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Lights, Camera...Paint 2026

Writer: Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson
Apr 17
9 min read

Updated: Aug 28


A movie themed art trail across the city featuring 26 original pieces of art by local creatives, charities and organisations as an exciting run up to Worcester International Film Festival.




Artists Clubhouse in partnership with Worcester International Film Festival are thrilled to welcome you to Lights, Camera…Paint, now in its fifth year and returning to Worcester's city centre from 29th August all the way through to 27th September as a curtain-raiser for this year's Worcester Film Festival.

Gaumont Coffee are helping us celebrate our fifth year with a special exhibition featuring all of our previous winners; three art pieces from each of the previous four years plus a pop-up shop and they feature as venue 1 on this year’s art trail around the city.


This year's trail invited artists to explore the theme "Severn On Screen”, a celebration of water through the lens of film. Whether drawing inspiration from a beloved story set on or near water, or reimagining Worcester's own waterside locations through a cinematic eye, the brief see’s some wonderfully bold, personal, and unexpected interpretations.

Once again we have been so impressed with the incredible creativity and talent from our entrants and each year the judging gets harder and harder. Not being able to put every single piece of art through to the trail is heart wrenching every time, with each of our judges highlighted their love of different pieces. So this year we wanted to show you how hard this is by sharing the amazing artwork and artists that unfortunately hasn’t been selected for the trail….this is never because it isn’t good enough and is always due to funding and space allowance.


Make a splash in Worcester by Zoe Newey - I have based my entry on the idea of a Worcester mermaid who bathes in Worcester Sauce. When I was growing up I enjoyed 80s films & was especially interested in mermaids after watching Daryl Hannah play a mermaid in the film Splash.  I have done the poster also as a tribute to a friend who passed this year & she was a big supporter of LGBTQ rights … mermaid are a sign of gender fluidity .
Make a splash in Worcester by Zoe Newey - I have based my entry on the idea of a Worcester mermaid who bathes in Worcester Sauce. When I was growing up I enjoyed 80s films & was especially interested in mermaids after watching Daryl Hannah play a mermaid in the film Splash.  I have done the poster also as a tribute to a friend who passed this year & she was a big supporter of LGBTQ rights … mermaid are a sign of gender fluidity .
Jawstershire... we're going to need a bigger canoe! by @k_gr0ves - I'm an ameteur and hobbyist artist. Jawstershire depicts Jaws in the River Severn with Worcester Cathedral in the background.
Jawstershire... we're going to need a bigger canoe! by @k_gr0ves - I'm an ameteur and hobbyist artist. Jawstershire depicts Jaws in the River Severn with Worcester Cathedral in the background.

Friday the Severnth by Sharon Sheward - Mixed media textiles piece inspired by the closing scene of classic horror film Friday the 13th. I've included the river Severn by Blackstone rock as it's an iconic part of the river Severn.
Friday the Severnth by Sharon Sheward - Mixed media textiles piece inspired by the closing scene of classic horror film Friday the 13th. I've included the river Severn by Blackstone rock as it's an iconic part of the river Severn.

Passage upon rivers edge by @K0_o22 - This piece combines Worcester with the movie Suzume, the two worlds connected through a single door. "All rivers lead to the same place" ... Maybe this is true between worlds beyond ours. At the waters edge, this door takes you to the River Severn, inviting you to see many of Worcester's memorable sights along the water trail. Both nature and the city. I hope this door opens for many others.
Passage upon rivers edge by @K0_o22 - This piece combines Worcester with the movie Suzume, the two worlds connected through a single door. "All rivers lead to the same place" ... Maybe this is true between worlds beyond ours. At the waters edge, this door takes you to the River Severn, inviting you to see many of Worcester's memorable sights along the water trail. Both nature and the city. I hope this door opens for many others.

