Georgina McMaster
One of Scotland’s foremost contemporary wildlife painters brings a new solo exhibition of work to The Strathearn Gallery, Crieff. Here Georgina discusses painting, family life and the inspirations behind her beautiful artwork.
Georgina McMaster is passionate about wildlife. Surrounded by animals from a young age and brought up within a creative family, it was an easy decision for Georgina to decide she would like to become a wildlife artist.
And since graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in 2002, Georgina has become one of the country’s most distinctive and best known wildlife artists working today. Her stunning, bold and dynamic paintings are prized by art lovers worldwide for not only their colour and detail but their incredible ability to portray the character of each animal she paints.
‘I‘ve always loved animals,’ says Georgina,‘and seeing their character traits which are at times human-like.That’s why I spend so much time on the features, particulary the eyes which can convey so much of a personality. I’ll often paint the animal looking towards the viewer so you’re looking directly at them, guessing at their story.’
In her forthcoming solo exhibition with The Strathearn Gallery, Georgina’s work has further evolved to also explore the natural habitat of the animals – ‘my show this year is looking at wildlife and the changing environment with a few “out there” and “splashy” ideas thrown into the mix,’ mentions Georgina.
It is perhaps a recent change in her own home environment that has helped shape this new collection of paintings.With a house move to accomodate her and husband Alex’s growing family (Georgina recently gave birth to Harry and Felix, twin brothers to older sister Beatrix), the past year has been a rollercoaster, the new family home in rural Aberdeenshire surrounded by stunning countryside and nature, inspiration is in plentiful supply.
Georgina sees this as a blissful time to paint and ‘lots of fun with the kids being outside and getting inspiration from the countryside – most of our days are spent looking for wonderful animals and beautiful beasts.’ Not being able to work everyday however has also changed Georgina’s approach to painting in the last few years but she sees this only gradually, which I feel has added more depth and colour to my work.’
Indeed, seeing a Georgina McMaster painting in real life is an enriching experience and Georgina has always believed original art has an important place in the home.‘I think that art in Scotland is a big thing for people.A painting enhances a room and speaks volumes about who you are as a person. Paintings in homes are sought after, especially for the generations who settle down and start building a home.Wildlife art has also increased in Scotland over the last few years and is it any wonder when we live in such a beautiful country. It’s bringing a little bit of the countryside into your home.’
Georgina is excited about her upcoming show saying,‘I’m really looking forward to having my biennial show at The Strathearn Gallery. Susan and Scott, the gallery owners, always present my work in such a fantastic way; the gallery is such a beautiful bright space and has a fabulous reputation. I can’t wait.’ Neither can many of the art lovers across the country! ‘Wildlife Watch’ solo exhibition by Georgina McMaster opens 11am 25th April 2020 at The Strathearn Gallery, Crieff and runs until 24th May.
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