Landscapes and Gardens
By Bristol Plein Air Painters and Friends
8–14 June 2026

The inaugural exhibition by the Bristol Plein Air Painters brings together a collective of artists working across the city and beyond, united by a shared commitment to painting from observation. Part of Blooming Bedminster and the Bedminster Garden Festival, the exhibition reflects a collective engagement with place: observed, revisited, and reinterpreted through paint.

Founded in September 2025 by Helena Traill, the Bristol Plein Air Painters began as a small monthly gathering for artists wishing to paint outdoors together across the city. Less than a year later, the group has grown into a thriving creative community of over fifty painters.Bringing together artists across generations and experience levels, the collective reflects a wide-ranging and inclusive approach to contemporary landscape painting.

Members range from those beginning their painting journey to established exhibiting artists, united through the shared act of working directly from life.Meeting on the last Saturday of each month, the group paints throughout Bristol’s parks, streets, harbourside, gardens, and surrounding landscapes. For many members, the group offers not only a creative practice, but also a social and supportive space within what can otherwise be a solitary discipline.

Landscapes and Gardens presents works developed both en plein air and in the studio, spanning intimate studies, expansive views, botanical details, and more abstract responses to the landscape. The exhibition embraces a diversity of materials and presentation methods, reflecting the accessible and collaborative ethos of the group itself.

The exhibition is independently organised by the Bristol Plein Air Painters and hosted at Willway Yard in Bedminster.

With thanks to Willway Yard for generously providing the space for this exhibition.

ORGANICS - an immersive experience developed in collaboration with sculptor Jill Berelowitz, painter Helena Traill, and Harvey Horswell Ltd.

This gavel sculpture by Helena Traill was created for Bidpath’s charity auction, celebrating her late father and their shared love of nature while supporting causes close to her heart.

Helena Traill, Artist in Residence, painted 28 unique impressions - one for each sculpture on the walk - capturing works by artists ranging from modern masters like Damien Hirst and Kenneth Armitage to contemporary talents like Sophie Ryder and Tarik Currimbhoy.

A series of paintings and sketches created especially for the Dr Cross room at the RSA. Neurodivergent impressionist artist and RSA fellow Helena Traill shares explorations of light and form of London’s urban environment. From streets and mews to the calming nature at the Serpentine, and the expansive skyline.

‘en plein air’ by London-based artist Helena Traill is a celebration of colour, light, and nature. As a young neurodivergent painter, Helena uses the practice of plein air painting to connect deeply with the landscapes she captures. Her vibrant oil paintings reflect fleeting moments in nature, combining emotional depth with tonal harmony to create sensory narratives.