Renfrewshire has its share of beauty and wonder, offering some beautiful Scottish sceneries. If you wish to develop your technique as a landscape artist, there is no shortage of inspiration to be found here. From rolling hills to crystal-clear lochs and majestic waterfalls, you could try out a David Hockney landscape, a famous landscape artist known for his acrylic landscape painting, or one of those Van Gogh landscapes. Whether you are a seasoned painter or a beginner looking for the perfect location to hone your skills, Renfrewshire makes plein air landscape painting easy. In this article, we have compiled a list of 7 spots in Renfrewshire that will leave you breathless and inspire your next landscape wall art. So pack your brushes and paints and let’s go on a tour of Renfrewshire’s most picturesque painting locations.
Table of Contents
- Gleniffer Braes country park
- Erskine bridge
- RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve
- Finlaystone country estate
- Plein air painting checklist
- Castle Semple loch
- Saucel hill
- Fountain gardens
- Photos licenses
Gleniffer Braes Country Park
Located south of Paisley and Johnstone, Gleniffer Braes Country Park offers a picturesque location for outdoor activities, including scenery painting. With a mixture of terrains ranging from intimate woodlands to wide-open moorland, this park provides visitors with a range of stunning landscapes to capture on canvas, such as the beautiful Craigie Linn Waterfall.
© Copyright Lairich Rig - Creative Commons
Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you’ll be in for a treat here, as you can spot a variety of bird species such as skylarks, meadow pipits, kestrels, sparrowhawks, tit families, goldcrests, chaffinches, and tawny owls. Plein air nature paintings can be made more beautiful with the park’s wildflowers, including heath spotted orchids, wild pansies, tormentil, red campion, and herbs. You can also spot Highland coos and cattle, making the scene even more idyllic.
Overall, with its breathtaking scenery and varied wildlife, Gleniffer Braes Country Park is the perfect spot for painting landscapes and capturing the natural beauty of Renfrewshire.
Erskine Bridge
The Erskine Bridge is a stunning piece of architecture and one of the most notable sights in Renfrewshire. This beautiful bridge is one of only three in Scotland with a main span of over 300 metres. Apart from being an ideal location for mountains painting, the Erskine Bridge is an essential stop for anyone interested in the architecture and natural beauty of Renfrewshire.
Photo by Magnus Hagdorn on Flickr - Creative Commons
Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Despite its size and engineering brilliance, the Erskine Bridge boasts a minimalist design, with a single cable supporting the roadway, which has remained largely unchanged since its construction. This striking appearance has earned the bridge recognition as a Category A listed structure, a status reserved for Scotland’s most significant buildings.
As a sightseeing destination, the Erskine Bridge is one of the top things to do outside in Renfrewshire, with its stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Artists will find this location especially appealing, as the bridge and its surroundings offer a wealth of picturesque landscapes to paint in plein air, from mountains to sprawling waterways.
RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve
Located in the charming village of Lochwinnoch, the RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve offers a delightful experience for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. The reserve boasts a network of picturesque trails that wind through woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, providing the perfect opportunity for an outdoor activity like scenery painting.
Photo by Jim McDougall on Flickr - Creative Commons
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Birdwatchers can also make use of the reserve’s four hides, strategically located for optimal birdwatching. Visitors can learn about the wildlife and habitats through informative displays in the visitor centre. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a rich variety of birdlife, including whooper swans, wigeon, and great crested grebes.
And if you enjoy nature paintings, the RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve offers the perfect backdrop to capture some beautiful scenes. The birdwatching hides are open daily from 9:30am to 5pm, allowing you to observe the wildlife and take inspiration for their next landscape art piece.
Finlaystone Country Estate
Located in the heart of Renfrewshire in Scotland, Finlaystone Country Estate is a must-visit spot for sightseeing and landscape painting. Covering over 500 acres of land, this estate has been in the same family for over 400 years, making it a true treasure of Scottish history and heritage.
Photo by Klaus Nahr on Flickr - Creative Commons
Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Aside from the breathtaking views of the River Clyde, the estate is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and ospreys. The estate boasts a vast network of walking trails, perfect for landscape artists looking for an easy plein air painting.
You may also cross paths with walkers, bikers, and equestrians while exploring the estate. For those looking for an ideal location for landscape painting, Finlaystone Country Estate is the perfect spot. The landscape is stunning, with trees that seem to have grown for centuries and the River Clyde glistening in the distance. If you’re looking for a serene and peaceful location for landscape painting, look no further than Finlaystone Country Estate.
Castle Semple Loch
Castle Semple Loch is a fantastic location for anyone looking to enjoy some of the most scenic views Renfrewshire has to offer. This picturesque location provides plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, and nature paintings.
Photo by scott manson on Flickr - Creative Commons
Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The walk around Castle Semple Loch starts along the shores of the loch, providing beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscapes. The trail then leads into the woods and climbs towards a viewpoint where you can take in the breathtaking views over several lochs. At the end of the walk, you will find the ruins of a collegiate church that add even more character to this beautiful location. The history and beauty of Castle Semple Loch make it an ideal spot to spend some time outdoors.
If you are looking for an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Scotland, then Castle Semple Loch is the perfect place for you. Pack your plein air easel and your brushes and spend the day taking in the stunning views or spend a few hours exploring the area to create your own nature paintings. The loch is an excellent scenic spot for landscape art enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Saucel Hill
For the perfect panoramic view of Paisley, be sure to make a stop at Saucel Hill. This beautiful spot is home to a trig point that offers stunning vistas of the town centre, Paisley Abbey and Town Hall. From the top of the hill, you can also gaze out to the South and take in the beautiful Gleniffer Braes, while to the North you’ll spot Glasgow Airport and the Kilpatrick Hills.
Photo by scott manson on Flickr - Creative Commons
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
If you’re a landscape artist looking to capture the beauty of Renfrewshire, Saucel Hill is an ideal location to set up your easel and capture stunning views. A trip up to the summit is well worth the effort for painting landscapes the breathtaking sights in plein air. Make sure to schedule your visit for the evening so that you can catch a glimpse of the sunset.
As the sky transforms into a canvas of vivid oranges, pinks, and purples, you’ll be struck by the natural beauty of this part of Scotland. Saucel Hill is a must-see location for anyone who enjoys sightseeing and soaking up the majesty of the great outdoors.
Fountain Gardens
Located on the fringe of Paisley town centre, Fountain Gardens is a gem that often gets overlooked by visitors to Renfrewshire. This beautifully landscaped park is home to the Grand Fountain, an impressive centrepiece surrounded by statues of herons, dolphins, and even walruses. The statues make for a great subject for a rock texture study if you are into painting urban landscapes.
Photo by Paisley Scotland on Flickr - Creative Commons
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Beside one of the finest statues of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, and the Grand Fountain, Fountain Gardens is an ideal place to catch people out for a picnic on a summer’s day, with sections of grass and picturesque scenery. It’s a great spot for things to do outside, whether people are just taking a leisurely stroll or city sightseeing.
If you’re into landscape painting, you’ll be pleased to know that the layout of Fountain Gardens is perfect for easy scenery painting. The park has a relaxing and serene ambience, with a variety of flowers, plants, and trees that add to the beauty of the park.
Photo licenses
- Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) (*)
- Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) (*)
