My work is inspired by my long walks in the Shropshire countryside. I love walking from home, travelling along as many different footpaths as possible, thoroughly exploring my immediate environment. These paintings are the places and spaces that have caught my attention and captured my imagination.
Mixed media animal portrait artist.
I’m a Shropshire based artist who is inspired by nature.
I take inspiration from the world around me—landscapes, skies, wildflowers, and trees often shape my work. Sometimes, it’s the vast scenery that draws me in; other times, it’s the finer details, like a weathered shell on the beach or the ornate carvings of a doorway. In recent years, my focus has shifted closer to home, with the Shropshire countryside and my wild garden providing endless creative possibilities.
I love developing sketches and doodles into larger pieces, working with techniques such as printing, collage, batik, drawing, painting, and free machine embroidery. My process begins with fluid and unpredictable materials like inks and watercolours, which I then refine by adding layers of texture and detail with a variety of media. Free machine embroidery often serves as the final element, particularly on paper, where I use it as a form of mark-making.
I’m an artist based in the charming market town of Bridgnorth in picturesque Shropshire. I enjoy working with a variety of mediums, especially watercolours and charcoal. My work is deeply inspired by the beauty and vibrant colours of wildlife and nature.
Paul Hopkins is a British artist, educator and gallery owner with more than 30 years of professional experience. He discovered his passion for art at the age of 14, encouraged by his late mother and grandfather, who nurtured his early love of colour and painting. This strong creative foundation led him to study at the Bournville School of Art, where he refined his technical ability and artistic voice. He later completed an HND in Technical Illustration, a discipline that continues to influence the precision and detail evident in his work.
Paul’s art spans landscapes, portraits and bespoke commissions, each piece characterised by careful composition and a deep sensitivity to light, atmosphere and storytelling. His work often reflects the beauty of the British countryside while also capturing the individuality and emotion of his portrait subjects.
In 2002, he founded Stoneway Gallery, creating a welcoming creative hub within the community. Alongside exhibiting his own artwork, Paul runs weekly art classes and workshops, mentoring students of all abilities—many of whom have remained with him for years. Through both his art and teaching, he continues to inspire creativity and connection.
My work spans a range of styles, reflecting my love of exploring different mediums. I’m drawn to creating pieces that spark curiosity and invite a sense of wonder, capturing the imagination of anyone who encounters them. Beyond the canvas I craft vibrant, expressive jewellery—wearable art for those who celebrate colour, individuality and creative flair.
Ceramics. I absolutely love working with clay, it is so creative. I handbuild and throw on the wheel. Sometimes I add texture patterns with tools, sometimes I carve into the clay. I experiment with glaze combinations and apply them in different ways. Therefore each piece is organic and original. My pieces are functional, decorative and ideal for gifts.
Art. I love being able to create works of art which people enjoy. I truly believe that we should want to observe our pictures again and again and be able to see something meaningful in them each time. They should remind us of where we have been, help us reflect on our experiences and inspire us.
I often create a body of work or collection however I am always challenging myself to use a different medium to extend colour or incorporate texture in my work. Often I will play with paint, watercolours, acrylics, oils with the aim of expressing feelings and memories.
I paint mainly in acrylic, and enjoy painting a broad range of subjects, from trains at the Severn Valley Railway, Shropshire scenes like Daniels Mill, The Ironbridge and Blists Hill. Cyclists, Still life, Welsh scenes and native birds. I sell a few originals but mainly prints and framed prints. There are cards of all the above, plus new for this year, comic cartoons, seasonal and special occasion
Members create artwork in a varied mix of mediums, including pastels, charcoal, oil, acrylics and watercolour, as well as our sculptors and potters group. All artwork will be either original pieces, prints and/or cards. We look forward to seeing you!
Bridgnorth Open House Arts Trail 