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The Artist magazine
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Message
Posted
Hi, I am new to posting comments, but was so disappointed with this months Artist Magazine, that I felt I had to say. I know people like more abstracty forms of painting and I accept that, but I felt that this months magazine was full of it. I really couldn’t get into reading many of the articles. Saying that I did enjoy Josephine Neil’s article on watercolour, pure and simple. I am hoping to have more interest in the next one!
Posted
I haven't seen it as I no longer subscribe to The Artist. It seemed to me that each month was just a regurgitation of the previous months with the same artist/authors simply writing another article on the same (twee?) genres. So we had another way of painting an ostrich or a cows face full-on or another variation on a Ted Wesson theme (much as I love Ted Wesson).
It seemed as though abstract and more modern work in general work was being completely by-passed. In fact I have found the best inspirations tend to come from magazines like (don't laugh) House Beautiful , Country Living et al where the photos of modern interiors often include quite inspirational artwork the like of which never seems to be covered by the magazines..
Yes we are all different and for those who like the more traditional fare I quite understand why abstract work etc holds no interst but in view of Jenny's comments I may just go out and buy the latest Artist.
Posted
I think both the Artist and Leisure Painter - like most arts magazines - tend to fish in a very shallow pond; but doubtless the editors understand that for many of the regular contributors, it's the invitation to contribute that gives them the cash to buy the paint; I don't begrudge that at all, but it can lead to a rather predictable degree of sameness.
However: think of it from the editors' point of view; they have to fill a magazine each month with content which will appeal to as many people as possible - that the Artist takes a punt on an abstract edition now and then is surely to its credit, knowing as the editor must that it won't appeal to a lot of more traditional painters: think of it as missionary work...
All painting is abstract, surely, to some degree - we're trying to represent our innermost thoughts and feelings in paint, whether we choose to use a representational approach or not - I haven't yet seen this month's Artist magazine, but there's usually something to be learned, even from a discipline one doesn't practise oneself.... change being as good as a rest, and all that...
Posted
It must be difficult to continue to fill a magazine ad Infinitum on virtually the same subject or variations of. Like Michael I stopped my subscription after several years for exactly that reason.
Occasionally I see one in Smiths and buy it. There are only so many ways you can say the same thing. Abstract art is what know least about so why not?.
Posted
Well Jenny, I found this month’s (November) edition of ‘The Artist’ particularly interesting in content, subject matter, medium and styles. There are some brilliant features in my view. To pick out a few, Herman Pekel, Lucy Willis, Geoff Hunt and another regular contributor to the magazine, Jenny Aitken.
I can’t find a single page or feature that I consider to be abstract in any way – perhaps she would let me know to which she refers; I’ll be interested in hearing from her on that one!
I’ve been taking the magazine regularly since 1985, and during that time have seen a huge change in both its content and design. Yes, of course popular subjects are going to crop up at regular intervals, but there is always something of interest to inspire me, and there can be no doubting the title’s success as a market leader in this field. As well as features, there is a whole array of other useful and informative pages to read, and I personally enjoy reading the Letters’ page and am a regular contributor, having had numerous letters published.
It’s also worth mentioning, that our editor Sally Bulgin does look for different artists to contribute, and I myself will have a feature published in the 2020 Summer edition – an opportunity that I never thought possible a few years back. This has all been made possible by my regular contributions to the POL Gallery over the last four years or so, which of course Sally and her team keep close daily contact with.
Posted
The Artist Magazine is the best of its kind in my book. I find it always fresh. It has something for everyone. The article Capturing wildlife in the wild, that’s for me. Some good tips given there. The Leisure Painter also, great content it has for demonstrations. In the November issue an article on Colour confidence, practice colour mixing, some good information there. On a personal note I do not like being told what’s coming up in the next issues. It spoils it for me. So I bin the email quick to avoid it. Lol
Unfortunately our society is full of fashions and magazines in particular need and have to keep up with the fashions of the day. You simply cannot please all of the people all of the time. So look out for the next issue it could be just for you.