IAN DARLING

Ian moved to Cockenzie in East Lothian three years ago and was inspired to start painting again after many years when he opened his house to visiting artists during the 3 Harbours Festival. The following year Ian displayed his own work during the festival and hasn't looked back, spending as much time as possible in his converted studio.

Ian's inspiration comes from a range of places both close to home and further afield, including the East Lothian coast, the Western Isles, New England and Europe. All have one thing in common however and that is wide open spaces, big skies, coastal life and isolation. His deceptively simple compositions mask an intensity and stillness that makes for a powerfully atmospheric image, drawing you into the scene and giving a sense of the beauty and wildness of nature.

Ian works predominantly in acrylics but also uses pencil for more detailed figure work. His preferred method is to use large blocks of colour to create a mood within the paintings and then add some detail, for example a lighthouse or a croft, in order to engage the viewer and instigate a sense of enquiry and reflection about the scene.