Ask An Artist (Peter Keegan and Tom Shepherd)

In this first episode of Season 3, Peter introduces his new co-host, Tom Shepherd.
Tom has been a previous guest on the podcast and after a re-introduction to Tom and his work, in this episode, he and Peter discuss what they think it means to be a “working artist”.
Both Tom and Peter are proud to call themselves working artists and discuss some of the dilemmas which can occur – such as decisions when creativity and financial matters seem to pull you in different directions.
Tom concludes by introducing some of the things the pair will be discussing during the rest of this season – transitioning out of covid, risk taking, more listeners’ questions, demystifying mailing lists, social media and… the slightly controversial, but very interesting, topic of NFT’s!

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In this episode, Peter and Tom talk about the challenges they have both faced over the past two years, due to the pandemic and how they have changed their artistic businesses and continue to transition to this “new-normal” way of working.

Back in the spring of 2020, both Peter and Tom were hit hard when Covid hit the UK, losing a large proportion of their income in a very short space of time. With this uncertainty and lack of security, their creativity fell completely flat! 

They move on to reflecting on how, once the initial “damage control” period was over, and the initial shock subsided, it was a change of mindset which helped them to decide on what was most important to them and how they could continue working as an Artist.

This week’s takeaway…challenges or problems will inevitably come  your way as an Artist, but it’s how you face them that matters; thinking creatively, looking at a problem in a different way, being flexible, identifying new ways of working which can be welcome additional, income streams, will all help your business to become stronger and more resilient in the long run. 

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In this episode, Tom and Peter venture outside (well, metaphorically at least) as they are talking all about painting the great outdoors, en plein-air, with the renowned British painter, Haidee-Jo Summers.

Haidee-Jo Summers is famed for her paintings full of light, colour and all painted from life. As well as being an author of the internationally popular book Vibrant Oils, Haidee-Jo is a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Royal Society of Marine Artists, is an editorial consultant for The Artist Magazine and has won multiple awards and prizes for her paintings. 

In this episode, Haidee-Jo talks about her background, her training, how she began painting with oils and en plein-air. She discusses what she believes it is that makes painting outside so special, how to go about it and talks about her brand-new book, Plein Air Painting with Oils.  

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In this episode, Peter and Tom give over the podcast to you, the listener. They answer three listener's questions about:
1) Framing work for an Art Fair
2) How to get re-started after a break away from the studio, and 
3) What to do when a customer does not pay!

To submit your question to Peter and Tom, visit the website at www.askanartistpodcast.com

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Running your own business is a risky business, with 20% of businesses failing in their first year and a shocking 60% failing within the first three. But making decisions and taking risks is all part of running any business, including the creative business of being an Artist. The calculation of risk is an essential skill which all artists and makers need to hone in order to forge ahead in their career. 

In this episode, Peter and Tom share examples of creative and business orientated risks that they have taken and discuss why and how taking risks can be crucial in helping you to maintain momentum in your business.  They also openly share examples of when taking risks has not worked out, why this may be and how they have used these situations to develop, learn and move forward. 

Both Tom and Peter agree that the willingness to experiment with new ideas has been the key to their business growth. They bring the episode to a conclusion by talking about less quantifiable results which may emerge from taking risks; just because something might feel like a failure at the time, you never know what may come of it in the future…

This week's takeaway... risk taking is a part of running any business and artists and makers are not alone. It is often the risk takers of the world that forge ahead, attract attention and lead the way. Just remember that not all risks are good ones and, when you fail, learn from it; pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move forward. 

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In this episode, Peter visited the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, the home of Rosemary & Co Artists’ brushes, to interview Rosemary herself. 

Peter and Rosemary discuss exactly how she makes her famous brushes, the tools and materials involved in brush making and why so many artists around the globe consider her paint brushes the best in the world.

Painter or not, for anyone interested in Art, this podcast is not to be missed!

This week’s takeaway… If you want to find out more about Rosemary & Co and their magnificent, handmade Artists’ brushes, visit https://www.rosemaryandco.com 

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In this episode, Tom and Peter talk about their own experience with different mediums, how they came to choose their dominant medium, the pros and cons of changing mediums, as well as how they have found a balance between experimentation and honing their expertise. 

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In this episode, Peter & Tom answer some of your tricky questions. This week they give their views on shipping work abroad, how to get to grips with instagram and whether they wear gloves whilst painting.

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast, please send it to us via our website at askanartistpodcast.com or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

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Symi Jackson is the Sales and Marketing Director for Rosemary & Co brushes. Symi is Rosemary’s daughter and has inherited her Mother’s love of painting and working with Artists. She has been working with her Mum, helping to run the company, for the past 9 years. Her day-to-day role is incredibly varied and, as a result of her role, she has worked with some of the world’s best artists and creatives.  She is therefore uniquely placed to offer advice and guidance about what it takes to be a professional, working Artist.

The episode starts with Symi sharing what she loves about working with Artists and what, in her opinion, makes Artists just that little bit special and unique.

After the break, her and Peter discuss the do’s and don’t’s of being a professional Artist. 

Symi concludes by enthusing about her latest project “Workshops in Yorkshire”: bringing some of the best Artists from across the world, to England, to Yorkshire to lead professional, art workshops. If you would like to know more, take a look at:

workshopsinyorkshire.com

rosemaryandco.com

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Mailing lists – on the face of it, not the most exciting of topics but a crucial part any working, creative business and a fantastic way to stay in touch with an already keen and receptive audience. Both Peter and Tom have developed a newfound love for their mailing lists during the past couple of years and in this episode they talk about what they are, how to collect and manage one, why they can be such an amazing tool and also some of the nitty gritty of being responsible for other people’s information.

