Angus Grant Art

Paddling, Painting, Printing

Category Archives: Painting

Logie by Angus Grant. Acrylic painting on canvas


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Superfly: my new exhibition

I’m excited to reveal details of my new summer exhibition, Superfly, which is on at Logie Steading from June 30 – July 8.

As you know, I’ve been working on loads of new paintings, trying to capture the magic of fishing that you don’t see because it’s underwater. These new works feature fishing flies that have just been cast across the loch. I’ve been striving to portray the way the light goes through the water. It’s all about showing how the bubbles and ripples distort the reflective film of the water.

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I’ve also been inspired by the big fancy camera they used on the BBC’s Blue Planet 2 and I’ve tried to show what’s above and below the surface. Painting in this way allows me to add greater context to the underwater pictures.

The exhibition will be in the Long Room at Logie Steading, near Forres. The Long Room is between the whisky shop and farm shop, right next to the car park so you can’t miss it!

And you’re invited to the launch night on June 30, from 6-8pm, when you can enjoy your art with a wee glass of something and I’ll be around to chat about the paintings (or fishing!)

Logie_web

Olive nymph underwater photograph


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Happy Accidents

Not been painting much this week. But I did manage to get out on the waters of Loch Morlich for some fishing.

I also had a go at taking pictures of my fly just beneath the surface. It’s one of my favourites – the olive green nymph – and it was the one that netted me a delicious trout earlier.

But on reviewing the photos, all I was getting was my feet. Very frustrating and confusing: I thought there must be something wrong with the camera.

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First attempt: that round thing on the left is the lens cap

After a few attempts, I thought to turn off the two second timer, and hey presto – I started getting the pictures that I wanted.

However, I think the photos with the timer on were still pretty good. As Bob Ross would say: “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”

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Two second timer off

Landscape painting upside down


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Painting upside down

I’m still working away on my fishy pictures. Now that I’ve laid down the main colours, I’m starting on the details – the trees, mountains, water, rocks and fish (of course). This is the hard work of the painting and I’ll take my time to get it just right.

…Which leads me to a wee tip to help you. If after a while you decide to repaint the sky, turn your canvas upside down to prevent pesky blue drips ruining the lower part of your work.

As you can see in the picture below, I repainted the sky on this view of Loch Morlich after I painted in lots of detail in the foreground. Skies are easy to redo (more on those another time) but imagine how annoying it would be to see my lovely mountains and salmon ruined.

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New paintings work in progress


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Ripples and light

I’ve made good progress with my underwater paintings this week. Starting to build up the rays of light beneath the surface and some of the ripples. Still some way to go. Looking forward to adding some bubbles, flies and maybe a wee fish or two.

Progress might be slower in the next few weeks – it’s the start of trout season!

New paintings work in progress
New paintings work in progress
Starting more paintings in the studio


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Going back underwater

Having a wee change from the colourful landscape and going back to some underwater pictures. I’ve been laying down some soft backgrounds today. This is my favourite part of painting: you feel super-productive as you can start 20 pictures at once. Check back in a week to see my progress.

Starting more paintings in the studio

Broomhill pine print by Angus Grant


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All aboard

I’ve added two new pine prints to the collection – Broomhill and Old Spey Bridge.

Anyone who has travelled between Aviemore and Grantown will know the billowing steam and the sound of the whistle of the Strathspey Railway engine as it takes passengers to Broomhill, near Nethy Bridge. I think it’s fitting that a series of paintings that has been inspired by old railway posters should have a railway image among them.

And the second is a bit closer to home – the Old Spey Bridge, a place full of childhood memories and loved by so many locals.

You can buy the two new prints – and the rest of the range at my online shop.

Or if you like to buy your pictures with a slice of cake, pop along to the 1896 Gallery & Coffee Shop in Boat of Garten where they are now on sale.

Broomhill_webOld-Spey-Bridge_web

 

Ryvoan Bothy painting by Angus Grant


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New year, new arty plans

I’m back at the easel, getting started on new paintings for exhibitions in the summer.

Winter is a good time to get going on new work. I love lighting the fire, making the studio all cosy and sitting down to paint. It’s not always that easy – coffee also helps!

As well as paintings, I’m planning some new ceramics and new additions to my range of mugs – stay tuned for more details soon.

I was lucky enough to have a wee commission over the festive season – a sunny picture of Ryvoan Bothy. It was a pleasure to paint such a cheery image while it was all snowy and cold outside.

Ryvoan Bothy painting by Angus Grant

Ryvoan Bothy