Six Art Podcasts to Inspire and Educate Listeners

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) — Many people feel intimidated by visual art, fearing they won’t understand it. This worry can keep them from engaging in the art world or creating their own pieces. Fortunately, six podcasts aim to make art more accessible, offering expert insights and practical tips.

One standout is ‘The Lonely Palette.’ Its mission is to demystify art history, one painting at a time. Art historian Tamar Avishai interviews museum-goers about their impressions of famous works, emphasizing that each viewer’s thoughts matter. She then provides detailed discussions about the painting and its social context alongside other experts. This podcast covers everything from the Renaissance to modern pop art. A good starter episode is “Sandro Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus.’”

Another interesting choice is ‘Last Seen.’ This anthology series from WBUR investigates mysterious art disappearances. The first season focuses on the 1990 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist, where 13 valuable pieces vanished. Co-hosts Kelly Horan and Jack Rodolico combine archival research with interviews to unravel the unsolved case, adding a haunting quality to the storytelling. The starter episode is “81 Minutes.”

‘Art Smart‘ encourages individuals to pursue art as a fun hobby, regardless of their skill levels. Host Kyle Wood, an elementary art teacher, introduces listeners to basic art concepts in concise episodes. The latest season explores different artistic formats, making it easy for anyone to join in. Check out the starter episode, “Elements of Art: Line.”

Unlike many podcasts, ‘ArtHoles’ is hosted by Michael Anthony, who describes himself as an “art idiot.” While his self-deprecating label might downplay his knowledge, his research delves deeply into artists’ lives, including Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo, mixing humor and detailed investigations. A beginner episode is “Picasso: Origin Story — Meet the Parents.”

Janina Ramirez hosts ‘Art Detective,’ which began after her need for a platform to present uninterrupted discussions on art. Each episode focuses on a specific artwork’s cultural significance, blending visual analysis with broader themes. A great starting point is “Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci — With Martin Kemp.”

Finally, ‘Talk Art’ features actor Russell Tovey and Robert Diament, showcasing conversations with diverse creators, from musicians to visual artists. Guests reflect on their creative processes and meaningful artworks, offering fresh insights. A good starter episode is “Joan Snyder.”