GAIL REID

Hello from Bristol, UK.
The world at large, artist community, and art canon inspire me to make large narrative work about social conditioning, reproductive work, and ecosystem collapse. A career in computing, raising a family, and living in the Middle East for 3 years have influenced my approach and subject matter.
I am comfortable talking in public and working in front of an audience. I gave a TEDx talk ‘Body Image Through The Eyes Of An Artist’, and was a semi-finalist on the popular TV show Sky Arts “Portrait Artist Of The Year”.
Through private commissions, academia, public speaking, event sketching, and mindful engagement with organisations I foster a vibrant network beyond the traditional art scene. I accept various commissions, especially enjoying more challenging off-beat projects. I find it particularly fulfilling when clients come to my home studio to try the experience of modelling.
I have exhibited with the Royal Portrait Society, the Society of Wildlife Artists, and as a finalist in the Ruth Borchard Self Portrait prize. As winner of the 2026 Society of Wildlife Artists bursary award, my project "Dungscape" will be shown at Knepp Wilding Estate from 15th August, and at the SWLA Natural Eye show in The Mall Galleries in October.
I share process on Instagram and YouTube
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I also keep a public journal.
As a newly appointed Associate member, I am proud to stand alongside so many great contemporary women artists in the SWA, and to stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.






