by Anita Inverarity
https://anitainverarity.com
Anita Inverarity is a Scottish artist born in Aberdeen and currently living in rural Banffshire. Working in traditional pen mediums Anita is interested in intricate detail and pattern with art nouveau twists and folk art aesthetics.
Her art language is often steeped in mythology and ancient lore with underpinning stories of transformation.
Anita exhibits her work both locally and internationally.
Commercial works and collaborations have included everything from Album Covers to a Catwalk Collection with celebrated Australian fashion duo Zimmermann.
Recent projects have focused on inspirational writing and art decks with leading publishers US Games Ltd, Animal Dreaming and Blue Angel.
by Rebecca Patterson
rebeccapattersonartist.com
After graduating from Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen in 2009 with an Honours in Painting and again in 2010 with a Masters of Fine Art, I have been fortunate to have had over a decade to develop my practice. My work is a frenzy of material and processes, a direct representation of my mind and how I create. Heavily inspired by the natural landscape of the North East of Scotland my work borders into the abstract and explores fleeting moments and feelings. Growing up on the Moray coast I have a subconscious pull towards the land and sea as well as the flora of the area, tied up in memories of walks and times exploring. Living in a city now has me dreaming of wilderness, making me appreciate any time I can venture out and collect moments of raw natural energy and beauty. This all filters through into my practice, a desire to create and to remember those feelings and experiences, they are completely symbiotic. I believe there is a real familiarity in my work, viewers too can feel the essence and the intimacy even if they have never been acquainted with this part of the World. I work organically and rhythmically in layers of mixed media. Pieces tell me what they want to be rather than me coming at them with preconceived ideas and plans, they materialise out of the ether and guide me to completion.
by Bill Marr
www.billmarr.co.uk
Living in the North East of Scotland its Landscapes and Seascapes have been my inspiration for over 50 years.
Art has been my life’s work.
Moving from representational work to more abstract paintings I am currently working on my ‘Instinct’ series.
by Jonathan Sainsbury
I have been self employed as a wildlife artist since leaving art school in the 1970’s
I came to Scotland forty years ago inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape and the flora and fauna that abides within.
In my work I try to portray the beauty of the natural world and hopefully inspire viewers to care for our Scottish wildlife.
I work predominantly in charcoal and watercolour with a style that I have made my own.
I have exhibited internationally, in contemporary art shows, notably ‘Birds in Art’ and ‘Society of Animal Artists’ in North America, in the Society of Wildlife Artists, London, the Scottish Royal Academy, the Royal Scottish Watercolour Society and other Open shows in Scotland and abroad. My work is in public and private collections worldwide.
by Catriona Yates
Each painting is an exploration between loose painting and controlled detail, built up over many layers. This variation of mark making can be seen from a distance and you are also rewarded close up. The paintings change and develop over many sessions, often with a mind of their own.
I am naturally drawn to natural forms and patterns, ranging from flowers to snowflakes. I use a combination of design, colour and technique to produce vibrant and imaginative art. I’m constantly exploring my use of paint and mixed media to develop my finished paintings.
The end result is both uplifting and rewarding.
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” Georgia O’Keeffe
Catriona works from her studio in Aberdeen. She has a growing audience of private collectors and was featured in Trend Magazine.
www.catrionayates.com
by Susan Bedford
Born in Derbyshire, now living in Aberdeenshire, I am in awe of the diverse landscape and skies of this beautiful location, which provides me with a constant source of inspiration. I am driven by a desire to connect with nature and the outdoor world for personal wellbeing and I am constantly photographing the things that interest me. I work from my images onto fabric or paper and sometimes straight onto the photographs. As a mixed media artist I use a variety of materials and techniques to add colours as well as machine stitching to enhance and create texture before using heat tools to manipulate, texturise and seal.
