Our current art show is proving popular too; all local artists whom we have come to know since taking up residence on Howe Street.
There is always a new spin on the theme; a new character or series of solid, thoughtful men pacing the landscape, climbing the mast like a human totem or simply pondering the great 'why' of the world.
So many landscape painters at the moment lean towards a heightened reality in colour; maybe an escapist slant on our gloomy greys, but they personally leave me cold. The opposite can be true in paintings focusing entirely on a palette of grey and blue that misses the nuances and shades of the Scottish seasons.
Newton catches the ochres, umbers, and grimy yellows of the landscape and much more; he comes across as someone who simply loves the land and the light upon it, and has the eyes to see how it all hangs together.
We admit that this year seems to be testing our limits more than ever, but the usual warm welcome is still in place!
Happy Festival!