Collection: Al Bell, Place EARLY ACCESS

Places is a solo exhibition by Al Bell presenting semi-abstract landscapes inspired by the Scottish countryside. Moving along a fluid line between realism and abstraction, the works explore memory, atmosphere, and the emotional resonance of familiar places.

Rather than aiming for literal representation, Al works with an impressionistic sensibility, favouring expressive, textural mark-making over fine detail. His paintings often begin in observation—returning to the same locations over time to gather sketches and photographs—before being reinterpreted in the studio through memory and feeling.

With a background in design and creative direction, Al brings structure and balance to compositions while allowing space for spontaneity and gesture. The result is work that shifts between recognition and abstraction, capturing the essence of place through light, mood, and texture.

Places invites viewers to slow down and engage with landscape as experience rather than depiction—a journey through scenes both real and remembered.

Al Bell is an Artist Member of Visual Arts Scotland and the Paisley Arts Institute.