We picked Bristol as our first explorer day of 2024! I was accompanied by my friend and fellow Winchester creative Jez Long (AKA SpookyJelly) who helped me capture some reference shots as we wandered. The weather was a little gloomy at times, but the city offered so much in its mix of architecture and culture. Around every corner there was something interesting to find. Lots of lively small shops and cafes. Not to mention plenty of wall art/graffiti that really brought the streets to life. Below is a quick video sampler from our Bristol Explorer day!
I purposely (but perhaps also lazily) refused to research ahead of our visit. Though I had heard plenty of glowing reports from friends and fellow creative types. I was keen to see where the wind and indeed inspiration carried us… a bit haphazard, but the city didn’t dissapoint. Certainly by the end of the day we had criss-crossed the centre several times and filled our camera rolls with pictures. I managed to get a few sketches of interesting details. But no doubt there’s hundreds of ideas in here for proper artworks.
We made it down the Christmas steps, along the quayside, found the covered market and also stomped over to Clifton. I forgot to record our number of steps but we definitely closed the exercise rings for the day!
There’s a few Banky’s in here, for those with eagle eyes. I owe a big thank you to Jez for his selfless capturing of my pensive artist face.
As always with these urban spaces; there was so much variation in the building structures and styles. I spent quite a bit of time snapping facades that I think would make interesting papercut studies. Hours of follow up sketches that can be done there. And once back in the studio I also enjoyed playing with the black & white filters on the photographs themselves. Bristol proved to be a wonderful place to discover and not a particularly long drive from Winchester either. I’m sure i’ll be back there again soon.
I’m almost finished with my big Winchester commission (which is hopefully being collected on Good Friday). So fingers crossed it wont be long before I can create something new from my Bristol Explorer day. Keep an eye out on the blog for updates!
Do you know Bristol well? What did I miss? As always i’d love to hear your suggestions! Leave me a comment below or say hello over on facebook, twitter and instagram.