Kamil Woj, a painter based in the New Forest, set up his canvas in the Lower Gardens on April 20 and completed an entire artwork on-site using his signature ‘alla prima’ technique.
Kamil said: “I do technique called alla prima which means direct paintings.
“I always compare it as like a good meal. It’s a good chance to express yourself on canvas.
“I feel very, very relaxing now while I paint.”
The artist works exclusively in oils and prefers to paint outdoors to capture the “fleeting light and atmosphere” of natural settings.
Kamil Woj, a painter from New Forest (Image: NQ staff)
He described the Lower Gardens painting as an “intensive, single session painting process”.
Kamil said: “Process of painting is chasing lights. You have to chase the light.
“The thing is when painting, you need to see as you see a first time in your life, like a kid. It could be anything.
“It could be, you know, trees, buildings, people walking around.
“I can paint anywhere I feel comfortable.”
Kamil Woj, a painter from New Forest (Image: NQ staff)
Originally from Poland, Kamil’s art is rooted in direct observation and a physical, immediate style inspired by impressionists.
His approach recently earned him a wildcard spot on Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year, where he was filmed painting on location.
Kamil has exhibited work at 54 The Gallery and the New Forest Heritage Centre.
He will next be showing his art in a solo exhibition titled Raw Impressions: The New Forest at The Hatch Gallery in Christchurch from May 22 to May 29, 2026.
Kamil Woj, a painter from New Forest (Image: NQ staff)
Kamil said: “Every piece in this collection was executed entirely alla prima, painted fast, thick, and direct in a single session right in the heart of the New Forest.
“Driven by a visceral, wet-on-wet technique, these landscapes capture the exact rhythm and temperature of the environment before the moment passed.”
He added: “I’m very optimistic, hopefully to get to my paintings into more sort of visitor audience, I would say.”