Chris Forsey’s first memory of drawing is with his grandad, who lived downstairs from him in London, when he was a boy. He would spend the morning with him and pestering his grandad for something to do, he gave him some paper that meat had been delivered in, and a pencil. 

We have had a glorious summer. Now the first hints of autumn are appearing as we prepare our new exhibition. Many artists enjoy the richness of the season after the brash light of summer.

Barbara Robertson (Babs) sadly died this month, just days short of her 73rd birthday. Barbara was a superb printmaker, sensitive, observant, full of humour and wonderfully skilled. She was also warm, generous and great company.

These wonderful warm languid summer days have made the garden a joy to be in but alas it has been tinged with more than a little sadness as an important aerial element has been missing. 

Dawnne McGeachy never tires of painting the sea. Her powerful seascapes have a visceral quality. Not for her, gentle waves lapping a quiet shore — the sea thunders and crashes in her intoxicating paintings.

Summertime and the livin’ is easy...so goes the Gershwin song. Well summer seems to have well and truly arrived this year with temperatures even in north east Scotland soaring into the high twenties. We always look forward to our Summer Exhibition as we take the opportunity to introduce new artists to the gallery.

Like everyone, it seems, we have slowly woken up to the realisation of the harm that plastics cause to the environment and the food chain.

We are fortunate at Tolquhon Gallery to be surrounded by open countryside and a well stocked, constantly evolving, wrap-around garden. And we enjoy sharing it with visitors.