Inspiration: The Heart of it All
How Real-World Experiences Shape Every Painting
“I physically have to experience the landscape—taking in the effects, the nuances of colour, the textures of the rock. Even if I paint from memory later, the sensation of being there is what drives the work.”
— Prue Bishop
Every painting begins with an experience. Unlike traditional watercolourists who often work from photographs, Prue Bishop’s sculptural watercolours are deeply rooted in real-world observation, physical engagement, and research.
1️⃣ Experiencing Landscapes Firsthand
Prue believes that to capture a landscape authentically, she must be in it—observing how the light moves, how the colours shift with the seasons, and how depth and texture define the environment.
Example: The Chartreuse Mountains
When painting the Chartreuse region in France, Prue was so struck by the intensity of green hues that she physically gathered armfuls of vegetation. The next day, she mixed every possible shade of green, creating a palette that was true to the landscape.
2️⃣ When Direct Experience Isn’t Possible: Research-Based Inspiration
While Prue prefers firsthand observation, some landscapes—like the Arctic glaciers—are impossible to visit. In these cases, her process involves deep research to maintain accuracy and authenticity.
How She Studies Remote Locations:
✔ Scientific reports & National Geographic articles
✔ Google Earth for accurate topographical perspectives
✔ Historical expedition logs & archival maps
Example: Greenland’s Melting Glaciers
To paint the rapidly disappearing ice formations of Greenland, Prue analyzed satellite imagery to understand how the ice sheets fractured over time. The painting reflects these shifts, translating scientific data into an emotional visual record.
📸 Placeholder for Image: Google Earth research & painting of a glacier
"Pictures based on personal experience hold a deeper emotional connection, while research-based paintings are an intellectual journey."
3️⃣ From Inspiration to Artwork: How an Idea Becomes a Painting
Once inspired, Prue begins the long transformation process—from sketches to sculptural depth. This journey involves multiple stages, ensuring each painting captures the essence of its landscape.
1️⃣ Field sketches & notes (example: a quick alpine sketch)
2️⃣ Watercolour studies (example: multiple attempts to capture perspective)
3️⃣ Choosing the right perspective & composition (example: thumbnail studies)
4️⃣ Final sculptural painting (example: side-by-side comparison)
🔗 See How This Becomes a Sculptural Painting →
4️⃣ Conclusion
Every sculptural watercolour has a story behind it—whether it’s shaped by firsthand experience or deep research. The goal is not just to create beauty, but to preserve the essence of a landscape, capturing moments in time before they change forever.
✅ Learn More About the Creative Process
✅ Browse the Collections: France, Switzerland and Global Warming