The Reading Paintings Podcast

Reading Paintings
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Visual Arts

Welcome to the Reading Paintings podcast created and presented by David Johnson and Harry Baxter. In each episode they visit a specific museum, gallery or cultural institution and explore works of art through live audio description and discussion. The conversations that are recorded are unscripted, informal and spontaneous. They consist of two artists intuitive verbal responses to a work of art. David is a blind artist, Harry is a sighted artist and audio describer. Through this interplay between conversation and description, Harry’s verbalisations are led by David's blindness. This process leads to unexpected insights into works of art which are then shared with the listener. Implicit within this process is the concept of 'Disability Gain', where the creation of a disability accessible society benefits everyone.

  1. 5d ago

    Reflection Self Portrait, David Hockney and the Queen

    In this third and final episode at the National Portrait Gallery Harry and David look at four paintings in the Lucian Freud exhibition: Reflection (self portrait) from 1985, Portraits of David Hockney, 2002 and Queen Elizabeth the 2nd, 2001 and one of Lucian Freuds final paintings; Self Portrait, Reflection from 2002.

    42 min

  2. 5d ago

    Girl with Roses and Hotel Bedroom

    In this second episode at the National Portrait Gallery Harry and David look at two paintings in the Lucian Freud exhibition: Girl with Roses from 1948 and Hotel Bedroom, 1954.

    34 min

  3. 5d ago

    Self Portrait with a Feather

    In this first episode at the National Portrait Gallery we visit the Lucian Freud exhibition entitled 'Drawing into Painting'. We focus on a self portrait painted in 1943 'Man with a Feather'.

    25 min

  4. May 10

    Cupid Complaining to Venus

    This month David and Harry visit The National Gallery in London. In this episode they explore Lucas Cranach The Elder's painting 'Cupid Complaining to Venus', made using oil paint on wooden panel in 1526. Credits: Podcast Creators and Presenters: David Johnson and Harry Baxter. Audio production: Ian Rattray Clear Voice Enterprises.org   Our thanks to The National Gallery and their staff for their co-opperation and access to the described art works.

    32 min

  5. May 10

    Rain, Steam and Speed, The Great Western Railway

    This month David and Harry visit The National Gallery in London. In this episode they explore JMW Turner's painting 'Rain, Steam and Speed, The Great Western Railway', made using oil paint on canvas in 1844. Credits: Podcast Creators and Presenters: David Johnson and Harry Baxter. Audio production: Ian Rattray Clear Voice Enterprises.org   Our thanks to The National Gallery and their staff for their co-opperation and access to the described art works.

    39 min

  6. May 10

    Christ in the House of Martha and Mary

    This month David and Harry visit The National Gallery in London. In this episode they explore Diego Velazquez's painting 'Christ in the House of Martha and Mary', made using oil paint on canvas in 1618. Credits: Podcast Creators and Presenters: David Johnson and Harry Baxter. Audio production: Ian Rattray Clear Voice Enterprises.org   Our thanks to The National Gallery and their staff for their co-opperation and access to the described art works.

    31 min

  7. Mar 6

    Conor Harrington

    Conor Harrington is an Irish artist born in Cork in 1980, he currently lives and works in London. He has a background in graffiti and street art. David and Harry explore his new show of paintings at Ben Brown fine arts in London, entitled 'Pallium'. Credits: Podcast Creators and Presenters: David Johnson and Harry Baxter. Audio production: Ian Rattray Clear Voice Enterprises.org   Our thanks to Ben Brown Fine Arts and their staff for their co-opperation and access to the described art works.

    35 min

  8. Feb 6

    Black Painting, and Still Life and Wedding Photo

    Introduction In this the third part of David and Harry's trip to the Royal Academy of Arts they look at two more of Kerry James Marshalls work. Credits: Podcast Creators and Presenters: David Johnson and Harry Baxter. Audio production: Ian Rattray Clear Voice Enterprises.org   Our thanks to the Royal Academy of Arts for this episode of the Reading Paintings Podcast.

    27 min
See All (14)

Trailer

About

Welcome to the Reading Paintings podcast created and presented by David Johnson and Harry Baxter. In each episode they visit a specific museum, gallery or cultural institution and explore works of art through live audio description and discussion. The conversations that are recorded are unscripted, informal and spontaneous. They consist of two artists intuitive verbal responses to a work of art. David is a blind artist, Harry is a sighted artist and audio describer. Through this interplay between conversation and description, Harry’s verbalisations are led by David's blindness. This process leads to unexpected insights into works of art which are then shared with the listener. Implicit within this process is the concept of 'Disability Gain', where the creation of a disability accessible society benefits everyone.

Information

  • Creator
    Reading Paintings
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Reading Paintings, Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Reading Paintings Podcast