Please note that Jim is Currently working on developing a series of Podcasts, which will allow him to expand more on these questions and the many other questions  and issues that have been sent to him along with those that arise in his workshops. If you have a question that you would like answered please e-mail Jim .

What are your qualifications in art?   I don't have any formal art qualifications, not even an O Level. This has been a disadvantage as qualifications can open doors, however, in the world of commercial art I believe that it is your actual artwork that does the talking.

Do any of your family Paint?  I remember when I was growing up that both my brothers were accomplished at drawing but never pursued it. My two sons have a great gift for art. My youngest son is has an Honours Degree in Community Arts, and often works with me in my Workshops. My oldest son is a Games Journalist, who's writing is certainly creative and artistic. He is also a talented cartoonist.

My wife is one of the most creative people that I have ever met. She creates amazing meals without reference to books. Her work with textiles is amazing. I know that she can paint, and hopefully one day she will do something that can be exhibited alongside my work.

What style of art annoys you or really makes you angry?  No art really makes me angry, but some modern artists baffle me.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner, alive or dead who would you choose, and why?

My late father and grandfather and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, for their storytelling abilities. Willie Nelson for his music and Groucho Marx for his humour.

Who do you feel has influenced art most in the past hundred years?  Probably, someone like Tony Hart or Rolf Harris. They took art into the lives of ordinary folk and dismissed the myth that only arstists can draw and paint.

Which medium do you prefer to work in?  I work with all traditional mediums but enjoy working in Acrylic, and with an airbrush. I also love the freedom that working digitally can acheive, the computer allows experimentation at a speed which is not possible with traditional materials.

What would you like to be better at, and why? I would like to better at writing. I believe that inside everyone is a great novel and I wish I could put my ideas down on paper in a way that others could read and enjoy.