<p>In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to James Payne (@GreatArtExplained)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>James Payne is a writer, curator and YouTuber, known for demystifying art via his popular YouTube channel <em>Great Art Explained</em>. His newly released book, <em>Great Art Explained: The Stories Behind the World’s Greatest Masterpieces</em>, brings that same clarity to the printed page. It explores 30 iconic works — from Botticelli’s <em>Birth of Venus</em> to Monet’s <em>Water Lilies</em> and Georgia O’Keeffe’s <em>Jimson Weed</em> — unpacking not only their visual features but also the artists’ lives and social context. Payne’s style is refreshingly jargon-free: he explains what makes each piece “great” through clear storytelling and insight. Stephen Fry has called the book “an instant classic.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more information on the Great <em>Art Explained: The Stories Behind the World’s Greatest Masterpieces</em> go to</p><p>www.welbooks.co.uk/shop/p/great-art-explained-the-stories-behind-the-worlds-greatest-masterpieces-by-james-payne-signed</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: <a href="http://www.patreon/ministryofarts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.patreon/ministryofarts</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For full line up of confirmed artists go to www.<u>ministryofarts.co.uk</u></p><p>Email: [email protected]</p><p>Social Media: @ministryofartsorg</p><p>&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>