Artists in Conversation

Bespoke Illustration

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Jessica and Maryann chat with Georgina Hill, an illustrator and artist who they met in a weekly painting class. Georgina talks about her history, her world travels, and her work as an illustrator and painter. They talk about doodling, designing for the worst clients (themselves!), and even tackle the elephant in the room, AI.

You can find the images we talk about on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/bespoke-illustration

Image 1 - Georgina herself!
Image 2 - Georgina's bespoke illustration featuring Boston & Cambridge
Image 3 - Georgina's doodles
Image 4 - Georgina's honey jar design
Image 5 - Georgina's floral painting

Follow Georgina on instagram here: @ghillustrations

Find us on instagram! @artistsinconversationpod
Maryann Garlick - @maryanngarlickart
Jessica Lomeli - @artbyjpl

If you want to send feedback, ask follow up questions, or give topic ideas, send an email to artistsinconversationpodcast@gmail.com - Thanks for listening!

Color with Cora Collins

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Jessica and Maryann chat with Cora Collins, an Irish artist who they met at an art workshop in France. They talk about Cora's work with Dulux Paint and her childhood growing up above a pub in Limerick.

You can find the images we talk about on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/color-with-cora-collins

Follow Cora on instagram here: @coracollinscolour

Photography

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Maryann and Jessica talk to Melissa Rabbitt. She's a family photographer in the Boston area. They ask her about wrangling toddlers, finding the perfect light, and where she would love to do a photoshoot.

Melissa's work can be found on her website - www.melissarabbittphotography.com and on instagram where you should look for her stories, she's hilarious.

The images they talk about in this episode can be found here:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/photography

Image 1: A portrait of Melissa Rabbitt
Image 2: Maryann and her daughter
Image 3: Jessica and her family
Image 4: An example of capturing the perfect moment between a father and daughter

Details in Oil

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This week Jessica and Maryann chat with Paul Beckingham, an award-winning oil painter based in the Boston area. They discuss how he got his start, how he breaks down complex subjects to avoid overwhelm, and the detailed subjects that he is drawn to painting.

You can find images of Paul's work on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/details-in-oil

Follow Paul on instagram here: @paul.beckingham
His work can be found at the Forest 13 gallery in Arlington, MA

Paul mentions long-form painting process videos by Jos van Riswick and lettering tutorials by Julie Beck.

Artist Transitions

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode Maryann and Jessica are joined by artist Marta Kaemmer. They talk about transitioning between mediums, finding meaning in art, how inspiration can emerge when you're least expecting it, and more!

You can find images of Marta's work on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/artist-transitions

Follow Marta on instagram here: @mjkaemmer
She also teaches at the Mosesian Center in Watertown and the New Art Center in Newton. She's an amazing teacher!

Composition

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

This is the season finale! Maryann and Jessica talk about composition. It's a key component to a painting and it's often overlooked. Stay until the check-in at the end to hear an update on the global success of the podcast!

The images they discuss can be found on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/composition

Image 1: Jessica's rage floral
Image 2: Jessica's landscape from the calendar

Value

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Jessica and Maryann talk about value! What is it? Why is it important? How can learning about value help your paintings? They cover it all. Enjoy!

Images they talk about can be found on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/value

Image 1 - Jessica's black and white floral painting
Image 2 - Jessica's painting with adjusted value (darker foreground)
Image 3 - Maryann's abstract interior dreamscape
Image 4 - Maryann's painting - Citadel

Color

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Maryann and Jessica dive into the world of color. It's a huge topic and they break it down - starting with the rainbow and explaining color mixing. They cover a lot and flag some topics for future episodes! Enjoy!

The images they discuss can be found on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/color

Image 1: Rainbow - stock image
Image 2: Color Wheel
Image 3: Maryann's portrait

Links:
Radio Lab podcast about color:
https://radiolab.org/podcast/211119-colors

Blog post about the history of the color wheel:
https://www.printmag.com/color-design/the-wonderful-color-wheel-part-1/

Personality Tests

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is all about personality types and what (if anything) this has to do with painting. They dive into zodiac, enneagram, and via character traits. You get to know them better by the end of this one. Enjoy!

Personality test links:
https://www.viacharacter.org
https://tests.enneagraminstitute.com
https://cafeastrology.com/

Enneagram content links:
https://www.instagram.com/enneagramashton
https://www.instagram.com/enneagraminrelationship
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshahan_therapy/
https://www.instagram.com/ninetypesco

The images they discuss can be seen at the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/personality-types

Image 1: Darwin, Maryann's new puppy!!
Image 2: Maryann and Jessica's paintings - next to each other in an art show
Image 3: Jessica's painting of the sky

Inspiration

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Maryann and Jessica talk about inspiration - where they find it and what it feels like when they do! They're both super inspired by the natural world and discover a shared bond over feeling so excited every time they see a full moon.