Land ahoy! by @rensyil - This piece is meant to emulate the feeling of childhood art work and the amazement you view the world with! Merging a dreamy film like pony with our beautiful city, creates a fantasy interpretation of the everyday. The swan statue by the has always been one of my favourite sights to see especially when going for a walk along the river so I knew I had to include it.
Land ahoy! by @rensyil - This piece is meant to emulate the feeling of childhood art work and the amazement you view the world with! Merging a dreamy film like pony with our beautiful city, creates a fantasy interpretation of the everyday. The swan statue by the has always been one of my favourite sights to see especially when going for a walk along the river so I knew I had to include it.

Neró Son by @scarlyphotography - I took inspiration from the film and series Percy Jackson, mainly the character Percy Jackson as in the film he is the son of Poseidon the Greek God of the water. I wanted my piece to represent multiple different connections. The connections between Percy Jackson, water, Worcestershire natural water springs and the physical connection between humans and water. 'Neró Son' meaning water son in Greek
Neró Son by @scarlyphotography - I took inspiration from the film and series Percy Jackson, mainly the character Percy Jackson as in the film he is the son of Poseidon the Greek God of the water. I wanted my piece to represent multiple different connections. The connections between Percy Jackson, water, Worcestershire natural water springs and the physical connection between humans and water. 'Neró Son' meaning water son in Greek

