In pictures: Spring Fling artists' favourite places

11 April 2018

News image — Kirkcudbright provides the inspiration for painter Heather M Nisbet

Heather M Nisbet Kirkcudbright — Kirkcudbright provides the inspiration for painter Heather M Nisbet

A new exhibition ahead of a major open studios weekend in southern Scotland is focused on artists' favourite places.

They range from the harbour at Kirkcudbright to an abandoned cottage on Lewis.

Angela Lawrence Rockcliffe — A glorious day at Rockcliffe has been put on canvas by Angela Lawrence

In total more than 30 artists and makers are part of the Place exhibition at the Ottersburn Gallery in Dumfries.

It comes ahead of the annual Spring Fling weekend in Dumfries and Galloway at the end of May.

Helen Acklam Breasclete — A scene from the Isle of Lewis captured the imagination of Helen Acklam

Among those taking part is Kirkcudbright painter Heather M Nisbet.

"For me Kirkcudbright is 'the place'," she explained.

"My studio is there and much of my current work is inspired by its buildings, its boats and the local landscape.

"I went to school in Kirkcudbright but lived in Glasgow for many years and have only recently returned. I can't get enough of it."

Kevan McGinty Inverpollaidh — Kevan McGinty said the Inverpollaidh region of the North West Highlands had had a dramatic effect on his imagination

Joanna Macaulay, events and exhibitions manager for Upland which runs Spring Fling, said: "The exhibition celebrates the role this region and others play in the creative lives of our artists and gives a snapshot of all that makes Dumfries and Galloway so special.

"It's a great foretaste to the open studios weekend when visitors will get the chance to meet artists and makers throughout one of the most beautiful and inspiring parts of Scotland."

Liz Gilbey January at Ornockenoch — Liz Gilbey, of Gatehouse of Fleet, said her work January at Ornockenoch was made on the hills behind her home

Sean McKay, who runs the Ottersburn Gallery, said it was delighted to be part of Spring Fling for the first time.

"Opening Ottersburn Gallery and Picture Framing has underlined our own sense of place here in our home town," he said.

"Its location in the heart of Dumfries, tucked beside the Nith, is the perfect spot for working artists who call Dumfries and Galloway their home."

The exhibition runs from 17 April to 7 May.

Minette Bell Macdonald Solway Storm — Minette Bell Macdonald from Lockerbie captured a Solway Storm for the exhibition