The Artist (magazine)

The Artist is Britain’s longest-established practical art magazine, first launched in 1931. It is published monthly by The Artists’ Publishing Company from their offices in Tenterden, Kent, and costs £3.30 per issue. It is available to buy from newsagents. Sally Bulgin has been editor of the magazine since 1986.

The 1930s and 1940s editions of the magazine are notable for instructional articles by artists such as Dorothea Sharpe, Terrick Williams and Adrian Hill. In addition, each issue would profile an 'Artist of Note', subjects for this being as diverse as John Piper, Stanhope Forbes, Vanessa Bell, Edward Bawden and Terence Cuneo. Articles on commercial art, such as poster design, were contributed by John Bee, Gregory Brown, Frank Newbould and others.

Early editions of the magazine had a generic, and rather dull cover design, but by the late 1950s, artwork by noted artists such as John Minton and John Bratby was being used. The design changed again in the 1960s, when photographs of paintings from the Old Masters to modernists featured.

The Artist magazine is written by artists for artists, and provides committed painters, both experienced amateurs and professionals, with projects and exercises designed to improve painting technique, and practical guidance on the technical aspects and use of art materials. Issues have features written by artists such as Judi Whitton, Jenny Wheatley, Tom Robb, Soraya French, Delia Cardnell, Liz Seward Relfe, Ray Balkwill. Artist profiles, masterclasses and interviews give an insight into the working methods of leading professional artists.

The magazine has features, news and reviews, reports on art materials and new products, exhibitions and competitions to enter, hints and tips on the business side of being an artist and selling work, books, opportunities, courses and holidays for the artist.

The publication is popular with art clubs, and also has a website which was launched in September 2007, . Painters-Online is a growing online community and has many interactive features including a forum for sharing experiences and advice; blogs; a gallery to upload images of visitors’ drawings and paintings; a searchable database of art clubs and art tutors, and many other helpful areas for those interested in art.

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