Mailing lists can be a wonderful tool for any creator. You have a receptive audience of previous buyers or students, interested parties, right at your finger tips and often they will be genuinely interested, if not actually excited to hear from you!  Not only can mailing lists be used to directly sell, you can also use them to help remind people you still exist and they are a great way to take care of those who have supported you and your career so far.

 For the full show notes, please visit www.askanartistpodcast.com

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In this week's episode, Tom interviews New Zealand based artist, Andrew Tischler.  

Andrew has been a professional artist for the past 17 years.  He is drawn to vast landscapes, people, objects and animals, painting a wide variety of subjects in a realist style. His goal for every painting is to achieve a convincing sense of reality and break the constraints of the two dimensional surface.

His obsession with realist painting led him to study many of the great masters from the past and seek to understand how they made such magnificent pictures. From this, alongside his passion for painting, he has developed a passion for teaching and is eager to share what he has learnt over the years.

He is not only a very successful painter but he has also amassed a huge following on YouTube having started his channel in 2016 which has now grown to over 400k followers. 

Andrew begins by telling Tom a bit about his back story and how he got to be an artist, before he and Tom dive into the world of online content - what is it and how can we create it, alongside creating our art work?

Tom and Andrew discuss the why's and wherefore's, the do's and don'ts and how, if it's ever possible, to create a balance between authentically creating art and creating content. Andrew openly shares his wealth of experience but ultimately concludes by saying that each artist's journey will be unique; in the same way that there isn't just one way to be an Artist, there isn't just one way to create online content as part of your art career.

An insightful interview and a must listen for any Artist or creative considering going into the world of video tutorials.

If you want to find out more about Andrew and his work, you can visit his website: https://www.andrewtischler.com

To support Andrew on Patreon and have access to exclusive content, take a look here: https://www.patreon.com/AndrewTischlerArtist

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In this episode, Peter & Tom answer some of your tricky questions. This week they give their views on best practice when using reference images, whether or not a listener should consider undertaking a Fine Art degree and how to price work. 

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast, please send it to us via our website at askanartistpodcast.com or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

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Welcome back to Season 4 of Ask an Artist. There are a lot of things that have happened since Tom and Peter were last together - certainly lots of things happening around the world and indeed plenty of ideas, problems and opportunities to navigate  through during these challenging times. 

In this first episode of a new series, Peter and Tom have a long over-due catch-up in the first half and in the second, they talk about their changing relationships with social media (in particular, Instagram) and whether they love it or hate it. 

For the full show notes please visit www.askanartistpodcast.com

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It is a sad fact that about 20% of small business fail in their first year and around 60% of small businesses fail within the first 3 years. That is indeed a sobering thought for us working artists, trying to earn a living. And the reasons for this? After poor cash flow, the second reason small businesses give is the inability to source and afford help; help to grow, help to promote and help to create the work we are all so passionate about. So today, Peter and Tom discuss the range of ways they have sought help from others to help grow their business and creative practice, alongside other ideas that may help you as well. 

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In this episode, Peter and Tom attempt to have an open minded discussion about the ins and outs of the controversial, potentially exciting, and certainly intriguing world of NFTs.

Even for those who don’t know much about them, maybe don’t know anything about them, the presence of NFT's has been unavoidable.  It seems to be something taking the art world (and beyond) by storm but what a divider of opinion! Some artists are going all in, other people think they are utter non-sense... with just about every possible opinion in between.

So...what are NFTs? Is it a fad or are they here to stay? How are they changing the art world? As creators, should we all be desperately scrabbling to get into the NFT market now? Are we missing out if we don’t?  

Join Peter and Tom for a really engaging and interesting discussion ...

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In this episode, Peter & Tom answer some of your tricky questions. This week they give their views on what to do with unsold work, an accusation of copying and how to go about things if and when you want to change your artistic style.

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast, please send it to us via our website at askanartistpodcast.com or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

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In this special interview episode, Peter and Tom talk to Tom Croft; Portrait painter and founder of the Portraits for NHS Heroes initiative, started in 2020.

In the first half of the episode, the trio discuss Tom's route into the art world and his practice as a portrait artist. After the advert, Tom talks about where the idea for Portraits for NHS Heroes came from, how it grew and what an important and beautiful, yet humbling and poignant project it became. 

For more information, take a look at the following:
http://www.thomascroft.co.uk 

https://artsandculture.google.com/project/healthcare-heroes 

https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/portraits-for-nhs-heroes-9781448218004/ 

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In this episode, Peter and Tom discuss YouTube and the possibilities it can present for us, as creative Artists and makers.

YouTube is a video sharing platform which attracts 2.6 billion monthly users, which accounts for nearly 1/3 of monthly active internet use. 1 billon hours of content per day is watched on YouTube. 500 hours of video is uploaded every minute! Those stats are pretty overwhelming but how, can we as Artists, utilise it effectively.

Peter and Tom both have YouTube channels and begin by discussing some of the different content you could create:

·      Studio vlog / plein air vlog

·      Process videos

·      Stories behind paintings

·      Reviews

·      How to / instructional / teaching

·      Tasters

·      Can also be used to embed videos on your website

·      Live streaming

After the break, they discuss it's potential, pitfalls and different ways to monetise your channel, as well as sharing some technical hints and tips if it is something you want to explore. 