The images they discuss can be found on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/inspiration

Image 1: Jessica's mediocre source photo
Image 2: Jessica's painting title Evening Walks
Image 3: Picasso's sketches with colors planned out
Image 4: Picasso painting 1
Image 5: Picasso painting 2
Image 6: Maryann's moon painting 1
Image 7: Maryann's moon painting 2
Image 8: Maryann's egg-holder chick painting

They talk about a fellow artist - Gail McKenzie. You can find her work on instagram - @gailmckenzieart

They also talk about the next episode - a side tangent about personality types! If you want to take the quizzes before the next episode you can start here:
https://www.viacharacter.org
https://tests.enneagraminstitute.com
https://cafeastrology.com/

Social Media

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Maryann and Jessica describe their experiences with social media. The good, the bad, the frustrating! Ultimately they suggest that everyone lead with their own authenticity. Do what you enjoy doing on social media and ignore the rest!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/social-media

Image 1 - Jessica's painting from painting class
Image 2 - Maryann's underpainting of spools

Fear

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is all about fear and how it shows up when we're painting. Jessica and Maryann dive into how common fear is, how to notice it and paint anyway, and tricks to side-step it. They talk about staying playful when you paint and trying not to focus on the outcome. Of course, talking about fear in painting leads to talking about all kind of ways fear shows up. Fun!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/fear

Image 1 - Blank canvases! So scary!
Image 2 - Maryann's painting that she made specifically for a show - gorgeous!

Here's a link to a cool animated video that Maryann talks about:
https://vimeo.com/24715531

Abstract Art

Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Maryann and Jessica talk about abstract art. What is it? Does it have meaning? How do you create it? They try to tackle these big questions and end up asking more questions than they answer. But they have a great conversation about it. Enjoy!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/abstract-art

Image 1 - Maryann's abstract painting
Image 2 - Picasso's bull drawings
Image 3 - Karen's still life (Jessica's mom - brand new to painting!)

Tools: Our Favorites

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Maryann and Jessica share their favorite tools. This, of course, leads them all over the place. They talk about fear of painting, easing back into painting after a break, and the power of play!

The images they discuss can be found at this website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/projects/tools%3A-our-favorites

Image 1: Palette knives - the best and most versatile tool
Image 2: Jessica's safety brush
Image 3: A photo of Jessica's sister-in-law's gallery wall that includes her magenta snowy landscape painting
Image 4: Jessica's collection of oversized brushes

Additionally they talk about an artist, Jane Davies, who creates improvisational drawings, and another artist, Cai Guo-Qiang, who "paints" with gunpowder.

Lastly, you can hear tea mugs in the background on this episode, if you listen carefully. Sometimes Maryann and Jessica drink tea before and during a recording. Usually they drink silently but, alas, not in this episode. You'll also hear a dog noise in the check-in at the end. Real life is noisy!

Painting From Life vs Photos

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is all about painting from life versus painting from photographs. Maryann and Jessica discuss pros and cons for each and encourage a both/and attitude. Paint something - from life or photos, just paint!

Since this episode was recorded Maryann won best in show with her painting of the poloroid with crazy light. Yay Maryann!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/painting-from-life-vs-photos

Image 1 - Jessica's sunset photo
Image 2 - Jessica's sunset painting
Image 3 - Maryann's poloroid with crazy lighting
Image 4 - Maryann's painting of the poloroid

Artist Retreats, Workshops, and Online Learning

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Maryann and Jessica rave about a recent art retreat they attended in southern France. They talk about the overwhelming amount of courses and online content for artists and how to choose which ones are a good fit for you. Enjoy!!

(Side note: At one point Jessica uses the phrase "earliest art memories" and she meant to say "earliest money memories" and now it will drive her crazy forever that this mistake is out in the world. It happens at 11 minutes 22 seconds if you want to listen and imagine her saying the correct words.)

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/artist-retreats%2C-workshops%2C-and-online-learning

Image 1 - Group photo from our retreat
Image 2 - Selfie from the airport in Paris
Image 3 - One of Maryann's paintings from the retreat
Image 4 - One of Jessica's paintings from the retreat

Special shoutout to Perigord Retreats and Richard Claremont for hosting the incredible retreat that Jessica and Maryann cannot stop raving about in this episode. Worth every penny!

Art Shows & Artist Statements

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Jessica and Maryann talk all about art shows, how to write an artist statement, and how to find shows to enter. They have tips and give examples from their own experiences. They mostly stay on topic this week! Amazing.