Follow the Yellow River by @miofi.art - For this piece I chose to draw an Iconic view of the Cathedral and the River Severn and reimagine it as an Ozian landscape. I've chosen this film because my first introduction to Worcester was the Cathedral and a walk along the river and in a way, I feel a bit like Dorothy, a woman in a new foreign environment. But my experience is way better than hers because this new place is a true dream.
Follow the Yellow River by @miofi.art - For this piece I chose to draw an Iconic view of the Cathedral and the River Severn and reimagine it as an Ozian landscape. I've chosen this film because my first introduction to Worcester was the Cathedral and a walk along the river and in a way, I feel a bit like Dorothy, a woman in a new foreign environment. But my experience is way better than hers because this new place is a true dream.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes by @Stuntgoat75 - Picture shows Worcester Bridge and a recent incident that inspired it. Was initially drawn by hand then scanned into the computer to be coloured.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes by @Stuntgoat75 - Picture shows Worcester Bridge and a recent incident that inspired it. Was initially drawn by hand then scanned into the computer to be coloured.
Deep Search of the Severn by @pikolouk - This quirky film with a banging soundtrack quickly became a favourite here. Charmingly strange, which I adore. It's retro styling & high-design aesthetic made it visually exciting and a classic. It's possible that there's a Jaguar shark in the River Severn. My homage to The Life Aquatic takes us under the surface in a film that beautifully mixes humour with profound, quiet sadness.
Deep Search of the Severn by @pikolouk - This quirky film with a banging soundtrack quickly became a favourite here. Charmingly strange, which I adore. It's retro styling & high-design aesthetic made it visually exciting and a classic. It's possible that there's a Jaguar shark in the River Severn. My homage to The Life Aquatic takes us under the surface in a film that beautifully mixes humour with profound, quiet sadness.
R2, I've a feeling we're not on Tatooine anymore by @gnosticcollage - Joe Black Ardy is a Worcestershire-based art educator and analogue collage artist who creates surreal compositions from reclaimed books and magazines. By combining familiar imagery in unexpected ways, his work explores memory, place and transformation, inviting viewers to find new narratives within the familiar. 'R2, I’ve a Feeling We’re Not on Tatooine Anymore' reimagines one of cinema’s most iconic desert worlds as a tranquil waterscape. Inspired by Star Wars and the famous line from The Wizard of Oz, the collage playfully inverts the arid world of Tatooine, replacing sand with water while subtly incorporating the silhouette of the Malvern Hills. Created in response to a celebration of Worcestershire’s waterways, the work explores how a simple change of environment can transform an entire fictional universe.
R2, I've a feeling we're not on Tatooine anymore by @gnosticcollage - Joe Black Ardy is a Worcestershire-based art educator and analogue collage artist who creates surreal compositions from reclaimed books and magazines. By combining familiar imagery in unexpected ways, his work explores memory, place and transformation, inviting viewers to find new narratives within the familiar. 'R2, I’ve a Feeling We’re Not on Tatooine Anymore' reimagines one of cinema’s most iconic desert worlds as a tranquil waterscape. Inspired by Star Wars and the famous line from The Wizard of Oz, the collage playfully inverts the arid world of Tatooine, replacing sand with water while subtly incorporating the silhouette of the Malvern Hills. Created in response to a celebration of Worcestershire’s waterways, the work explores how a simple change of environment can transform an entire fictional universe.
A Mothers Misery by Lily Hughes - Inspired by Hereditary, this artwork reimagines Toni Collette submerged in her own tears, drawing on the changing flow of the River Severn to reflect the unpredictable ebb and surge of grief.  I attempted to replicate traditional horror movie posters in my art style.
A Mothers Misery by Lily Hughes - Inspired by Hereditary, this artwork reimagines Toni Collette submerged in her own tears, drawing on the changing flow of the River Severn to reflect the unpredictable ebb and surge of grief.  I attempted to replicate traditional horror movie posters in my art style.
Falcon Frenzy by @j.matthews.artist - I like sketchy mixed media work. I wanted to reference the many birds that rely on the river severn and as I used to regularly run sketch-walks by the river and often into the cathedral, I wanted to include the Peregrine Falcons as the cathedral sits on the edge of the severn, and they visit annually to breed. The Birds was the film that came to mind, Alfred Hitchcock..part of the link is the environmental importance of a respect for nature, looking after the river and all it's native species that rely on it to feed, survive, as do the Falcons. If the balance of nature gets tipped too much...a Frenzy of aggressive birds was a thought / possible consequences as in the filmI was inspired by the 1963 film from Daphne Du Maurier's book 'The Birds', considering how powerless human civilization is when nature decides to turn against us. I wanted to link the yearly visits from the Peregrine Falcons to nest/breed in the towers of Worcester Cathedral and the importance of the fragility / significance of this to our local area.
Falcon Frenzy by @j.matthews.artist - I like sketchy mixed media work. I wanted to reference the many birds that rely on the river severn and as I used to regularly run sketch-walks by the river and often into the cathedral, I wanted to include the Peregrine Falcons as the cathedral sits on the edge of the severn, and they visit annually to breed. The Birds was the film that came to mind, Alfred Hitchcock..part of the link is the environmental importance of a respect for nature, looking after the river and all it's native species that rely on it to feed, survive, as do the Falcons. If the balance of nature gets tipped too much...a Frenzy of aggressive birds was a thought / possible consequences as in the filmI was inspired by the 1963 film from Daphne Du Maurier's book 'The Birds', considering how powerless human civilization is when nature decides to turn against us. I wanted to link the yearly visits from the Peregrine Falcons to nest/breed in the towers of Worcester Cathedral and the importance of the fragility / significance of this to our local area.
It Came From Beneath The Railway Bridge by Jason Brookes - Went for a walk by the river. Had an idea. Tried to paint it.
It Came From Beneath The Railway Bridge by Jason Brookes - Went for a walk by the river. Had an idea. Tried to paint it.
One thing about living in Worcester I never could stomach; all the damn vampires by @gregstatic - This piece is inspired by the movie The Lost Boys and the famous vampire initiation scene where Michael, David and the other vampires hang from the rail bridge. Whenever I walk by the Worcester Railway Viaduct over the river Severn I can’t help but think of this scene, the steel girders echo those of the bridge in the movie. Looking at the viaduct from the Sabrina Bridge you can see the cathedral in the background and I wanted to capture all of this in my artwork whilst still making the lost boys and the bridge the focus. I created the piece digitally using Procreate and the style calls back to The Lost Boys 4k Blu-ray cover which also references this iconic moment.
One thing about living in Worcester I never could stomach; all the damn vampires by @gregstatic - This piece is inspired by the movie The Lost Boys and the famous vampire initiation scene where Michael, David and the other vampires hang from the rail bridge. Whenever I walk by the Worcester Railway Viaduct over the river Severn I can’t help but think of this scene, the steel girders echo those of the bridge in the movie. Looking at the viaduct from the Sabrina Bridge you can see the cathedral in the background and I wanted to capture all of this in my artwork whilst still making the lost boys and the bridge the focus. I created the piece digitally using Procreate and the style calls back to The Lost Boys 4k Blu-ray cover which also references this iconic moment.

