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  

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  

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  

Time to cast the cat in among the pigeons! Laura and Peter are joined in this debate by Silversmith James Dougal and 'the Talented Mr B. (Ben Boswell) to talk about craft and art as descriptions of their work and of the way they identify themselves.
Asking 100 people what the difference is between art and craft, or what the respective values of art and craft are and you will get 100 different answers.  After recording this and listening to our four interpretations I think we all agree that a fundamental level you need both to create beautiful things and maybe the line is so blurry that we are all better off calling ourselves 'artist/craftspeople' - a more 'maker-fluid' description!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

Laura and Peter have another rummage in the post bag in this episode to answer some of the listener questions we have received.  Today we have questions on working for friends, dealing with 'site specific' artworks and wether it is a good idea to work in multiple media.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

In this episode of Ask an Artist Peter and Laura discuss 'Branding' - they are not trying to get you to burn symbols into your flesh, but is it a good idea to develop a brand identity?  On balance they believe it is, a consistent look and feel to your communications and interactions with your customers helps them to recognise you right from the start.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

In today's episode Laura and Peter interview James Dougall whose journey into being a silversmith had a few fascinating twists and turns.  Now a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths James came to the business late after working in several other fields.  His story will hopefully give hope to many 'second career' artists!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

An artist is constantly judged, it is inevitable, a part of the very nature of what they do.  However it would be wrong to assume that the judgement is only about the work that the artist produces.  Today, Peter and Laura discuss the importance of the artist's reputation: how it develops, how to look after it and how not to lose it!

Over the last months we have had some really good questions from listeners and we are going to try out this slightly different format for this episode.  Here are Laura and Peter's thoughts on 3 questions, looking at work/life balance, selling work for the first time and troublesome students!

If you have a question that you would like to submit to us then please visit www.askanartistpodcast.com 

As an artist it is very likely that, from time to time, you will be asked to do things for charity.  It could be something that you do anyway, that generates funds for a charity you wish to support, or it could be an approach from a charity asking you to do something specific.  Whatever the scenario if you are going to do work like this it needs to be taken just as seriously as for any other client.  Both Peter and Laura have done things for charity - and for charitable reasons, in this episode they talk about their attitude to this kind of work.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

In todays episode Laura and Peter chat to Doug Fitch and Hannah McAndrew.  Doug and Hannah are 'Fitch and McAndrew', the husband and wife team of slipware potters whose work has a national and international standing. Working in a very traditional medium, that of earthenware clay decorated with different coloured slips (liquid clay) in rich earthy colours they manage to create a very personal style, working mainly on their own individual pieces, but sometimes collaborating their work is to be found in some of the best galleries in the UK and also as far afield as America and Japan. Peter and Laura discuss with them their generosity in sharing their working lives on Social Media, including their young family and enabling their customers to see a slice of their life.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

'A Body of Work'...  One of those expressions that pops up in art contexts all the time. Laura and Peter unpick what it means.  It can be whatever you want it to be.  A group of pieces linked thematically, stylistically, chromatically, progressively or anything else.  A collection that will allow you to be assessed maybe, by a gallery or a prospective client. Certainly a way of showing your exploration of  your work - and that has to be a good thing!

Pricing your work is a complex issue and being consistent is one of the things that needs to be considered while working out your pricing.  However that does not mean that all your work should be the same price, only that it should be priced consistently, according to its value.  Small simple things clearly need to be cheaper than big complex things.  Having work in different price brackets allows you so attract a wider range of clients with varying budgets - both Laura and Peter have works at different levels when they are in selling mode!  

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  

Part of the lives of many artists is the business of teaching.  For some it is a financial necessity and for others it is an emotional or moral imperative.  Whatever the reasons you have for teaching it does need to be taken seriously, you have an obligation to your students and doing it well can be massively rewarding.
Both Laura and Peter teach and both of them have years of positive experiences, hundreds of students who have had a great time and have gone away with a better understanding of the subject.  Isn't that something to feel warm and fuzzy about!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

Given the huge interest in art and crafts most professional artists and makers will be asked from time to time to talk about their work, or to demonstrate their methods.  There is no compulsion to do this of course, you can just say no!  Peter and Laura have never been known to refuse an opportunity to get up in front of the public though, they both enjoy the experience and the benefits that talks and demos bring.  In this episode they talk about the way that they approach an event, covering planning, set-up, technology and so on.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

If you are a teacher one of the things you hope for is that one day you will teach someone who will then go on to greater things.  Laura gave Will Francis his first lessons in Japanese woodblock printing after he had been trying to teach himself - and finding it hard.  Will is now a professional carver and printer of Japanese woodblock prints: working in collaboration with illustrator Jed Henry they produce prints of contemporary culture, but using historic techniques.  Will talks about his journey, his passion for the process and about how the current health crisis has affected his business.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

The natural habitat of an artist is usually a studio: This could be a wonderful, purpose built edifice, or a corner of their sitting room, but it is a space to work and needs respect!  Today Laura and Peter talk about the places they have called their studio over the years and discuss some of the things that are important about about a creative workspace.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

Tom Shepherd is a full time artist, specialising in painting wildlife  which he does in oils, acrylics and especially in watercolours.  Peter and Laura talk to him about his career-path and how he has adapted to working mainly 'on-line' during the current health crisis.  Creative adaptation to the situation seems to be the secret and like Peter and Laura Tom is busier than ever.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

In this week's episode Laura and Peter are talking about the difficulties of sending original artwork by post.

Recorded during Lockdown, apologies for the sound quality.
Should you keep a sketchbook?  Laura and Peter have very different responses to this, Peter has kept sketchbook throughout his professional career whilst Laura has some but their use is slightly more ad hoc.  The consistent thing for both of them is that it is important to take notes, both written and visual.The sketchbook is peter's go to place for these, but Laura is quite likely to use the back of an envelope, or a sheet of paper.

Recorded during lockdown, apologies for the sound quality.
Peter and Laura chat in this episode about various scams that are rife in the art world, and in the wider arena of small businesses.

Recorded during the lockdown, apologies for the sound quality!
By its very nature, being an artist generates work.  The things that your artistic practice is channelled towards.  You may be able to sell everything that you do, but more likely there will be works that need to be stored - and catalogued.  In this episode of Ask an Artist Laura and Peter talk about recording details of their work and storing it safely for future sale or reference.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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  

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.

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!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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!

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.

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!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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. 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.

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  

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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.