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In this episode, Tom & Peter answer some of your tricky questions. This week they give their views on limited edition prints, when to approach a gallery for the first time and giving work to charity. 

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast, please send it to us via our website at askanartistpodcast.com or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

In this special interview episode, Peter and Tom talk to award winning Artist, Adebanji Alade. Not only is Adebanji a regular presenter on BBC’s The One Show, he is also the Vice President of the ROI and a self-professed, addictive sketcher! With two new books out now, Adebanji joins Peter and Tom to discuss his route to becoming a professional Artist and why he believes sketching is so important.

To find out more about Adebanji, visit his website: www.adebanjialade.co.uk

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There was time when every one said you must have a website! In this age of social media, online galleries, YouTube, teaching platforms and so on,  do we as Artists still need our own website? In this episode, Peter and Tom discuss whether websites are still relevant, some good practice and some pitfalls to avoid. 

There are many different ways a website can be used but essentially, it is your Artist's shop window.  If we want to be clean and professional then the website must align with this; if we are more informal, then our website should align with this instead.

A website can be many different things, so be clear what you want and need from one and with so many simple and budget friendly options to use, there’s not really a reason not to have one.

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In this episode, Tom & Peter answer some of your artistic questions. This week they give their views on getting back into making "real" art and what that means; how much art history knowledge do you need to have to be a working artist; and whether there is still a place for printed marketing literature in amongst all the digital options.

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website at askanartistpodcast.com or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

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In this episode, Peter and Tom welcome back Adebanji Alade to the podcast. As well as being a successful Artist, Adebanji is also a motivational speaker and in this episode he shares more about his journey to becoming a professional Artist and his advice for others who want to do the same and "make it" in the business of art.

You can find out more about Adebanji at his website, www.adebanjialade.co.uk

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Well it’s been a busy season for the podcast, so for this final episode of Season 4, we have compiled some of the best bits from the past few months. 

To begin with, we take a look back at our episode on “Asking for Help”, followed by our controversial and enlightening discussion about NFT’s.  We also revisit our interview with Portrait Painter, Tom Croft. 

After the break, we feature highlights from two of the most recent episodes;  the Artist’s website and our episode on YouTube.  And how could we forget our special interview episodes with The Addictive Sketcher himself, Adebanji Alade.

Remember you can listen to all of these episodes in full, as well as all the previous episodes, on our dedicated website, askanartistpodcast.com, or wherever you get your podcasts.

We hope you all have a creative, happy and healthy few months. Tom and Peter will be back later in the year for Season 5. 

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Even with online art sales booming (and predicted to rise) there will always be an important place for exhibiting and showing work in person. It is a completely different experience for both artist, viewer and buyer.

From galleries to art fairs and solo exhibitions there are many ways to do this. Many artists, Tom and Peter included, love being part of group shows and exhibitions. In this episode they discuss the pros and cons of group exhibitions, giving advice and talking about good practice, using examples from their own, first-hand, experience. 

 For more details from our sponsors please visit:
- Rosemary & Co, www.rosemaryandco.com
- Jacksons Art Materials, www.jacksonsart.com
- Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA. 

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If there is one material that nearly all Artists use, whatever their medium, it's paper. In this episode, Peter and Tom talk to Jim Patterson from Two Rivers Paper in Somerset; makers of fine handmade paper for Artists. They discuss how Jim started in the business, the processes involved in creating paper and how and why, we as Artists, should all give handmade paper a try.

Visit their website: https://www.tworiverspaper.com/

For more details from our sponsors please visit:
- Rosemary & Co, www.rosemaryandco.com
- Jacksons Art Materials, www.jacksonsart.com
- Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA. 

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In this episode, Tom and Peter interview Alec White, who is the owner and manager of AJR & Co, chartered accountants, tax and business advisors.
If ever any of the financial side of things about running a small business has confused or befuddled you in any way, this episode is for you - concise explanations of some of the accountancy terminology, helpful guidance about what you need to do to comply with the law and best practice advice for saving you time and making your life easier - which will ultimately give you more time to create.

Visit their website: https://www.ajrandco.co.uk/

For more details from our sponsors please visit:
- Rosemary & Co, www.rosemaryandco.com
- Jacksons Art Materials, www.jacksonsart.com
- Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA. 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter & Tom answer some of your artistic questions. This week they discuss having a part-time job alongside your art, how to respond if someone asks you to do something for free and some top tips for giving titles to your work.

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website at askanartistpodcast.com or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

For more details from our sponsors please visit:
- Rosemary & Co, www.rosemaryandco.com
- Jacksons Art Materials, www.jacksonsart.com
- Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA. 

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In this episode Tom and Peter interview Gary Thompson, the founder and CEO of Jacksons Art Supplies about his journey from humble painter to founding and growing a now global, art supplies company.
Gary's story is an example of how careers in the art world are not necessarily planned or straight forward but how creativity, drive and a belief in delivering the best you can, will ultimately bring about success.

Visit their website: www.jacksonsart.com

For more details from our sponsors please visit:
- Rosemary & Co, www.rosemaryandco.com
- Jacksons Art Materials, www.jacksonsart.com
- Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA. 

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In this episode, Peter & Tom interview Dr Curtis Tappenden about his 30 year career as a professional illustrator.
For Curtis, art and drawing have always been passions and he shares the story of how he became an illustrator with grace, humour and humility. Curtis discusses what it is to be an illustrator and what his working day or week might look like. Curtis also shares his wisdom on the necessary qualities for anyone considering illustration as a profession and why the world needs illustrators, perhaps now more than ever.


