I'm going to admit that I wavered about going into this gallery - it is very elegant and grand in…read morean expensive part of town and wasn't sure I would be welcome to browse. However I got a nice 'good morning' as I came in and not disturbed as I walked round. They have a quick succession of exhibitions here so worth coming back regularly. They handle some pieces by Barabara Hepworth and Henry Moore so that should give you an idea of their expertise (and price!). At the time I went they had 'scapes by Paul Lewin which were astonishing.

This is a new contemporary art gallery. In quite a secluded location, this gallery is usually…read morealways quite empty - of people that is, not artwork. I have always found something different when I have been here. The works showcased are always very raw and interesting to ponder upon and peer at. I haven't yet been here and not stopped to look at every single piece on exhibit. This used to be a restaurant, that didn't do so well, and I am glad that it didn't - or else this gallery wouldn't have been here. They support local and upcoming talents, so if you want to ask them more about that, or want a flash of inspiration, come here and check it out.

So, I'm really into contemporary theatre, in a shameless plug I am going to slip in here that I am…read morepart of a Bristol based theatre company called Openbatch Theatre - check us out on facebook! But, back to The Bristol Gallery, while I am open to all things contemporary I do sometimes have difficulty appreciating contemporary art. It's the whole, my next door neighbours kid could have done that with his eye's close effect that I'm not a massive fan of! Though not on the scene for very long The Bristol Gallery has an impressive calender of exhibitions to come, so you can pick and choose what you think you might be more interested in. They're website is absolutely jam packed with information, but it's tricky to read as it's white and yellow text on a black ground - so well worth popping and and seeing the collections in person.

My trade not being exclusively scribbling I also enjoy getting behind a camera from time to time…read more Thus it's important to know where the good outlets are for printing etc, and also where to find some inspiration. For the latter I come to this place - 2C, a family joint that exhibits some of the finest photography around. They're a dealership by trade both in the shop and online. The main focus is on fine art photography and this can range from wildlife abroad to architecture in our own back yard. Currently they're showing some amazing elephant photography by Martyn Colbeck which alone is well worth the visit.

In A Brave New World Aldous Huxley paints a picture of a distopian future (I've always wanted to a…read morebook review) where people consumer 'soma', a drug with similar effects to alcohol but lacking some its more unpleasent aspects. As a shop, Soma is enjoyable enough but perhaps not evoking anything as the drug its named after. The space is small but its been kept clean and space. This makes it a good space to view the various prints and other works on display. It's all contemporary, and British, by-and-large. You can also get various knick knacks. To be honest, this part of the shop is slightly for people with more money than sense, with things like £7 dish cloths. You can find some good gift ideas though. Soma is sophisticated and intelligent, probably nothing like taking the fictional drug then.

I'd forgotten how much I like this little art gallery/shop. Their selection of contemporary prints…read moreis impeccable from UK-wide artists and illustrators. My favourite at the moment being Dee Beale but it isn't all that safe and pretty! The shop also has artistic nick nacks - Camila Prada's salt and pepper pots for example, Donna Wilsons knitted woodland creatures and Tatty Devine jewellery. This is a great place to pop into for original greetings cards as well. Expect to pick up a print from about £20 which is average, the staff know a bit about each artist if you want to know more.

3D Gallery is a really wonderful shop located near Park Row and the Christmas Steps. It's…read moresandwiched in between a DIY shop and another gallery so it's definitely caught the right 'arty' crowd. This Gallery isn't massive, but the selection of artwork is really very good. I have never gone in and not found something I would love to take home had I had a couple of hundred quid spare. I also really like the jewellery section at the back, and have spent many a days admiring the intricate details on most of the pieces.

