Issued: 13 October 2008
Exhibition At Montrose Museum Features Work Of Liz Douglas
The latest exhibition at Montrose Museum opening on 18 October features paintings and drawings by artist Liz Douglas. The exhibition, entitled 'Interface' contains work from five series of paintings inspired by sites of special scientific interest in the Yarrow and Moffatdale Valleys in the Scottish Borders.
The paintings are based on the universal themes of growth and regeneration, and are an exploration of natural forms. Liz's canvasses are textured and stained, scraped at and poured onto, giving a feeling of layers of time, infinite variation, and movement, as well as structure and form. They reveal another dimension to the natural world, that of the unexpected and unpredictable.
Liz's work explores natural forms within the wider landscape and the activities present and past which leave trace marks. She focuses on the macro and the micro element within the landscape. What may seem like a local landscape can, when looked at closely, reveal other surprising dimensions and it is this contrast between the visible and the invisible that intrigues her. Science is a valuable part of this process. She looks at plants, pollen grains and seeds through a scanning electron microscope to reveal structural elements which she incorporates into her drawings and paintings.
Although based in Selkirk, Liz is no stranger to Angus as she was brought up near Aberlemno and its Pictish stones, and is therefore delighted to have been invited to exhibit her work in Angus Council's galleries and museums.
"The broad valley of Strathmore as seen from the top of the Angus hills has been an inspiration throughout my early life, in the beginnings of my own work. I also experienced a deep well of rich cultural life, music and poetry."
Liz studied at Edinburgh College of Art, gaining a B.A. Hons. in Drawing and Painting in 1991 and Master of Fine Art - Painting in 1993. She is a member of the Scottish Society of Artists and has gained an impressive array of scholarships and research awards. She has exhibited nationally and has work in many public and private collections, including The National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Borders Council.
The exhibition opens on Saturday 18 October and runs until 15 November. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 10.00am - 5.00pm and is admission free.