Golden Hush

“Golden Hush”

This artwork is part of a series of paintings I worked on over a period of 18 months, inspired by the fast-changing weather, colour and light in the Outer Hebrides.

It’s a part of the world I feel a strong connection with, there’s something unique and magical about its remoteness and beauty.

I wanted to move away from a literal interpretation of the landscape, leaning instead towards abstraction to better convey the feeling and drama of the place.

In my studio (which I’m very fortunate to have through Outer Spaces Scotland), I set aside sketchbooks filled with quick plein air drawings in indigo chalk and charcoal, along with hundreds of photos, and begin with a blank canvas. I deliberately put the source material away, choosing not to refer to it, so I can work from what has stayed with me: the muscle memory of island outlines and the extraordinary colour transformations.

With Golden Hush, I wanted to capture the sun’s reflection on a distant shoreline: a bright, horizontal strip connecting land and sea. I’m happiest when painting brushstrokes I don’t overthink: fast and fluid. I often use gold leaf in my work; this time, it was to accentuate the reflection of sunlight.

As I write this, the painting is on display at a lovely art gallery in Aberfeldy called Artisan &, alongside several other pieces of mine. It’s been featured in the gallery’s promotional material, and I’m hopeful it will find a forever home.

It’s also been chosen by Visual Arts Scotland for a feature in their newsletter this autumn. Keep tuned to my socials to be kept up to date about this painting, and news about exhibitions I have planned for the rest of the year.