Ask An Artist artwork

Ask An Artist

150 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 22 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 42 ratings

Professional artists Peter Keegan and Tom Shepherd discuss the practical issues of making art your career. Drawing on their own experiences they offer candid advice for artists who want to make a living from their work. Peter is a portrait painter working predominantly to commission for both private and public clients and he also teaches in-person and online. Tom is a watercolour artist with a passion for wildlife and conservation and he also teaches in-person and online. Both Tom and Peter treat their art as a business, always practicing what they preach! Throughout season 1 and 2, renowned printmaker, Laura Boswell was the co-host. Laura is a printmaker working in Linocut and Japanese woodblock, with work is in several public collections. She writes a monthly advice column for Artists and Illustrators Magazine. 

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Episodes

Ask An Artist - International Watercolour Masters 2024

April 26, 2024 00:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MB

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: Ro...

Ask an Artist - Interview with James Ort about Inspired by Knepp

April 12, 2024 00:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MB

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 abou...

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions 20

March 28, 2024 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

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. ...

Ask An Artist - Interview with David Poxon R.I, N.W.S.

March 15, 2024 01:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MB

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...

Ask An Artist - Planning Meeting

March 01, 2024 10:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB

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, g...

Ask an Artist Returns from Friday 1st March 2024

February 26, 2024 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB

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 Brus...

Ask an Artist - Interview with Marine Costello from Parker Harris

October 06, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

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.parke...

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions 19

September 29, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

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...

Ask An Artist - Interview with Penny Harris from Parker Harris

September 22, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MB

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 opportuniti...

Ask An Artist - Discounting Your Work

September 15, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MB

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

Discounting Your Work

September 15, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MB

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

Ask An Artist - Interview with Dr Curtis Tappenden - Should I go to Art School?

September 08, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 48 MB

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, bl...

Ask An Artist - Interview with Edd Ralph; Senior Editor at Search Press

September 01, 2023 08:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MB

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 Sear...

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions 18

August 25, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

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 mor...

Ask An Artist - Interview with Dr Curtis Tappenden, Illustrator

August 18, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 51.1 MB

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 illust...

Ask An Artist - Interview with Gary Thompson, CEO of Jacksons Art Supplies

August 11, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

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 ple...

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions 17

August 04, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

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...

Ask An Artist - Interview with Alec White, Accountant

July 28, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MB

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 ...

Ask An Artist - Interview with Jim Patterson from Two Rivers Paper

July 21, 2023 09:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

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 & C...

Ask An Artist - Group Shows

July 14, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

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 pract...

Ask An Artist - Best Bits of Season 4

February 24, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MB

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 ho...

Ask An Artist - The Artist's Mindset with Adebanji Alade

February 17, 2023 10:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MB

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

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions 16

February 10, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

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 askanartistp...

Ask An Artist - Is Your Website Harming Your Business?

February 03, 2023 10:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

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 thi...

Ask An Artist - Interview with Adebanji Alade aka The Addictive Sketcher

January 27, 2023 10:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

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

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions 15

January 20, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

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

Ask An Artist - YouTube

January 13, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MB

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...

Ask An Artist - Interview with Tom Croft

December 23, 2022 10:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

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 lo...

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions 14

December 16, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

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

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions XIV

December 16, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

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.

Ask An Artist - NFT's

December 09, 2022 10:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

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 jus...

Ask an Artist - Asking for help

December 02, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

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 ...

Ask An Artist - Social Media: Love it or Hate it?

November 25, 2022 10:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

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, Instag...

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions 13

May 27, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

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

Ask an Artist - Interview with Andrew Tischler

May 20, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

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...

Ask An Artist - Mailing Lists

May 13, 2022 09:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

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’...

Ask an Artist - Interview with Symi Jackson from Rosemary & Co

May 06, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

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 pro...

Ask An Artist - Listener Questions 12

April 29, 2022 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

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

Ask An Artist - Choosing and changing mediums

April 22, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

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. 

Ask an Artist - Interview with Rosemary from Rosemary & Co

April 15, 2022 09:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB

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 a...

Ask An Artist - Taking Risks: Is it worth it?

April 08, 2022 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

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 t...

Ask an Artist Listener Questions 11

April 01, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

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

Ask an Artist - Interview with Haidee-Jo Summers

March 25, 2022 10:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MB

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 con...

Ask an Artist - Transitioning your art business, post-covid

March 18, 2022 10:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

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 t...

Ask An Artist - Introducing our new co-host, Tom Shepherd

March 11, 2022 10:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MB

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 ...

Ask an Artist - Laura's departure

August 27, 2021 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MB

After nearly 2 years and over 100 episodes of Ask an Artist Laura is leaving to concentrate on other aspects of her work: Making Art, teaching and making videos.  Ask an artist will continue with Peter and a new co-host in the new year, along with a new sound engineer - since the talents of Mr B will be required elsewhere.

Ask an Artist Listener Questions 10

August 20, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

in our listener questions today Peter and Laura give their view  on testing new materials, confidence and self doubt and on self publishing a book of your work

Ask an Artist - Interview with Tom Knowles Jackson

August 13, 2021 09:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB

In this episode of Ask an Artist Laura and Peter are talking to Tom Knowles Jackson: Potter, Gallerist, Director of 'The Clay Loft' an open access clay studio maker-space and business consultant. Tom excels at all of these things and this interview is full of fascinating insights 

Ask an Artist Nobody's perfect

August 06, 2021 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

We all try to do our best, but sometimes things go wrong.  How you deal with mistakes and problems is just as important as the work you produce.  Laura and Peter have both had their share of things to deal with: work that has not gone to plan, or deliveries that have gone astray.  Whether the issue is artistic or business you still have to deal with it and doing that well can turn a problem into a benefit

Ask an Artist - Listener Questions 9

July 30, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

In this episode Laura and Peter give their views on a tricky copyright problem, on the value of good book keeping and a splendid idea to combine a life class with a visit to the local pub