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The Herring Lassies

The backdrop for these paintings is Newhaven Harbour in Edinburgh. The idea was to recreate and capture the spirit and camaraderie of the Herring Lassies. Thousands of girls from the Scottish Highlands and islands worked in the Herring industry. They always worked in a tight knit crew of three. Herring gutting was a valuable seasonal source of employment for the girls and women. Although the work of herring gutting entailed long hours of very hard and dirty work for a low wage, the work was appreciated and, because of the companionship and the team work the cheerful girls looked forward to the opening of each fishing season. Many got their first job opportunity at the herring gutting after they left school at 14 years old, which was the school leaving age.

Herring Lassie information is taken from documents from the Angus Mcleod Archive, a great resource for historical information of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. http://www.angusmacleodarchive.org.uk/

All paintings sold within the first few days of my last exhibition but there are Limited edition prints available of 6 of the paintings. All prints are strictly limited to 125 of each print and are signed and numbered by the artist. The prints are produced on heavy weight (310gsm) museum quality, archival paper using the highest quality Giclee printer and inks. Each print is custom framed by Renaissance Framing (est 1890). Costs; £235 framed, £145 unframed.

Anatomical

The backdrop for these paintings is the Anatomical museum in Edinburgh. It has an amazing foyer with two large elephant skeletons standing guard. The idea was to represent a student through the ages; from a Victorian pioneering atmosphere to a more contemporary look and feel.  (Thanks to Kim).

The Absinthe Diaries

One of the initial inspirations for the “Absinthe Diaries” series of paintings was Manet’s painting of “The Bar at the Folies Bergere”. The series began with an idea to capture the working life and after hours of the barmaid with a period feel and melancholic atmosphere.

Greek Goddess Series

These paintings are inspired by Homer’s book “The Iliad”.

Champagne Club Series

This series of paintings was developed with an initial commission to create a painting for The Ship seafood restaurant and bar. The brief was to create a painting celebrating some of the finer things in life; incorporating oysters, champagne and an elegant lady (Thanks to Charlene) .