My Story
Here at hamishbaird.com, I invite you to join me in diving into the depths of nature's beauty and the boundless realms of creative inspiration. Let me share with you the story behind my brand and the journey that has shaped my work over the last 16 years.
This adventure began in 2009 when my life fell apart. Since having left Bristol I have spent over a decade living as close to nature as possible and for the first time since my teens, I picked up my brushes and started to paint again.
The Bus Life
2009 - 2011
Fed up with the madness of the world, I bought an old Mercedes 508d bus and travelled around the UK countryside relishing this powerful and intoxicating sense of freedom.
I immersed myself in nature for two years, channeling the experiences and beauty of the environments that I visited into my work.
Yurt Lush
2012 - 2013
Seeking solace and a deeper connection with the natural world, I traded the bus for a magical little yurt nestled in a wild flower meadow in Devon.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside and the gentle melody of birdsong, I found inspiration at every turn.
In the quiet solitude, I painted non-stop for a year - selling the occasional batch of paintings and prints to survive and slowly uncovering the foundations of my developing style.
Nomadic Wanderings
2014 - 2018
Having spent an incredible year in the yurt, I bought a 4x4 Mitsubishi Delica and set off on a number of adventures around the UK.
From the Welsh mountains to the Scottish Highlands, I photographed and painted my trips, capturing nature's raw energy on canvas.
This energy began to be reflected in my work, oozing from the landscapes and highlighting the connection between all things.
Creative Cave
2016 - 2018
During this period I had to give up my existing creative space and so to keep costs low, I befriended the owner of a storage company who agreed to let me rent a lock-up unit and use it as an art studio.
With no windows, is was essentially a brick box with a roll up door, but I didn't care, I had a space to work undisturbed.
Solitary Shoebox
2019 - 2022
On a roll now for living in small and affordable spaces, I decided to try the experience of living in a caravan.
I spent a couple of years living in this comfortable yet uninspiring shoebox but found the lack of space starting to throttle my creativity.
Then the cloud of Covid crept in, further dampening the experience and heightening the solitude. I longed to head out on the open road again and get back to the wilds.
Back to reality
2023 - 2024
Finally the storm passed and things began to return to normal. Restrictions were lifted and the roads were free to roam again.
I sold the caravan and moved to Wiltshire, where I had a job, studio space and a level of security that afforded me the opportunity to pick up my brushes again and head off on new adventures monthly.
It was during this period that I build this website and started sharing my work and adventures.
Perennial Painting
2025 - Present
I continue to take regular trips around the United Kingdom, sharing the work with you on this website and on social media.
I hope you enjoy the work and that it inspires you to throw caution to the wind and head out on your own adventures.
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