Find more of my work on my website here:
https://susanbedford.co.uk
Or my social media channels here:
https://www.facebook.com/susan.bedford.12
https://www.instagram.com/susan.bedford.art/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvNzI57F5ho2q2JV681CaYQ
by Rita Kermack
I am intrigued by geomorphology and the way landscapes change. I am particularly fascinated by the Scottish coastline where we find habitats with highly specialised ecosystems: rock pools, estuaries, cliffs and beaches. My work aims to shine a light on the fragility and transient nature of these places on which environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution and human construction have a detrimental effect.
My projects are based on fieldwork. I immerse myself in the environment taking note of visual information as well as my holistic experiences while being there. I express my ideas by using experimental methods and materials that allow me to mimic the morphological processes in the landscape. I emboss textured surfaces into copper sheets and douse them into a patina bath before leaving them outside, exposed to the elements, until a satisfying patina has build up. The process is slow and for that part out of my control. Later on I have a chance to manipulate the work that nature had an active part in creating.
Collages and paintings are inspired by my memories and holistic experiences made during my fieldwork. The process is one of contemplation, trial and error, involving an almost rhythmic layering and erasing in order to bring the memories to life.
Sharing my creative process with others is part of my art practice. I always hope that people will find different ways of seeing and looking at our environment and forming deeper connections by doing so.
I graduated from Gray’s School of Art in 2021 after retiring from teaching Modern Languages in local primary schools. I have since exhibited with Aberdeen Artist Society, the Society of Scottish Artists, Aberdeen Art Fair, Gallery Heinzel in Aberdeen and the Tatha Gallery in Newport-on-Tay as well as other locations around the Northeast.
https://.ritakermack-art.com
https://www.instagram.com/ritakermack/
by Rowena Comrie
by Catherine Stevenson
My still life and landscape paintings draw inspiration from the art of presentation and display; the focused illumination and interplay of light and shade in a theatrical stage set or a spotlit exhibit in a museum cabinet. I love the still life paintings of Paul Gauguin, Suzanne Valadon and Victoria Crowe, the mysterious interiors of James Pryde and Andrew Wyeth, and the dramatic and colourful scenes of Indian Mughal painting and Japanese prints. These influences are expressed in my use of strong shadows, bold colour schemes and juxtapositions of realism and stylisation.
At Edinburgh Art College I studied fine art and printmaking and after an enjoyable and stimulating career in teaching, I retired early to concentrate on my own work. In the last few years I have had paintings accepted for various Societies’ annual exhibitions and also shown work in solo and joint exhibitions at the Scottish Arts Club.
I am one of four artists who contributed watercolour paintings to the book ‘A Sketchbook of Edinburgh’, first published by Birlinn 2017 and reprinted in 2019.
by Paula Silvester
I began painting in 2017 having joined Michael Samson’s art classes as a start to my retirement as a primary school teacher. I soon found I really enjoyed painting and was always eager to learn more each week. I prefer painting landscapes, especially if they show colourful skies and water. My ‘go to’ medium is acrylics which I like to paint onto canvas though I also enjoy the occasional watercolour. I did a series of robin and bluetit sketches using pastel pencil and have also done several cat and dog portraits with this medium; more recently I drew a pheasant
I try to paint every day where possible for a couple of hours and love to see a picture come together. I have been quite successful in selling my art, not only in Scotland but also my artwork has travelled to England, Australia, Canada, USA, Dubai, Germany and Brazil.
I was amazed and delighted to have been awarded the ‘People’s Choice’ award at the Stonehaven Art Exhibition in 2022 for my largest painting to date – Sunrise Over Aberdeen Beach.
Most of my art work is then reproduced as prints, greetings cards, coasters and placemats.
by Lisa Brundrett
https://www.lisabrundrettartist.com/
Born in Hayle, Cornwall, Lisa has been painting for over 20 years and draws great inspiration from her travels. Her endeavours in the art world began to gain momentum after a move to Norway through local exhibitions and commissions. Three years of private one to one art tuition followed after the next move to Oman and on return to the UK, Lisa undertook an ‘Art Interpretation’ course at Gray’s School of Art which encouraged her to experiment; paving the way to her current style.
