WELCOME from the editor
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Way back in my school-day A-level years in 1974-76 my passion for art was ignited by my amazing art teacher at Highworth School for Girls, Pamela Lloyd. At the time I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life beyond immersing myself in art via a fine art and history of art degree, masters and ultimately PhD in the subject. I certainly couldn’t have dreamt that one day I’d become an author of art books and editor of one of the world’s longest established (since 1931) practical art magazine.
Ever since my art teacher introduced me to the creative challenges and benefits of drawing and painting, I’ve been passionate about encouraging others to experience its many joys, to develop their skills and explore new ideas. I’ve been incredibly privileged to be able to do this in collaboration with all our wonderful artist contributors over my many years as editor of The Artist magazine.
Looking back, I started as editor of The Artist in 1985. I loved my role so much that in 1998 I was fortunate to be able to purchase The Artists’ Publishing Company to become owner and publisher of The Artist, and our sister magazine Leisure Painter. During the next 18 years our team, with whom I’ve been proud to work all these years, including Ingrid Lyon (still editor of Leisure Painter) Jane Stroud (contributing editor to both titles and now taking over from me as editor) and Dawn Farley (still editor of Painters Online) enjoyed developing our brands and launching new services for artists, amateur and professional alike. Together we launched our digital issues, the bookazine Start Art, our website Painters Online, now home of our Studio membership and magazine brands, as well as the platform for artists to share and sell their work and discuss all things art related, plus of course our popular annual TALP Open Competition, in partnership with our friends at Patchings Art Centre. In addition, our partnership with Spencer Scott Travel enabled us to organise a variety of unique, bespoke worldwide painting trips for readers, led by eminent artists such as the late Ken Howard OBE RA, and many others, as well as innumerable courses and workshops led by our artist contributors.
After a memorable 18 years as managing director and publisher, in 2016 I sold The Artists’ Publishing Company and our brands to current owners, Warner’s Group Publications plc, handing over my managerial and publishing responsibilities whilst continuing in the role I have loved most for my entire career, as editor of The Artist. I reckon that during my almost 40 years at the helm, I have edited at least 460 issues of the magazine, and worked with hundreds of talented, inspirational artists and art journalists.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to them, to my consultant editors and fellow judges on our TALP Open, David Curtis and Haidee-Jo Summers, and to you, our readers, for your loyal support for the magazine, as it’s now time for me to move on and hand over to Jane Stroud. I know she will do a brilliant job leading The Artist magazine and writing the next chapter in the brand’s history books.
Best wishes