Scottish landscape painter Beth Robertson Fiddes says: “Creating a painting is a process of discovery. It’s a balance between the inspiration and the reference point of the landscape and allowing the painting to gain its own identity”.
Beth spent the early part of her childhood on Tiree, a place she still regards as special and one day would return to paint. She graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 1995, winning the RSA Benno Schotz Award in 1997 and second award in the prestigious 2011 Jolomo Bank of Scotland Awards.
Her north-east of Scotland solo debut was held with Stonehaven’s Gallery at Fifty Five in 2014, and she returns this year with her new show.
Size, vision, colour, dominant, subtle, hypnotising and confident execution are words that spring to mind immediately when viewing any Beth Robertson Fiddes exhibition; it can have an overwhelming effect. From her painting trips to the west Highland coast, Skye, Harris, Mull, St Kilda and even Iceland, Beth seeks out the mysterious and primal locations and captures the drama, atmosphere and essence of the landscape that surrounds her.
The abstract rock formations and tranquil waters studied, drawn and soaked in are transformed eventually in an emotional release on to board in acrylic, oil paint, ink and collage.
Owner of Gallery at Fifty Five Eion Stewart said: “We had been impressed by Beth’s work for years, but it was at the launch of the Jolomo 2013 Awards – held in 2012 – that we first met her and we’ve been showing her work ever since. The quality of Beth’s work is outstanding and she has gained, and is still gaining, recognition throughout the UK as well as in countries all over the world. Followers from France, Holland and Canada have visited us in the gallery especially for Beth’s paintings; that’s truly special.”
Gallery at Fifty Five is an independent art gallery specialising in contemporary Scottish paintings by leading and up-and-coming artists living and working in Scotland, hosting regular exhibitions throughout the year as well as providing a bespoke picture-framing service.
The Beth Robertson Fiddes Solo Exhibition runs until Wednesday, June 24, at Gallery at Fifty Five, 55 Allardice Street, Stonehaven AB39 2AB. Contact the gallery on 01569 785606, info@galleryatfiftyfive.co.uk or check out the website www.galleryatfiftyfive.co.uk