John BATHGATE
Paintings on this page are currently available at the gallery
John Bathgate works from his studio just south of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye. Originally from the Borders, he was attracted here in 1992 by a love of the rugged, wilder country of Scotland's north west, which inspires much ofhis work.
"After joining "The Lothians Group of Artists" in 1979, I started exhibiting in and around Edinburgh and established my first working studio in Haddington, East Lothian.I have been working as a full time artist ever since, exhibiting in group and one-man shows throughout Scotland, with the occasional foray south of the border.
Now in the north west of Skye, I look out on Loch Bracadale, with views south to Rum and Canna, the Cuillins and west to MacLeods Tables. The quality of light here and the constantly changing weather provide all the inspiration for many of the paintings produced.
I work in various media and like to explore ways of applying paint and collage to create interpretations of the elements that shape the Scottish landscape. Waterbased media allow everything from thin layered washes, to thickly applied acrylic, with collage integrated into the paint. Work in oils has again begun to feature and some very effective images are produced with the use of collage alone.
Most of my ideas are gleaned from walking in the landscape, recording details in sketchbooks, drawing in pencil and watercolour crayons to make a loose washy account of my ramblings.
I may be attracted to a panoramic view, or a cluster of trees and houses. Often, it is smaller details, like drystone dykes or a tangle of seaweed on rocks. Back in the studio I can concentrate on the paintings, without the difficulty of the elements, a necessity in a Highland environment. On occasions, some images arrive on their own, with no preliminary drawings. At times, when an accumulation of work starts a flow of ideas, paintings build into a series. I like to have an open mind and try any new ideas that come my way. I am always learning."
