Landscape Artist Helen L Robertson
Scotland
about
The Highlands and Island of the West Coast of Scotland have been my source of inspiration since 1988.
I moved to Ratagan near the Isle of Skye after graduating from Edinburgh College of Art and studying at the RCA in London.
These rugged landscapes and seascapes, continually enhanced by the seasons and weather, offer me a wealth of creative possibilities.
The coruscating light on water, in contrast to the deep, rich tones of a shadow are the things that I seek out and try to capture in my work.
The kaleidoscope of seasonal colour and light drive my desire to capture this magic on paper.
I love to get out into the landscape with my sketchbook and a selection of inks and pastels in order to capture the essence of a place.
There's no better feeling than being out in the elements, watching the light racing across the landscape or sitting on an empty beach waiting patiently for the sun to return from behind the clouds.
I often use a stick or feather that I have found and ink to give unpredictable, expressive marks. These sketches along with photographs are then used to inform larger works painted back in my studio.
Pastels have been my choice of medium for over 30 years now, as I love their immediacy and tactile qualities. The depth of colour and ability to layer the pigment on top of each other, gives a sense of richness and texture that I love.
I relish the challenge of conveying the reflective qualities of wet sand or the sunlight hitting the foam of a wave, with this dry medium.
Mixed media is my other passion. I flood the paper with acrylic inks, letting colours collide and mix.
I feel that when you are not in complete control of a medium is when the magic can happen.
Once dry I use pastel to bring out areas of detail. Using the side of the pastel allows the paint below to show through. I like the contrast of having areas that are highly worked against areas of simple lines or marks.
My work is sold in galleries throughout Scotland and online, selling to private collectors worldwide.
Admirers of Helen's work have often commented on how the paintings make them feel transported to that place.
"You can take as many photos as you like, but the way Helen interprets the image in Pastel, adds an emotional depth."
TO PURCHASE A PAINTING
If you would like to purchase a painting, please use the contact button at the top of the page or click on my email address at the bottom of the page. Thank you.
STUDIO VISITS
Helen's studio is in Ratagan IV40 8HX 9 miles east of Eilean Donan Castle.
Please use the Contact button (Top left of page) or phone 01599 511377 to make an appointment.
COMMISSIONS
Helen accepts commissions. Please contact her for details.
NOW SHOWING EXHIBITIONS
12th Oct - Jan 2021 Moy Mackay Gallery, Peebles
EXHIBITIONS 2021
15th May - 2nd June Solo Show Meet the Artist Gallery An Talla Dearg Isle of Skye
PAINTINGS
GALLERIES AND EXHIBITIONS
You can see my work at..
Carron Gallery, Strathcarron IV54 8YX
Castle Gallery, Inverness IV2 3DU
Jetty Gallery, Oban PA34 5NR
Bealach Cafe and Galley, Kishorn
Logie Steading Art Gallery, Forres
Tippycanoe, Portree, Skye
Moy Mackay Gallery, Peebles
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2020 Torrance Gallery , Edinburgh
2002-19 An Talla Dearg Gallery, Isleornsay, Skye
2017 Steading Gallery, Balmacara
2011 Castle Gallery , Inverness
2008 Byre Theatre Gallery, St Andrews
2008 MacGregor Fine Art, Glasgow
2007 Carby Art Gallery, Aberdeen
2001 Scone Studios, Perth
1994 Stables Gallery, London
1991 Eden Court Gallery, Inverness
1987-88 Ware on Earth Gallery, Edinburgh
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Moy Mackay Gallery, Peebles
2019 Torrance Gallery, Edinburgh
2013- 2019 Castle Gallery, Inverness
2010 - 19 Lochalsh Art Fair, Dornie
2014 Holroyd Gallery, Ballahulish
2014 Beauly Gallery
2013 Edinburgh Art Fair, Edinburgh
2013 Julian Jardine Gallery, Perth
2012 Edinburgh Art Fair
2012 Nicole Porter Gallery, Aberdeen
2012 Inchmore Art Gallery , Inverness
2009 Logie Steadings Gallery, Forres
2007 Edinburgh Art Fair
2006 Cambridge Art Fair
2004 Green Gallery, Germany
1993 Spey Bay Gallery, Speyside
Tel: 01599 511377
2 MacInnes Place Ratagan Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8HX