About Paul Priestley

Art History School

Welcome to Art History School, where Paul Priestley brings the vibrant lives and incredible stories of the world’s most celebrated artists to your screen through engaging and visually stunning videos. He is on a mission to make art history accessible to everyone.

With his contagious passion and extensive knowledge, he brings the fascinating world of art to life in a way that captivates and inspires.

Join us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the lives and works of some of the greatest artists of all time. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious beginner, Art History School has something for you.

Artists such as :

Why Art History?

Art History School videos are an introduction to the fascinating lives of some of the world’s greatest artists. They explore their motivations, their development, their tribulations, and their successes. We believe that by understanding where the artist came from helps to understand their work.

Art history is important because it is more than just looking at lots of paintings and sculptures in art galleries made by people who lived long ago. Art provides a means by which we can understand our human past and its relationship to our present.

Looking at artists and their art in context gives us insights into the society in which the artist lived. It also helps us comprehend how people were represented, how religion was seen and how the artwork itself was received when first displayed and how attitudes to it may have changed over time.

Art History School

“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”

Banksy

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

Edgar Degas

“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”

Banksy

Become a Patreon

I strive to improve the quality of my videos by upgrading the software, sound  and video equipment required to produce them. Your support would be welcome.

Artist of the Month

Tamara De Lempicka was a Polish Art Deco painter who rose to fame in the 1920s. Her glamorous portraits, characterized by sharp angles and bold colours, epitomized the Art Deco era.

Become a Patreon

I strive to improve the quality of my videos by upgrading the software, sound  and video equipment required to produce them. Your support would be welcome.

Artist of the Month

Mary Cassatt depicted the 19th century New Woman from the woman’s perspective and is most famous for her paintings of Mother and Child.

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“He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”

Saint Francis of Assisi

News & Stories

Interesting stories, insights and revelations about the world of art

News & Stories

Interesting stories, insights and revelations about the world of art