Blog Post

Portraits Beyond the Surface from Graeme Sharp

Kate Downes • 28 January 2020

Colours take centre stage in these works from our newest artist

Graeme Sharp is particularly well known on the Glasgow art scene, especially through the attention his work has received at the Glasgow Art Fair. Here at Watson we have been very excited to bring in some of Graeme's incredible portrait works, which more than deserve their reputation.

Graeme's work makes the kind of impact that is impossible to miss; several fans of his art have found their way into Watson after spotting a piece in the window and immediately recognising it. Two of the five pieces Graeme sent to us were sold within seven days of their arrival!

This series of Graeme's works features a scorching palette of deep reds and arresting yellows, as he uses the portraits to capture the fire and light within each subject - rather than simply looking at the surface. When seen in person, the heat seems to radiate from the canvas, bringing each piece to glowing life.

The Scottish art world has a great heritage in colour - not just from the famous Scottish Colourists, but so many of the country's best known and beloved artists. Perhaps the cool light of the far north makes us appreciate the importance of each shade and hue, grey skies leaving us more vulnerable to the emotional effect of colour.

These works are a perfect example of just how powerful colours can be, but also benefit from a heady and energetic use of texture. The palette knife strokes lift the colours off the canvas, creating an even more intense contrast between bright highlights and burnt shadows.

Graeme's mastery of colour, both in compositional balance and in emotional expression, has already placed him as a firm favourite among many Scottish art collectors. We are eager to share his work with art lovers in and around Edinburgh - and given the response we have seen so far, we would encourage all our visitors to come in to view these works while they have the chance!

You can find more of Graeme's works available to view here.

Please get in contact if you are interested in viewing or reserving any of of the artworks shown.

See more of our latest blogs and news here !

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