Deeside Landscapes by Allan Lawson

We are happy to host the Deeside Landscapes Exhibition, featuring the work of local artist Allan Lawson.

Born in Glasgow, quite a long time ago, the prize-winning painter, Allan Lawson, has lived in Finzean for 30 years, where he also has his studio.

Educated at Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen, he gained both post-graduate and Hospitalfield House Scholarships, also was awarded a Scottish Arts Council Residency to Orkney and an artist’s grant to help found his exhibition in London University.

Perhaps best known for his large lyrical abstract paintings, Allan also loved to paint local landscapes, particularly incorporating the River Dee. (Allan is a passionate fly fisherman and an accomplished salmon fly tyer.)

He has works in many private and public collections, both at home and abroad, including works in the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh.

Allan also conducts one-to-one tuition in his studio, instructing on many aspects of painting and drawing.

Morning Frosts, River Dee

by Allan Lawson

Artist’s Statement

The Glaswegian Comic Billy Connolly holds the opinion that aesthetic appreciation of the world around us is part of the human growth process and is attained fully only in adulthood. Having reached this state we attribute the concept of beauty to the natural environment such that once tuned in, some amongst us write poetry and prose, paint pictures and even compose music! The question however is, are our aesthetic judgements inherent, gradually developed, growing increasingly sophisticated or are said judgements learned, like language, drip fed as part of the human condition within family and the varied cultures of wider society, or an amalgamation of both? One thing is certain, (as in all aspects of life), with regard to aesthetics, we do not see the world through the same lens. The local photographer Andy Hall gives us examples of “weel kent” faces who have chosen locations as varied as Glen Sannox, Govan Ullapool, Grangemouth, Kinnoul Hill as “favourite places” in Scotland, in his book, “A Sense of Belonging.” With regard to making such choices, artists are not exempt. Individuality will determine artistic response. The artist uses fine-tuned skills and sensibilities to hopefully produce work of intrigue and seduction whilst all the time knowing that he/she will not appeal to everyone.

I am thankful that the magic of colour and form still intoxicated and motivated me. I select that from which I think I can make art, gambling that some may be on the same wavelength, and my work finds favour. I hope you can enjoy the show.

I apologise for the absence of a “Wee Squinty Hoose” in the works. Sorry.

I must thank my wife Morag for her constant support and encouragement. I need also to thank my studio assistant Jim Livingstone who has gone the extra mile, quite literally, to help with this show.Last but not least I want to thank the Farquharson family, in particular Catriona, for her belief and generosity in this my third show in the gallery.

Thank you,

Allan