Durham Cathedral Art | Paintings Prints of Durham | Gifts for Durham University Graduates

Posted by Joanne Wishart on February 13, 2026

Durham Cathedral Art – Original Paintings of Durham

Few places in England are as instantly recognisable or as inspiring to paint as Durham Cathedral. Rising dramatically above the River Wear, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dominates the skyline and the imagination alike. Its Norman architecture, layered history and ever-changing North East light make it an extraordinary subject for Durham Cathedral art.

Last December, I returned to Durham with the intention of creating a new collection of paintings of Durham. I always explore on foot when searching for inspiration — walking allows me to absorb the atmosphere, notice subtle shifts in light, and discover unexpected vantage points.

It had been over ten years since I last painted Durham, so this felt like a meaningful return.

After getting slightly lost (which often leads to the best discoveries), I climbed Observatory Hill and was rewarded with sweeping views across the treetops. There, standing centre stage above the winter foliage, was Durham Cathedral — powerful, serene and timeless. I knew instantly that this would become one of my new paintings.

Durham is a rare blend of historic city and surrounding countryside. The winding River Wear, stone bridges and cathedral views framed by trees offer endless inspiration. For this new body of work, I wanted to capture Durham through the seasons, experimenting with expressive mark-making, layered textures and richer colour palettes.

Here are a few of my process sketches:

Painting Durham Through the Seasons

Back in my studio, surrounded by sketches and reference photographs, I began working on four distinct compositions. Each piece explores a different perspective of Durham Cathedral and the river landscape, celebrating the beauty of Durham through the seasons.

Durham Autumn Light – Acrylic Painting of Durham

Autumn in Durham is breathtaking. The Cathedral rises above a canopy of amber, gold and burnt orange.

This painting pushed me to embrace warmer tones than I would usually use. I leaned into rich ochres and glowing yellows to reflect the unmistakable warmth of autumn light across the city. The result is a piece that feels nostalgic, atmospheric and full of seasonal character.

For collectors looking for autumn paintings of Durham, this piece captures the richness and depth of the city at its most colourful.

Durham Cathedral – Acrylic & Mixed Media Durham Cathedral Art

Texture plays an important role in this mixed media painting of Durham Cathedral.

Within the trees, I’ve incorporated fragments of vintage wallpapers and fabrics sourced from local colleges. These subtle details create layered foliage while also quietly referencing Durham’s academic heritage. The combination of acrylic and collage brings depth and structure, making this a distinctive piece of contemporary Durham Cathedral art.

Durham Cathedral Through the Treetops – Contemporary Painting of Durham

In this painting, I wanted to explore light in a different way. I introduced rose gold paint to catch and reflect warmth across the surface, adding luminosity to the Cathedral as it emerges through the treetops.

This piece offers a vibrant yet intimate interpretation of Durham — ideal for collectors seeking modern, expressive paintings of Durham Cathedral.

Durham River Walk – Summer Painting of Durham

Walking along the River Wear is one of Durham’s simplest pleasures. The curve of the river, trees arching over the path, and glimpses of cathedral stone through the leaves create an almost storybook setting.

In this piece, I’ve taken slight artistic licence, shifting the season towards summer. Fresh greenery and brighter skies give the scene an uplifting, romantic quality. It’s a celebration of Durham in its most inviting and tranquil mood.

Prints of Durham – Fine Art Prints of Durham Cathedral

Alongside my original paintings, I offer fine art prints of Durham for those who would like an affordable yet timeless way to bring the city into their home.

These high-quality prints of Durham Cathedral and river scenes are professionally produced on fine art paper or canvas, carefully preserving colour, texture and detail.

Whether you are:

Decorating your home
Looking for meaningful wall art
Searching for a thoughtful milestone gift

A print of Durham is both beautiful and deeply personal.

Prints are available directly here on my website and from our art gallery in Cullercoats, where you can choose between paper editions and canvas art prints.

Gifts for Graduates of Durham University

Graduating from Durham University is a significant achievement — one that deserves to be marked with something meaningful.

For many students, Durham becomes more than just a university city. It becomes home. The Cathedral skyline, college buildings and riverside walks are woven into their memories.

That is why paintings and prints of Durham make perfect gifts for graduates of Durham University.

Instead of a traditional graduation present, consider a piece of Durham Cathedral art that will remain with them long after their studies are complete. Each time they see it, they’ll be reminded of lectures, friendships, formals, and the pride of graduation day.

Fine art prints of Durham are particularly popular as graduation gifts — timeless keepsakes that celebrate both the city and the achievement.

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