CENTRE FOR MODERN & CONTEMPORARY
STUDIO CERAMICS AND ORIGINAL ARTWORK

: Edinburgh based artist Niall McWilliam paints contemporary themes which enable the spectator to draw upon a veriety of experiences. He aims to conjour moods which his audience can share and enjoy. Niall has developed his paintng techniques allowing a layering of materials which are built up creating a visual depth to his work.

He has extensively researched and recorded the coastlines of Scotland and will always return looking for new inspiration. Recently he has returned from China and is building a new collection of work based on Asian symbolism.

Description of Artist Subject Matter and Influences: Scotland has been a constant focus of interest to me and I have researched numerous areas around its coastline. The areas are so changeable in their moods and its unlimited source of subject matter will always lure me to return. I have tried to reflect the remoteness of the coastal areas but also the endearing quality of tranquillity.

When painting my landscape views I have found a more simplified approach to treating the subject matter looking at the broad areas of colour which represent the changing mood of the scenery. The introduction of materials also within my painting has given me a new vigour towards the work. I am beginning to focus on the relationship of how colour mood and movement all combine to encapsulate an atmospheric effect.

Rather than translating a view pictorially I am keen to represent the relationship between the land and the sea. I am looking more closely at the rhythms of the sea and its influences on the coast and shoreline. Smaller close up views can be rendered in a larger scale and I am fascinated by how nature can continually change and affect the landscape.

It is my hope that the spectator can experience the same moods and feelings that I endeavour to capture when I translate the subject matter I paint. It is very rewarding for me to hear that people who have purchased my work find something different to see within my paintings every day.