Professional artist Lynton Palmer-Helmsley has built an extraordinary career spanning over three decades, transitioning from painting commissioned portraits for television and film stars to capturing the stunning landscapes of Yorkshire. The Guisborough-based artist, who has appeared on major television shows including Sky's Landscape and Portrait Artist of the Year and various BBC and Channel 4 programs, recently featured alongside Dan Walker on Channel 5's Yorkshire Great and Small.

Born in Manchester, Palmer-Helmsley discovered his deep connection to Yorkshire through his father's roots. "My Dad was born into a Yorkshire family and raised in Colton Bridge near York. I've always loved this part of the world, there's a warmth and openness to the people that I have never quite experienced anywhere else," he explained. This personal connection eventually led him to make Yorkshire his permanent home, first settling near Roseberry Topping before moving to Guisborough.

Palmer-Helmsley's early career was marked by remarkable success in portrait painting, earning commissions from high-profile clients across the entertainment industry. "Success for a working artist often comes in little bursts, throughout this period of my life I was fortunate to be commissioned by TV and film stars, sporting celebrities and even a President of the United States!" he recalled. Despite this prestigious clientele and established studio practice, the artist made a dramatic career shift that would redefine his artistic journey.

The transformation came quickly after settling in Guisborough, where Palmer-Helmsley realized that both his location and his artistic focus needed to change. "Before becoming a convert to the beauty of Yorkshire Landscape I was very firmly a portrait painter," he noted. "Who would have thought that I would ever leave this behind and move on to other things." Within just weeks of arriving in his new home, he knew he was destined to leave his traditional studio behind.

Embracying the plein air painting tradition, Palmer-Helmsley invested in a traveling paint box and never looked back. Today, he finds his greatest joy painting outdoors in the fresh air, fully immersed in the natural beauty that initially drew him to Yorkshire. The countryside and coastal towns of Teesside and beyond have become his primary inspiration, representing a complete departure from his portrait-focused past.

Palmer-Helmsley has become passionate about sharing his expertise and enthusiasm with aspiring artists of all levels. He regularly conducts painting weekends and workshops along the North Yorkshire coast, welcoming both seasoned painters and complete beginners. "Both seasoned painters and complete beginners return time and again to his painting weekends and workshops on the North Yorkshire coast," noting the inclusive nature of his teaching approach.

The artist emphasizes that every outdoor painting experience offers something unique. "No two painting days are ever the same... what is guaranteed, though, is a great day on planet earth. All you need is a few paints, a pencil and a packed lunch," he explained. Beyond the artistic benefits, Palmer-Helmsley advocates for the mental health advantages of plein air painting, asking, "How many other pursuits allow you to just sit and become lost in the beauty that surrounds you?"

Firmly believing that artistic ability is accessible to everyone, Palmer-Helmsley encourages anyone to pick up a sketchbook and begin painting. His philosophy centers on the journey rather than the destination: "In Lynton's book he says it's definitely all about the process and much less about the final picture. I can't guarantee every picture will end up in a gilt edged frame but I do guarantee that each and every journey you take will be completely wonderful."

For those interested in experiencing Palmer-Helmsley's approach firsthand, he remains approachable and welcoming to fellow art enthusiasts. "If you see Lynton out and about with his paints and palette in hand, don't be shy, go over and say hello," encouraging direct interaction with the local community. Those seeking more information about his work, upcoming painting days, or painting holidays can visit his website for complete details about his offerings and schedule.