The spectacular scenery which surrounds Lisa on Royal Deeside bears a huge presence within her work – most notably the ethereal quality light possesses as it is cast upon landscapes and seascapes. Working in oils, Lisa focuses on the creation of dramatic skies and whimsical portrayals of mountains, lochs and the sea atop fine linen board and plywood panels. She strives to capture nature’s beauty by balancing hues and manipulating brushstrokes, creating light and depth by exposing the layers beneath, until the image emerges.
Having grown up on the coast, Lisa is drawn to the sea in particular – taking her inspiration largely from the stunning Outer Hebrides. The dramatic seas, islands and beaches inform her work and provide a reference for her colourful portrayals of this stunning location. She is never without her camera or sketchbook on her adventures, gathering plenty of inspiration to work on from her Deeside based studio.
Lisa has been involved in many charity exhibitions locally over the last 12 years and is known for her vibrant contemporary pieces.
by Catherine Imhof-Cardinal
07765 972497
https://imhof-cardinal.co.uk
by ian Ritchie
Contact mobile: 07784822722 email: i.ritchie34@gmail.com
I am married to Norma and have three daughters. I live in the heart of Angus near Arbroath. I am a lecturer at Dundee and Angus College. My main area of teaching is in Art and Design with specific subject specialism in drawing and painting. (Just retired in September 2025 to concentrate on my own artwork).
I am also a practicing contemporary artist working in Mixed media, acrylic paint and box construction. I am interested in a variety of subjects including Scottish Legends, The Highland Clearances and Scottish Emigration. The artists who have had the most influence on my work are Will MacLean and Andrew Wyeth.
New works I am currently working on are based on Neo Victoriana and specifically, investigate themes around Victorian Poisoners and the effects of Arsenic on Victorian Society. My current mixed media pieces include photographs, image transfers, wallpaper, and photocopies.
Awards for Painting
- Ian Eadie Award for Painting DJCA. 1987
- Exposure Gallery Prize Royal Glasgow Institute. 2009
- Turcan Connell Prize RSW, Edinburgh 2015
- Elected Member of the RSW 2018
- J&W Gordon Smith Award SSA. Edinburgh. December 2022
- John Gray Award RSW, Edinburgh January 2023
Selected Exhibitions and Competitions
- Hunting Group Art Awards, Mall Galleries, London Finalist 1988, 1989.1990
- The Chosen Few Contemporary Scottish Painters at The Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
- Regular exhibitor at Aberdeen Artists Society, Royal Scottish Academy, Visual Arts Scotland, and Scottish Society of Artists.
- Society of Arts, Royal Society of Artists in Watercolour and Royal Glasgow Institute since 1987
- The First Morrison Portrait Awards, Exhibition, RSA Edinburgh 1988
- Cornerstone Gallery Dunblane Solo exhibition and with Jonathan Hood 1994
- Finalist in the Laing Seascape/Landscape Competition Talbot-Rice Edinburgh and Mall Galleries, London 1995
- Atholl Gallery, Dunkeld mixed exhibitions since 1988 and with Malcolm Cheape 1998
- The Leith Gallery. Solo Exhibitions, group shows. Since 1997
- Finalist, The Noble Grossart Painting Prize, RSA Edinburgh and GSA.
- Scotland team member, Fabriano paper International Watercolour Exhibition, Fabriano Italy.2017
- Aberdeen Artists Society, SSA 130th Exhibition and RSW 2022.
- RSA, RSW and SSA Exhibitions 2023.
- Smithy Gallery Strathblane. Summer and Winter Shows 2023/24.
