The endless beauty of the West Coast never ceases to amaze me.
I'm delighted to share that three new paintings—a series capturing the islands of Rùm and Eigg—will be featured in the Castle Gallery's Christmas Mixed Exhibition this November and December. These works emerged from a family trip to Arisaig, where once again, I found myself completely captivated by the interplay of light, water, and those iconic island silhouettes.
The Series
Each painting in this trio explores a different mood of this extraordinary landscape. The first captures the dramatic sunset light breaking through stormy skies, with those unmistakable island profiles anchoring the horizon. The second focuses on the crystalline blues of a clearer day, where you can almost feel the salt spray and hear the waves working across the rocky foreshore. The third presents a more contemplative moment—atmospheric clouds gathering above the islands whilst light dances across the water.
What draws me back to these views again and again is how the same landscape can feel entirely different depending on weather, light, and time of day. The Small Isles offer an ever-changing theatre of atmospheric drama, and as a painter, you're always trying to capture not just what you see, but what you feel in that moment.
The Castle Gallery Christmas Exhibition
I've had the privilege of working with Gallery Director, Denise Collins, and the team at the Castle Gallery for over twenty years now. There's something special about showing work in a gallery where you have such a longstanding relationship—Denise understands my practice deeply and knows how to present the work beautifully.
The Christmas Mixed Exhibition is always a highlight of their calendar, featuring paintings, sculpture, designer jewellery, crafts, and original prints from a range of their artists. It's the perfect opportunity to see work in person (which, as I always say, is the only way to truly experience the texture and layering of mixed media painting) and perhaps find something meaningful for your own walls or as a gift.
The Castle Gallery is situated in the lee of Inverness Castle in a beautifully restored early 18th-century building. If you're in the Highlands this winter, it's well worth a visit.
INTERESTED?
If any of these Rùm and Eigg paintings speak to you, please do get in touch with Denise and the team at the Castle Gallery. They'll be able to share details about sizes, prices, and arrange viewings. [NB they will be at the gallery by the end of the month]
Sometimes a painting chooses its owner as much as the other way around—and these island views seem to resonate deeply with anyone who knows and loves this stretch of coastline.
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CASTLE GALLERY
43 Castle Street, Inverness, IV2 3DU
01463 729512 or info@castlegallery.co.uk
