Solo Exhibition on the Isle of Skye

Helen Robertson
May 4
3 min read

Updated: May 5

Gallery An Talla Dearg

Forthcoming Exhibition

On the Isle of Skye

My solo exhibition at the Gallery An Talla Dearg, Isle Ornsay on the Isle of Skye is fast approaching. My exhibition of new paintings opens on Friday 8th May.

The gallery is situated by the shore, at the top of the old stone pier at Eilean Iarmain.

It was established by the late Sir Iain Noble, whose aim was to promote artists whose work celebrated Scottish landscapes and wildlife.

The legacy continues with the support of Lucilla , Lady Noble.

It is very unique to other galleries , in that the exhibiting artist is present with their work, and can often be found painting in the gallery.

I started exhibiting in this special gallery way back in 2002.

It has become one of the cornerstone of my artistic career so far.

It has allowed me to meet many interesting people, some of whom have become collectors over the years.

My paintings have evolved over this time from painting in watercolours or drawing in charcoal to using purely soft pastels. And now to mixed media, a combination of acrylic inks, watercolours and soft pastels.

Themes have changed, some years I would be fascinated by patterns of pebbles on the beach, the bark of birch trees or reflected skies in wet sand.

My works this year are a celebration of the light and weather as it shifts and shapes the landscape of the North West Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Obscuring and defining, illuminating and shrouding, I aim to echo these themes in the media that I use, from flowing paint to the use of defining lines.

Being present in the gallery, gives a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all over the world, interested in art.

I find it such a rewarding experience to hear the responses and see the reactions first hand, from visitors looking at my work. There's nothing more thrilling than when one of my paintings creates an emotional connection with someone.

It makes all the hard work and angst feel worthwhile.

Perched on a very uncomfortable rock, in Glenelg, painting the cottages in the distance at Kylerhea on Skye.

No wind allowed me to work on a bigger scale here at Knock Bay on Skye. I love the glistening early morning light.

Four workmen walked by and actually commented on how much they liked my painting. That was a bonus!

Capturing the mist rising and falling on the peaks of the Cuillin.

This exhibition is a cumulative result of paintings started last summer.

Painting throughout the seasons, out on location and back in my studio, I slowly build up a body of work, ready for May each year.

Looking to Beinn Sgritheall from Kinloch, Skye.

My partner and I do our own framing. I like to use a plain Obeche wooden frame which we lime wax, which allows you to still see the grain of the wood, with a soft white finish.

I like the plain simplicity, allowing the painting to speak.