There are no second chances on Portrait Artist of the Year… but there are in the studio!

In this episode of Smerdon Toast, we give ourselves a do-over and repaint our PAOTY celebrities — legendary film critic Margaret Pomeranz and incomparable drag queen Courtney Act. With the cameras gone and the clock no longer ticking, we talk honestly about what it felt like to be under the lights, on the spot, and on national TV.

We revisit all the highs, lows and weird in-betweens of being on Portrait Artist of the Year Australia: the adrenaline, the self-doubt, the pressure to “perform”, and that strange mix of joy and grief when it’s all over. As we repaint Margaret and Courtney, we unpack what we’d do differently, what we learned about our own practices, and why painting in four frantic hours is a completely different beast to working in the studio.

In this episode, we chat about:

🎨 The difference in our painting skills and arts practice before Portrait Artist of the Year and after being on PAOTY

🎨 How we would paint Margaret Pomeranz and Courtney Act differently if we had a second chance (which we did!)

🎨 The emotional rollercoaster of being on PAOTY (before, during and after)

If you watched our heat on Portrait Artist of the Year or you’re curious about what really goes on behind the easel, this one’s for you.

🎨 New here?

We’re Seabastion Toast and Anne Smerdon – two Australian painters talking about process, prizes, painting disasters, small victories, and everything in between.

🎨 Find our work at:

Anne Smerdon: www.annesmerdon.com

Seabastion Toast: www.seabastiontoast.com

🎨Topics discussed this episode:

#PortraitArtistOfTheYear #PAOTY #CourtneyAct #MargaretPomeranz #AustralianArt #allaprima #PortraitPainting #OilPainting #ArtPodcast #SmerdonToast #AnneSmerdon #SeabastionToast #paintingchallenge

In this episode of Smerdon Toast, professional artists and 2025 Portrait Artist of the Year AU (PAOTY) contestants Anne Smerdon and Seabastion Toast put the 80/20 Pareto Principle to the test in the studio.

The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of effort. But how does this apply to artists making art? Can painters and creatives really work smarter, not harder? We put the 80/20 Rule to the test in this art challenge, exploring:

✅ How the 80/20 Rule applies to painting, creativity, and studio practice

✅ Why most artistic progress comes from just 20% of effort (and what to focus on)

✅ Practical tips for artists to work smarter, not harder

✅ How painting challenges can sharpen focus and lead to unexpected insights

If you’re interested in painting challenges, art productivity hacks, creativity tips, or studio efficiency, this video is for you. Watch as we test the Pareto Principle in art, share what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned along the way.

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🌟 Subscribe to Smerdon Toast for more painting challenges, creative discussions, and tips for artists.

Find our art on:

• www.annesmerdon.com

• www.seabastiontoast.com

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Key topics covered in this episode:

80/20 rule painting challenge, Pareto principle art, painting challenge YouTube, art productivity tips, 80/20 rule in art, Pareto principle painting, art hacks for artists, painting challenge ideas, how to improve your art practice, artist productivity challenge, work smarter not harder art, Smerdon Toast painting challenge PAOTY contestants, Portrait Artist of the Year AU, Australian Portrait artist of the year, Portrait artist of the year Australia.

In this episode of Smerdon Toast, artist Ben Crawford joins us to explore how collage can be used as a powerful tool for creating artwork. From paper cut-outs to digital collaging, we dive into techniques, challenges, and creative possibilities that collage opens up for painters, mixed media artists, and anyone curious about starting their own art journey.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

🎨 Why artists use collage as a starting point for painting

🎨 Ben Crawford’s personal approach to collage in his art

🎨 Where did collage begin?

🎨 The worst and best advice Ben has received as an artist

Whether you’re an emerging artist, a collage enthusiast, or just love hearing how creative people work, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

📌 Subscribe to Smerdon Toast for more conversations with artists: Smerdon Toast Youtube

🎨 View Ben Crawford’s art: www.bencrawford.com

🎨 View Anne Smerdon’s art: www.annesmerdon.com

🎨 View Seabastion Toast’s art: www.seabastiontoast.com