2026 has been a year of discovery, research, and creative development as I continue building a major new body of work for my upcoming solo exhibition. Transience: Light, Movement and the Spaces Between, will be at Broadway Contemporary Art this August.
Over the past few months, I’ve spent countless hours exploring and observing the places that inspire me most. From the energy and architecture of London to the historic streets of Oxford and the familiar charm of Stratford-upon-Avon, I have been gathering ideas, sketches, photographs, and impressions that will form the foundation of this new collection.
What fascinates me is not simply the buildings themselves, but the way light transforms them. Reflections in shop windows, rivers catching the evening sun, people moving through streets and stations, and the fleeting moments that often pass unnoticed all become part of my visual language. Through these observations, I aim to capture not just a place, but the experience of being there.
Preparing for Transience
Opening on 22nd and 23rd August 2026 at Broadway Contemporary Art in the heart of the Cotswolds, Transience explores the ever-changing relationship between light, movement, atmosphere, and memory.
Drawing inspiration from London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, and Prague, the exhibition will feature a new collection of expressive oil and mixed-media paintings. Rain-soaked pavements become mirrors, rivers and canals reflect shifting skies, and familiar landmarks are transformed through weather, time, and the movement of everyday life.
Rather than documenting a specific scene, these paintings seek to evoke the feeling of a moment—a glimpse of reflected light, the energy of a city street, or the pause between journeys before everything changes again.
Exhibition Details
Transience
Light, Movement and the Spaces Between
A New Collection of Paintings by Julie Swinsco
Private View
Friday 21st August 2026
6.00pm – 8.00pm
Exhibition
Saturday 22nd August 2026: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday 23rd August 2026: 11.00am – 4.00pm
Broadway Contemporary Art
69 High Street
Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7DP
Tel: +44 (0)1386 339124
For more information visit: artinthecotswolds.com
Exhibiting Throughout 2026
Alongside preparing for Transience, I’ve been fortunate to exhibit work in a number of wonderful galleries and exhibitions throughout the year.
My work continues to be represented by Artifex Gallery in Sutton Coldfield, where a selection of larger Birmingham cityscape paintings can be viewed:
artifex.co.uk/collections/julie-swinsco
I’m also delighted to have work showing at The Nook Gallery in Kings Heath, Birmingham, where visitors can find original paintings, limited-edition giclée prints, and cards:
nook-gallery.co.uk/pages/gallery
Earlier this year, I exhibited in the Coventry and Warwickshire Society of Artists Exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry, showcasing my work alongside many talented regional artists.
My painting Red Bar is currently featured in the Summer Open Exhibition at Stoneleigh Arms, Leamington Spa:
stoneleigharms.com/products/summer-open-exhibition
Warwickshire Open Studios 2026
One of the highlights of the summer will be exhibiting at Warwickshire Open Studios, running from 20th June to 12th July 2026.
This year, visitors will be able to view my work at the Stoneleigh Arms, Leamington Spa, which will serve as my exhibition venue for the event. It’s a wonderful setting to showcase a selection of recent paintings, including works currently in development for Transience.
Warwickshire Open Studios is always a fantastic opportunity to meet visitors, discuss my creative process, and share the stories and inspiration behind the paintings. Whether you’re interested in urban landscapes, reflections, movement, or simply curious about how a painting evolves from sketchbook to finished canvas, I’d be delighted to welcome you.
Find out more here:
warwickshireopenstudios.org/profile-2026/julie-swinsco
Sharing a Passion for Life Drawing
Alongside my painting practice, I’ve continued teaching life drawing workshops throughout the year.
I’ve been privileged to lead life drawing sessions on behalf of the Stratford-upon-Avon Art Society, helping artists of all abilities develop confidence, observation skills, and expressive mark-making:
Stratford-upon-Avon Arts Society
I’ve also enjoyed running workshops at the Stoneleigh Arms, where participants have embraced the challenge and excitement of drawing from a live model in a relaxed and supportive environment:
stoneleigharms.com
Looking Ahead
As August approaches, my focus is firmly on completing the final works for Transience. Every walk through a city, every reflection caught on water, and every changing sky offers new inspiration.
I look forward to sharing this collection with you and hope you’ll be able to join me at Broadway Contemporary Art this summer to experience the exhibition firsthand.
