Frances MACDONALD

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BIOGRAPHY

Frances Macdonald is unrivalled in her ability to capture the true character of the coastline of Argyll and the Western Isles.

Following in the footsteps of the great artists of the post-Victorian era, Macdonald has now established herself as a worthy successor to the likes of Cadell, Peploe, Glass and Maclaughlan Milne. Here is someone who effortlessly manages to make you feel the heat of the sun, the hint of salt carried on the wind, the desolate beauty and magnificent panorama of the west coast shoreline. Here is someone who is wonderfully in touch with her subject matter; an artist who understands that there is every bit as much beauty in a raging storm as there is in a sun-soaked tranquil, aquamarine cove. Here is someone who is immersed in her surroundings and can convey their every nuance to the viewer.

It is therefore hardly surprising to realise that Frances Macdonald both lives and works in a delightfully unspoiled corner of Argyll, at Crinan. From her studio and from The Crinan Hotel, which she runs with her husband, Nick Ryan, there are inspirational views across the water to the north end of Jura and to Scarba. Details of the Crinan Hotel may be viewed on their website: www.crinanhotel.com

Her trademark use of the palette knife to depict the very structure of the rock formations is balanced by an uncanny ability to portray the true colours of both beach and sea. At first glance there is a temptation to think that the colours would be more at home in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, but visit the West Coast of Scotland and you will see that they are just as Macdonald depicts them.

Elected Council Member, SSWA~1983-1986
Elected Council Member, RGI~2004-2006

The Portland Gallery is delighted to be holding her latest exhibition in London which opens on 7th March 2008.

Exhibitions Include:

1975 Gallery Paton, Edinburgh
1977 Shore Gallery, Edinburgh
1988 Macaulay Gallery, Stenton
1989 Sue Rankin Gallery, London
1993 Kelly Gallery, Glasgow
1993 Kelly Gallery, Glasgow
1994 Kelly Gallery, Glasgow
1995 Kelly Gallery, Glasgow
1996 Scottish Art Club, Edinburgh
1997 Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
1998 Cyril Gerber Fine Art, Glasgow
1999 Cyril Gerber Fine Art, Glasgow
1999 Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
2000 Portland Gallery, London
2001 Art 2001: The London Contemporary Art Fair
2002 Portland Gallery, London
2003 Portland Gallery, London
2005 Art 2005: The London Contemporary Art Fair
2005 Portland Gallery, London
2006 Portland Gallery, London
2007 Portland Gallery, London

Collections Include:

Adam & Company, Edinburgh
BKR Haines Watts, CA, Glasgow
Drummond Miller Solicitors, Edinburgh
First National Bank, USA
Fred Olsen Shipping Line
Gleneagles Hotel
Halifax
Misys plc
No.1 Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow
Property Captial Group
Robert Fleming Holdings
Stenna Shipping Line

Frances Macdonald's paintings are featured in private collections worldwide.

>> Examples of paintings

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