At Castle Arts, artists are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we have a team of resident artists to share their top tips, inspire your creativity, and make sure our products are exactly what you need to bring your ideas to life. From teaching key techniques to developing and testing our supplies, they're here to guide you on your creative journey and show you that art is for everyone.
Steve Simpson
Hi, I’m Steve Simpson, and I’ve been working as a professional artist since 2011, when I signed my first publishing contract. I’m lucky to live and work in the North East of England, just a stone’s throw from the beach, where I’m constantly inspired by my surroundings. One of my favourite sights is watching a storm roll in over the sea, though I definitely prefer warm, sunny weather!
I started out painting abstract art, then moved into landscapes, and more recently, floral paintings. Over time, I’ve developed my own style, using bold colors and heavy textures to create depth and movement. I love working with both acrylics and oils – acrylics for their speed, and oils for their vibrancy and buttery texture.
Joining the Castle Arts team has been an exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to share my knowledge with you, helping you master new techniques and find your style.
Hannah Thorpe
Hey, I’m Hannah, the newest Resident Artist here at Castle Arts. Art has always been a huge part of my life, but I’ve only been working as a professional artist for the past five years. My first love is landscapes, and since making Northumberland in North East England my home, I’ve found endless inspiration in the local countryside and coast.
I create everything from illustrated maps and pet portraits to wildlife art and book illustrations. I mostly paint in acrylics because I like their immediacy, but I also enjoy using watercolours for more imaginative work, and I love to draw with coloured pencils and ink.
I’ve had no formal art education and have learned through emulating other artists, visiting exhibitions, lots of practice, and hours of trial and error. I think this gives me a pretty down-to-earth perspective on art. I’m excited to be part of Castle Arts, and to join forces with Steve to create new learning materials that will hopefully help you discover your own creative potential. I believe passionately that art should be accessible, and that with the right tools and a bit of encouragement, anyone can be creative.
Paige Webb
Hey! I’m Paige, the team’s newest Resident Artist. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating – art was always nurtured in my home growing up, and I was holding a paintbrush before I could walk. My dad, who’s also an artist, learned from my late Great Gramp Sid, so creativity runs in the family.
I studied art at two schools before earning a Fine Art degree at the University of Lincoln. From there, I’ve explored a few different creative roles – from teaching art as an artisan to working as a designer – before settling here at Castle Arts.
I mostly draw inspiration from the natural world, aiming to bring that wonder to life through my art. I view the world as a vibrant painting: a tree in shades of sap green, burnt umber, and yellow ochre, waiting to be shaped with a fan brush and an old, trusty bristle brush.
I’m so excited to be part of the Castle Arts creative team and can’t wait to share all the knowledge I’ve learned along the way. Together, we’ll give it a go, try different techniques, and embrace the “what’s the worst that can happen?” approach to creativity.
Peter Phillips
I’m Peter, and my journey as an artist has taken me through many roles – from fine artist and illustrator to muralist, sculptor, and designer. Over the years, I’ve worked in the UK, Spain, Scandinavia, and even the Middle East, but today I live and work in beautiful Northumberland, in the North East of England.
With over five years of graduate and post-graduate study behind me, I’ve built a diverse and successful creative career, exhibiting my work in galleries across the world. Currently, I display and sell my artwork through two galleries, one of which is housed within the magnificent Bamburgh Castle.
At Castle Arts, I focus on product development, making sure that everything we create is designed with real artists in mind. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced artist, I work closely with my team to ensure our supplies meet your needs and inspire your best work.
I’m proud to be part of a team committed to producing high-quality art supplies that empower artists, giving creators of all abilities the tools they need to achieve their goals.
