Born in 1954, David has been painting and drawing all of his life, some sixty plus years. He works in all mediums and subject matter, forcing him to approach new projects with fresh eyes.
David has been working on figurative subject matter over recent months and has created some large-scale ink drawings of political landscapes, one of which was exhibited recently at the Scottish Landscape Awards exhibition in the City Arts Centre in Edinburgh.
His passion however is painting landscapes in oils, and he aims to get back out into the countryside once again to paint the beautiful Clyde Valley landscape where he lives.
The artist - The work relates to the consequences of war. Not only the death of thousands of soldiers, but innocent men, women, and children. While decision makers sit in their comfortable offices, the defenceless have no option but to flee their homes. A sorry situation in 2024.
I included figures of refugees from the two world wars, and indeed other wars throughout the world. The scene also includes tractors highlighting the plight of the world’s farmers. The Brexit bus is parked outside a ghetto. The white horse represents courage, strength, freedom, and hope in times of difficulty.
I think it is an artists’ duty to communicate their thoughts and feelings through their art. Although not politically minded, I’m frustrated with the world’s decision makers and the uncertainty and fragility of our world. As an artist, I feel compelled to make a statement on certain issues and the best way I can do this is with pen and ink.
I love watching the viewer peering into the detail of my drawings, making them question what they are looking at and creating their own interpretations.
The work is a warning that this could happen to any population at any time.