Find out more about Curtis on his website: https://curtistappenden.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtis.tappenden/?hl=en-gb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curtis.tappenden/?locale=en_GB

For more details from our sponsors please visit:
- Rosemary & Co, www.rosemaryandco.com
- Jacksons Art Materials, www.jacksonsart.com
- Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA. 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom answer some of your artistic questions. This week they discuss AI, creating work under pressure and copying other Artists’ work. 

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via this website here or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press publishers.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com

Jackson’s Art supplies, canvas builder: www.jacksonsart.com/bespoke-canvas-builder

Jackson’s Art supplies, framing services: www.jacksonsart.com/studio/framing

Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA. 

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In this episode Peter and Tom talk to Edd Ralph, Senior Editor at Search Press publishers, leading supplier of Art & Craft books. They discuss Edd's role as senior editor, the process of writing a book and how and why it can be beneficial for working Artists to consider writing one.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies, canvas builder: www.jacksonsart.com/bespoke-canvas-builder
Jackson’s Art supplies, framing services: www.jacksonsart.com/studio/framing

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In this episode, Peter and Tom welcome back Dr Curtis Tappenden, this time to pick his brains as a Senior Lecturer in Art and Design and ask the question Peter and Tom get asked most often; should I go to art school?

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies, blog: www.jacksonsart.com/blog

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In this episode, Peter and Tom discuss discounting work; when it might be appropriate and even beneficial to do so for your business.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies, blog: www.jacksonsart.com/blog

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom interview Penny Harris, co-founder and expert mentor at Parker Harris. Emma Parker and Penny Harris created Parker Harris in 1990. Their partnership is now one of the leading visual arts consultancies in the UK. Penny explains the importance of providing real opportunities for Artists and how this underpins everything which Parker Harris gets involved with. She also discusses the role of an Artist's mentor.

Find out more about Parker Harris and the opportunities they are involved with on their website: www.parkerharris.co.uk

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies, canvas builder: www.jacksonsart.com/bespoke-canvas-builder
Jackson’s Art supplies, framing services: www.jacksonsart.com/studio/framing

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom answer some of your artistic questions. This week they discuss what they would create if no-one was watching, the do's and don'ts of putting together an Artists' CV and collecting other Artists' work.

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website here or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

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In this episode Tom and Peter interview Marine Costello, the Head of Communications at Parker Harris. The focus of the episode is all about online marketing for Artists. Marine talks about her background in art history and arts management and shares her wisdom, in a no-nonsense way, offering tips and strategies which Artists can implement easily and immediately, to grow their business.

Find out more about Parker Harris and the opportunities they are involved with on their website: www.parkerharris.co.uk

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com/blog

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Season 6 of Ask An Artist returns on Friday 1st March 2024. 

In this teaser episode, Peter and Tom talk about the topics and interviewees they have planned for the season. New episodes will be released fortnightly, on Fridays, throughout the year!

We look forward to speaking to you in the studio from this Friday 1st March!

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Ask An Artist podcast is back for 2024 and we will be releasing new episodes every fortnight, throughout the year.

In this episode Peter and Tom have a planning meeting for the forthcoming year. Rather than simply share their advice, in this episode, they let you "behind the curtain", to eavesdrop on their own planning meeting for the year.

Starting by looking back and reviewing positives and negatives from the last 12 months, Peter and Tom use this reflection to plan what needs to stay, go and be changed, as they move into the coming year.

They set themselves goals and targets and share some advice for keeping yourself accountable.

Visit our website for some example worksheets which may be helpful for your own planning: www.askanartistpodcast.com

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

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In this episode Tom and Peter interview Watercolour Artist, David Poxon.

In the first half, David identifies some key moments from early childhood which started his artistic journey and ultimately informed his choice of medium and subjects today.  After a long break from making art, David re-found his love of painting as a adult and with hard work and perseverance, has built an international reputation and following.

In the second half, David shares his advice and guidance for how to be a successful working Artist, as well as discussing the teaching side of his career.

To find out more about David, visit:
www.davidpoxon.co.uk
or visit
www.iwm.com
for exclusive group ticket deals to this year's festival!

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press Publishers.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com
Search Press: www.searchpress.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In the episode, Peter and Tom answer some of your questions. Firstly, there's a question about knowing when to go full time as an Artist, secondly, how to honour and manage a collection of art work after the Artist dies, and finally, do you need a gallery to be successful?

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website here or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode Tom and Peter interview sculptor, teacher and now, exhibition curator, James Ort about his latest project; Inspired by Knepp.

In the first half, James summarises his journey to becoming an Artist and what led him, as a wildlife Artist, to want to do more to help nature. He talks about how he came to find out about the Knepp Estate, their rewilding project and the germination of his idea
to use art to help spread awareness.

In the second half, James talks in more detail about what Inspired by Knepp has become; his role as project manager / curator, the timeline of the project, the skills he has needed or had to develop to organise such a project and advise for any Artists looking to embark on something similar.

Find out more here: https://knepp.co.uk/art
Watch a short film about it here.

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press Publishers.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com
Search Press: www.searchpress.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom interview David Poxon again, this time about how and why he set up the International Watercolour Masters Festival; a biannual festival taking place in Shropshire in May 2024.

For more information about the event, to purchase tickets and for IWM TV, visit the website by clicking here.

