Ian Ritchie RSW

Personal Statement

I am married to Norma and have three daughters. I live in the heart of Angus on the East Coast of Scotland. I am lecturer at Dundee and Angus College. My main area of teaching is in Art and Design with specific subject specialism in drawing and painting.

My current body of work explores the captivating world of Neo-Victorianism, with a particular focus on the circumstances of Victorian female poisoners and the impact of arsenic on Victorian society. This interest has extended into the dark narratives found in Country music and the Southern Gothic genre, where tales of poisoners and murderers are prevalent.

In my acrylic paint and mixed media portraits I blend photographs, image transfers, wallpaper, photocopies and printmaking to create layered compositions. Each portrait invites viewers to uncover the hidden stories and sinister secrets that lie beneath the surface.

By merging historical elements with contemporary techniques and imagery my work aims to provoke thought and reflection on the darker aspects of human nature and society. I invite you to step into this shadowy world and experience the haunting beauty of these narratives through the eyes of the subject.

Awards for Painting

Ian Eadie Award for Painting DJCA. 1987
Exposure Gallery Prize Royal Glasgow Institute. 2009
Turcan Connell Prize RSW, Edinburgh 2015
Elected Member of the RSW 2018
J&W Gordon Smith Award SSA. Edinburgh. December 2022
John Gray Award RSW, Edinburgh January 2023

Selected Exhibitions and Competitions

Hunting Group Art Awards Finalist 1988, 1989.1990
Regular exhibitor at Aberdeen Artists Society, Royal Scottish Academy, Visual Arts Scotland, Scottish
Society of Arts ,Royal Society of Artists in Watercolour and Royal Glasgow Institute since 1987
Corner stone gallery Dunblane Solo exhibition and with Jonathan Hood 1995
Atholl Gallery, Dunkeld mixed exhibitions since 1988 and with Malcolm Cheape 1998
The Leith gallery. Solo Exhibitions, group shows. Since 1997
Scotland team member, Fabriano paper international Watercolour Exhibition ,Fabriano Italy.2017
Aberdeen Artists Society , SSA 130th Exhibition and RSW 2022.
Smithy Gallery Strathblane, Glasgow. Summer and Winter Shows 2023-2025
RI Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, Mall Galleries, London. April 2024
Process, Process, Process. Aberdeen art Gallery November 2024
144^th Annual Exhibition, The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolours, RSA Edinburgh January 2025