03-10-2020 - 28-11-2020
Gregor Smith RSW has exhibited with Compass Gallery since the 1970s, a regular exhibitor in our mixed exhibitions and a dear friend of Compass Gallery, this will be his fifth solo show with us.
Four Points: A Geographical Journey demonstrates his rare ability to poetically capture the atmosphere, drama and beauty of the landscapes he visits. Drawing inspiration from his travels to the north of Scotland, the Norwegian fjords, the Italian mountains and lakes, and the gorges on the Yangtze, this exhibition has evolved slowly during the changing seasons. On his extended walks he is gathering notes and images in his sketchbooks, working plein air using pastels, heavy graphite sticks, Indian ink and watercolour. Seeing the land from the sea and the gradual timing of approaching the sharp cliffs, winter walks following the tracks of the mineral railways, and memories of the chiaroscuro of the lamplight reflect Gregor's admiration of the Vorticist artists such as Nevinson, with their jagged geometrical forms having an impact on Gregor’s work.
This exhibition includes large impressive oils, tiny studies on canvas, tranquil watercolours and technically accomplished etchings and woodcuts. All demonstrate Gregor’s deep-rooted, quiet passion for the atmosphere of the landscape around him and his superb mastery as an artist. Gregor’s trips to the north, south, east and west of the country, from Machrihanish Bay to Loch Ryan and across the Torridon mountains, provided the title of the exhibition whilst the unpredictable weather and changing light provided the rest.
Gregor Smith studied Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art and graduated in 1966, following which he won post-graduate and travelling scholarships. His first of several solo shows in Compass Gallery was held in 1977 and he was elected a member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour in 1983. He has shown in numerous solo and mixed exhibitions, won several awards and his work is held in extensive public and private collections.
Selected exhibitions include: Royal Academy, London; Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition; Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour; Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts; Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, London; Frank T Sabin, London; Catto Gallery, London; Scottish Arts Council, Edinburgh; Paisley Art Institute; Perth Art Gallery; Lime Tree Gallery, Bristol. Regular exhibitor at Compass Gallery, with solo exhibitions in 1977, 1997, 2008 and 2016. Recent awards include The W Gordon Smith and Mrs Jay Gordon Smith Award, RSW Annual Exhibition, 2019; RSW Prize for Watercolour to mark the 70th Birthday of the Patron, Prince Charles, 2018.