Paintings, prints and photographs of Northumberland
Discover the work of Alan Reed, where original watercolour paintings, pen and ink pieces, and limited edition prints capture the character and atmosphere of Northumberland. From historic castles and dramatic coastline to quiet beaches and everyday scenes, each piece reflects a deep connection to the region and its changing landscapes.
Original watercolour paintings
Each original watercolour brings together careful detail and subtle colour, capturing the mood and heritage of Northumberland through considered brushwork and composition.
Pen and ink artwork
Precise line work and architectural detail define these pieces, offering a distinctive interpretation of Northumberland’s landmarks and built environment.
Limited edition prints
Produced from Alan’s original paintings, these high-quality prints retain the character of the originals while making the work accessible for display at home or in the workplace.
Inspired by Northumberland
From Bamburgh Castle to the rugged coastline and open beaches, the collection reflects the variety and identity of the region through a consistent artistic style.
Experience the region through artwork
Each piece reflects a long-standing connection to Northumberland, combining observation, memory and atmosphere to create work that feels both familiar and distinctive. Browse the collection to find artwork that connects with your own experiences of the area, whether as a collector or someone with a personal link to the region.
Explore our Ponteland gallery
Visit the Ponteland gallery for a more personal viewing of Alan Reed’s work. By arranging an appointment, you can take time to view each piece, discuss your preferences, and explore ideas for future artwork.
Places that inspire Alan's work
Alan was born in the county and has painted its coast, castles and countryside throughout his career. These are some of the places that appear again and again in his paintings, prints and photographs.
Bamburgh
Bamburgh Castle sits high on a rocky outcrop above one of the finest beaches in the country, and was once the seat of the kings of Northumbria. Alan has painted it at every time of day, but the early light is a favourite, as in Bamburgh Sunrise, where the castle is silhouetted against a glowing sky.
Holy Island and Lindisfarne
Reached by a causeway that disappears under the sea twice a day, Holy Island has drawn visitors since St Aidan founded the monastery at Lindisfarne in the seventh century. Alan's work here includes Holy Island at low tide, the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, and the statue of St Aidan himself.
Dunstanburgh and the coast
The dramatic ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle, begun in the early fourteenth century, stands on a headland reached by a coastal walk from Craster. Further along the shore, Alan has painted the harbour at Beadnell with its historic lime kilns, and the estuary at Alnmouth, where the river meets the sea in a sweep of sand and sky.
Warkworth
Warkworth Castle overlooks a loop of the River Coquet above the village, and its towers make a striking subject in every season. Warkworth Autumn captures the castle framed by the colours of the turning year.
Sycamore Gap and Hadrian's Wall
For generations the lone tree at Sycamore Gap, standing in a dip of Hadrian's Wall, was one of the most photographed and painted views in the region. After it was felled in 2023, Alan's signed print became a way for many people to remember a place that meant a great deal to them.
Kielder
In the far west of the county, Kielder Water and Forest Park offers a very different landscape of lake, forest and open sky. Kielder Water is the largest artificial lake in the UK by capacity, and Alan's painting of Kielder Castle reflects the quiet of this remote corner.
Painting the region for over 40 years
Alan has specialised in watercolour for over 40 years, and also works in oils, pen and ink, charcoal and gold leaf, so the same view can take on a very different character from one piece to the next. In 2013 he won The Artist's Prize in the Royal Watercolour Society Competition, and his studio and gallery in Ponteland has displayed a permanent exhibition of his paintings since 1996. If you are planning a trip to see these places for yourself, the official visitor guide for the county is a helpful place to start.
A local artist
Alan was born into a family with a history of painting and fell in love with watercolours at the age of 15. He trained in art and design at Newcastle College and spent the early part of his career producing artist impressions of new building projects for architects, an experience that still shows in the way he handles castles, harbours and old stone buildings. Early on, a number of his cityscapes were selected for the Sunday Times watercolour competition for three successive years, and he was later shortlisted for Artist of the Year by Artists and Illustrators magazine.
Every season, every light
Part of the appeal of painting the same places over many years is watching them change. Alan has painted Bamburgh Castle on a summer morning and in the depths of winter, Dunstanburgh on a summer evening and Warkworth Castle at sunset, as well as quieter scenes such as children sledging on a snowy hillside, a single boat pulled up on the shore and wind turbines turning on the skyline. Each piece records not just a place but a particular moment of weather and light.
Ways to own a piece
Original paintings are one of a kind, signed, beautifully presented and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Many of the best loved scenes are also available as limited edition giclée prints on archival paper, each hand signed and numbered, and a small selection of Alan's photographs is offered too. Bespoke framing is available at the studio, and artwork can be delivered across the UK, Europe and internationally, or collected in person.
Commission a painting of your own special place
If the view you love is not in the collection, Alan can paint it for you. Commissions start from £300 depending on size and complexity, and can capture your home, a favourite walk, a wedding venue or a place you visit every year. Once your painting is finished, Alan offers a complimentary hanging service within a 20 mile radius of the gallery. Find out more about commissions.
Tailored artwork and services
Whether you are selecting a limited edition print or commissioning something more personal, each piece is created with your requirements in mind. Custom framing options are available, along with private painting lessons.
Get in touch
If you have not found exactly what you are looking for or would like to discuss a commission, please call 01661 820626. I am always happy to help with enquiries about artwork, framing or availability.
