Arundel Contemporary

Back in October 2019, accompanied by my sister Julie, I headed out for the first time to the Shetland Isles. We were immediately engulfed in rain, wind, storms, sun, colour, and a violent drama of fragmented landscapes broken up by lochs and extreme coastlines.

These new works are an immediate response to this wild and uniquely beautiful set of islands positioned in the far north of the Atlantic Ocean.

We stayed in Eshaness Lighthouse, on a rocky peninsula which comprises the remains of an ancient volcano, with steep cliffs, neolithic remains, croft ruins and lochs mere steps from the front door. I drew as storms raced in, swept over me and then back out to sea. The rocks on the peninsula range in colour, from coal black to burnt senna, orange and viridian green. Massive sea stacks line the coast, and the land is stark with deep, vibrant tones of olive green, red ochre and earth yellows.

With these paintings I have attempted to capture on canvas the many wild and diverse moods of these islands and the surrounding ocean, layering oils and capturing the energy of the elements.

Nicola Rose