Sunshine On Edinburgh....

  

'A Brighter Outlook' was the cheerful name of the Edinburgh exhibition I took part in last weekend - and as it turned out, we had perfect summer weather to match!  Following lots of preparation, I spent the weekend happily showcasing a selection of my work alongside a talented trio of artists, Sonas Maclean, Kate Shearer and Alison Midson.  We were exhibiting in the beautiful space at Dundas Street Gallery and I'm pleased to say the show was a great success all round! It was also a great pleasure to make lots of new contacts, including clients requesting commissions and galleries enquiring about exhibiting my work!  As we packed up on Sunday, following a sunny weekend in the capital,  I did indeed return home with a brighter outlook....

A Brighter Outlook (Thurs 23 to Sun 26 May)...

Just a wee reminder about our exhibition, next weekend in Edinburgh, a great excuse to brighten up your weekend by enjoying art in our gorgeous capital city! x

Art of The Island - Introducing Pat Morrison (Isle of Mull)

Pat Morrison - Footloose

As promised, this week I'm featuring one of my favourite artists - Pat Morrison, who is an old friend from my favourite island - Mull!   Pat and her husband Iain also have a very cool resturant, Am Birlinn at Croig, near Dervaig on the island - well worth a visit if you get the chance!  Meanwhile, here's Pat's profile, plus lots of images of her fabulous work....

ARTIST PROFILE - PAT MORRISON

Pat grew up in Prestwick, Ayrshire.  While her parents had ambitions for a great career in hairdressing - she has nothing against barbershops - her artistic bent took her to Edinburgh College of Art.   She graduated in Drawing and Painting but was drawn to Tapestry Weaving and studied under Archie Brennan, Artistic Director of the Dovecote Tapestry Studios at the time.

On completion of teacher training, Pat applied for work on Mull and became peripatetic Teacher of Art in 1970.  Known as "Miss Sparkly" amongst her pupils, she braved the Mull winters and roads travelling between schools on her Honda scooter.  Luckily, none of her minor skirmishes with the island potholes caused permanent damage.  She married a Mulleach, Iain, and decided to stay.

"Pat must have patience of inexplicable proportions!" - Iain

Interested in pencil drawing - especially trees and Mull landscape -  easy access to seabird life led her to drawing feathered wildlife, particularly puffins and their many relatives on the Treshnish Islands, but tapestry is still her favoured medium.

"Tapestry is crazily labour intensive as a process, economically suicidal and some people have even suggested it's redundant, but it's not abnormal" - Archie Brennan

Pat Morrision - Wee Tree

Pat Morrison - Birlinn

Pat Morrison - Blackthorn

Pat Morrison - Lunga Seapinks

Pat Morrison - More Seapinks

Pat Morrison - Silly Sheep

Pat Morrison - Seapinks & Lichin

Pat Morrison - Rainy Road

Pat Morrison - Rainy Road 2

Pat Morrison - Wee Hawthorn

Pat Morrison - Windy

Pat Morrison - Forestry

Pat Morrison - Tree

Pat Morrison - Sunset

Pat Morrison - Spring

I Love, Isle of Mull...

I heard recently that if you're lucky enough to live by the sea, you're lucky enough.  So, I feel I'm double blessed.  I get to live on the east coast, in pretty Pittenweem.  Then, when it's time to take a holiday, I can't resist visiting family on the west coast's magical Isle of Mull.  The Scottish coastline has been attracting artists since time began - and Mull is no exception.  In the next post, I'll share the work of one of my favourite Mull-based artists, Pat Morrision.  Meanwhile, if you're looking for a tranquil escape from everyday life, I'm willing to bet you too will love the Isle of Mull!  Here are a few ways to make the most of the island....

Stay...

My friends, Reg & Sue, own a lovely B&B in the village of Pennyghael. Go to  www.craigrowan.co.uk.  If you want a base in Tobermory, you can stay at Strongarbh, a boutique B&B overlooking the bay.
 

Visit...

The view seems to say it all but there's actually more to Glengorm Castle than meets the eye, including a coffee shop & gallery, farm, wildlife project and beautiful walks around the grounds and beyond.

  
Tobermory Chocolate is also well worth a visit - try from a huge hand-made selection!

Picnic, Walk & Wild Camp...

Calgary Bay is the home of one of Scotland's most breathtaking beaches.  On sunny days, you might momentarily imagine you're on a Carribean island! Local children used to have their sports day on the beach - can you imagine a more idyllic place to grow up?  The area is also immersed in a rich history which further compliments the atmospheric beauty of this place.  There's a fabulous wild camping spot at the edge of the bay and plenty of places to picnic too!

Eat....

This gorgeous cafe is run by two sisters, who receive the day's catch from family boats landing beneath their balcony. Find out more at www.thecafefish.com

Eat some more...

With family links to Isle of Mull Scallops, I couldn't miss the chance to promote their delicious produce....

And, there's the mouth-watering produce of the Tobermory Fish Company!  Is it any wonder I love the Isle of Mull?!?

Go...

If you're already planning a visit, you can get there by the glorious Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries.

Just remember to send me a postcard....

x