Global Warming & Environmental Themes
Painting the Planet’s Changes in Real-Time
“I have lived in the Alps for decades. The mountains never change—but the ice does. There is less snow, glaciers are retreating, and winters are warmer. These paintings capture that shift before it’s too late.”
— Prue Bishop
Sculptural watercolours are not just art; they are visual records of climate change. Prue Bishop’s environmental paintings document the fragility of landscapes, showcasing the effects of global warming in a way that science and photography alone cannot convey.
1️⃣ Witnessing Climate Change Firsthand
Prue’s deep connection to the Swiss Alps has given her a front-row seat to climate change.
✔ Glaciers are shrinking, with ice disappearing at an unprecedented rate.
✔ Winters are warmer, and snowfall is no longer as heavy or predictable.
✔ Seasonal changes are shifting, altering the colours and textures of the landscape.
Example: The Vanishing Glaciers of Mont Blanc
For years, Prue painted the Mont Blanc Massif from various angles. But over time, she noticed a disturbing trend—the glaciers were in stark retreat. Her latest paintings show the contrast between past and present, highlighting the impact of rising temperatures.
As a stark illustration of the retreat of the ice, compare the level of ice in 1980 to 2024 of the Mer de Glace in France. Read my blog entry on the Glacier des Bossons
"Mountains stay the same, but the ice is vanishing before our eyes."
2️⃣ The Role of Research in Capturing Reality
For landscapes that she cannot visit in person—such as Greenland’s melting glaciers—Prue relies on scientific research, satellite imagery, and environmental reports to ensure accuracy.
✔ Studies National Geographic reports and climate publications.
✔ Uses Google Earth & satellite images to track real-world changes.
✔ Reads expedition archives to compare past and present conditions.
Example: Icebergs in Greenland & the Scott Expedition
During COVID lockdowns, Prue deep-dived into climate research, uncovering historical accounts from the Scott Expedition in Antarctica. She compared these early descriptions of ice formations with modern satellite images—revealing dramatic changes in the landscape.
"I never fabricate landscapes. Every detail must be real. The loss of ice is undeniable."
3️⃣ The Challenge of Painting Disappearing Landscapes
Unlike traditional landscape artists who capture timeless scenes, Prue’s work documents landscapes that may not exist in the future.
✔ A race against time—capturing glaciers before they melt.
✔ Ethical responsibility—showing the truth without exaggeration.
✔ Archiving history through art—future generations may only see these places in paintings.
Example: The Maltese Salt Pans Series
The Maltese Salt Pans, once thriving, are now threatened by rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Prue’s work captures them at their peak, preserving their intricate details before they are lost forever.
"One day, these places may only exist in paintings."
4️⃣ Earth’s Natural Colour Palette: Expressing Change Through Pigments
Prue’s commitment to authenticity extends to her materials—she selects pigments that reflect nature’s true colours.
✔ Uses earth pigments that come from natural minerals.
✔ Selects complementary colours to balance warmth & coolness.
✔ Matches tones to real-world observations, ensuring visual accuracy.
Example: The Hidden Magnetism of Natural Pigments
Some of the pigments Prue uses have magnetic properties, shifting slightly when painted due to their iron oxide content—mirroring the movement of minerals in the natural world.
"The colours I use are from the earth itself—nature creates the palette."
5️⃣ Turning Art into Environmental Awareness
Prue’s work does not just document climate change—it also raises awareness.
✔ Art as a conversation starter—viewers see beauty, then realize the urgency.
✔ Exhibitions & talks to highlight climate concerns.
✔ Bridging the gap between art & science—visual storytelling enhances understanding.
Example: Global Warming Exhibitions & Public Reaction
At a recent exhibition, a visitor who had traveled to Greenland recognized exact locations in Prue’s paintings. They were stunned by how much had changed since their last visit—reinforcing the reality of climate change.
"People see these paintings and realize—this is happening right now."
✅ Browse the Collection of Global Warming Paintings
Conclusion
Through sculptural watercolours, Prue Bishop documents and preserves landscapes that are rapidly changing. These works serve as both artistic masterpieces and environmental records, bringing awareness to the beauty and fragility of our world.
✅ See the Next Section—A Lifelong Dedication to Watercolour
✅ Browse the Full Collection of Paintings: France, Switzerland and Global Warming