Caithness art show is an online hit by royal approval
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AFTER 85 years of continuous annual exhibitions a popular Caithness art show is showcasing this year's selection in an online gallery that amassed 1000 hits and 20 works sold on its opening day.
When the Society of Caithness Artists cancelled this year’s annual exhibition in Thurso due to the pandemic restrictions it invited 85 artists to join its 2020 online show.
Two works by Prince Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, have pride of place – but, unlike the 350-plus other works by local talent, they are not for sale.
Society chairman Ian Pearson said the idea of the online show came about because the organisation recognised the impact of gallery and exhibition closures on individual artists.
“It is important that artists continue to be creative for their wellbeing, and I also know how important it is to have an outlet for one's work," Ian said.
"These aren’t normal times, so we have to react accordingly.”
In its first day of going live, the website had more than 1000 hits with nearly 20 artworks sold.
Online viewers of the exhibition gave "excellent feedback" with comments coming in from countries as far afield as India, Australia, America, Romania, Brazil and New Zealand.
Prince Charles has shown his support for the show over the years by regularly displaying two watercolours, often based on Caithness scenes.
Ian said: “We are very privileged that even though this year’s exhibition has changed its format the Duke of Rothesay has submitted two of his paintings.”
Despite neither work being for sale, their presence brings great prestige to the show.
“The Duke of Rothesay has written to the society expressing his best wishes for our online exhibition and says he looks forward to hearing about our plans for 2021,” Ian added.
Both of the Prince's artworks are watercolours – one is simply entitled Caithness and was painted in 2018, while the other is called Top of Glen Baddoch in Early April and was painted in 2016.
Ian said: “I know the painting that will attract the most interest will be the Caithness scene as it depicts a group of farm buildings which keep viewers guessing as to where in the county it actually is.”
The online exhibition finishes on July 31 – three times longer than previous years.
If there is a demand for further exhibitions of this nature then the society will "seriously consider the options", Ian said.