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press Publishers.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com
Search Press: www.searchpress.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom answer some of your questions. Firstly, there's a question about creating prints, and whether it is possible to thrive as an Artist if you are not selling your originals. Secondly, they discuss whether it is possible to monetise your artwork as a teenager and last but by no means least, they discuss the use of AI; is it a handy tool or something to avoid as an Artist?

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website here or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode Peter and Tom talk about strategies for selling your artwork. The ways in which Artists sell their work can be numerous, difficult and confusing. 

Amongst other things, the episode covers making use of different platforms, selling with a gallery, price points and knowing your audience. 
 
This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom interview Chas and Liz Wood, the founders and managers of Patchings Art Centre in Nottinghamshire. The episode focuses on the annual art festival, now in its 31st year, which they host every July; Patchings Art Fest.

They discuss how the art festival came about, what it takes to run, why Artists should consider being part of a festival and how to do so successfully.

If you would like to find out more about the festival and busy your tickets, please visit: https://www.patchingsartcentre.co.uk/patchings-festival/

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Tom and Peter answer some of your questions. Firstly there's a question about terms and conditions when selling through a website, followed by a question about using the "gridding-up" method and finally, how to go about writing an article for a magazine.

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website here or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom, discuss the different studio and creative spaces they have worked in during their careers. They talk about the different forms that creative spaces may take, important factors to consider when choosing a space and some practical advice in terms of storage, health & safety and financial considerations.

Tom and Peter talk in depth about their own, current, studio set-ups, share some of their own preferences, some of their studio routines and also, what their "dream" studio would be like.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom interview Evie Hatch, Artist, Writer & Pigment Connoisseur from Jackson's Art Supplies, to talk about all things colour!

What is your favourite colour? A question which we have probably all thought about and asked someone at some point. Evie is an Artist herself and works for Jackson's Art Supplies, writing for their blog and presenting on their social media channels. In this episode she chats with Tom and Peter about the origins of certain pigments, the ways in which Artists of the past and present have utilised colour, the qualities of different colours and she explains some common technical terms, such as hue, transparency, organic and light-fastness.

And of course, to conclude the episode, Peter, Tom and Evie all share their favourite colours.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

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In this special episode, we compile some of the highlights from our interview episodes from the past 12 months.

The episodes featured are;

Season 5, episode 9; Interview with Dr Curtis Tappenden - Should I go to Art School?

Season 5, episode 13; Interview with Marine Costello from Parker Harris

Season 5, episode 8; Interview with Edd Ralph, Senior Editor at Search Press Publishers

Season 6, episode 8; Interview with Chas & Liz Wood from Patchings ArtFest

Season 6, episode 11; Interview with Evie Hatch from Jackson's Art Supplies

Remember you can listen to all of these episodes in full, as well as all the previous episodes, on our dedicated website, askanartistpodcast.com, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom answer some of your questions. Firstly there's a question about the use of AI, followed by a question about varnishing and finally, what judges are looking for in art competitions.

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website here or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom welcome back fellow Artist, Tom Croft.

Tom is a portrait painter who has appeared on Sky Portrait Artist of the year, as well as other TV art shows. He became more widely-known during the pandemic, for his work organising the Portraits for NHS Heroes project. Since gaining this recognition, Tom has been asked to be on the judging panel of several major art competitions and in this episode, Peter and Tom interview him about what it's like to be on both sides of the competition - to judge and to be judged.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode Peter and Tom discuss insurance. Drawing on their own experience, they discuss the different elements of your business that you may need to insure and some important aspects to take into consideration.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode Peter and Tom interview artist Jenny Aitken, one of the UK's most successful oil painters working today. Jenny is a member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, exhibits her work nationally and internationally, has won numerous awards and regularly teaches, both in-person and online.

In this episode she shares some really helpful insights into being a working Artist and talks about what inspired her to write her first book; "Painting into the Light".

To find out more about Jenny, visit her website: https://jennyaitken.co.uk/

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom answer some of your questions. Firstly there's a question about someone who will not pay, followed by a gallery offer which seems too good to be true and finally, being paid fairly for an art group workshop.

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us to answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website here or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Tom and Peter are delighted to welcome back, podcast founder, Laura Boswell.  Together with Peter, Laura founded this very podcast and recorded over 100 episodes. In 2022, she and her husband, "The Talented Mr B", made the decision to move from their home in Buckinghamshire, to Scotland.

In this episode, Peter and Tom catch up with Laura, find out how her work and business have developed and discuss what it has been like to effectively start again in a new area.

To find out more about Laura, visit her website: https://www.lauraboswell.co.uk/

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

 In this week’s episode, there was a problem with the audio and we had to use the back up track for a section of Peter’s audio; we apologise for the poor quality audio between 20 and 32 minutes.

In this episode, Peter and Tom discuss teaching and share their advice and best practice for whether or not teaching might be for you.

They share how they both began teaching, the different forms it may take, as well as discussing the passion they both have for it. They also talk about lesson planning, best practices and share some practical examples of teaching strategies, as well as marketing tips for finding students. 

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

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In this episode Peter and Tom interview art critic, Estelle Lovatt FRSA. Estelle has the experience of being on both sides of the canvas; having trained as a painter, read art history and worked as a gallery exhibition curator. Estelle works as a freelance art critic for the BBC (radio and TV), as well as for various independent radio stations throughout Great Britain. She writes for numerous magazines and newspapers and lectures at the Hampstead School of Art, in London. She also runs her own walking tours and masterclasses.
 
