When Frances Macdonald begins to work in earnest towards an exhibition of new work she will travel to Iona for inspiration.
In the late summer Guy Peploe, her son Ross Ryan and six friends were lucky enough to embark on a trip to explore Iona and Erraid, observe the artist at work, make thier own efforts and cruise on the Ryan family boat Scarbh in the company of dolphins and perfect Hebridean days. They talked whilst Frances painted, her palette knife moving instinctively, the deep bay, white beach and emerald sea taking shape before their eyes.There were other works made at the North End of Iona: Eilan Annraidh, and the view to Gribun Head and Loch na Keal on Mull; the distinctive rocks so cherished by Scottish Colourists FCB Cadell and SJ Peploe nearly a century before and the long White Strand facing across the Sound of Iona again inspired the artist. These paintings, along with many other works will be brought together this December.
This is her fifth show with The Scottish Gallery representing a remarkable decade of creative effort, always anchored at her favourite locations, at Crinan and Iona, full of originality and in deep tune with both the spirit and real experience of place.
