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John Lowrie Morrison has been a towering presence
on the international art scene for many years. He has
painted the west coast of Scotland since the early
1960s and his exhilarating displays of vibrant colours,
technical spontaneity and sheer creative energy
illuminate the entire canvas, summoning the unique
intensity of the west coast light. There is an energy in
each image which persuades us not simply to view this
compelling landscape, but rather to enter and inhabit it.
John’s roots are in the Outer Hebrides where some of
his family still live and work. Childhood visits to Skye
inspired him with a love of the crofting community and
all it represents in terms of people collaborating with,
or sometimes battling against, the landscape and the
elements. He studies the geography, history, geology
and - most of all – the folklore of a particular area, and
his paintings record the human imprint on the land.
Working in oil on paper or canvas, John paints
vigorously in carefree, seemingly random strokes that
breathe life into each and every composition. His
application of vivid colours in his painterly style creates
an intense representation of light, life and colour
which shines out from the darkness; for him this is an
intentional allegorical description of the positivity of
the human spirit.
Clarendon is proud and privileged to present this solo
exhibition from one of the most distinguished artists at
work in the UK.
John
Lowrie Morrison
OBE