Rowena Laing

Rowena graduated with a Diploma in Art in 1970, from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee. She then worked as a Graphic Designer in London, Dundee and Glasgow. After a break from the art world while bringing up two children, as a partner in J & R Laing Design Associates, she worked primarily on interior design projects. Now a full-time artist, much of Rowena's inspiration is found while horse riding in the Stirlingshire countryside as well as from her east coast roots with quirky harbour scenes, sea birds and fishing boats. The influence of having spent much of her childhood on family farms in Cumbria is evident in her landscapes with her signature black-faced sheep. Rowena exhibits in many Scottish galleries and her work hangs in private collections in London, Canada and USA.

"My work is very influenced by where I live and the beautiful countryside around me. Most of my paintings begin with an image I have seen while out amongst the hills and woodlands around my home so riding my horse and walking my dog are perfect opportunities for ideas to emerge. Animals almost always feature in my work, and for me they add life to a landscape or still life. I love repeating patterns, which occur naturally as in flocks of sheep or rows of little houses. With my abstract paintings the design element becomes more important to me than making a piece of art which is true to perspective or reality. The juxtaposition of colour and shape has prime importance, making every piece of work an adventure with no boundaries. A different view of the world."