Artist in the city
Neil Watson
Oil
Neil Watson is an established artist from Bristol, with a fresh perspective on urban landscapes. He draws inspiration from the vivacious street art scenes and the dynamic energy of the South West, with his artistic focus being an attempt to infuse life into his canvases.
As a self-taught artist, Neil uses oil paint as his chosen medium, embodying influences reminiscent of Edward Hopper’s style. He had a reignited passion for painting during lockdown, rekindling an artistic journey that began back in his school days.
In June 2023 he participated in this season’s Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year held at Hever Castle. Subsequently, in 2024, Neil was one of 8 finalists in the Dubel Art Prize.
His work seamlessly blends the vibrant spirit of Plein Air painting with a masterful interplay of colour, light, and energy, transforming landscapes into captivating works of art.
In the studio
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In the studio
As You Like It
Figurative
All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; from As You Like It, spoken by Jaques I saw the much-loved kebab van resplendent in light and frequented by revellers and had to paint it. Who’s the performer and who’re the audience – all the world’s a stage after all.
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In the studio
Bridge of Gert Sighs
Figurative
This painting is about the culture of Bristol. Oxford and Venice might have their Bridge of Sighs, but so does Bristol. Ours is a little less grand, but it does connect two buildings, on Leonard Street, in the heart of Old Bristol. We may not have Gondolas, but we do have an energy that’s a bit more in-your-face. This painting is about colour and energy and a nod to the fact that innovation and trends happen in the alleyways, on the fringe. They are not curated, they are not deigned from above and they certainly don’t follow rules.
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In the studio
Divine Intersection
Landscape
This was an opportune photo taken from a National Express coach on the M32 (hence the name!). I like the mundanity of the setting, it could have been named hope springs eternal I guess.
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In the studio
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Landscape
Banksy, does Vermeer in a setting that – if you squint – looks like a Mondrian… it had to be painted. From the vantage point of a great coffee hut at Bristol Harbour, you get to view this genius piece, just don’t look too closely at the graffiti below the main piece if you don’t like bad language! There’s also a fantastic little coffee hut here that I love to visit on a pre-work bike ride (in the warmer months!).
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In the studio
Gone Phishing
Landscape
The juxtaposition that makes Bristol what it is.
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In the studio
Mind the Gap
Landscape
After a journey back from London, you arrive at platform 13/15 in Bristol Temple Meads, the sun is setting and the weekend is calling.
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In the studio
Tipsy Balloons
Landscape
Tipsy Balloons An early August morning at Ashton Court, Bristol. The world famous balloon fiesta. The magic happens about 6:15am – it’s much better in the morning, than the evening (truth be told!). The majesty of seeing 100+ balloons floating over the city is well understood, but seeing these behemoths inflate and fly away is a behind the scenes privilege.
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Intertidal Mudflats
Landscape
Intertidal Mudflats, The Tides They Are A Changin’ An early spring morning on the banks of the Avon. The tides they do certainly change frequently and fiercely. The sign warns of the changing tides and times – a nod to Bristol’s subversive nature. Materials: Oil on canvas
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