Severn Redemption by Gillian Bardsley - This digital artwork is based on a photo of the River Severn in flood which I took in December 2023. The winter floods are part of Worcester life, combining nature’s power with its beauty. I love Shawshank Redemption; the idea of Andy Dufresne, emerging from the prison sewer into the freedom of the flooded Severn, was irresistible. A swan is watching, while nesting birds circle overhead.
Severn Redemption by Gillian Bardsley - This digital artwork is based on a photo of the River Severn in flood which I took in December 2023. The winter floods are part of Worcester life, combining nature’s power with its beauty. I love Shawshank Redemption; the idea of Andy Dufresne, emerging from the prison sewer into the freedom of the flooded Severn, was irresistible. A swan is watching, while nesting birds circle overhead.
Spiderman to the Rescue in Worcester! by @hollyartink - I am an illustration student at Worcester University and I enjoying working with coloured pencils and pens. I have always enjoyed the Spiderman films so this is what inspired me to draw Spiderman hanging from the Worcester bridge over the River Severn with the cathedral reflection. I feel this image clearly show a superhero in Worcester as this view is the iconic Worcester image.
Spiderman to the Rescue in Worcester! by @hollyartink - I am an illustration student at Worcester University and I enjoying working with coloured pencils and pens. I have always enjoyed the Spiderman films so this is what inspired me to draw Spiderman hanging from the Worcester bridge over the River Severn with the cathedral reflection. I feel this image clearly show a superhero in Worcester as this view is the iconic Worcester image.
City of Dreams by @becsdoodle - About the painting: Inspired by La La Land, the colours and energy of the film felt like they fit really nicely with the view of the cathedral from the bridge at night. Its all about working out how to follow your heart and your dreams whilst enjoying the moment, something I aspire to! About Me: I mostly paint with watercolour and love painting animals or trying to express myself in new ways.
City of Dreams by @becsdoodle - About the painting: Inspired by La La Land, the colours and energy of the film felt like they fit really nicely with the view of the cathedral from the bridge at night. Its all about working out how to follow your heart and your dreams whilst enjoying the moment, something I aspire to! About Me: I mostly paint with watercolour and love painting animals or trying to express myself in new ways.
Good Day Sunshine by @alanamichaelart - I've found that creating art in the past ten years (drawing, printing and photography) has brought me great happiness. I was inspired by the Yellow Submarine film from the 1960s, because I wanted to do something joyful. I used the classic view in Worcester, looking down the river towards the Cathedral...and not forgetting the swans.
Good Day Sunshine by @alanamichaelart - I've found that creating art in the past ten years (drawing, printing and photography) has brought me great happiness. I was inspired by the Yellow Submarine film from the 1960s, because I wanted to do something joyful. I used the classic view in Worcester, looking down the river towards the Cathedral...and not forgetting the swans.
The Shape of Worcester by @deblivingart - I chose one of the most iconic images of Worcester - the cathedral overlooking the River Severn, with its abundant swans, and the film The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro, (2017). It is one of my all time favourite films, centred on the heart wrenching love story between Elisa Esposito and Amphibian Man. I was excited to create the juxtaposition between the couple’s embrace and the swans.
The Shape of Worcester by @deblivingart - I chose one of the most iconic images of Worcester - the cathedral overlooking the River Severn, with its abundant swans, and the film The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro, (2017). It is one of my all time favourite films, centred on the heart wrenching love story between Elisa Esposito and Amphibian Man. I was excited to create the juxtaposition between the couple’s embrace and the swans.
Hot Summers Night in New York Slums by Charlotte Fletcher - The film Dead End (1937) is set around the docks. The water seems to be a very important part of the narrative. I feel this ties in nicely with the water theme of the competition. The architecture itself feels similar to the older buildings of Worcester, alongside its reliance on the water routes for trade.
Hot Summers Night in New York Slums by Charlotte Fletcher - The film Dead End (1937) is set around the docks. The water seems to be a very important part of the narrative. I feel this ties in nicely with the water theme of the competition. The architecture itself feels similar to the older buildings of Worcester, alongside its reliance on the water routes for trade.
Singing and Dancing in Elgar’s Reign by @kramsirrah1964 - Sir Edward Elgar was a world famous composer from Worcestershire. His statue at Cathedral Plaza inspired me, standing proud in all weathers conditions. Gene Kellys Singing in the Rain, was the connection and play of words. I loved musicals and dance while growing up and felt it was the perfect partnership, I believe Sir Elgar would have loved. Acrylic and pen on card.
Singing and Dancing in Elgar’s Reign by @kramsirrah1964 - Sir Edward Elgar was a world famous composer from Worcestershire. His statue at Cathedral Plaza inspired me, standing proud in all weathers conditions. Gene Kellys Singing in the Rain, was the connection and play of words. I loved musicals and dance while growing up and felt it was the perfect partnership, I believe Sir Elgar would have loved. Acrylic and pen on card.
Hiccup & Toothless Comes To Worcester by @designs.by.parth - I am a self-taught pen and ink artist, working traditionally and digitally. For this year’s competition entry, I stepped out of my comfort zone by trying a new style/ medium in Procreate (iPad) while paying tribute to one of my favourite animated films – How to Train Your Dragon.
Hiccup & Toothless Comes To Worcester by @designs.by.parth - I am a self-taught pen and ink artist, working traditionally and digitally. For this year’s competition entry, I stepped out of my comfort zone by trying a new style/ medium in Procreate (iPad) while paying tribute to one of my favourite animated films – How to Train Your Dragon.

