Artist Journey
Planning for Brixton Urban Art Fair: A South London Watercolour Artist's Journey
July 12, 2026 - 6 min read
I’m planning to apply for Brixton Urban Art Fair next year as a South London watercolour artist.
Nothing is confirmed yet, and I do not want to announce anything too early. But I have started thinking seriously about it because the fair feels like the right kind of place for my work, my story, and the people I hope my paintings connect with.
My watercolours are often about calm, memory, local places and the feeling of finding somewhere to breathe. I paint parks, ponds, trees, buildings, paths, skies and quiet corners of South London and Surrey.
They are not loud paintings. They are places to pause. And that is why the idea of showing them at Brixton Urban Art Fair feels exciting.
Why Brixton Urban Art Fair interests me
Brixton has energy, colour, creativity and a strong sense of place. Urban Art Fair has a very different feeling from a quiet gallery. It is public, open and direct. People can walk along the street, meet artists face to face, ask questions, and discover original artwork in a relaxed way.
That direct connection matters to me. When someone sees a painting online, they only get part of the story. In person, they can see the watercolour texture, the light, the edges, the softness, and the small details that are hard to show on a screen. They can also hear why the painting exists.
What makes my work different
My paintings are not just views of places. They are about how those places feel. A pond can become a pause. A path can become a way forward. A skyline can become a reminder that quiet still exists, even near the city.
I often think of my paintings as small sanctuaries. They come from my own need for calm, focus and emotional breathing space.
As someone with a busy neurodivergent mind, painting helps me slow down. Watercolour gives me something to follow. The movement of pigment and water creates a kind of stillness. It lets me turn a place, a memory, or a feeling into something visible.
I am not trying to paint perfect postcard scenes. I am trying to paint places that feel like they hold something: light, memory, hope, shelter and a moment of quiet.
Why my paintings could stand out at a busy art fair
At an outdoor art fair, there is a lot to look at: bold colours, strong graphics, large statement pieces, photography, prints, illustration and contemporary work. I admire that energy. But I also think there is space for something quieter.
My stand could offer a different kind of pause: a calm space in the middle of a lively street. That is the feeling I would want to create if I am accepted. Not a cluttered stand or too many choices, but a carefully chosen group of original watercolour paintings, prints and cards that invite people to slow down for a moment.
The phrase I keep coming back to is: a place to breathe. That is what I want the work to offer.
What I may bring if I am accepted
If I take part, I would like to bring a focused selection of work rather than everything I have made: original watercolour paintings inspired by South London and Surrey; calm landscapes and local views; paintings with water, trees, paths, parks, buildings and skies; a small group of framed or mounted prints; greetings cards and smaller gifts; and one or two stronger hero paintings that explain the heart of my work.
I want the stand to feel clear and easy to understand. The main message would be: original watercolours for people who feel connected to calm places, local memories and quiet moments.
The kind of visitor I hope to connect with
I hope the work would speak to people who love local places and meaningful art: someone who grew up in South London, someone who walks through parks to clear their head, someone who wants a peaceful painting for their home, someone looking for a thoughtful gift, or someone who simply stops because a particular painting reminds them of somewhere they know.
I also hope the work may connect with people who like the idea of art as a calming presence. A painting does not need to shout to be powerful. Sometimes the quiet ones stay with you.
Why I am sharing this now
I am writing about this early because I would like to bring people along with the journey. Applying for an art fair is not just about turning up on the day. There is planning, choosing work, preparing prints, checking prices, thinking about display, and making sure the story is clear.
It also gives me time to listen. Which paintings do people respond to? Which local places matter most? What kind of work would people like to see in person?
If I am accepted, I would love some familiar faces to visit my stand: people who have followed my paintings online, local art lovers, collectors, friends, and people who understand why these quiet places matter. And if you are new to my work, this is a good time to follow along.
Follow the Brixton preparation journey
Over the next few months, I plan to share which paintings I am considering, how I choose work for an art fair, what prints and cards I may bring, how I think about pricing, how I design a calm simple stand, the story behind particular paintings, and updates on whether I am accepted.
I want to keep it honest and useful: not a polished big announcement before anything is confirmed, but a real look at the process of preparing as an independent artist.
Browse the work before the fair
You do not have to wait for an art fair to see my paintings. Original watercolours, prints, cards and gifts are already available through my website. You can also read more about my story, my connection with local places, and the sanctuary theme that runs through much of my work.
If you are interested in calm South London watercolours, local landscapes, or meaningful art for your home, you are very welcome to browse what is currently available. And if I do get a place at Brixton Urban Art Fair next year, I would love you to come and say hello.
Frequently asked questions
Here are a few early answers while the application is still being planned.
Will Simon Robin Stephens Art be at Brixton Urban Art Fair?
I am planning to apply for Brixton Urban Art Fair next year. Nothing is confirmed yet, but I will share updates on my website, mailing list and social media when I know more.
What kind of art does Simon Robin Stephens create?
I create original watercolour paintings inspired by calm places, South London, Surrey, memory, light, nature and emotional breathing space. My work often explores the idea of sanctuary in everyday places.
What might Simon bring to Brixton Urban Art Fair?
If accepted, I hope to bring a focused selection of original watercolours, prints, cards and small gift items. The work would likely include local places, peaceful landscapes, trees, water, paths, skies and quiet urban views.
Can I buy Simon Robin Stephens Art before the fair?
Yes. Original paintings, prints, cards and gifts are available through my website. You can browse the current collection before any future fair or exhibition.
How can I find out if Simon is accepted?
The easiest way is to join my mailing list or follow Simon Robin Stephens Art on Instagram and Facebook. I will share updates as soon as I know more.
Why does Simon describe his paintings as places to breathe?
Many of my paintings are about calm, memory and emotional space. I use watercolour to capture places that feel peaceful, reflective or quietly hopeful. The phrase places to breathe describes the feeling I hope the paintings give to people who see them.
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