Impressionist Plein Air Painting in Bristol
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We will begin at Helena's studio at Willway Yard in Bedminster, where she will introduce you to her approach to Impressionist painting and share the ideas, artists and techniques that influence her own work.
You will explore light, colour, tonal values, limited palettes and expressive brushwork, as well as seeing Helena's own plein air painting setup and materials.
We will then leave the studio on foot and walk for approximately 30 minutes towards Bristol Harbour. Helena will choose a Bristol city view for the group to paint together. After looking and sketching, you will choose your limited palette and begin your painting.
Helena will paint the same view alongside you, demonstrating her process and offering individual guidance throughout the session.
You do not need to be an experienced artist. Beginners are very welcome, while more experienced painters can use the workshop to experiment with a more limited palette, loosen their painting style or move away from faithfully copying what they see.
Everyone starts with the same landscape, but the aim is not to produce identical paintings. The focus is on observing, experimenting and finding your own response to the landscape.
You will finish the day with your own original painting of Bristol and new ideas for taking plein air painting into your own practice.
Age restrictions: 18+
| Adult (Over 18 only) | £55 |
Available dates
How to get there
Facilities
- Experience takes place outdoors
- Toilets
On the day
Please bring:
Your own oil or acrylic plein air painting setup A canvas or board around 8 x 10 inches, no larger than A3 Comfortable shoes A bag that you can comfortably carry during the walk
A full kit list will be sent before the workshop. Helena can provide spares or missing items where possible, so please get in touch if you are unsure what you need.
Changes happen, don't worry
You'll be hosted by
Helena Traill Art
I’m Helena Traill, a Bristol-based landscape painter, designer and community builder. As a neurodivergent artist, creativity has always been central to how I think, communicate and make sense of the world. My work is rooted in painting outdoors, using oils to capture the movement, atmosphere and changing light of a landscape.
I’m also the founder of Bristol Plein Air Painters, a free community I started in 2025 to bring artists together to paint outside, learn from one another and make plein air painting feel more accessible. What began with ten artists meeting for the first time has grown into a community of nearly 100 painters, with regular meet-ups and exhibitions across Bristol.
My workshops are an extension of that same ethos. They’re relaxed, practical and inclusive, designed to give people the confidence to make something without worrying about getting it ‘right’. I share techniques from my own painting practice, while encouraging everyone to experiment, look closely and develop their own way of seeing.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, neurodivergent yourself, or already make art, the aim is to spend a few hours slowing down, being creative and enjoying the process.
Any questions?
Ask your question directly to Helena Traill Art.