Over £6000 of work sells at Thurso art show

By David G Scott

Published: 05:22, 02 August 2019

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The annual exhibition by the Society of Caithness Artists had its preview evening on Monday in Thurso High School and proved once again it has a prime position within the local creative scene with 75 works sold, totalling over £6000.

Works by the late Wick artist Ian Mackenzie are on the stage this year. This beautifully executed acrylic is based around the harbour area of Wick and called 'The Grey Toon'.

This hugely eclectic show ranges from the visionary works of Ian Charles Scott and American artist Don Perlis – exhibiting for the first time by special invitation – to the sedate watercolours of Prince Charles, the stoneware of Forse-based ceramic artist Jenny Mackenzie Ross and the quirky glass creations by society chairman Ian Pearson.

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The works of HRH Prince Charles are a regular feature of the show.

Joanne Kaar with her highly eclectic work, North, based on traditional Inuit clothing but created from handmade paper.

A finely executed piece by stalwart of the local art scene, Ian Charles Scott. This oil on board is called 'Cygnus Cygnus'.

Caithness Artists 2019 also features the work of American realist painter Don Perlis for the first time. This painting, entitled Sphinx, is based around the backdrop and characters of Times Square in New York.

Society chairman Ian Pearson has one of his own colourful creations in the show with this piece called Thistle do Nicely.

Marjory Scott's jaunty work called 'Lowry's Funeral'.

Jane MacDonough sums up the essence of Caithness in her work.

Caithness Artists 2019 show at Thurso High School.

One of Jane MacDonough's works inspired by the Caithness landscape. Jane was delighted to sell all four of her exhibited works on the preview night.

Alastair Sinclair shows an apocalyptic vision of Thurso with the local library lying in ruins and overgrown with shrubs. It harks back to the romantic works of 18th century visionary artist, Piranesi.

Caithness Artists 2019 show at Thurso High School on the preview evening on Monday.

Barbara Myatt is another stalwart of the local art scene exhibiting at the Thurso show this year.

Chairman of the Society of Caithness Artists Ian Pearson, left, conversing with Ian C Scott and Jackie Newton. Pictures: DGS

Jackie Newton captures the essence of the Caithness shoreline with 'Rock Pool'.

Elizabeth Lay captures the feel of a summer breeze perfectly with this fine watercolour.

Caithness Artists stalwarts Mike and Denise Imrie contemplate some of the works.

Artist Debbie Prentice sits upon Keith Coghill's sculpture called Tusk made from wind-fallen sycamore.

Euan Ferrier's work 'Crazy Calm' is a fine example of the op art style made famous by Bridget Riley.

William Wallace stands beside one of his oils at the show called 'Halloween in the Japanese Garden'. He said that the work was inspired by his family dressing up for Halloween. He said: 'I chose to give it a Japanese mood through using strong, reddish orange colours, paper lanterns, koi carp and colourful caged birds. Included are three Japanese ladies with their elegant poses and traditional theatrical-looking costumes adding to the dressing up aspect as well as adding a touch of oriental mystery to the painting. Traditional Halloween items such as cauldron, black cat, masks and carved pumpkin are also included, along with an origami flying bird emerging from an open spell book. Night-time adds a more sinister mood, often associated with Halloween, along with gargoyle-like creatures emerging from the grass, giving the painting a feeling of a dream-like, night terror.'

Mr Pearson said: "This is the biggest and oldest exhibition of art in Scotland, now in its 84th year. We have 402 exhibits from 108 artists and this is our largest show in 10 years."

He added that the Thurso show encompassed talents ranging from amateur to professional, with the youngest artist exhibiting being only 11 and the oldest 91 years of age.

"The 11-year-old artist has actually sold their work already and that must be wonderful for them," Mr Pearson said.

A special show on the stage, along with numerous sculptures and the works of Prince Charles, is a nod to the late Wick artist and teacher Ian Mackenzie.

The show runs until Friday, August 9, at Thurso High School and is open from 2-5pm and 6.30-9pm daily (except Sunday). Admission is free.

Over £6000 of work sells at Thurso art show

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