The Expressive Landscape with Paul Bailey

Paul Bailey is a contemporary British artist renowned for his vibrant, semi-abstract landscape and seascape paintings in watercolour and acrylic. His distinctive style is deeply influenced by his background in print and design, drawing inspiration from comic books, graffiti and graphic design to produce bold compositions defined by dynamic colour, simplified forms and expressive energy. Through the use of unconventional techniques such as acrylic washes, masking and collage, Paul captures the emotional memory of a place rather than its literal representation, resulting in paintings that feel both atmospheric and powerfully evocative.

This immersive two-day acrylics workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore Paul’s unique creative process while developing their own expressive voice. Day one will focus on seascapes, exploring movement, rhythm and the interplay of colour to convey the drama and mood of the coast. Day two will shift to landscapes, where participants will learn how to build structure, simplify forms and create impact through mark-making and composition.

Throughout the workshop, Paul will demonstrate his alternative working methods, including paint layering, acrylic washes and masking techniques, sharing insight into how he constructs his distinctive layered surfaces and confident mark-making. Close supervision and individual guidance will ensure participants feel supported while being encouraged to experiment, take creative risks and push beyond their comfort zones.

Paul’s mission is to inspire students to loosen their approach, embrace spontaneity and enjoy the process of painting with freedom, expression and confidence — discovering new ways to interpret the landscapes and coastlines of the United Kingdom through colour, texture and gesture.

“My work is based on a recollection of memories: hills I have climbed; coastal paths I have walked; and the perception of an horizon that stretches far into the distance. The time-worn landscape of Wales, England and Scotland is my inspiration. My unconventional influences (graffiti, commercial print, illustration and graphic design) provide my direction. My practice explores the process of cognitive storage and interpretation of visual and emotional memory of the landscape: simplification, repartition, distorted spaces, abstraction, colour and dynamics. A fusion of ideas, experimentation tempered by my knowledge and experiences.”