Camilla Watson

Edinburgh, Scotland

I'd like to present to you the stunning artwork of a Scottish painter I've known for quite some time. Camilla Watson's use of paint really is exquisite and so I've uploaded some of her work here with a short write up and bio along with a link to her website and contact details if you'd like to find out more. She's definitely an artist to keep your eye on.

Watson belongs to a long tradition of Scottish painting, which was largely influenced in the early 20th century by French artists such as Monet, Matisse, and Cézanne.

Many of the ideas and painterly qualities of these French masters were incorporated into the works of their contemporary Scottish artists including Samuel John Peploe (1871-1935); John Duncan Fergusson (1874-1961); George Leslie Hunter (1877-1931) and Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell (1883-1937). These four Scots are today recognised as the Scottish Colourists, and their work still continues to impact Scottish painting.

Following the tradition

There was a redefinition of painterly traditions by the Scottish Colourists with a shift in the qualities of light and colour evolving the still life, landscapes, and figurative drawings of the day. Watson’s work continues this tradition with a keen interest in how light and colour infuses to create intense visual relationships, in turn affecting one’s personal response to it. Although one may define Watson’s work as abstract with its striking use of contrasting colour and bold shapes, her work is firmly rooted in the tradition of landscape painting.

Watson explains, “I use written elements in my work, particularly from historical maps and documents. Handwriting and place names are important parts of each piece. The paintings look to the edges of traditional landscape painting, finding abstracted motifs and using strong colour to create a memorable atmosphere and a sense of timelessness. I want to find the connection between the past and the present to give a genuine expression of human experience in the landscape.”

Education and work

Graduating from Edinburgh College of Art with a BA (Hons) in Drawing and Painting in 2004, Watson also studied for two years at the Leith School of Art gaining a distinction for consistently excellent work. The artist has exhibited in both the Visual Arts Scotland and Royal Scottish Academy exhibitions, winning the RSA Latimer and SSA Kilmorack awards for meritorious work.

Currently working at a gallery in Edinburgh's bohemian district of Stockbridge, Watson continues to tick all the right boxes with regards to building a strong, loyal fan base and ensuring that her work is seen by a large audience.

Notes of interest for the artist in 2010:

• Involved in a successful joint exhibition while still contributing paintings elsewhere and working on commissions.

• Contributed an article entitled 'Making a Name for Yourself; Giotto & Durer and the Artists Signature' to The Pulse Magazine.

• Contributed an article to New Linear Perspectives on the subject of artist’s signatures.

• Judged the Fettes College Art Competition.

Contact Camilla here http://www.camillawatson.com/