Near and Far: Paintings by Sarah Anderson & Nicola Coutts.

Rural Scottish landscapes and nature close-up. 

We've been friends for over 25 years and studied Fine Art at Edinburgh University/Edinburgh College of Art.  Both of us were born in Newton Stewart in the south west of Scotland,  and we grew up surrounded by the countryside.   

Our exhibition brings together a collection of paintings and works on  paper which celebrate Scottish landscapes and flowers. 

Sarah Anderson's inspiration is the magnificent Scottish landscape,  particularly the west coast. Now based in Edinburgh, the recurring  themes in her work reflect the dramatic effects of weather on the  mountains and shorelines, trees and her favourite place: Edinburgh.  She seeks to capture the changing light and atmospheric effects which  provide her with endless ideas. Sarah's palette is highly-coloured, with  a wide tonal range, principally in oils. Sarah says: "The physical act  of painting is important to me, with the paint surface being a prominent element as I strive for simplicity of form and overall unity." Recent exhibitions include Gleneagles Townhouse, Torrance Gallery and  Velvet Easel Gallery, Edinburgh and Whitehouse Gallery, Kirkcudbright.   

Nicola Coutts lives in Midlothian and regularly visits botanical gardens  as a source of artistic inspiration. In 2023, Nicola completed a course  in Printmaking at Leith School of Art. During her studies, Nicola  developed an interest in monotype and mono-screenprinting, especially  when trying to depict a summer haze. Her latest paintings are freer compared to earlier works, and she uses  mixed media, collage, stencils and printmaking with intense colours. Nicola has recently been cultivating wildflowers in her garden so that  it becomes a stronger source of creativity. Recent exhibitions of her work have been held at Whitespace Gallery,  Edinburgh, National Galleries of Scotland, and Torrance Gallery,  Edinburgh.

View Nicola's Gallery to see the work which will be for sale in the exhibition.

Left: Sarah Anderson, Loch Coruisk, Skye, 58x58cm; Nicola Coutts, Chrysanthemums, 60x60cm.