I haven’t managed to add a soundtrack, but have managed to condense about 10 hours of painting into less than a couple of minutes. I seem to choose colours as decisively as I pick dinner from an appetising looking menu!
I’ve not long finished this commission for the wonderful Abernethy Trust. Pine prints and cards of the original are available to purchase from the outdoor centre in Nethy Bridge.
Regular visitors will know how much I love Loch Morlich – for the scenery and for the fishing. The waters and the mountains are a constant source of inspiration for my art so when the chance came up to show work nearby at the Glenmore Visitor Centre, I could not refuse. It seems fitting to take my art back to where it started.
From July 21, I’ll be exhibiting a range of works at the centre, which is just off the main ski road to the Cairngorms. It’s a great wee venue providing information about the surrounding forest (run by Forestry Commission Scotland), and the cafe serves excellent cake, which is a bonus!
Among the works will be my railway poster series – with new additions to the collection specially for this show. The two paintings below – of Loch Morlich and the Lily Loch – are works in progress. And I’ll have the pine prints and mugs, including my new chunky fishy mugs.
The exhibition will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm and will run for around 10 days. Looking forward to meeting lots of new people down there!
Loch Morlich by Angus Grant
The Lily Loch by Angus Grant
One of my further flung events this year is on the other side of the Cairngorms, deep in Deeside.
I’m really excited to have been invited to take part in the annual Art Aboyne exhibition this year for the first time. It includes a fantastic range of 2D and 3D works from more than 60 artists. From paintings and jewellery to sculpture and photography: something for everyone to enjoy.
I’m showing a collection of fishy paintings – you can see a preview here.
The show is held at the Victory Hall in the centre of the village, from July 22 to August 12 and is open from 10am-6pm every day.
The exhibition committee even organise artists’ demonstrations. When I visited last year, there was a wood turner set up outside the hall, displaying his skills by making tiny goblets!
With a packed summer of exhibitions and craft fairs about to start, I’ve been busy preparing my work. Painting, framing, printing mugs and packaging up greetings cards, along with lots of other little tasks that come along with these events.
Got some new paintings framed for the various shows I’m involved in (See Exhibitions page and Events and Workshops page for more details of where I’ll be). A couple of classic fish portraits and a favourite view of Loch Morlich, looking up to the Cairngorms.
There’s a few more in the pipeline, which I’ll try and share when they’re done!
My first summer exhibition is approaching fast. I’m joining Campbell Bryson (former head of art at Grantown Grammar) for a show at the Iona Gallery in Kingussie in July.
We’ve both got similar influences but distinctive styles and I’m delighted that we’re going to be exhibiting together again.
Campbell’s work focus on the effects of sunlight and shadows, producing expressive landscapes featuring Highland beaches and his trademark birch trees.
I’m working on some new paintings but will be showing my recent series based on the vintage railway posters as well as others featuring local lochs.
The show runs from July 7-14. And you’re welcome to come to opening night on Friday July 7, from 7pm-9pm – there’ll be a wee glass of wine or soft drink to celebrate!
You can find out about my other events during the summer on the Exhibitions page and also on the Events and Workshops page.
Lochs and Landscapes
From exhibitions to craft fairs with a few workshops thrown in for good measure: it’s going to be a busy few months for Angus Grant Art.
I’ve got a packed schedule from July 1, when I’ll be at the Exclusively Highlands‘ craft fair at Eden Court Theatre.
After that I’ll be out and about with events in Carrbridge, Glenmore and Kingussie, as well as heading further afield to Aboyne.
Then as the summer holidays come to a close, I’m teaching another round of weekly silversmithing and pottery classes. The latter is already full up but you can still sign up for silversmithing.
Look out for upcoming posts with more details in the next few weeks. But you can also keep up with my travels by checking my Exhibitions page and the Events and Workshops page.
Here’s a couple of new colourful pictures I’ve just completed. One’s a different view of Avielochan and the other is Loch Vaa, where I’ve spent many a day trying to catch trout in past years.
They’re both now on sale at High St Merchants in Grantown.
There are also some new pine prints on the way. Will let you know when they arrive.
Otherwise, I’m working away on new pictures just now – new simple landscapes and fishy portraits. Will post some pictures when they’re done.
