125 - enjoy being you

We made it, we’re in the throws of in-person events and need to remember how to speak to other humans. We get to talk art, but also talk about OUR art, our creative processes, remember the etiquette of explaining what we do, why we do it and… have fun along the way. This is a beautiful chance to chat to people who may grow into lifelong friends, super collectors and supporters, so relax and enjoy it all. Karen and Gaynor, as always, are happy to share the things they have discovered over the years - and the mistakes they may have made along the way. Let’s hear your experiences too. Oh and if you’re new to the artchatter podcast, maybe it’s time to subscribe so we pop up automatically each pod drop. Thank you, too, to all who listen, DM, send messages and have made the last five years so much fun with #artchatterpodcastSign up to receive Karen’s Studio News  https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contactLinks and mentions:Photo by Anda Deea on UnsplashSketch and explore com https://www.sketchandexplore.com@manchesterartfair https://totterdownartstrail.orghttps://www.camvalleyartstrail.co.ukWomen’s Business Club https://womensbusiness.club/awards@karengeorgeart @gaynorljart@artchatterpodcastAbout the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-tree

No matter what life throws at us, we have stuff to do. We have events. Big, small and all approached with hope and a smile. We need our paintings finished, framed and ready to go…done. Except there’s so much more to consider. Over the years Karen and Gaynor have found what works for them as they gather all the essentials (and important to them) to be ready for all eventualities… what’s on your list? We need your tips!Oh and if you’re new to the artchatter podcast, maybe it’s time to subscribe so we pop up automatically each pod drop. Thank you, too, to all who listen, DM, send messages and have made the last five years so much fun with #artchatterpodcastSign up to receive Karen’s Studio News  https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contactLinks and mentions:Photo by Thomas Bormans on Unsplash@ginabelfordart Sketch and explore com https://www.sketchandexplore.com@manchesterartfair Women’s Business Club https://womensbusiness.club/awards@karengeorgeart @gaynorljart@artchatterpodcastAbout the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-tree

What dictates how you create? Practicality, colour, luminosity, the way it feeeeeelsss, the tools you use, the space you have? How do you create? The beginning is tricky/easy/I stare at the blank page for days - delete as appropriate. What do you want to create? Billboard size or thumbnail miniatures? Does this feel like a quiz from an 80s teen magazine yet? We don’t have all the answers, but Karen and Gaynor can tell you what we do and why. The mistakes we make (Gaynor) and the way we teach (Karen). Now tell us yours!Oh and if you’re new to the artchatter podcast, maybe it’s time to subscribe so we pop up automatically each pod drop. Thank you, too, to all who listen, DM, send messages and have made the last five years so much fun with #artchatterpodcastSign up to receive Karen’s Studio News  https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contactLinks and mentions:Image Photo by Jennie Razumnaya on UnsplashGaynor’s reel Sketch and explore com https://www.sketchandexplore.com@manchesterartfair Women’s Business Club https://womensbusiness.club/awards@karengeorgeart @gaynorljart@artchatterpodcastAbout the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-tree

We’re back, baybeeee… Studio socks activated! After your summer distractions, it’s time to regroup. A quick reflection and let’s get to planning how we now navigate autumn - and winter? Time to sort ourselves out. Ready? We’ll hold your hand. Whatever the situation you’re in, Karen and Gaynor have a few ideas to get back to it. Let’s hear your ideas too. Oh and if you’re new to the artchatter podcast, maybe it’s time to subscribe so we pop up automatically each pod drop. Thank you, too, to all who listen, DM, send messages and have made the last five years so much fun with #artchatterpodcastSign up to receive Karen’s Studio News  https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contactLinks and mentions:Photo by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash@ginabelfordart @organisedartist @annamcdonald www.cutmy.co.uk Bristol sketch and explore 20th September Sketch and explore com https://www.sketchandexplore.com@manchesterartfair Women’s Business Club https://womensbusiness.club/awards@karengeorgeart @gaynorljart@artchatterpodcastAbout the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-tree

Get ready for the invasion of small humans. It’s THAT time again, people will visit, tiny creatures will devour your brain cells AND energy. Grandparent artists will find their days filled with love and sticky fingers; parent artists will become personal chauffeurs, chefs, and/or entertainment officers. There will be tantrums (mainly from artists who need some creativity time).Then again, how do we incorporate some sketch-paint-stick into our jolly travels? What’s art again? Who am I? There’s time to plan, even if it’s just to accept there will be no time whatsoever to work until September…but maybe an hour here and there could be negotiated. All eventualities covered. It’s all okay. We can only do what we can do. Whatever the situation you’re in, Karen and Gaynor have a few ideas to navigate summer. Are you ready? Let’s hear your ideas too. Oh and if you’re new to the artchatter podcast, maybe it’s time to subscribe so we pop up automatically in September. Thank you, too, to all who listen, DM, send messages and have made the last five years so much fun with #artchatterpodcastSign up to receive Karen’s Studio News  https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contactLinks and mentions:Photo by Yulia Matvienko on Unsplash@suebulmer @ginabelfordart Karen’s blog on art travel  @rebeccachapmanart@johounsome Sketch and explore com https://www.sketchandexplore.com@manchesterartfair Women’s Business Club https://womensbusiness.club/awards@karengeorgeart @gaynorljart@artchatterpodcastAbout the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-tree