- RSW Annual Exhibition, RSA Building, Edinburgh 2024
- RI Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, Mall Galleries, London April 2024
- RI Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, Mall Galleries, London April 2025
- RP Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition , Mall Galleries, London May 2025
- RSW Members Summer Exhibition, Gairloch Museum, August 2025
- Mixed Exhibition Glamis Gallery, Glamis near Forfar, Angus September 2025
by Margaret Donald
Margaret studied art and design at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen. Keen to promote fellow artists she became president of Gray’s graduates for a time. Her work is influenced by the moods and changing colours of the Scottish landscape and sea. More recently she has turned her attention back to her love of portraiture and increasingly commissions. Recent work shows a return to creating the imaginative work which is her forte.
by Fiona Swapp
Fiona Swapp is a contemporary artist and designer known for investigating the connection between people and plants through her abstract and naturalistic art practice. From an early age, she took an interest in the relationship between plants and the land around the shorelines of her hometown. Fiona works via drawing and painting on paper and linen.
Born in 1965 in Aberdeen, United Kingdom, she studied Art and Design at Ruthrieston College, Aberdeen; a Diploma of Botanical Illustration at the Society of Botanical Artists, St. Albans; and undertook an MA in Fine Art (Painting) at Grays School of Art, Aberdeen.
Her work was recently exhibited at the Royal Academy, London; Trinity Buoy Wharf, London; Glasgow Art Club; Royal Scottish Academy; and the Meffan Museum and Art Gallery, Forfar. The artist currently lives and works in Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
www.fionaswapp.co.uk
@fionaswapp
by Anne Fenton
I enjoy painting in oils and acrylics, predominantly painting Scottish land, sea and mountainscapes. I also create mixed media pieces and fibre art.
My work has been exhibited at various locations in the Grampian area. More works can be viewed at my Studio/Gallery in Methlick, Aberdeenshire.
Facebook/Instagram pages – ‘Anne Fenton Artworks’
by Janette Kerr
My drawing The trapper’s hut is on show at the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize 2024
3 – 16 Oct 2024.
The exhibition then tours to museums & galleries in Salisbury, Falmouth, Dundee, and Manchester, until October 2025
London address: Trinity Buoy Wharf, 64 Orchard Place, Poplar, London E14 0JW
https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/news/trinity-buoy-wharf-drawing-prize-2024-shortlist-and-exhibition-announced
I’m showing two small paintings in Squaring Up 30×30 at Gallery Heinzel, Aberdeen. 5th Oct to 9th Nov 2024
https://galleryheinzel.com/exhibitions/45-squaring-up-aberdeen-artists-society-annual-exhibition-2024/
by Jane Glue
Jane Glue has worked as an artist in the Orkney Islands for over 35years. Jane’s earlier work was mainly in watercolour but more recently she has been using mixed media such as collage, acrylic’s, inks and ‘found’ objects from the shoreline. Jane sells her work through her own website www.janeglue.com and has exhibited throughout the UK.
by Bryan Angus
My work looks at landscape and how people have made their mark. I’m interested in our lived environment, how in older buildings we can see how communities have grown and built together, from the very stones that were hefted into place to the way one home embraces and supports its neighbour, and how the bones of the land shape how we move around and live our lives.
My chosen technique is lino print. I will walk the landscape, drawing and photographing. I then create an ink painting of the print to be. This is traced on to a block of lino, drawn up again, I then cut away with small gouges where I don’t want the ink to appear. Then a roller with printing ink lays a layer of ink on the block, a sheet of paper pressed down and the image reverses back to the landscape we recognise. Editions of prints are hand made and in small numbers.
I was born in Aberdeen and studied at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen from 1978 to 1982, graduating with a Diploma in Fine Art (Painting). My next 20 years I worked as a community artist, theatre designer, festival director, arts centre manager and an arts officer in Bristol. In 2003 with my wife Carla we established The Creative Retreat, an artist residency centre and art holiday business in Gardenstown. Since then I have been recovering my practice, starting printmaking in 2012. I have been exhibiting across the UK and in other countries – where I had residencies, in Istanbul, Norway and Italy. I am currently working on illustration projects with writers, on commercial projects and making my own work.
by Marion Boddy-Evans
Marion Boddy-Evans is a painter with an interest in line, pattern and colour found in the landscape and coast. After fourteen years on Skye, Marion moved to northeastern Aberdeenshire, where there’s endless miles of seashore, rocky beaches, and a more colourful geological mix. This has led to her spending more time painting on location, exploring patterns and pebbles on the seashore, as well as in her flower garden.
