Belties in Art

No breed of cattle seems to have quite the power of the Belted Galloway when it comes to inspiring artists and crafts people of all kinds. True the Highlander may be hot on our heels but while the Beltie can most certainly look equally stylish and spectacular, we feel our breed must surely take the lead when it comes to inspiring real affection.

On this page in coming months we'll be featuring artists whose work reflects our passion for the Beltie. Some of the featured works are for sale while some artists are also happy to take commissions.

 

Lesley McLaren

Borders' based artist Lesley McLaren has intrigued many Belted Galloway breeders in recent years with her evocative paintings of our favourite breed.  Happily for the Society, she sees her painting as:

“the showcase for my quiet observations – the blackbird who hops in my studio every day for his lunch,  whispering silver birches reaching for a black thundery sky and bulky black and white cows meandering up a green hill”...... and rather charmingly we say!

Artist Lesley who exhibits widely throughout the UK  has produced a wealth of spectacular work. Go to  www.lesleymclaren.co.uk where her Belties – along with many other examples of her work can be viewed and purchased.  Members interested buying any of the paintings illustrated or who wish to contact Lesley directly can e-mail her on : lesleymclaren@btinternet.com

 

Ailsa Black

Since 2001, Ailsa has been based in Dumfries and Galloway where she works from her studio overlooking the Solway coast.  She draws great inspiration from her surrounding environment  which is enchantingly reflected in her work.

Ailsa studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen from 1986-1991. Before moving to the south west, she worked in Edinburgh for ten years  where she worked in the community, running art groups and also as an outreach and activities worker with different charities. She now very much enjoys specialising in work which is inspired by the interaction of  the landscape, animals, people and bird life which surround her and  which express a whimsical, quirky and light-hearted narrative on life.

Ailsa is also a member of the Scottish Illustrator Group. For more details on Ailsa's work go to www.ailsablack.co.uk or contact her on 07789 128833

Exhibitions to look out for:
26th Nov - Jan 2011 - Christmas Exhibition, Greens and Blues Gallery, North Berwick
11th Sept to 6th Nov -  Country Pursuits, Whitehouse Gallery, Kirkcudbright 
2010 - Arran Art Gallery have a rolling stock of work