In this fascinating episode, Estelle talks knowledgeably and passionately about the art world of the past and the present, and the role of the art critic today.

To find out more about Estelle, visit her website: https://estellelovatt.com/
 
This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:
 
 Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom answer some of your questions. Firstly there's a question about making ends meet, followed by payment terms when writing an article and finally, what to do if you attend a workshop which turns out not to be that good!

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us to answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website here or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this special episode of Ask An Artist, we take a look back at some of the highlights of 2024. In the first part, we feature our planning episode from back in March, then our interview with Tom Croft about judging art competitions and finally, a question about knowing when to go full time..

After the break, we feature the episodes on selling strategies, the interview with Laura Boswell and studio spaces.

We hope you have enjoyed listening this year, and if you want to listen to any of these episodes in full, follow the links below:

Planning Meeting: Full episode
A Judge's Perspective; Interview with Tom Croft: Full episode
Listener Questions 20: Full episode
Selling Strategies: Full episode
Interview with Laura Boswell ARE: Full episode
Studio Space: Full episode

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Search Press publishers and Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com
Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Ask An Artist will be back with brand new episodes, every fortnight, from Friday February 28th 2025.

There will be the usual chat and topic episodes by Peter Keegan and Tom Shepherd, plus interviews with artists and industry experts. Already lined up for this season are Hashim Akib, Rodney Kingston and Marc Jackman, of Jackman's Art Materials. 

Plus, we need your questions! Email them to us at askanartistpodcast@gmail.com or visit the website, www.askanartistpodcast.com and we will do our very best to answer them for you on the podcast.

Make sure you like and follow the podcast to be notified of all new episodes - we look forward to speaking to you very soon!

Ask An Artist podcast is back for 2025 and we will be releasing new episodes every fortnight, throughout the year.

In this episode Peter and Tom look back to the planning meeting they had this time last year, and discuss what went well, not so well, whether they achieved their goals and if not, why not.  

Peter and Tom use this reflection to plan what needs to stay, go and be changed as they move into the coming year. 

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press publishers.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com

Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com

Tom's website: tomshepherdart.com

Peter's website: peterkeegan.com

Podcast website: www.askanartistpodcast.com

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In this episode Peter and Tom discuss taking on commissions. They discuss the pros and cons of working to someone else's brief, suggest how to go about gaining them and what the process of completing one might look like. 

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes,  Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press publishers.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com

Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com

Tom's website: tomshepherdart.com

Peter's website: peterkeegan.com

Podcast website: www.askanartistpodcast.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Tom and Peter interview one of the busiest artists working today. Hashim Akib is an internationally renowned Artist, represented by several galleries in the UK. He has exhibited with The Royal Society of Marine Artists, The Royal Institute of Oil Painters and The New English Art Club. He also writes instructional books, which have been translated into several languages; he teaches here in the UK and abroad, as well as online; he has worked with Daler Rowney to produce teaching DVDs and he regularly writes for magazines… and he still finds time to paint! We’re delighted to get the chance to interview him, to ask, just how does he do it all…?

Hash talks through his artistic and business journey to date, offering insightful and humble business advice to anyone looking to pursue art as a career.

For more information abut Hash and his work, visit his website: www.hashimakib.co.uk

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press publishers.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com

Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com

Tom's website: tomshepherdart.com

Peter's website: peterkeegan.com

Podcast website: www.askanartistpodcast.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Peter and Tom answer some of your questions. Firstly there's a question about pricing workshops for community groups, followed by a discussion about stretched canvas vs canvas paper, and finally, who to invite to your private view.

If you have a question you’d like to put to us and would be happy for us to answer it here on the podcast please send it to us via our website here or alternatively you can send it to us via Instagram.

This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press publishers.

For more information about our sponsors, please visit:

Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com

Jackson’s Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.com

Search Press publishers: www.searchpress.com

Tom's website: tomshepherdart.com

Peter's website: peterkeegan.com

Podcast website: www.askanartistpodcast.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Peter Keegan and Laura Boswell introduce the Ask an Artist Podcast.  Do you treat art as a hobby, but dream of making it your job?  Laura and Peter are both full time, professional artists, paying the bills by making art. In Ask an Artist, Laura and Peter share their experience, giving candid advice to help you into a career in art. They'll be covering topics like pricing work, approaching galleries, social media, artist statements, self doubt, finding your own style and many other things. 

So, yopu have the creative urge, but you are unsure what to do to start developing your art into something more...  Peter and Laura talk in this episode about ways of getting started.  

So, you have some art you would like to sell... Working with a gallery can be hugely beneficial, but only if it is the right gallery for your work.  Peter and Laura talk about the business of negotiating your way through the minefield of gallery relationships and the etiquette of approaching a galley.

There are lots of ways of putting your art in front of prospective buyers, but few are quite as good as art fgairs.  Displaying your work among your peers and having the opportunity to talk to your audience make art fairs an invaluable outlet in the journey to making a commercial success of your art career. Peter and Laura have both participated in art fairs, which vary enormously.  In this podcast they talk about the different types of fair and how to approach them.

As an artist it is likely that you will have to interact with your customers and the persona you adopt when you do this can have a huge effect on your success.  Confidence in your work inspires confidence from your audience so developing and maintaining a comfortable, confident attitude (even if it is not entirely the way you really feel!) can help you to become a respected artist.  Peter and Laura talk about ways to achieve this most difficult of things, your artist's persona!