Holy heck, it’s been five whole years of mixing up friendship and art. Thank you. What’s changed? Hair cuts, glasses, we’ve had exhibitions, photo shoots, attended art fairs, been nominated (came second!) for a women’s business award and started a club (What has never changed - always at the heart of the artchatter pod is sharing our successes and challenges as artists and the friendships we have made and celebrate. Thank you, too, to all who listen, DM, send messages and have made the last five years so much fun with #artchatterpodcastSign up to receive Karen’s Studio News  https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contactLinks and mentions:Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash@ginabelfordart Sketch and explore com https://www.sketchandexplore.comWomen’s Business Club https://womensbusiness.club/awards@karengeorgeart @gaynorljart@artchatterpodcastAbout the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-tree

It’s six months into the year, we’re all doing things and chasing our tails. It’s time to see what else needs doing and what we need to tweak to make life easier on ourselves. Karen has a club, Gaynor is in new galleries, but both are still turning up to do the other things that are important to them. Still making mistakes, still learning, still having minor disasters… still laughing (mostly!) and hanging on in there. What are you learning? What’s new with you?  Thank you, too, to all who listen, DM, send messages and have made the last rapidly approaching five years so much fun with #artchatterpodcastSign up to receive Karen’s Studio News https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contactLinks and mentions:Photo by Omar Abozeid on Unsplash?@ginabelfordart Sketch and explore com https://www.sketchandexplore.comDevizes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DevizesDevizes Arts Festival https://www.devizesartsfestival.org.ukDevizine   https://devizine.com/2026/06/14/sketch-and-explore-the-art-of-embracing-imperfection/?fbclid=PAdGRleASba-xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAac0bBaCuxrmoeewUPOZnzPdA5wiin4IGaNVofQZzXy7lz85pbkkG6earFjSUA_aem_-eaXGiMQGlGP4YbMEUecxAConnected Artists Club https://alicesheridan.com/artists/The Design Trust https://www.thedesigntrust.co.ukGo Large Karen Turner https://www.go-large.com/aboutPink Gorilla Collective https://pinkgorillacollective.co.ukPink Storm Social https://pinkstormsocial.co.ukWomen’s Business Club https://womensbusiness.club/awards@karengeorgeart @gaynorljart@artchatterpodcastAbout the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-treeGaynor Leverett-Jaqueswww.gaynorljart.com

About the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-treeGaynor Leverett-Jaqueswww.gaynorljart.com

It can be isolated, isolating and a bit lonely being an artist. Running a business completely alone can also be a bit daunting, tricky to navigate, and overwhelming at times. What to do? Well, it may be time to find some support, other art friends, make connections, find your online tribe or an actual real life community. Both Karen and Gaynor have benefited from widening their circles and consider how, despite their different approaches, they’ve both enjoyed the chance to share and learn from other artists. It’s your turn, how do you connect? So do hit the subscribe button on whichever platform you listen to Artchatter on, it’s easier than marking your calendar! Thank you, too, to all who listen, DM, send messages and have made the last rapidly approaching five years so much fun with #artchatterpodcastSign up to receive Karen’s Studio News https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contactLinks and mentions:Photo credit Park Troopers on Unsplash@ginabelfordart Sketch and Explore Club with Karen George Carol Baines insta https://www.instagram.com/carolbaines100?igsh=MWZ3ODRuZHg2cmttMQ==Rae Melody https://www.instagram.com/raemelodyart?igsh=d2M2MDh0dTFxaGduRuth Thorp Studios@https://www.instagram.com/ruththorpstudio?igsh=ZGdjaWkwNTE2NW94https://ruththorpstudio.co.uk@bronjonesart @susannahcrookart@sophiepiddock @camvalleyartstrail@katewestcott3@springcheltenham @sixteengalleryWomen’s Business Club https://womensbusiness.club/awards@karengeorgeart @gaynorljart@artchatterpodcastAbout the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-treehttps://www.sketchandexplore.com@thesanctuary_galleryGaynor Leverett-Jaqueswww.gaynorljart.com

Right time, right place… sunshine, food and the perfect drop of water, add in the ideal companion or two… violà, success! Plants and humans are the same in that respect. What fires your imagination? Are you grabbing the right things to help yourself flourish, chatting to those who encourage growth? What helps you to get where you’re going. Today Karen and Gaynor are giddy about the paths they’re taking and how they’re helping themselves to grow in the right direction. Are you ready to plant seeds? Now, as always, we invite you to tell us how you get things going, there’s lots more to chat about. So do hit the subscribe button on whichever platform you listen to Artchatter on, it’s easier than marking your calendar! Thank you, too, to all who listen, DM, send messages and have made the last rapidly approaching FIVE years so much fun with #artchatterpodcastSign up to receive Karen’s Studio News  https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contactLinks and mentions:Photo by Julia Raasch on UnsplashFearne Cotton Happy Place PodcastLiz Earle How to Age book Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling Women’s Business Club https://womensbusiness.club/awards@karengeorgeart @gaynorljart@artchatterpodcastAbout the podcastArtchatter: Podcast of the Year Award Runner UpWomen’s Business Awards 2025 https://womensbusiness.club/awards⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ and ⁠Karen George⁠ are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing lessons and experiences of the ups and downs of living their best artist lives.You can find more about them and their work on their websites or by following them on instagram where they share their work and practice on a regular basis. ⁠Karen George Art⁠ ⁠https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/⁠@karengeorgeart on instagram⁠Gaynor Leverett-Jaques⁠ ⁠https://www.gaynorljart.com/⁠@gaynorljart on instagramThanks always to our wonderful sound editor, Ben Leverett-Jaques, who also wrote and performs the opening song 'Strangler Fig'Ben's IMBD page: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7425880/⁠ Ben's Music - Low Cinnabar: https://low-cinnabar.bandcamp.com/album/four-songs-from-the-tree