Celebrating 25 years since graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in 1987, artists Helen L Robertson and Nicole Stevenson are exhibiting their paintings together, for the first time at the Inchmore Gallery near Inverness. The Exhibition runs from 31st March – 28th April 2012.

The exhibiton will showcase their love of the West Coast of Scotland and the Outer Isles, primarily its beaches and bays.

The girls met at Art College back in 1983 and their friendship has continued since then . Helen lives with her family near Kyle of Lochalsh and Nicole on the outskirts of Glasgow but each year they spend some time together painting in some stunning locations, sharing their love of art and the great outdoors . The rest of the year, their solitary life as artists is mutually encouraged and supported by conversations on the phone and by sending their paintings by e mail to one another for approval .

Helen has a strong reputation in the Highlands and her work can be seen in many galleries, including the Castle Gallery, Inverness and Gallery An Talla Dearg, Isle Ornsay, Skye. She has work in private collections worldwide and takes on many commisions.

Helen uses soft pastels to capture the essence of a place or time, enhancing the smaller aspects and giving the pebbles and the people as much importance as the wider landscape. She is fascinated by the dynamic of light, wether the dance of light upon a frothing wave or the drama of a sihouetted figure against a sun drenched sea; the contrast between the shadows and light is what drives, inspires and excites her as an artist.

Nicole lived in the Highlands for several years before settling down in Lenzie with her family. She is an elected member of the Glasgow Society of Woman Artists. Last year she had work accepted in both the Royal Glasgow Institute and the Paisley Art Institute. She sells her work in the Highlands and the Central Belt and has work in private collections.

Nicole loves the west coast of Scotland and the Islands and it is here she finds the inspiration for many of her paintings. Working with water based, mixed media and collage, she animates her landscapes with the characteristic white cottages and quirky personalities of little fishing boats.

” my favourite times are spent sitting on the beach painting while my children explore the shore, collecting crabs. And my time spent with Helen on our annual painting expeditions totally immersing ourselves in our shared love of art.”

Gallery opening times Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Open: Easter Sunday and Monday or by appointment

Inchmore Gallery
Inchmore
Inverness
IV5 7PX (6 miles west from Inverness on the A862)
t: 05602625740
email: info@inchmoregallery.co.uk
Web: www.inchmoregallery.co.uk