Colours Gallery this month continues its celebratory exhibition of Edinburgh-born or educated artists, writes John Ross Maclean.
Unfortunately, those mentioned below are a great deal easier to admire than to photograph adequately, so a personal viewing is recommended.
The show comprises an absorbing, wide-ranging spectrum of work from late 18th-century Alexander and Patrick Nasmyth oils of museum quality (see Issue 181; ‘Huntsman Returning Home’, oil on panel, right) to charming bird images in gouache on linen (e.g. ‘Pigeon on the Roof’, below) by Mabel Dawson RSW (1887–1965).
Many of the artists are Academicians, some less well known but equally gifted. There are three major works by Robert Gemmell Hutchison (1855–1936), whose star is now in the ascendant. These include delightful domestic scenes, of which ‘Annie’ eating her porridge (pastel and crayon, below) bears comparison with work by Degas.
From more recent times, there is a typically bold landscape in pen and ink by Sir William Gilies (1898–1973), and a ravishing work by John Rankin Barclay (1884–1962) in oil on panel of ‘Houses, Kirkcudbright’ (below): spot the washing on the line!
Perhaps the highlight of the exhibition is a tour de force by F.C.B. Cadell (1883–1937). It is a small watercolour of a ‘Boy on a Circus Pony’ (below) which is deftly realised in a few rapid strokes of a brush touched with magic. This work positively scintillates, and lifts the spirits.
It is emblematic of a gallery which has now promoted and celebrated the painterly art in Scotland for almost half a century.
The exhibiton continues until at least 20 September at Colours Gallery, 41 Dundas Street.