They gave themselves homework but they promptly forgot to do it. BUT! Since they recorded this episode they both got a piece in a local juried show. Fun!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/art-shows-%26-artist-statements

Image 1 - Maryann's watercolor portrait 1
Image 2 - Maryann's watercolor portrait 2
Image 3 - Jessica's intuitive abstract landscape
Image 4 - Maryann's still life that was in a juried show
Image 5 - Jessica's still life that was in the same juried show

Sketchbooks

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Maryann and Jessica talk all about sketchbooks. They cover their avoidance of sketchbooks, their reluctant attempt to get in the habit of using them, and eventually their understanding of how they can be helpful in supporting their painting practice. With the usual tangents along the way. Enjoy!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/sketchbooks

Image 1 - Frida Kahlo sketchbook - cover
Image 2 - Frida Kahlo sketchbook- inside spread
Image 3 - Example of Jessica's 3-color sketches with marker
Image 4 - Picasso - sketch
Image 5 - Picasso - painting
Image 6 - Maryann's sketchbook - cover
Image 7 - Maryann's sketchbook - inside spread
Image 8 - Jessica's painting that is mentioned in the check-in

Here’s a link to a documentary about Basquiat:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUsy5RObL2U

Mood & Avoiding Painting

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode Maryann and Jessica talk about how their moods influence them and what they do when they are avoiding painting. They talk about sleep, snacks, and exercise. They have tips for how to get unstuck if you’re in an avoidant mood. They also go on side tangents, as usual. One long tangent is about instagram where they tease a future episode!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/mood-%26-avoiding-painting

Here’s a link to the YouTube video that Maryann talks about:

Andrew Scott reads “DO” by Sol LeWitt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTGvbhqWoFI

How to Finish a Painting

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode Maryann and Jessica talk about how to finish a painting. They talk about the struggle to know when a painting is done. How many unfinished paintings they have that are stuck in the messy middle (it's a lot). And they get into a side conversation about how to know when you're evolving as an artist and when you're jumping to something new to avoid building your skills. Deep stuff! Enjoy!!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/how-to-finish-a-painting

Image 1 - Jessica's abstract autumn landscape
Image 2 - Maryann's self-portrait
Image 3 - Landscape by the color-blind classmate of Maryann's
Image 4 - Inspirational quote from David Bowie

Here's a video of an interview with the lead singer of the Idles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQG7g8vr_KY&t=4s

The Messy Middle

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Maryann and Jessica talk about the awkward and sometimes ugly middle stage of a painting. They talk about how you can feel stuck when you get to the middle of a painting and how to keep working. They go on a long tangent about their preferred color palettes. Don't forget to listen to the end when they check in about what they've been working on!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/the-messy-middle

Image 1 - Big Magic - The amazing and epic book by Elizabeth Gilbert. Read it!
Image 2 - Tubes of paint showing Maryann's color palette
Image 3 - Jessica's abstract landscape painting
Image 4 - Maryann's Exit Sign painting - starting point
Image 5 - Maryann's Exit Sign painting - underpainting
Image 6 - Inspirational quote on a teabag

How to Start a Painting

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Maryann and Jessica talk about how to start a painting. They each talk about their process in beginning a new piece. They go on tangents - as usual - but mostly this episode is about trusting yourself and building your own painting process. Enjoy!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/how-to-start-a-painting

Image 1 - Jessica's underpainting with magenta and yellow
Image 2 - Jessica's finished painting
Image 3 - Maryann's farm painting - closeup of the sky
Image 4 - Maryann's farm painting - closeup of the sky after being painted over

Artist Stereotypes

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode Jessica and Maryann break down common artist stereotypes. They admit that some stereotypes apply to them, and others do not! Are all artists flaky and disorganized? Do they all wear black a lot? Listen to find out!

Side tangents include a story about why Jessica hates zoom. They talk about the enneagram and plan a future episode about the enneagram and the zodiac.

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/artist-stereotypes

Art Education

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Maryann and Jessica talk about their experiences in art school. They dive into what made them study art in college and post-college. They talk about surviving harsh critiques and whether a graduate degree is a good investment. There's even an explanation of submitting a portfolio on slides. (!) (Look it up if you're under 40)

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/art-education

Image 1 - A selfie of Maryann and Jessica on a slide!

Early Artistic Life

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Maryann and Jessica talk about their early art memories and what they remember about creating art as kids, and what made them pursue art as adults.

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website: https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/early-artistic-life

Image 1 - Maryann's Preschool Painting
Image 2 - Jessica's Amazing Dragon
Image 3 - Monet's Wisteria
Image 4 - Van Gogh's House at Auvers
Image 5 - Degas' Portrait de Famille

Welcome

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This is a short welcome episode to introduce you to Artists in Conversation. Get to know our voices, why we started the podcast, and what we hope you'll get out of it!

You can find an episode summary and images on the following website:
https://www.artbyjpl.com/podcast/welcome-episode