Trapezium Online Gallery

Of the chain of islands that constitute The Outer Hebrides, the small islands, Barra and Vatersay, are the most southerly of those that are inhabited. They are 70 Km from the mainland of Scotland and now conjoined to one another by a causeway they are home to the population of around 1300 people. The main road is a 23 km circle around the periphery of Barra with branches reaching out to the extremities and Vatersay. Weather is an important feature, with invigorating storms and strong Atlantic winds energising the sea with big waves crashing onto the rocks and rolling in onto Barra’s fabulous sandy bays. Trees are almost non-existent. Reflection off the sea and lack of atmospheric pollution create a strong light that is attractive to the artist. My first visits to Barra in 1981 was a camping tour of the Outer Hebrides. Wet and windy but nevertheless enchanted, I was compelled to return three times. Yearning to paint there on a 2 week summer holiday in 2016, I managed just two unfinished oils. Painting was just not compatible with camping! So, frustrated, I hatched a plan to find cheap and cheerful accommodation out of season for the following February and enlisted a good artistic friend. We spent four weeks immersed in sketching and painting - Fabulous - Fond memories - Enjoy the exhibition.