
Show notes at DrawingInspiration.fm
===== Support the Podcast =====
Support "Drawing Connections" on Substack
Buy Me a Paintbrush if you like the show or my work
Podcast theme music is “Acid Jazz”
By Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

10 snips
Jun 12, 2023 • 2sec
101: The Artistic Journey with Marc Taro Holmes: Urban Sketching (USK) and Beyond
Guest Marc Taro Holmes, concept artist and art director in the gaming industry, discusses his journey from BFA to urban sketching and direct watercolor. They explore the impact of AI in the art industry and the use of reference photos for realism. The importance of considering x and y axes in drawing, the 'dot plot' technique, and measurement tools are also discussed. Additionally, they delve into exploring oil painting, painting challenges, and techniques for urban sketching.

May 30, 2023 • 1sec
100: A Palette of 100 Episodes: The Journey of Drawing Inspiration
Marking a major milestone, Mike revels in the 100th podcast episode by reminiscing over past shows and introducing fresh clips. A special giveaway by Etchr can be found inside the podcast. He graciously shares received audio tributes from fellow creatives, a testament to the podcast's impact. As he reflects on the rich tapestry woven over four years, he also hints at what's next. As for his homework? Expect a little deja vu.
Etchr Lab
Etchr Studio
Etchr Giveaway form
International Nature Journaling Week (INJW)
Mike’s workshop at INJW
Bethan on Drawing Inspiration #63
Mike Sibley
Mike Rohde on Drawing Inspiration #8
Melissa Cormier on Drawing Inspiration #93
Marta Witkiewicz on Drawing Inspiration #68
Hazel Soan on Drawing Inspiration #96
Tiff Arment on Drawing Inspiration #15
@girwiththegreatglass (IG)
Kathryn Hansen on Drawing Inspiration #97
Zoe Fitchet on Drawing Inspiration #82
Glen Southern on Drawing Inspiration #73
Brad Colbow on Drawing Inspiration #21
Sam Gillett on Drawing Inspiration #55
Lara Call Gastinger on Drawing Inspiration #74
Mesa Schumacher on Drawing Inspiration #81
Marek Badzynski on Drawing Inspiration #48
Christina Wald on Drawing Inspiration #87
Kenneth Kirsch on Drawing Inspiration #89
Eric Romero on Drawing Inspiration #71
Tina Hotchkiss on Drawing Inspiration #86
Brooke Morales @brookenoticed
Sasha Motsjonov @soswow42
Maureen Berry @maureenc.berry
Karen Houlding @iamchasingbutterflies
Rachel Boutin @rachelmgboutin
Elisabeth Wellfare @elisabethwellfare
Violetta @violsk
===== How to reach Mike Hendley =====
MikeHendley.com
Instagram @Mike_Hendley
Twitter @MikeHendley
Mike’s drawing kit
Show notes at DrawingInspiration.fm
===== Support the Podcast =====
Support "Drawing Connections" on Substack
Buy Me a Paintbrush if you like the show or my work
Podcast theme music is “Acid Jazz”
By Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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