Learn My Craft

How to pick your first colored pencils, why different papers allow for different textures, how to map out your drawings and break past the ‘ugly stage’, experimenting with mixed media and how teaching art actually teaches you about your own process. Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #44 – A Rabbit Ear In this episode, we’re drawing exercise #44 from the Practice Journal: Pet Portrait Edition To...

In this bonus episode of The Animal Art Podcast, we join Anna from Earthberry Pastels to find out everything you didn’t know about this incredible pastel brand. Discover how this small team create over 300 eco-friendly shades, each one inspired by nature. Learn how to use soft pastels as watercolor paints, and how the new range of ‘Chameleon’ colours will change how you use pastels forever. Plus,...

How color theory adds depth to fur, which art materials are a pet portrait artists secret weapon, picking the perfect paper for colored pencil and the challenges of commission work. Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #99 – Ginger Cat Fur In this episode, we’re drawing exercise #99 from the Practice Journal: Pet Portrait Edition Presenter: Sema Martin @artistsemamartin Guest: Alison Chinn @alisonc...

Developing confidence in your artistic style, using swatch cards for color accuracy every time, choosing the right paper for colored pencils and what it's really like working for big art brands as an ambassador. This is the final episode of Season 1, so a huge thank you to everyone for listening. All of the episodes are now available to watch in HD video for free over on Youtube. We will return fo...

Moving from colored pencils to pastels, experimenting with mixed media, evolving your style as an artist and how to create meaningful compositions that clients love. Plus, tips for organizing your commissions, marketing and more with a busy schedule. Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #19 – A Dog Nose In this episode, we’re drawing exercise #19 from the Practice Journal: Pet Portrait Edition . Pr...

How to achieve fine details like hairs and whiskers, which paper works best for coloured pencil, balancing commissions with personal projects and the journey towards becoming a professional coloured pencil artist. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Lauren Hill in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #...

Experimenting with colours, selecting the right paper for coloured pencils, finding joy in the small details and problem solving with difficult reference photos. Plus, the pencil layering techniques than build depth in your art. Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #63 – A Dog’s Nose In this episode, we’re drawing exercise #63 from the Practice Journal: Pet Portrait Edition . Presenter: Sema Martin...

Switching from watercolor to colored pencils, creating fine details efficiently, combining multiple reference photos for better compositions, working with clients, balancing personal projects with commissions, and setting up a professional art studio at home. Plus, adapting your home to fit in a professional art studio space. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Lynsey Peacock in this episode...

Our favourite tools and materials, the challenges of finding the perfect colours, techniques for drawing fur and managing a home studio as a self employed artist. Plus, the importance of finding joy in personal projects along side commission work. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Kate Spratt in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more. To...

Balancing realism with creativity, our favourite animal subjects, techniques for colored pencil on different surfaces and the importance of experimenting with new materials to refine your process. Plus, how to work with difficult reference photos and create compositions that tell a story. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Caitlin Grace in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they...

Experimenting with different drawing surfaces, how to achieve expressive eyes to capture the soul of your subject, handling client expectations and how to find time to stay creative in a busy world. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Harriet Blaskett in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #46 - A Lab...

In this bonus episode of The Animal Art Podcast, join host Sema Martin and the expert team from PanPastel as they take you behind the scenes of this innovative medium. Discover why the unique pan format makes blending and layering effortless, tips for using PanPastel, and how to combine PanPastel with other mediums to expand your creative possibilities. Learn how to choose the best surfaces, care...

Discover how to find and define your artistic niche, which papers we use to capture fine detail, what its like selling art at events and how to overcome the challenges that come with running an art business. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Georgie Turner in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #42...

How to make a small art studio work for you, the pros and cons of pastels versus coloured pencils, achieving detail by layering pastels, working with difficult reference pictures and the amazing pet portrait project Kathleen is working on. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Kathleen Byrom in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s...

The watercolour techniques that go into creating lifelike fur textures, balancing commission work with personal projects and building an art business from scratch. Plus, why using premium materials can actually save you time. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Annalise Lawn in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Drawing Challen...

We discuss the shift from watercolor to acrylics, the power of experimenting with different materials like pastel, and how upgrading to premium supplies can boost efficiency. Plus, how balancing art with family life brings its own set of challenges and rewards, and the joy of taking time to create personal artwork amidst commission work. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Rachel Austin in t...

How we got our first paid commission, what it’s really like switching careers to become an artist, experimenting to find your style and entering your work into exhibitions. Plus is it worth selling your art at markets and events? Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Sarah Perry in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Drawing Chall...

In this bonus episode of The Animal Art Podcast, join host Sema Martin and the expert team from Schmincke Artist Colours as they take you behind the scenes of the pastel world. From how pastels are made to the best storage practices, essential blending techniques and so much more, this episode is packed with expert insights for pastel artists of all levels. Presenter: Sema Martin @artistsemamartin...

Discover the techniques behind drawing white fur and feathers, how to get out of your comfort zone as an artist and which paper creates the best coloured pencil drawings. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Lorna Dandy in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #63 – Swan Feathers In this episode, we’re d...

Discover new techniques for capturing fine detail, electric eraser versus the tape method, the best set up for filming your artwork and how to make art more sociable. Plus, how challenging yourself with new subjects can make you feel like a beginner all over again. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Amii Harwood in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topic...

Making greetings cards with your art, learning to layer with with pan pastels, what to do if you don’t have a light box and using Canva to create mock-ups of your art. Plus, how to price your commissions. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Katie Harbord in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #75 - A...

Must have tools for beginners, entering your art into competitions, our most challenging pet portrait commissions so far, the challenge of drawing people and the reality of turning your art into a business. Plus, how to sign your artwork. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Beck Morris in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Draw...

Selling your original artwork, how to select the perfect colours for your drawing, how practice can push you in new directions and the challenge of packaging your artwork. Plus, which coloured pencils are the best for realism. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Lorna Dandy in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more. Today’s Drawing Challen...

Should artists hang their own work up at home? What to do when your pencils get too small to hold, the difference between drawing pets and wildlife and an unfortunate incident with a can of spray fixative. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Jeanette Clarke in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exercise #56 -...

Learn the best way to draw soft feathers, why Pastelmat paper is great for layering vibrant colours and how each artwork teaches you something new. Plus how artists can use ai to create the perfect reference images. Join Sema Martin and special guest artist Pearl De Chalain in this episode of The Animal Art Podcast, where they dive into all these topics and much more Today’s Drawing Challenge: Exe...