Great Art Explained

James Payne, better known online as Great Art Explained, is an English YouTuber who makes videos about famous artworks.
==Personal life==
James was born in London, where museums have free admission. From a young age, he would travel to art galleries alone via bus. He was interested in classical art, but “clearly remembers” seeing the Rothko room at the for the first time at thirteen. James “didn't understand it”, and was “confused,” “disturbed,” and “shocked.” A few weeks later, he returned, “curious as to why [he] was still thinking about them, and this time there was a guided tour going on in the Rothko room.” The woman giving the tour, “whose passion for Rothko was almost palpable,” was telling a story, which sparked James’ interest in art. 
He eventually co-owned a gallery named PayneShurvell in London, which was eventually closed due to high rental prices.
He has a fine art degree from Central St Martins, London. He is an art consultant, and art and film writer for various art magazines. James’ favourite painter is . James contributed several entries to Amazing Art Adventures by Yolanda Zappaterra.
==YouTube==
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, James worked as a European history guide for a travel company, and started YouTube when this ceased to be possible due to travel restrictions.
James uploaded his first video, Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci: Great Art Explained, on May 29, 2020. Each episode focuses on one piece of art and explains it, using clear and concise language free of 'art-speak'. Each video is around 15 minutes long.
On December 12, 2020, promoted Great Art Explained on Twitter. James quotes this text in all of his video descriptions.
In March 2022, James made a video about Impressionism with .
==Subscriber milestones==
*1,000 subscribers: September 1, 2020
*200,000 subscribers: May 24, 2021
==References==
Category:Educational YouTubers
Category:English YouTubers
Category:Users who joined in 2020