Artist of the Month

Our featured artist this month is Charles Herbert of Kildonan, who paints atmospheric seascapes and west coast scenes in oils.

Charles, can you tell us something about your development as a painter?

I started by going to John Bell’s art class in Biggar for over ten years. Every Tuesday morning was sacrosanct – the art class had priority – which was not easy in the midst of a busy business life.

I began to exhibit and to get some commissions, often for landscapes in the local Clyde Valley area and for views of people’s farms and farmhouses. As I sold more work my confidence increased and so did my range of painting.

And how do you now come to be painting here on Arran?

My wife Jan and I decided to move closer to the sea; we love big skies and the inspiration that seascapes give to my painting. A plot of land became available in Kildonan and here we are, loving the ever-changing views and colours of sea and sky.