What an incredible five years we have had so far; celebrating not only art but art within film. People forget the influence art has on film from the graphic designers in charge of the movie poster to the art direction and creation of the sets and costume, to the incredible hand painted backdrops of the film like the original Star Wars trilogy…art is integral to film and to us as individuals.


Over the years we have asked entrants of the trail; what draws you to our competition? Many have answered that the appeal comes from the approachability that the movie element brings. We all watch TV and film, we all develop close relationships with certain characters and stories…taking your nostalgic childhood favourite such as The Little Mermaid and seeing her splashing in the river Severn makes you instantly connect to the piece in front of you, or perhaps seeing that traumatic moment of Artex sinking in front of the Cathedral brings you back to a memory of seeing The Neverending Story for the first time. It could be something more recent such as enjoying Spiderman at the cinema a few weeks ago and then seeing him fighting a Worcester born river enemy that makes you stop and laugh. Whatever it is we hope that this trail brings you moments of joy, escaping, just for a moment from reality and everyday life to remember what art is all about…happiness!


Thank you so much to everyone who has been involved over the last five years, we so appreciate you! From our incredibly generous funders and supporters, to the artists who have taking the time to create and all those who have grabbed a map and searched Worcester to do the trail. Here’s to the next 5 years, we can’t wait to continue showcasing our incredible creative city and residents as part of the growing Worcester International Film Festival.


Full details of the this years art trial artwork is available here or visit www.worcesterfilmfestival.co.uk for festival information and tickets.

Worcester International Film Festival runs 22nd - 26th September 2026


  • Emily and Kirstie messing around at the launch event in 2024
  • Participating artists at launch event in 2025
  • Parth Travedi standing in from of his poster in 2025
  • James Bond inspired poster in a shop window
  • An artist in front an artwork he contributed to in 2025
  • Emily being interviewed by BBC Radio H&W at one of our launch events
  • Labyrinth inspired poster in a shop window
  • George French in front of his artwork from a previous year
  • Parth Trivedi receiving his first place award
  • Legend inspired art work in a shop window from a previous year's trail
  • A group of participating artists at the launch event in 2024
  • Visitors finding one of the artworks
  • Visitors finding a poster
  • Some of our participating artists at the Worcester Film Festival launch event 2024
  • Young artist finding her poster on display

Find full details of previous art trails here: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022

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