Art and Heritage Online Database

Collection: Gray's School of Art Collection
Object Type: Painting
Artist/Maker: Simpson, Scott
Date: 2009
Media/Materials: oil and mixed media on canvas
Dimensions: overall: 90 cm x 90 cm
Awards: RGU Drawing and Painting Purchase Award; BP Fine Art Award

Description:

A portrait of ghillie Willam Murdoch.

William Murdoch was born in 1851. A regular contributor to 'The Fishing Gazette', he wrote with authority on natural history and fishing in the Northeast of Scotland. He was also one of the founders of the Deeside Field club.

Artist's statement:
"I find parallels between painting and fly-fishing, with the latter being described as 'a labour in vain'. This sounds familiar. My family has strong links to fly-tying, that fine art of catching anglers. My doctrine of seeing the world at a walking pace and my use of exotic materials, colour and light, have lent well to this particular subject."
Object Number: ABDRG2010.353