FOR LOVERS of colour, our new exhibItion is a must-see. The sheer energy that pulsates from John Lowrie Morrison's paintings is palpable.
We first showed John's work in 1998. We had been told about this exciting artist, who was worth seeing, by a fellow artist from Argyll, Gillian Goodheir. She told us he had recently given up his job as an art adviser to paint full time and his landscapes were proving hugely popular. We got in touch and we could immediately see there was a special quality there. His paintings made a strong connection with people.
Hayfield Isle Of Gigha oil on canvas 24" x 24"
His exhibition here in 1998 was followed by another successful show in 2004. Since then, we have included his paintings in many exhibitions but this is the first major solo show we have held and we are delighted to be hosting it in our thirtieth year.
John is one of the most popular and successful artists in Scotland, with an international reputation. His paintings have been bought by celebrities including Sting, Madonna and Rick Stein.
Evening Storm Passing Loch Gruinart Isle Of Islay oil on canvas 18" x 32"
He signs his work, 'Jolomo', a name he came up with during a Latin class at school in Glasgow. Even those with little interest in art will recognise a Jolomo landscape with its distinctive heightened colour and richly textured oil paint.
His paintings have changed and developed over the years although themes have remained constant. His first love is landscape, particularly the landscape of the west, of Argyll and the Hebrides. Very rarely do figures appear in his paintings but there is often the mark of a human presence in boats, croft houses or other buildings, perhaps an old gate, fence or telegraph pole.
Harvest Moon, Abbey gardens, Isle of Iona oil on canvas 20" x 20"
John Lowrie Morrison is a dynamic, expressionist painter. He celebrates the Scottish landscape, never tiring of its beauty in changing seasons, and his work always lifts the spirits. You cannot ignore a Jolomo canvas. It is always rich, bright and beautiful.
The exhibition opens on Saturday 1 April — note, not our usual Sunday — from 2 pm to 5 pm. John Lowrie Morrison will be present. All are welcome.
