The King's coronation: 'Charles's artwork captures Caithness landscapes well'
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The new king has – like his grandmother before him – an association with the Society of Caithness Artists stretching back many years.
He has followed in the late Queen Mother's footsteps and been a regular at the events although his last official visit was in 2019 just before the advent of the coronavirus pandemic.
The then Princes of Wales started exhibiting his work – mostly Caithness scenes in watercolours –in the 1990s when the annual shows were held in Thurso Town Hall and has continued to do so ever since, according to society chairman Ian Pearson.
He said: "The public has been pleasantly surprised at the quality of his work, even fellow artists have commented that they think HRH has done a good job in capturing the Caithness landscapes, especially the sky and clouds."
Mr Pearson explained that most of the visits have been private but added: "It's obvious to me when I escort him around the artworks that he really appreciates the efforts that artists go to in producing their creations. It is always a privilege to introduce him to some of the members who are displaying work.
"He is a traditionalist so always has a keen eye for such work but is also open to abstracts and other forms."
Mr Pearson recalled some lighter moments as well.
"One year both he and I stood in front of a large semi-abstract work that seem to consist of various body parts twisted together. HRH turned to me asking which bit was which and we both had to turn our heads sideways to appreciate the figures.
"He has a good sense of humour and always seems very relaxed when touring our exhibitions and shows no signs of rushing away. He seems very at ease with the whole atmosphere. He always made me feel at ease and forget that he was, at the time, going to be king. He seemed very straight forward and keen to communicate as an artist first and foremost," he said.
Asked if King Charles III might continue to be involved with the society after his coronation, Mr Pearson, said: "I have put in a request for the society to be able to loan his artworks again but have yet to hear. His visits to our exhibition are mostly arranged at short notice with minimum of publicity which he appreciates and we as a society respect."
