Josie Appleby News

The details of the day-to-day workings of an art publisher may vary from one to another, but essentially a publisher will act as the representative for an artist (or portfolio of artists) in order to promote and sell the artist’s work to wholesalers and mainstream retail buyers and collectors on their behalf. Some publishers specialise in open editions, posters, or greetings cards; others (like us here at Collier & Dobson) specialise in Fine art limited edition giclee prints. If mutually agreed, we also sell original artwork by artists that we represent.

In the groundbreaking article Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists? by Linda Nochlin in 1971, the view that women had been systematically erased from art history was explored, calling out the institutional barriers historically faced by women in the Western tradition. It echoed the civil-rights advances that were taking place at the time, and is considered required ‘feminist art history’ and ‘feminist art theory’ reading.

With Mother's Day (Sunday 10th March) just around the corner, now is the ideal time to get that perfect present for Mum. We have lots of reasons to thank those special women in our life who have supported us through the recent turbulent years...as well as throughout our lives. So, to bring them a little much-deserved happiness, we've pulled together some thoughtful gift ideas from our online gallery and Interiors collections. 

Many of you will be familiar with the Scandinavian concept of Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-guh’), the Danish notion of feeling contentment, comfort and well-being as a way of surviving the (mainly) winter months. Think curling up with a good book and cup of hot chocolate, relaxing in peaceful solitude by the fire, or enjoying the laid-back company of cherished friends and family and we’re heading in the direction of experiencing that Hygge feeling. 

The woodlands and hedgerows are abundant with colour, from richly hued ripened berries and gleaming chestnuts, to the glorious glow of leaves as their green colouring diminishes to reveal their red and yellow tints below. It is hard to ignore such vivid visual reminders of our ever changing environment, and it's no surprise, then, that the advance of the seasons has long been a source of inspiration for creative types.

What's the best piece of advice you have been given? To stay disciplined and consistent. Recognise what feeling you’re trying to remember and capture. One of the books I have learnt the most about painting from is “Alla Prima II’ by Richard Schmidt -  especially as a young artist it really helped to me to set a standard and build a solid base for my own foundation to grow from. I really recommend it for anyone exploring oil paint. 

With the Stag Beetle rutting season starting in May, June is a great time to spot the species ‘in full swing’ before they disappear again in July. Hotspots in the UK are mainly confined to the South of England, with Sussex, Surrey and the New Forest being among the best places to see them. Skilled printmaker Guy Allen has created a remarkably detailed yet contemporary composition featuring a stag beetle etching on a circular litho printed background, embellished with gold leaf. Find the exquisite Stag Beetle Study on our online gallery.

If the notion of springtime reminds you of countryside walks and newborn mammals galloping on their wobbly legs then Bev Davies’ On the Run certainly fits the bill (no pun intended). Her original watercolour painting on canvas beautifully depicts three young goslings, and its minimalist design complements any colour wall in your home.