Plein Air – the French term meaning “in the open air” – will see artists gather for a free and inspiring day of painting on May 2.<\/p>\n
Art is more than just a creative outlet; it can be a powerful tool for improving mental health.<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2019s\u00a0painting, printmaking, or sculpture, engaging\u00a0in\u00a0an artistic activity can aid relaxation, boost your mood \u2013 and even reduce mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, according to new research.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0study, which surveyed 2,000 people\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0UK and nearly 600\u00a0artists, was conducted by\u00a0the\u00a0art specialists at \u00a0Jackson\u2019s Art.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0study revealed nearly all (97%) of those that take part\u00a0in\u00a0artistic hobbies find it has had a positive impact on their mental health. <\/p>\n
Despite this, only 15% of\u00a0the\u00a0general population are taking part\u00a0in\u00a0artistic activities.\u00a0In\u00a0addition, nearly half (48%) agree that taking up a new hobby would benefit their mental health.<\/p>\n
What is it and when does it take place?<\/strong><\/p>\n Bristol\u2019s vibrant Harbourside\u00a0will\u00a0come alive with colour, creativity, and community as 100\u00a0artists\u00a0from across\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u00a0gather\u00a0for a Plein\u00a0Air\u00a0event set to take place on\u00a0May 2. <\/p>\n This dynamic,\u00a0open-air\u00a0celebration of artistic expression invites\u00a0the\u00a0public to witness\u00a0the\u00a0creative process\u00a0in\u00a0real time as\u00a0artists\u00a0capture\u00a0the\u00a0energy, history, and beauty of\u00a0the\u00a0city\u2019s waterfront.<\/p>\n The\u00a0event, led by \u00a0Jackson\u2019s Art,\u00a0will\u00a0transform Bristol\u2019s iconic Harbourside into an\u00a0open\u00a0studio, with\u00a0artists\u00a0setting up their easels along\u00a0the\u00a0waterfront to create original artworks inspired by\u00a0the\u00a0surroundings, from\u00a0the\u00a0historic docks, boats, skyline, and street life that make this area such a cultural landmark.<\/p>\n Organiser Lisa Takahashi, said: \u201cBristol has always had a strong connection with\u00a0the\u00a0arts.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is more than just an art event, it\u2019s a celebration of Bristol\u2019s creative spirit and a rare opportunity for\u00a0the\u00a0public to watch live artwork being made by a diverse community of\u00a0artists, from professionals to passionate hobbyists.\u201d<\/p>\n A chance for\u00a0the\u00a0public to engage<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you’re an art enthusiast or curious passer-by, this\u00a0free\u00a0and family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to experience Bristol\u2019s thriving arts scene\u00a0in\u00a0motion, right\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0heart of\u00a0the\u00a0city.<\/p>\n Local residents and visitors are encouraged to come down and engage.\u00a0The\u00a0event is\u00a0free, family-friendly, and\u00a0open\u00a0to everyone.<\/p>\n Building community and promoting wellbeing<\/strong><\/p>\n This is\u00a0the\u00a0fourth plein\u00a0air\u00a0event organised by art material enthusiasts, Jackson\u2019s Art, following\u00a0the\u00a0success of previous plein\u00a0air\u00a0events at Kilve Beach\u00a0in\u00a0Somerset and Hampstead Heath\u00a0in\u00a0London.\u00a0<\/p>\n The\u00a0events foster an inclusive and supportive environment where local and visiting\u00a0artists\u00a0can connect and collaborate, whilst capturing\u00a0the\u00a0beauty of some of\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u2019s most picturesque locations.<\/p>\n Lisa added: \u201cOur plein\u00a0air\u00a0events are as much about community and wellbeing as they are about capturing landscapes and making art. <\/p>\n \u201cThey offer a chance to slow down, connect with nature, be present in the moment, and meet like-minded people.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s something truly special about\u00a0painting\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0open\u00a0air.\u00a0The\u00a0natural light, shifting landscapes, and fresh\u00a0air\u00a0not only inspire creativity but also promote mindfulness and wellbeing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur plein\u00a0air\u00a0events shine a light on\u00a0the\u00a0stunning landscapes that\u00a0the\u00a0UK has to offer, this upcoming event celebrates\u00a0the\u00a0unique blend of historic and contemporary landscapes that define Bristol, with views of iconic landmarks such as\u00a0the\u00a0SS Great Britain and\u00a0the\u00a0candy-coloured terraced houses of Cliftonwood offering irresistible subject matter.\u201d<\/p>\n Psychologist Dennis Relojo-Howell explains why engaging\u00a0in\u00a0artistic activities like plein\u00a0air\u00a0is good for your wellbeing, he said: \u201cNatural scenes such as landscapes, seascapes, and botanical subjects have a calming effect on\u00a0the\u00a0mind, which\u00a0may\u00a0explain why many\u00a0artists\u00a0gravitate towards them. <\/p>\n “Nature has long been associated with reduced stress and improved wellbeing, and engaging with these themes through art can evoke similar benefits.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Painting\u00a0or drawing natural subjects encourages mindfulness, allowing\u00a0artists\u00a0to focus on details and immerse themselves\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0process, which can be meditative and soothing.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Plein Air – the French term meaning “in the open air” – will see artists gather for 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