Frances Macdonald painting in her studio
Frances Macdonald is unrivalled in her ability to capture the true character of the coastline of Argyll and the Western Isles.
Following in the footsteps of the great artists of the post-Victorian era, Macdonald has now established herself as a worthy successor to the likes of Cadell, Peploe, Glass and Maclaughlan Milne. Here is someone who effortlessly manages to make you feel the heat of the sun, the hint of salt carried on the wind, the desolate beauty and magnificent panorama of the west coast shoreline. Here is someone who is wonderfully in touch with her subject matter; an artist who understands that there is every bit as much beauty in a raging storm as there is in a sun-soaked tranquil, aquamarine cove. Here is someone who is immersed in her surroundings and can convey their every nuance to the viewer.
It is therefore hardly surprising to realise that Frances Macdonald both lives and works in a delightfully unspoiled corner of Argyll, at Crinan. From her studio and from The Crinan Hotel, which she runs, there are inspirational views across the water to the north end of Jura and to Scarba. Details of the Crinan Hotel may be viewed on their website: www.crinanhotel.com
Her trademark use of the palette knife to depict the very structure of the rock formations is balanced by an uncanny ability to portray the true colours of both beach and sea. At first glance there is a temptation to think that the colours would be more at home in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, but visit the West Coast of Scotland and you will see that they are just as Macdonald depicts them.