Talking to artists is a great way to learn about their art and about the process of art-making.

Artists can be really interesting people, and I almost always come away from a conversation feeling it was time well spent.

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I usually meet artists at exhibitions.

Art shops and local art galleries also host events at which you can 'meet the artist'. It's true that they are also there to sell their work. But I have yet to meet an artist who wasn't willing to talk about their art regardless of sales.

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Here's a few tips I've learned from experience.

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1. Try to spend time looking at the work before you talk. 

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2. Make sure you've identified the right person as the artist.

     "Is this your work?" or "Are you the artist?" are good starters.

     (Can you tell this tip comes from painful experience?)

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3. Start off by saying something positive: "This is beautiful work" or "I love the colours in this"

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4. Think beforehand about your first question. You want to get them talking about their work.

       

          Avoid "Tell me about your work". You'll sound like an Early Years Teacher.

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        "Where do your ideas come from?" or "What inspired you to paint this?" are good.

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5. Don't use arty terms - like juxtaposition or chiaroscuro - unless you're really, really confident that both of you know what you're talking about. 

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6. Remember that the artist's work is precious to them.

    They have created this, sometimes with sweat and tears, and taken a risk by exhibiting it.

    The artist and the work deserve your respect, regardless of your opinion.

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7. Ask them for their card.

   Artists cards are often works of art themselves, and you never know - you might fancy buying a       canvas or two.

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