Milne Publishing is proud to present Artist Talk Magazine issue 42. 

All the individuals showcased in this edition have shared captivating, detailed, and sincere insights about themselves, their creations, perspectives, and thoughts. Coupled with the stunning visuals of their artistic endeavors, I am confident that you, as the reader, will both delight in and draw inspiration from them. Thank you to all the participants.

The cover of this issue is by Juan de Zurbarán, titled Still Life with Lemons in a Wicker Basket, which will be on display in the Zurbarán exhibition at the National Gallery from 2 May – 23 August 2026.

“A wicker basket is piled high with fresh lemons, seemingly just picked from a tree, their leaves still attached. Sprigs of flowers – lemon blossom, red carnations, blue delphiniums, white roses, day lilies and a tulip – are scattered throughout the composition.

A goldfinch perches on a delicate porcelain bowl of water with a lily floating on the surface. This likely symbolises the purity of the Virgin Mary, while the goldfinch represents Christ’s Passion and sacrifice.

This is one of the few surviving paintings by Juan de Zurbarán, son of the famous Francisco de Zurbarán. Juan excels at conveying textures coarse lemon rind, waxy leaves, and the reflective silver tazza. In this still life, he combines a simple design with a subtle handling of paint.”