Lecturer Gillian galloping off to Exmoor

A D&A College artist has the bit between her teeth having won a bursary from the Society of Equestrian Artists to fund a week-long residential trip.

Lecturer Gillian Robertson is heading to Somerset to join other artists painting horses and equestrian scenes on Exmoor.

Under the auspices of contemporary art, Gillian teaches mostly print-making at D&A’s Gardyne campus. Using her maiden name, Gillian Melville, she paints in watercolour and works in the media of screen printing and lino printing.

All things equestrian have been of interest to Gillian for years. She said: “I was a keen rider until I was expecting my second child and I really do believe that working with and grooming horses and ponies instils a deep knowledge of their anatomy, making creating equine art easier.”

Gillian saw the opportunity to take part in the residential online and sent the organisers pictures of various examples of her work — a charcoal and watercolour study of Collessie Pride, a prize-winning Clydesdale stallion from Kinshaldy Stables where the artist used to ride; a watercolour still-life; and a lino-cut inspired by circus horses.

Having applied for funding at the gallop, the artist had to slow to a walk while she waited for a reply — but was delighted to learn she will be heading for Exmoor.