Recent exhibitions include Life Lines with Fife Contemporary, Colours at Aberdeen Arts Society (2023); Words and Fish at Skyeworks Gallery, Isle of Skye (2018 and 2019); and solo exhibitions Colours of Spring at Inchmore Gallery, Inverness (2017); and Interlude at Skyeworks Gallery, (2016).
Website: www.marion.scot
Studio blog: https://marion.scot/blog/
Social media: Mastodon, Instagram
by Melanie Guatelli
Melanie Guatelli is a painter currently based in the North East of Scotland. Following a career in ecology and environmental management, and alongside motherhood, she studied painting at Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen.
Her art practice considers our relationships with other organisms. She questions our perceptions of what is wild or natural. She considers human exceptionalism, environmental degradation, the impact of capitalism and how we value nature. Recently she has been influenced by the work of women such as Donna Haraway, Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing, Ursula K. Le Guin, Naomi Klein and Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Although predominantly an oil painter, an important part of Melanie’s process is walking, photography, collage and model-making. She uses these methods as a way of deeply contemplating ideas of nature and the ‘other’. These lead to paintings that are familiar yet unsettling – works that invite the viewer to take a moment to ponder their own entanglement with the environment.
www.melanie-guatelli-art.com
@melguatelli
by Bruce Swanson
Bruce is an artist and maker who lives and works in Aberdeen. His practice centres on jewellery-making but also encompasses drawing, painting, silversmithing, printmaking and digital making techniques. His work is project based and is informed by research gained from explorations on foot; experiments in the workshop and studio, and by delving into archives.
He is currently engaged in a multi-year project to explore prehistoric art from North West Europe to produce art work including re-imagined ancient jewellery and re-interpretations of the ancient mythologies shown in the prehistoric images remaining on rock outcrops in the field and exhibited in museums across Europe.
His latest creation Peace Piece is shown below – this is the outcome of the Process Process Process exhibition at the Aberdeen Art Gallery
More Information can be found at: http://www.cairndouna.co.uk
by Amanda Hirst
I am a long term a resident of Aberdeen, almost a local, having lived here for 30+ years. I was born and raised in Manchester and have also lived in Glasgow for several years, but Aberdeen has been home for the majority of my life. I am a Fine Art graduate of Gray’s School of Art. My practice utilises multi-media and utilises a multitude of processes. My principle method is reforming paper into structural pieces, using encaustic media. I also reuse soft plastics by making new material from food wrappers and household cartons, I create illuminated and animated dioramas, and also use simple pen and paint. My work is often abstract, sometimes figurative. Usually a subject will explored in a variety of ways.
I have exhibited work in public and private galleries in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and at the National Gallery, Edinburgh. I am a member of both Aberdeen Artists Society and the Society of Scottish Artists.
I own and run my own small gallery, FRAUHAUS on Chattan Place, Aberdeen. The gallery promotes the work of artists who are new to the area or new to exhibiting their work.
FRAUHAUS
Instagram. @Frauhaus_ab10
TikTok. @just4artsake
by Douglas Cameron
I recently moved to Banff in North East Scotland having lived for a long time in London and have been using lockdown to catch up with the many art projects that I have thought of over the years but have not had spare time to work on. I’ve always drawn and painted and lately have been exploring digital media to create images , and decided to post an image a day on facebook intending to do it for a month , but as I got into it I just kept on posting and by the time I got to number 30 I had begun to draw more images so I kept on going. I’m at 180+ just now and still drawing.
During long walks along Banffshore I was drawn to the constant recycling of its components and started to draw and paint this evolution of the very nature of our existence on earth.
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