Two old friends are next up at Fidra Fine Art. George Birrell and Davy Brown met while studying at Glasgow School of Art in the late 60’s, early 70’s and have remained firm friends ever since.
Both George and Davy follow a great tradition of Scottish colourist painters. They talk avidly and fondly of the training they received at Glasgow School of Art. Tutors such as the wonderful painters; Alexander Goudie, David Donaldson, Jimmy Robertson and William Crosbie, who were themselves seduced by the sumptuous pigments and spontaneity of the work by the Scottish Colourists before them, greatly influenced not only George and Davy, but a whole generation of Scottish artists working today.
However, major influences for both artists came before art college. For George, it was his art teacher at school, William Birnie who provided early inspiration. Keen observation of buildings, landscapes and the changing light of the seasons typified William Birnie’s work and it is surely no coincidence that these are strong features found in George’s paintings.
For Davy, early and enduring influence came from the two great Scottish artists, Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde. His passion for their work has fuelled his own painting career and echoes of their work can be seen in his latest collection of still life and landscape pieces. Following a health scare in 2013, a slight change can be seen in his work – still strong colour with a familiar texture but a subtle change in his palette has introduced a fresh, airy quality to his work.
Both artists have produced new work for this show. Davy has returned to the Galloway harbours and landscape near his home in Newton Stewart for inspiration. Also included and with a nod to MacBryde, are a number of still life pieces which feature the artist’s paraphernalia, bathed in light from around his studio.
George has included new pieces inspired by the architecture and atmosphere of the East Coast fishing villages and castles he is so well known for, but as always, he has explored new colour melodies to delight his collectors.
It’s great to welcome back two Scottish artists working at the height of their powers.
George Birrell & Davy Brown exhibition opens 29 October and continues until 4 December with a Preview on Friday 28 October 6-8pm.