This is one of those galleries which make you want to earn lots of money so you can buy more art. I…read morenever fail to fall in love with at least one piece every time I go here (which is quite often!). On the last visit it was the abstract work of Russell Frampton - in fact the gallery is quite strong on abstract work but does also usually have some serious show-stopping work in the windows which are more accessible. Even if art isn't your bag, baby, then this has a little secret - it is home to some of Bristol's lovely jewellery makers. You can find unique handmade rings and necklaces at very reasonable prices. Now, and this is scary, you have to ring a bell to be let in. It isn't like they want you to press your platinum American Express to the window and you have to be dressed head to toe in Laura Ashley to be deemed safe. It's just because the owner likes to be pottering about most of the time rather than waiting for people to come to the shop. Don't be afraid!

Now from the outside this gallery looks a little dull, but honestly it is worth going inside!…read moreAlthough there are a number of safe bet paintings and they stock Beryl Cook which isn't my cup of tea but I know is very collectible. But over two floors it does surprise occasionally. I found some oil paintings downstairs that I liked and they have some small sculptures on show as well. The best bit, however, is that they are official stockist of Roald Dahl / Quentin Blake prints which are just the most heart-warming, quirky and fantabulous things. At £75 a pop they aren't cheap, but would make a grown-up present for a kids wall (or to evoke those childhood memories!). They also, quite randomly, have Beano and Thunderbirds figurines! The proprietor is really friendly and welcomes you to browse. Different exhibitions are held in autumn and spring which shakes the stock up a bit. They also offer a framing service.

I am a massive fan of little gallery's like this. They are great oppertunities to see what local…read moreartist are producing, and as a way to vue up and coming talent. It's always worth popping in if you are in the area and even though most of the work will be out of your price range it's always nice to have a little look, and too a certain extent judge the work on what you feel would be worthy enough to appear on your wall in your house! With some good prints on sale even if you can't get an original there will be something tha tickles your fancy and is well within the limits that your wallet has to offer!

No not a place to get your cuticles done, Nails gallery is one of the best art gallery/shops in the…read morecity. They have a good mix of artists and a good range of varied work. If you give each visit to Nails enough time in-between you can guarantee to see a completely new range of work. The art here is for sale, but don't shy away from just coming to have a look at some of the brilliant new work being completed by local artists. The gallery is a very bright and vibrant space inside full of local art and it's much larger than it first appears. As you walk through the archway you can see another mix of contemporary and older art work. They deal in prints, mixed media, oil etc and sell a great deal of very current, beautiful art. Some of these galleries are perceived as being quite stuffy and as only selling water colours of local duck bonds. Nails are not one of these galleries. In fact my favourite piece today was a large oil painting of Barbie being dragged down a back alley. Say what you will about the subject matter by trust me when you saw it, it was truly art affirming.

This art gallery, located down a steep stair case in the Lower Exchange Hall in St Nicholas Market,…read moreis dedicated to promoting local art and local artists. The relatively small space plays hosts to many different styles, but they've all got one thing in common - they all use Bristol as their muse. Among the pieces they exhibit include photographs, prints, sculptures and ceramics. Nails gallery also pride themselves on delivering affordable art to Bristolians. Their prints and paintings start as low as £18 so they're bound to have something suitable for you, no matter what your budget is. For me, I love just having a nose around the gallery and seeing different artists take on the city. There's a few nooks and crannies in which to find hidden gems so take your time and really take in what the gallery has to offer.

With the View art gallery just a short trip down the road it's great to see Hotwells is staking a…read moregreat claim to get all the artists in Bristol to pay attention to what Hotwells can offer them. The Lime Tree Gallery is opposite the riverside and pulls in many people going for a riverside walk. With art from local artists as well as national there is an impressive sellection of paintings and contemporary works from sculptures made from rubbish picked up on a bristol walk to a painting depicting what could be described as the waters influence on the city of Bristol. Worth a look, might be to pricy but doesn't mean you can't appreciate what is on offer.

Gallery positioned overlooking the harbour, almost opposite the Grain Barge. The owner is friendly…read moreand happy to talk about the work and let you look round. They select work from artists nationwide to a theme that changes about eight times a year (so every six weeks-ish). Work is a mix of traditional and more contemporary pieces and when I last went had some beautifully bleak oil landscapes. They have a sister gallery in Long Melford, Suffolk.