Today I would like to discuss how artists conceive their subject matter, where do their ideas come from? This is a question about creativity, which has always fascinated me. Does an artist discover a subject through observation of the world, or create it through imagination? There are observation based artists such as John Constable's landscapes or Lucien Freud's portraits. They work from direct visual experiences and are concerned with recording appearances. Then there are i

For the British Romantic painter Samuel Palmer, trees were not just background elements; they were living, breathing entities. In his visionary landscapes, trees are often anthropomorphised with gnarled, twisting trunks and vibrant, glowing blossoms, symbolising the intense spiritual and natural abundance in the English landscape. In the current exhibition by Glenn Brown at No.1 Royal Crescent in Bath, Grottoesque, which I visited recently, Brown invites one into a world of t

The split between "fine art" and "craft" feels less like a truth and more like an inherited hierarchy. Painting and sculpture are often treated as higher forms of creative expression, while photography, ceramics, textiles, and other artisanal practices are placed in secondary categories-as if skill with materials is somehow separate from artistic intelligence. But this distinction has a history. It can be traced back to Giorgio Vasari's Lives of the Artists, where drawing and

May 17th 2026 Hello again. This is the second Sunday Art Dialogue, which is a new weekly post in which I share thoughts, reflections and ideas across a wide range of art topics. Each week I hope to open up conversation, inviting you to engage, respond and share your own perspectives. Art is always richer in dialogue, and I would love you to be a part of it. Today I would like to briefly discuss the word architectonic... used frequently to describe artworks. In visual art, arc

I am delighted to announce the Sunday Art Dialogue, a new weekly post in which I share thoughts, reflections and ideas across a wide range of art topics. Each week I hope to open up conversation, inviting you to engage, respond and share your own perspectives. Art is always richer in dialogue, and I would love you to be a part of it. You can find each new post here on the News page, or follow along on Instagram where the conversation begins every Sunday. Sunday Art Dialogue

The gallery at Shires Yard is now permanently closed and we're taking a moment to reflect on an extraordinary year. This space has been filled with colour, conversation, creativity, and the work of so many talented artists-each exhibition, event, and encounter captured in these memories. From vibrant group shows to intimate viewing rooms, from new discoveries to returning favourites, it has been a gallery where art connected us all. We're deeply grateful to every artist, co

Where Art & Style Meet with RIOT’US Join us for a joyful clothes show celebrating colour, texture and style in the gallery Thursday 27 November | 6-7:30pm

My Own Fantastic Folly Saturday 29th November 1-4pm Cost £20 inc materials & refreshments Only 8 places (age 12Plus) Be sure to wear old clothing! Book now to reserve a place at: sandra@sandrahiggins.com SANDRA HIGGINS ART Shires Yard units 12&13 41 Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1BZ

IN ASSOCIATION WITH SANDRA HIGGINS ART GALLERY ART STOP is your new destination for unique, artist designed creations, from original art and handmade crafts to fashion, jewellery, books, and design objects. Every piece at ART STOP is crafted with creativity and care, making it the perfect place to find something truly special and one-of-kind. Next to SANDRA HIGGINS ART GALLERY Shires Yard, Bath

We are thrilled to announce that we have extended the Contrasts & Connections exhibition featuring three great British artists, Steve...

We are very happy to announce that we have moved to a larger, brighter premises in the wonderful Milsom Place. You can now find us in...

In advance of his talk on the 23rd of September at The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Andreas Wasmuht and I interviewed The Guardian's art critic Jonathan Jones about his new book, 'Earthly Delights: The Artists of the Renaissance'.

First come, first served! Max 12 participants....

A Free Gig!! Be there or be square!!

I am excited to show this diverse selection of art from local and international artists!

SPECIAL EVENT POETRY WORKSHOP with SUZANNAH V. EVANS⁠ ⁠ MARK YOU CALENDAR for June 28th for an exciting day at SANDRA HIGGINS ART when we...

ARTIST MENTORING PROGRAMME Are you an emerging or mid-career artist seeking guidance, clarity, and support on your creative journey?⁠...

Heads up for this forthcoming show and workshop. Book early to reserve a place to work with the distinguished artist, Fiona McIntyre, a...

COMING SOON SAVE THE DATE!

Image from the 1st gallery takeover by 'The Liivng Canvas. I am delighted to announce this very SPECIAL EVENT on behalf of EMMA RUSSELL...

‘The Midday Sun at Midnight’ is a celebration of the cult film, the Wicker Man (1973). There are many themes within the film, and my...