From the Wild West to the Urban East

I'm so delighted that my painting "Guiding Light" Eilean Sionnach was selected to be shown by the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.

The exhibition runs from 15th February till 11th March.

The 145th Annual Exhibition is featuring 379 paintings by some of Scotland's top artists.

"Guiding Light" Eilean Sionnach £1,400 88 x 68 cm Framed

Having a painting hanging in the RSA in Edinburgh was far from my mind when I was out in the landscape just trying to capture the feeling, weather and essence of the place.

And what a special place it was.

I spent a week on the small island of Eilean Sionnach, just off the east coast of the Isle of Skye, back in September.

The only signs of life were amongst others; otters, eagles and flocks of Shearwaters.

It was a really immersive experience, with no distractions, just a breathtaking 360 degrees of inspiration on my doorstep.

Painting in between the downpours

The painting shows the marks made by the raindrops, hitting the watercolour and ink, in that brooding sky, just before I managed to turn the board away from the shower.

I think it adds to the spirit of the piece and gives the sense of being out in the elements. The rawness of the marks made are assissted by the persistent gusts of wind, nudging and knocking my drawing board and brush, letting me know I'm not in complete control, which I love. That's when interesting things can happen.

Mixed Media A mix of watercolour, acrylic inks, soft pastel and the weather

 I just love the fact that something that was made so remotely can now be seen by thousands of visitors in Scotlands capital city.

I am currently busy painting for my annual Solo Show at the Gallery an Talla Dearg on the Isle of Skye in May.

Here are a few wee snippets from some of the paintings I have been working on.

There will be around 40 new works which will be added to my website at the beginning of May, if you can't make it along to Skye.

I will be out and about with my trusty pooch, Islay, armed with inks, pastels, paper and board hoping to capture the wonder of the landscape around me.

So until next time, thanks for reading and it's bye for now,

Helen