Professional artist Lynton Palmer-Helmsley has built an impressive career spanning over three decades, with his work previously commissioned by television and film stars, sporting celebrities, and even a U.S. President. Now based in Guisborough, the accomplished painter has become a beloved figure in North Yorkshire's artistic community, often seen painting outdoors with his palette and brushes in hand.
Born in Manchester, Palmer-Helmsley has deep Yorkshire roots through his father, who was born into a Yorkshire family and raised in Colton Bridge near York. The artist expresses his profound connection to the region, saying, "I've always loved this part of the world. There's a warmth and openness to the people that I have never quite experienced anywhere else." This genuine affection for Yorkshire extends beyond its residents to encompass the stunning landscapes that now dominate his artistic focus.
Palmer-Helmsley's career has taken him to national television, with appearances on Sky's "Landscape and Portrait Artist of the Year" and features on numerous BBC and Channel 4 programs. Most recently, he appeared alongside Dan Walker on Channel 5's "Yorkshire Great and Small," further cementing his reputation as one of the region's most recognizable artists. His television presence has helped introduce his work to audiences across the United Kingdom.
The transition from portrait painting to landscape art marked a significant turning point in Palmer-Helmsley's career. "Before becoming a convert to the beauty of Yorkshire Landscape, I was very firmly a portrait painter," he explains. "Success for a working artist often comes in little bursts. Throughout this period of my life, I was fortunate to be commissioned by TV and film stars, sporting celebrities, and even a President of the United States! Who would have thought that I would ever leave this behind and move on to other things."
Within just a few weeks of settling into his new Guisborough home, Palmer-Helmsley experienced a creative revelation that would reshape his entire approach to art. He realized he was destined to leave not only Manchester behind but also the confines of his traditional artist's studio. This epiphany led him to invest in a portable paint box, a decision he describes as one he has "never looked back" from. The move represented both a geographical and artistic transformation that would define his current practice.
Today, Palmer-Helmsley finds his greatest joy painting "En Plein Air" – outdoors in natural settings – embracing the fresh air and ever-changing conditions of the Yorkshire countryside and coastal areas. He has become passionate about sharing his experience and enthusiasm with aspiring artists, encouraging them to embrace portable easels and pochade boxes. His infectious enthusiasm for outdoor painting has created a community of both seasoned painters and complete beginners who regularly attend his painting weekends and workshops along the North Yorkshire coast.
The artist's philosophy centers on the unpredictability and joy of outdoor painting. "No two painting days are ever the same," he notes. "What is guaranteed, though, is a great day on planet earth. All you need is a few paints, a pencil, and a packed lunch. It's great for mental well-being too! How many other pursuits allow you to just sit and become lost in the beauty that surrounds you?" This approach reflects his belief that art should be accessible and therapeutic, not just professional.
Palmer-Helmsley maintains a strong conviction that artistic ability is universal, believing that "everyone and anyone can pick up a sketchbook and paint." His teaching philosophy emphasizes process over product, stating, "It's definitely all about the process and much less about the final picture. I can't guarantee every picture will end up in a gilt-edged frame, but I do guarantee that each and every journey you take will be completely wonderful." This inclusive approach has made him a popular instructor among beginners who might otherwise feel intimidated by formal art instruction.
The countryside and coastal towns of Teesside and the broader Yorkshire region have profoundly influenced Palmer-Helmsley's current body of work. The dramatic landscapes, changing weather conditions, and unique light of the area provide endless inspiration for his plein air paintings. His work captures not just the visual beauty of these locations but also their atmospheric qualities and emotional resonance, reflecting his deep personal connection to the region and its people.
