about me
an introduction
I am a Scottish artist and portrait painter currently based in Dundee.
My work centres on the human form but also includes elements of still life and explorations of natural forms, abstract forms, texture and pattern.
During a career spanning more than four decades I have completed over 280 portrait commissions for clients throughout the UK and abroad, and have worked extensively with numerous universities, businesses and institutions in Scotland and beyond, including BBC television.
My career as a portrait painter has encompassed both public and private commissions, and my sitters, who have been people of all ages, from babies and children to the very elderly, come from all walks of life.
I also taught art and design part-time in various Scottish colleges for over three decades, lecturing in painting, portraiture and life drawing.
I love colour and work in a variety of media including oils, pastel and watercolour, gouache and acrylics.
Several of my pieces are available to view and buy through galleries or from my studio or website, and I exhibit regularly in Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and elsewhere, in both group shows and one-woman exhibitions.
education and work
BORN
Methil, Fife, 6th January 1957
EDUCATION
1969-74 Buckhaven High School
1974-79 Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design
EMPLOYMENT
1985-Present Self-Employed Artist
1988-95 Lecturer, Borders College
1996-98 Lecturer, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design
1998-2021 Lecturer, Dundee and Angus College
scholarships, awards and residencies
1979 Sir William Gillies Award
1979 Ian Eadie Prize
1980 Elizabeth Greenshields Award (travel scholarship)
1984 Artist in Residence at the Crawford Centre, University of St Andrews
1983 Friends of the Smith Prize, Smith Institute, Stirling
2001 City of Glasgow Prize, Royal Glasgow Institute
selected major commissions
2023 Fiona Sandford—Board Member, University of Stirling
2020 Professor Derek Bell—Secretary, Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh
2021 Michael Carlslaw—Head Teacher, St Leonards High School, St Andrews
2018 The Nutritionists—Five Professors, Rowett Institute, Aberdeen University
2017 The Late George Donaldson—Donaldson’s Timber
2016 The Vice-Principals—Three Vice-Principals, Aberdeen University
2014 Lord Cullen—Chancellor, Abertay University
2013 Sir Michael Bonallack—Secretary, Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews
2013 Professor Bernard King—Principal, Abertay University
2013 Lord Airlie—Chancellor, Abertay University
2011 Lorraine Cavanagh—Headmistress, St Hilda’s School, London
work in public collections
Abertay University
Stirling University
Aberdeen University
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design
St Andrews University
Glasgow City Council
Dundee Museum
Edinburgh City Art Centre
East and Midlothian NHS Trust
Beatson Institute for Cancer Research
The Baird Trust
Scottish Crop Research Institute
recent group exhibitions
2024
ArTay |~| Frames Gallery, Perth |~| Royal Society of Watercolour Painters, Edinburgh
2023
ArTay |~| Frames Winter Show, Perth
2022
Frames Winter Show, Perth |~| The Vision Building Art Exhibition (in aid of Cancer Research UK)
2015
Frames Gallery, Perth
2011
Royal Scottish Academy |~| Kinblethmont Gallery
2010
Royal Scottish Academy
solo exhibitions
2022 Life Room, The Project Space, Meadowmill
2009 Queens Gallery, Dundee
2008 Kimblemont Gallery, Angus
2007 Queens Gallery, Dundee
2006 Steps Gallery, Edinburgh
1998 Patriothall Studios, Edinburgh
1992 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
1984 Crawford Centre, St Andrews
1982 Dundee Repertory Theatre