All artists will experience critcism, it goes with the territory.  Tastes differ so much that making art can only ever appeal to a segment of the audience, so sometimes people will tell you that they do not like what you do.  Peter and Laura talk in this episode about how to deal with this criticism, both to protect yourself and to put it into perspective.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

There are certain expectations of you when you are an artist and one is that you will be expected to supply information about your artistic practice. in this episode Peter and Laura talk about the 'Artist's Statement' the brief description of your motivation and your process: what makes you tick.  

Originality in art is certainly to be admired, you don't want to be seen to be  derivative, but it is also important to have a recognisable style so that, in time, people can look at your work and see it as being yours.  In this episode Peter and Laura talk about finding your own voice as an artist, developing ideas and techniques in a way that is recognisably your own.

Peter Keegan is a professional Portrait painter, he studied at university and went very quickly into painting portraits for clients, initially doing other jobs at the same time, but now he also runs an art school teaching adult learners various art practices

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Ask an Artist is a podcast offering advice for people who would like to make their art into a career. But who are Laura and Peter to be giving this advice?  In this episode Laura talks about her journey, explaining how she has developed into being a successful artist and how she has used all of her life experiences to shape her artistic practice and has built a career in art that include printmaking, teaching, magazine journalism and writing books.

It's great to hear what artists think about galleries, but that is only one side of the story.  Today Peter and Laura talk to Nick Bentley, owner of Bils and Rye, a wonderful gallery in the North Yorkshire town of Kirkby Moorside.  Bils and Rye have a great portfolio of artists including sculptors, painters, printmakers (including Laura, which is how we were able to lure Nick into our studio!) and ceramicists.  Nick's view is that a gallery needs to be more than a place that potential buyers might visit: it has to be pro-active, finding both artists and buyers and fostering a healthy relationship with both in order to thrive as a business.

If you would like to know more about Bils and Rye then you can visit their website www.bilsandrye.com or find them on all the usual social media platforms

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Being a professional artist is a job, it brings in income (hopefully) and, if all goes well brings a degree of satisfaction.  It is inevitable that people will help you in your artistic journey: giving you opportunities, buying your work or attending classes that you are teaching. from time to time it's great to give back a little largesse.  Today Peter and Laura talk about ways that they repay kindness and loyalty, or contribute to causes that they believe in by using their artistic skills.  They talk too about the value of devoting time to the artistic community,  involving yourself in art organisations or taking responsibility for art events.  It may be seen as work for nothing, but there are nearly always rewards in the end.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Social media can be a huge benefit to any creative person wanting to promote what they do, but it needs to be used intelligently and it should be the artist using it as a tool, rather than being an end in itself.  In this Podcast Laura and Peter talk about their own experiences with Social Media and how it has helped them to further their careers and businesses.

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Most artists want to get their work on the walls of a gallery, at least until someone buys it!  How do you get your work into a gallery?  What should the relationship be between you and your gallery?  Are there tings that you must never do when dealing with a gallery - and are there things that the gallery should not be doing?  In our second podcast interviewing Nick Bentley owner of Bils and Rye Gallery in Kirkbymoorside in North Yorkshire, Peter and Laura talk about how the relationship should work, how you might approach a gallery and gives some frank advice on things you should avoid.

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You have produced a collection of artworks and the time has come for you to start selling them to the public.  How do you decide where to pitch your pricing?  Too low and you may not cover your costs, or you may be seen as too cheap and therefore not worth even looking at! Too high and you just won't find people prepared to pay.  Peter and Laura talk in this episode about how the pricing of your work needs to develop over time, how you can approach the initial pricing based on what your peers are doing and also how a consistent policy on pricing will help you to avoid awkward situations.

A career as an artist is not always all about making art, for some people it is also about making artists, teaching your skills to others so that they can make art too.  It isn't for everyone, some see it as a chore and if that's the case then better to steer clear of it because you are unlikely to be a good teacher.  However teaching can be immensely rewarding, financially, emotionally and in terms of what you as a teacher may learn from your students and from the process of unpicking your practice to teach it.  Both Peter and Laura teach, having included it in their businesses for many years, alongside making art,  both enjoy the challenge it brings.  Today they talk about their experiences and how making teaching a part of your business can be more than just an additional revenue stream.

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Most artists will have some relationship with colour, wether it be ink, paint, pencil or paper.  The colours you choose are important for many reasons, for their colour for one, but also for their longevity, their intensity, their opacity, their sheen, their ability to work on top or underneath other colours - I'm really only scratching the surface of the subject. Today's guest lives and breaths colour, he is managing director of Cranfield Colour who make printing inks for intaglio and relief printers including the very popular Caligo range of 'safe-wash' inks which are oil-based but can be washed up with water and a little soap!  Cranfield Colour also make oil-paints for the professional market.  Michael talks to Laura and Peter about some of the science, and why choosing your materials well is so important.

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So much of the on-line presence of a creative person these days is through social media, its immediacy and the way that you can gauge the reaction so quickly make it a very powerful tool, but what about websites? Should you have one of those too?  Peter and Laura believe that you should and in this episode they talk about why having a carefully considered, curated website will help to promote you in a different way to your audience

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Making art for an artist is very rarely enough to get you to the point where you are selling art.  Nearly everyone in the creative sphere will also need to communicate too and in this week's podcast Laura and Peter discuss how writing is an important skill that is well worth learning.  Both of them write for magazines, both have written books, both write for their social media - they are both earning some of their living from writing and through writing they both benefit in a myriad of other ways

There are many different ways to develop your career as an artist, exhibitions, art fairs, social media and so on. Another possible avenue is through entering competitions.  Winning or being placed can mean prizes, inclusion in exhibitions and certainly some kudos.  Is it all good?  listen to Peter and Laura talking about their experiences in the competitive world of art

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In this episode of Ask an Artist Peter and Laura are in conversation with Michael Harding.  Michael makes paints!  Some of the finest on the market and is uncompromising about the quality of his products.  He started to make paints whilst still at Art School because he wanted to be able to achieve some of the effects that he saw in the works of painters from the past, these were impossible with the commercial paints that were available to him so he sought to remedy that in the paints he made.  Michael Harding Paints now have a high reputation and in this conversation you will hear some of what has driven Michael's business.

