INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST

Did this Interview after winning a challenge in a Scottish based RedBubble Group.

1. Firstly, tell us more about your winning image and why it was this one that inspired you to enter it for the challenge?
The winning Image is a 40×40 cm painting of Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan. Looking North out to the isles of Rum, Eigg and Muck (just below Rum). The Challenge was titled “A perfect green and blue Scottish summer”. While most would be thinking grass/trees/vegetation for green, I was thinking of the greens and Blues of the turquoise waters around the West coast. On a perfect summer day the sun really lights up the white sand and contrasts the black rock, both setting off the magnificent colours of the water.

2. Everyone can see your RB profile, but tell us a bit more about Scott Naismith and his art?
In the nine years I have been a full time artist my style has evolved year on year. More recently my work has taken on more abstract qualities, as I have started to make my work more about the processes/application/colour statements etc and less about the places themselves.

3. How did you start your artistic journey and what inspires to continue?
My artistic journey began when old enough to hold a crayon. All through School I was encouraged by the response I got from others which encouraged me to go to art school in Dundee. After this, all the encouragement and acknowledgement received was now in the form of people spending their hard earned money to own one of my paintings, which is the biggest reward as an artist. Without buyers appreciating what I do, I could not continue doing what I love full time.

4. What do you think is your greatest accomplishment as an artist to date?
My greatest accomplishment to date may have been my representation at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) in the Mall Galleries, London last year. The accomplishment which may have been the most significant in moulding my career would be getting a solo exhibition at Ian Kenny Gallery the year I left Duncan of Jordanstone School of art. Another great achievement was the purchase and displaying of 72 original paintings at the Aviemore Highland Resort and Conference Centre.

5. Tell us a bit more about the aspirations and goals for you in the future as an artist?
My daily goal is to make each painting I paint better than the last one, if I can achieve this, all other goals (which frighten me to think about aiming for) will be achievable.

6. As this is group has a wee bit of the Scots about it, what single-most thing do you think of when asked about “Scotland”?
For me it’s the changing Scottish weather and light qualities that it makes possible. I have a great interest in painting skies and, more specifically, transitional skies. As a colourist, how the light changes to expose different colours in the landscape and sky is all important for me. I get so inspired when travelling to the Islands on Calmac ferries. It can be a bit wild out on the deck at times, but that’s where I’ll be the entire six hour to Barra. The changing sky can be seen in all its glory and in all directions from here. The camera can record some of it, but much of my work is done by memory.

7. If there was only one choice of location in Scotland where you could go and visit to capture images or paint a scene, where would this be and why?
If I could pick a whole Island, it would be Skye, its diverse landscape inspires me in new ways every time I return. If it was only one specific location, it would be Arisaig where you get the most spectacular views out to Rum and Eigg from its sandy beaches.

8. Lastly, as this is your time in the “The Scots Are Coming” spotlight, is there any messages (inspirational, gratitude or otherwise) that you would like to share with the group?
I’d just like to say how much I enjoy being part of the RedBubble community. It can be an isolating job at times, painting from my studio at the house. As an artist you don’t really mix with other fellow professionals much and it’s good to be part of something that brings us creative people together in some way. I’m now looking forward to my virtual solo exhibition on the “solo exhibition” group which has a preview on Monday 9th November where you can chat to people who come and see your work in the forum