George Gilbert RSW

I was born and educated in Glasgow. Aged 17, I entered Glasgow School of Art to study Drawing & Painting, mentored by William Armour and David Donaldson (1957 – 1961). This was followed by a year of post-graduate study from 1961 – 1962. My Post-diploma exhibition was Highly Commended by the external assessor. I then began to serve a long apprenticeship which continues today.

The next 25 years were spent teaching art in schools throughout Scotland while I painted in my spare time. In 1989 I resigned from teaching to paint on a full time basis. With my wife Lesley we set up the Courtyard Gallery to promote my work alongside that of my contemporaries (1993 – 2001).

I have exhibited widely throughout the UK in many solo shows and mixed shows, as well as national exhibitions (RSA, RGI, RWS etc.). I was elected to Membership of the RSW in 1973 and have been privileged to receive three major awards from the Society. Other awards have been received from the RGI and the PAI.

My work is based on my environment – my studio, home and garden, the local landscape. Basically my interest lies in the way light animates the objects in my studio, the buildings and harbours in the East Neuk of Fife. The elements and patina of age lend a character and dignity which challenges the skill of the painter. I have always been interested in painting techniques. My preferred media are acrylic, watercolour and pen & ink wash. Generally the subject (or the object) dictates the medium. Acrylic is very flexible and can be built up in layers from impasto to translucent glazes. Watercolour is fluid and I enjoy the challenge of working on a large scale. Pen & ink wash is useful for recording information when travelling at home or abroad.