People / Abigail McDougall
My Bristol favourites: Abigail McDougall
Bristol painter Abigail McDougall has become well known, and much admired, for her evocative watercolours of the city – especially its waterside scenes. “I’ve been in Bristol for nine years and it has, very generously, given me a painting career, a fiancé and a fun-filled life with almost too much to do,” she says.
Here are Abigail’s top-five Bristol favourites, some of which are illustrated by some of her own paintings.
The harbour
“Especially the Underfall Yard end. Or, in fact, any view of the harbour from The Cottage pub. I have painted so many views from this angle and have seen it in so many different kinds of light and atmospheres. As my painting career has progressed I’ve focused more and more on water and reflections. This spot is a well of information for me it’s and a joy to spend time there.”
Jamaica Street Studios
“The studio where I work every day in the heart of Stokes Croft. Jamaica Street Studios (which you can find below, covered in scaffolding) is the place that started my art career, and where I sold my first paintings after graduating. It is a vibrant community of artists – and quite a unique studio, in that it is run by those artists. I have made the best friends of my life here. It’s such an important source for the budding artist: you can basically come here and learn from other people how to become an artist.”
The River Frome, from Snuff Mills upstream
“Starting from Eastville Park and running up to Frenchay, this stretch of river is a fantastic area of natural beauty. The river runs along an old quarry and valley and you can walk all along. The river is often this beautiful teal-green colour, and the light and reflections are gorgeous. I discovered this hidden area of Bristol only a couple of years ago and have painted there many times since.”
The Bristol & Bath Railway Path
“I am fortunate to get to use this path every day now, but I used to go up and down looking for inspiration for my paintings. All the local cycle paths are fantastic, and we are so lucky to have the charity Sustrans based in Bristol to look after these paths. A few years ago I exhibited scenes from the local cycle paths at the Royal West of England Academy, to raise some money for Sustrans.”
Gloucester Road
“It is so unique to have such a long road of independent shops, all selling really good-quality food and produce. I love hanging out in the cafes at weekends – my favourites are Tart and La Ruca. I love the Urban Standard bar and restaurant, and shopping in Grape & Grind, Scoopaway (below) and the Fish Shop. All these places bring me great quality of life.”
Read more about Scoopaway’a 26 years in Bristol
Photograph of Abigail McDougall by Summer Brooks
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