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This episode was recorded before the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19
Copyright is a proper minefield!  There to protect intellectual property, it is misunderstood by the majority of people who seek its protection and by the majority of people who contravene its rules.  Sal Shuel spent some of her working life in the rôle of 'expert witness' in court cases over issues of copyright.  Her background was in photographic picture libraries at a time when copyright law was being revised and her straight forward approach to what is and isn't permissible was massively helpful to photographers who had had their work used inappropriately.  Copyright law is the same in the art world as it is for photographers and Sal's knowledge is likely to deliver a few surprises to many listeners!

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This episode was recorded before the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19
Many artists will read magazines about Art and one of the most popular is Artists and Illustrators Magazine.  Steve Pill has been working there for many years, most of that time as editor.  Laura and Peter (both on their best behaviour - since they both write for A and I) discuss with Steve the value of magazines, how they can help inspire and educate and also how they can be a part of your artistic output if, like Laura and Peter you end up writing for one!

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Nearly all creatives will at some point encounter creative block, that inability to see what you should be doing.  In this episode Peter and Laura discuss the different ways that artists can find themselves blocked and offer some ideas about how you might overcome obstacles to move you onwards

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This episode was recorded before the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19
Most artists will at some time be commissioned to do a piece of work, a particular view, a specific size, a portrait of a loved-one or something to commemorate an event.  The kind of artist or craftsperson that you are will determine both how likely this is to happen and also how you might need to approach this situation.  Peter is a portrait painter, most of his work is commissioned and he has a very clear process of dealing with these transactions.  Laura is a landscape printmaker working in editions and most of her work is bought off the wall, but has done a few commissions of particular places...  This episode of Ask an Artist explores the benefits and pitfalls you need to consider in tackling commissions.

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Who hasn't at some point needed a picture of their masterpiece?  Whether it is to show to a client or a gallery or a submission to a competition or just to post on social media there are time when an accurate representation of your work is essential.  In this episode our sound-man, the talented Mr B escapes from his headphones and attempts to multitask by talking about photographing flat artwork in a way that will give reasonably accurate results whilst still making sure the sound levels are OK!

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This episode was recorded before the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19
Selling 2D art often comes with the additional responsibility of framing and presentation, adding that finishing touch to your work.  It is so important that you get this right, putting an inferior frame around your picture will not do it justice so how should you approach this tricky subject.  Peter and Laura have dragged the Talented Mr B out from behind his sound desk again to discuss different ways of getting your work looking its best.

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Laura and Peter are both professional artists, paying the bills by making art.  At this hugely difficult time they discuss how the situation is affecting them and what measures they are taking to ensure that when things get back to something closer to normality that they will be able to resume their work with as little lasting damage as possible.
Don't expect advice on the virus itself, Laura and Peter are as much in the dark about that as the rest of you, but their plans and their problems may help you to see that you are not alone. 

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Following last week's COVID19 special episode Laura and Peter have decided to make a weekly update on what they are up to and how the special measures that have been introduced are affecting them as self-employed professional artists.

In this special episode Laura and the Talented Mr B chat about what they are up to during their enforced isolation.  Peter is doing his best to wade through the mountain of government literature and will be taking a short break from these special updates, we miss him and look forward to saner times!

Prompted by the extraordinary situation during the Covid 19 pandemic Laura and Peter have explored different solutions to remain connected with their respective audiences.  Today's podcast is not specifically about crisis management, it is more about how the crisis can be seen as a reason to think about new ways of working, in particular using the inherent creativity that we have as artists laterally to solve other problems.

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Peter and Laura give their views on buying art materials.  What is important?  is it the price, is it the service, is it the quality of the materials themselves?  That might sound a little basic, but it really does depend on what you are doing and where your work is likely to end up!

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This episode was recorded remotely (and with a few technical issues!) whilst we are all in isolation.
Greetings cards can be a useful additional revenue stream if you are an artist whose work lends itself to being reproduced in this way.  Laura and Peter talk through their very different responses to Greetings cards: Laura embraces them as a significant part of her business whilst Peter (quite rightly) does not see how they would fit into his work as a commissioned portrait artist.  However a little lateral thought may change his mind!

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This episode was (obviously) recorded remotely and with a few technical problems.  
In this fourth special COVID-19 episode Laura and peter talk about some of the things they have done in response to the shutting down of what was planned to be a very busy year for both of them.  Keeping busy, being generous and working out new ways to run your business: these things are all second nature to creative people.

Recorded remotely (and with a few technical difficulties...sorry!) during our isolation.
It is unlikely that there are many artists who embark on their careers thinking "I'd really like to be doing something that generates lots of adminstration", but inevitably thast is what will happen.  Peter and Laura discuss in this episode, how they deal with book-keeping, calendars, e-mails and all the other paperwork that being a professional artist throws up.

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