From the 18 April to 6 May 2018 Kirkcudbright Tolbooth and Art Gallery will be holding a stunning new exhibition of paintings by artists James Wallace and Carolyn A Wallace.
Carolyn currently lives and works in Ayrshire, but is proud to have strong family connections to Kirkcudbright. She is also closely connected to her fellow artist, James Wallace, her father-in-law, whose positive criticism has been of great encouragement to her during her artistic journey.
She has always been creative, but was fortunate to ignite her passion for painting about twenty years ago.
Her painting now provides an absorbing, but challenging distraction to a hectic lifestyle.
Having started to paint in watercolour, Carolyn’s work continues to utilise water-based media, but of a more robust nature. Acrylics and water-based oils suit her style and love of intense colour.
Her recent work concentrates on landscapes, inspired by personal adventures and brought to fruition in her studio.
Increasingly, she is drawn to working on a bigger scale and to investigating more abstract interpretations of the subject.
Carolyn is an active member of Troon Art Club, Ayrshire, (www.troonartclub.co.uk, https://www.facebook.com/troonartclub/) benefiting from the experience and practice of generous demonstrators, who are prepared to share their knowledge with other artists.
Carolyn is an enthusiastic contributor to the annual exhibitions run by and for the benefit of Save the Children, the Retail Trust, the Accord and Ayr Hospices, Hansel Village, Portencross Castle and Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust exhibitions at Crosshouse Hospital.
She exhibits annually at the North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition, a UK national exhibition (http://www.northaopenart.co.uk), the Troon Art Club exhibitions, the Pittenweem Arts Festival and Openstudios, Ayrshire.
In 2014, she experienced the opportunity of a lifetime, to exhibit for a month in the beautiful town hall of Vadstena in Sweden.
Carolyn was delighted to be awarded The Harbour Arts Centre Trustees’ Prize, at the North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition in 2013 and The Charles Summers’ Silver Salver for Best Seascape, Ayrshire 2013 and 2016.
Carolyn also undertakes commissions, her work currently hanging in private collections in Canada, Europe and America.
She hopes you enjoy the nature and variety of her recent work!
James was born in Greenock in 1925.
He obtained his Diploma of Art in drawing and painting in 1950 after having served in the R.A.F (aircrew) for four years.
James taught art in various schools, throughout the central belt of Scotland.
He was appointed early in his teaching career as Principal teacher of art at Bannockburn High School. Latterly, he became Assistant Head Teacher at Stanley High School in Paisley, from where he retired, somewhat early, to devote his time to painting, rather than teaching.
From 1964 to 1971 he became established as a popular painter of local landscapes in Stirlingshire. He has continued to enjoy the challenges of painting the landscapes of Scotland in all its glory, with particular interest in our lochs and mountains, reflecting the changeable weather with energy and enthusiasm.
He has always had an interest in painting boats. Perhaps it is due to the fact that he was born in Greenock, so close to the River Clyde, at a time when the River Clyde was buoyant with traffic of all shapes and sizes. Over the years he has reflected upon an era, now long gone. As a result, he is well known for his portrayal of the impressive steamers that reflected the commercial success of Glasgow.
However, any boat is of interest to James and you can often spot the tiny yacht holding its position against the wind, on the horizon of his seascapes. He also enjoys the challenge of reflecting boats of all natures, sheltering in our harbours, whether they are the working boats of our fishermen or simply the pride and joy of their owners.
James is particularly well known for his fresh portrayal of the harbours and scenes of the East Neuk of Fife.
Much of his work has been purchased by or commissioned by visitors to Scotland, visitors who wish to be reminded of our beautiful countryside when home. As a result, his paintings hang in many locations in Britain, as well as in Canada, Hong Kong and the United Sates of America. He has exhibited at the Glasgow Institute, and continues to exhibit at the Paisley Institute annually and other local exhibitions, when gardening and grandchildren allow.
He hopes that you enjoy this exhibition of his recent work.
