Scotland – ChasingART

#FridayPainting: Thomas Faed “Sir Walter Scott and his friends at Abbotsford”

When I view the painting, “Sir Walter Scott and His Friends at Abbotsford” by Thomas Faed, I try to imagine the discussion. It seems that Sir Walter Scott is reading from one of his novels to a group of friends eager to hear what comes next. Some lean forward, while others sit back in contemplation.Continue reading “#FridayPainting: Thomas Faed “Sir Walter Scott and his friends at Abbotsford””

#FridayPainting: Bessie MacNicol “Two Sisters”

Tonight I am traveling virtually to Glasgow, Scotland, the port city on the River Clyde in Scotland’s western Lowlands. There is an artistic energy that vibrates in a city renowned for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. History is steeped in every step I take. I hear the echo of shipbuilding that took place duringContinue reading “#FridayPainting: Bessie MacNicol “Two Sisters””

Katherine Jane Ellice: The 1838 Adventure

Whenever I discover a painting, watercolour or sculpture, I am amazed by the history that comes with the artwork. Every creative endeavour is steeped with the artist’s experience and personal biography. This axiom was again confirmed in my search for paintings that would feature the idea of home and homecoming. This is when I metContinue reading “Katherine Jane Ellice: The 1838 Adventure”

Walking With History

“Twelve Highlanders and a bagpipe make a rebellion.” Scottish Proverb I always imagined that the bagpipes were invented deep within the misty highlands of Scotland, a gift of the Celtic people to the rest of the world. But that is not so. Bagpipes are an ancient instrument dating as far back as Egyptian civilizations. OverContinue reading “Walking With History”

Happy St. Andrews Day!

Today is St. Andrew’s Day! Scotland is celebrating their patron saint. The bagpipers will be out in force, along with the haggis and tartans. And not only in Scotland. According to the official St. Andrew’s Day website, there are over 50 million people (of which I am one) around the world that claim ScottishContinue reading “Happy St. Andrews Day!”

Following the Bagpipes…

I have been in the Scottish Highlands for the past few weeks following the call of the bagpipes. Bagpipes and the Highlands appeal to our longing for open spaces where the abundance of purple heather grows generously in the moorland, glens and hills. Above it all, the lone bagpiper can be heard from far awayContinue reading “Following the Bagpipes…”