Ron Lawson
‘Ron Lawson 2020 Solo Exhibition’ Ron Lawson, Scotland’s most original and in demand landscape painter, opens his only exhibition of the year, inspired by trips during better times...
2020 has been an unprecedented year. With everyone the world over having to adapt to a new reality of living and working during a global pandemic, each situation brings with it its’ own unique challenges.
For Ron Lawson, one of Scotland’s biggest artists, being unable to travel during ‘lockdown’ meant his traditional research trips around Scotland for inspiration could not happen, with just a short visit to Skye managed at the very start of the year.
Having last year planned his much anticipated and only Solo Exhibition of 2020 to be in October at The Strathearn Gallery, Ron instead decided to complete his trips and revisit some of his favourite Scottish places through his painting.
“Skye was planned as the first of trips to also include Tiree, the Uists, Harris and Lewis. Originally intending to travel to these places and take a fresh look at some of my favourite locations, I instead decided to revisit each place thorough my previous sketch work and photographs. Sometimes looking back over 20 years, I looked at each location anew and thought about what it meant to me.
My new exhibition features each of the places I would have passed through on my planned trips. Starting with Eilean Donan Castle, my route would have taken me to Uig on Skye to meet the ferry. I’d pass the spectacular Storr Rocks and the famous Old Man of Storr. Once on North Uist, I intended to head directly to Cairinis, the location of the very first thatched cottage I painted in 1989. I’ve completed a new version for the show.
A favourite location of mine is Tiree and I couldn’t put a show together without including a couple of my favourite Tiree locations, Balematine and Mannal.
I very much miss the islands. I was really looking forward to a return trip this year. These are wonderful places, Scotland at its’ best and I enjoy every minute of being there. Sometimes the weather makes it a little challenging... but pack your wellies and you’ll be fine...
Every place I’ve painted is special to me - magical places where I try to capture the feel of and all of which I hope to return to one day soon.”
As part of the exhibition, for the first time, Ron will also be exhibiting a series of monochrome paintings specifically painted for this exhibition.
“In my chosen medium of watercolour, one colour is many colours just by adding water. The effects and textures you can achieve with just this simple process are amazing and I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of painting with only a monochrome palette. It presents an even greater challenge and I’m keen to explore this style further so for the first time, I’ve put together a focused group of monochrome paintings specifically for the show.”
Few artists in today’s market now regularly achieve sell-out exhibitions but Ron Lawson is one such artist which is testament to the quality of Ron’s art, his talent and hard work, spanning a painting career of over 40 years.
Always humbled and grateful with the response to and demand for his paintings, Ron is above all delighted with an excuse for further research trips (when he can) out to his beloved islands...
‘ Ron Lawson 2020’ features over 35 new paintings from Ron Lawson.
Opening 10am on 17th October at The Strathearn Gallery, Crieff and runs to 15th November
To receive an electronic catalogue ahead of the show opening, please email: info@strathearn-gallery.com
Open 7 days a week Gallery hours:
Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm
The Strathearn Gallery 32 West High Street Crieff
PH7 4DL
T: 01764 656100 E: info@strathearn-gallery.com