James Lumsden was artist in residence at An Talla Solais during February/March 2010, supported by a Royal Scottish Academy Residencies for Scotland Award. For this exhibition he returns to Ullapool with an exhibition of new and recent paintings, including some created for this show and a group of small ‘graphites’ produced during his time at An Talla Solais.

Talking about the unusual process he uses to make his paintings, Lumsden says:

“I aim to make paintings which are luminous, seductive, sensual and atmospheric. I am fascinated in how the raw materials innate to the medium can be turned into something poetic – an object filled with light, feeling, atmosphere and emotion.

My work is primarily concerned with process – building translucent glazes of paint until an illusion of light and depth are achieved. The process involves the application of multiple thin glazes of acrylic paint and gloss medium. These are paintings which draw the viewer beneath the surface to give some experience of their making – both revealing and concealing the history of the painting process. Arrived at by both chance and deliberation, the final painting reveals varying chromatic strata, which can be seen through the translucence and depth of the work.”

Originally from Inverness, James Lumsden now lives and works in Edinburgh. His work is exhibited worldwide, from Canada to London. It was Lumsden’s approach to ‘painting with light’ that made him an excellent candidate for the An Talla Solais residency last year, and we are thrilled to be able to put on such a major exhibition of his paintings this summer.

The show runs from 6th – 29th August, open 2-5pm daily; entry free. On August 28th (6pm) Lumsden will offer a tour of the show and a Question & Answer session for those who would like to meet him and find out more about his work.

An Talla Solais is next to the Village Hall on Market Street, Ullapool IV26 2XE (01854 612310, www.antallasolais.org).