Sketching Bristol with Andrew Hood
Updated: 10 hours ago
Bristol has long inspired Andrew Hood’s paintings. From the tree-lined expanse of Clifton Downs to the quiet backstreets of Cotham, the city offers an endless source of ideas. Ahead of the Andrew's upcoming exhibition Between Cities, we catch up on the places he returns to time and again, and what makes them so compelling through an artist’s eyes.
Favourite Bristol view?
Looking across the Downs towards the beautiful houses of Clifton. I used to play football up there, so I have really fond memories of this place.
Best place to draw?
I have a few favourite spots around the back streets of Cotham, Redland and Clifton. There are lots of small hidden roads and fantastic architecture that make great subjects for sketching.
Where do you go for fresh ideas?
I find the best way to get new ideas is to get on my bike and cycle round the city. It doesn't take long to find something that triggers inspiration – often within a mile or so of my house!
Most painted location?
Without a doubt, the view back towards the city from Clifton Suspension Bridge. Though I haven’t painted that scene in a long while as I experiment with different neighbourhoods.
Favourite hidden corner of the city?
The back streets off the top of Whiteladies Road. I love the narrow roads and the quirkiness of the houses hidden round each corner.
A place that always surprises you?
Bristol is full of surprises and there are always new places to discover that you didn’t know even existed! I do love to visit the small villages on the outskirts of town that most people in the city are unaware of. It’s very picturesque around Flax Bourton, Barrow Gurney and Dundry. I love the drive out to Warmley, too. It’s a bit more urban, bringing plenty of interesting subject matter.
Favourite season?
From a painter's point of view, summer is my favourite season. It’s pleasant to be sketching outside and I love the buzz the sunshine brings - everybody seems to come to life, walking around with smiles on their faces. More importantly, the sunlight creates great shadows and brings mundane scenes to life!
A Bristol landmark you’ve never painted?
I'm not sure there are any landmarks I haven't painted! But I would love to one day go up in a hot air balloon and paint the city from above. It might not be the best idea given I suffer from quite bad vertigo, but it’s a challenge I would like to face.
Favourite green space?
We are incredibly lucky in Bristol to have lots of green spaces. My absolute favourite is the Downs, but I can happily wile away a day in Leigh Woods.
Most beautiful time of day?
From an artistic point of view, late morning when the sun is shining. It always inspires me to go out and sketch.
A Bristol view you could look at forever?
As you come into Bristol you see a crescent of houses above the Suspension Bridge. That view is very special to me and always gives me a great feeling. It reminds me of my hometown of Edinburgh - another city full of incredible architecture.
Join us for Andrew Hood's upcoming exhibition Between Cities at Clifton Contemporary Art, bringing together a new body of work inspired by the streets, parks and hidden corners explored in this feature. We invite you to experience these familiar places through the artist's eyes at the private view this 7 November.
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