HE puts a contemporary twist on the traditional genre of landscape art, and starting this Sunday, Kit Glaisyer is putting a twist on the way we view other artists’ work too.

From August 20 to 29, 50 artists across Bridport and west Dorset are giving the public a rare chance to go behind the scenes during Bridport Open Studios and learn more about their art.

Kit Glaisyer is today’s driving force behind the event, and ahead of the exhibitions expressed why he is so passionate about shining a light on artist’s work and particularly on Bridport’s role in bringing artists together.

Kit said: “I’ve had a huge respect for Bridport’s art scene ever since I moved here.

“I immediately recognised how special the Bridport art scene is and I had a clear idea of how we can share what we do with a wider audience.”

He became director for the event five years ago.

He said: “Artists think and live differently to most other people. The end result is the art you see in galleries, but opening our studios gives people an insight into the original creative process.”

The open studios will give the public a chance to see fresh new pieces before they go on display in galleries and talk to the artists.

There’s no doubt that Bridport is increasingly a huge hub for talented artists.

Kit said: “I honestly don’t know why Bridport has become such a cultural hub for art and artists. A similar thing happened at St Ives and in Newlyn, London and Paris.

“Van Gogh always wanted to start an artistic community in Arles, but it didn’t really work out that way, though the location inspired him to make his own stunning work.

“It just seems that in certain times and places the circumstances are right.”

The calling for artists may have something to do with the stunning and inspiring landscape in Dorset.

Kit said: “There’s something magical about the shapes of the hills and valleys from Eggardon Hill and across the Marshwood Vale to Pilsden Pen. I’ve spent ten years exploring and I keep finding stunning new views.”

Started by artist Caroline Ireland in 1999, the event has grown to become a distinctive showcase for the thriving west Dorset art scene.
Some of the 50 artists featured include:
* David Risk Kennard – renowned for his vibrant watercolours.
* Bjork Haraldsdottir – a ceramicist originally from Iceland. 
* Paul Blow – a Bridport-based illustrator.
* Nigel Hughes – a painter whose work includes landscape, portraits, still life and birds.
* David Brooke – a painter who makes popular, mythical works, interpreted and embellished by his imagination. 

* Bridport Open Studios runs from August 20 to 29, for a full programme of events and artists, visit bridportopenstudios.co.uk 
This year the event will kick off with a grand launch event at Eype Church Centre for the Arts from 6 to 9pm tonight, August 18.