FRANCES MACDONALD

Frances Macdonald Biography

 

 

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 with her husband, Nick Ryan, 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.

Elected   Council Member, SSWA~1983-1986
Elected   Council Member, RGI~2004-2006


Exhibitions Include:

1975   Gallery Paton, Edinburgh
1977   Shore Gallery, Edinburgh
1988   Macaulay Gallery, Stenton
1989   Sue Rankin Gallery, London
1993   Kelly Gallery, Glasgow
1993   Kelly Gallery, Glasgow
1994   Kelly Gallery, Glasgow
1995   Kelly Gallery, Glasgow
1996   Scottish Art Club, Edinburgh
1997   Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
1998   Cyril Gerber Fine Art, Glasgow
1999   Cyril Gerber Fine Art, Glasgow
1999   Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
2000   Portland Gallery, London
2001   Art 2001: The London Contemporary Art Fair
2002   Portland Gallery, London
2003   Portland Gallery, London
2005   Art 2005: The London Contemporary Art Fair
2005   Portland Gallery, London
2008   Portland Gallery, London
2009   Portland Gallery, London


Forthcoming Exhibition:

2011   Portland Gallery, London


Collections Include:

Adam & Company, Edinburgh
BKR Haines Watts, CA, Glasgow
Drummond Miller Solicitors, Edinburgh
First National Bank, USA
Fred Olsen Shipping Line
Gleneagles Hotel
Halifax
Misys plc
No.1 Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow
Property Captial Group
Robert Fleming Holdings
Stenna Shipping Line

Macdonald's paintings are featured in private collections worldwide.