Cradle of Scotland

ART has the power to transport. A strong artist has the ability to evoke every imaginable emotion with their work. Despite a tough start to the year, Glasgow-based artist Gordon Wilson hurled himself into his work to create 39 new pieces for a new solo exhibition opening today.

The show, simply entitled ‘Being Gordon Wilson’ will run from today (Saturday) until September 27 at the Annan Gallery located at 164 Woodlands Road. Glasgow.

Before lockdown struck, Gordon, 51, faced a personal calamity when his Milngavie studio was devastated by a large flood.

In spite of the setback, Gordon used his experiences for inspiration when creating his new collection of work.

He says, “I’ve realised that painting offers me a gateway to a more peaceful and happier place. Just as I was coming to terms with my studio flood at the start of the year, we then moved into ‘lockdown’. This entire exhibition was produced during this time and is the culmination of my artistic escape.

“Themes of isolation, endurance, and prevailing over adversity are woven into many of the paintings, however there is also an undeniably humorous aspect. After all, they are an extension and expression of my personality. I find that jocular invention helps me through difficult times and hopefully raises a smile with the viewer.”

Gordon’s distinct and expressive oil paintings convey an interpretation of an intersection between the ever-changing moods of both the countryside and the artist’s own personality.

Along with his colourful landscape paintings, his much-loved paintings featuring old ladies (‘Biddies’ as Gordon refers to them), Belted Galloways Cows and characterful Clyde ‘puffers’ allow him to create amusing narratives in his paintings which aim to uplift the observer before embracing the depth and thoughtfulness that has gone into each painting.

For this exclusive exhibition, Gordon hasn’t shied away from producing his largest paintings to date. After relocating his studio to a bigger space while his former studio space was repaired, Gordon was able to take on larger ambitious pieces. The centrepiece of the exhibition ‘Splendid Isolation’ measures in framed at a sizeable 5ft square. “You’ll need a big wall,” Gordon admits.

Annan Gallery owners Scott and Susan Bennett, who also own and run The Strathearn Gallery in Crieff, reopened their galleries at the start of July following lockdown and have experienced a strong

The Crinan Canal was completed in 1809 and runs between Ardrishaig and Crinan

Gordon’s reputation has grown following exhibits across the UK and New York. Inset, Gordon’s works ‘Splendid Isolation’ and ‘Wild Poppy Sea Cat’