Exhibitions

An exhibition of new paintings documenting Cara's journey of the Shiel

Music “This Silver Water” 2022 © Cara Mckinnon Crawford

ONE LOCH, ONE RIVER. JOURNEY OF THE SHIEL

Thanks to BBC Alba and Andreas Wolfe for supplying the Footage

AUTUMN GLORY The River Shiel oil on canvas 76cm x 101cm		THIS SILVER WATER Loch Shiel oil on canvas 76cm x 101cm
MOUNTAIN REFLECTIONS Glenfinnan oil on board 25cm x 30cm		PIPERS TOWARDS MOSS AND LOCH SHIEL Acharacle oil on canvas 46cm x 91cm
REFLECTIONS FROM THE PAST Castle Tioram oil on canvas 50cm x 50cm		WINTER BLUES Ardtoe oil on canvas 40cm x 56cm

Resipole Studios Fine Art Gallery

10th September - 28th October 2022

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ONE LOCH, ONE RIVER. JOURNEY OF THE SHIEL

This is a series of paintings documenting Cara’s journey down the river Shiel in Ardnamurchan, from the top of Loch Shiel at Glenfinnan to the head of the river at Acharacle where it begins winding its way towards the sea. 

 “Ardnamurchan is an area of Scotland where I have been inspired by the land and sea for over thirty years. I never tire of it. 

Rivers are abundant, fast flowing or meandering, making their relentless journey seawards. There is one river in particular however, that I am constantly drawn to from the first time I painted on Ardnamurchan; the beautiful river Shiel. Through my paintings I have established a deep connection with it throughout all these years. 

‘Journey of the Shiel’ was actually inspired by another river that I have been documenting for many years, the river Clyde where I am painting the river from source to sea. The significant difference between the two rivers is that one is one hundred and nine miles long the other just over three. Over time, I have gathered quite a body of work on the Shiel and thought that it would be interesting to have them all together in the form of an exhibition. Working on my Clyde paintings also helped me look a little further at what I was doing on the Shiel- true cross pollination. 

The Shiel is a very small river, only around three miles in total, but what a spectacular three miles it is. I have kayaked, walked and even flown down this river with my sketch book and canvases, trying to capture this beauty. I like to paint it where it is predominately slow moving. There are areas however, where it is extremely fast moving. This first challenge comes when the river tries to enter into the House Pool under the Old Shiel Bridge. It is quite hypnotic to watch as this body of water tries to squeeze itself through the narrow channel known as the Gullet and rushes into the House Pool particularly when the rain refuses to leave Ardnamurchan and the river is swollen, which can be quite often! This area of the river provides me with so much inspiration and you will frequently find me painting there. 

The evocative Old Shiel Bridge built in 1804 by Thomas Telford is iconic and is very much the focal point of the House Pool and can be seen from many angles. It is instantly recognisable. A beautiful large dark pool, sometimes almost black because of the volume and depth of the water but filled with dazzling colour in autumn from the mirrored reflections of the majestic trees red, orange and gold.

 My journey continues, documenting up river and down, with perhaps the occasional solitary cottage along the banks. In the distance, views of a mysterious castle can be seen until eventually the river reaches a momentous end to its journey in a spectacular waterfall which pours itself into the Seapool at Moidart. It must be one of the most breath taking views at the mouth of any river in Scotland. Guarding the estuary and coming into clear view is the majestic Castle Tioram, home to the MacDonalds of Clan Ranald in the fourteenth century. 

I am now in Moidart, surrounded by pine clad islands, the castle is on a tidal island sitting high up on a rocky crop, now an imposing sight. Looking out to sea from the castle are a number tiny little islands in the distance identifying the entrance into the South channel, beyond these sitting in a glistening or turbulent sea are the Small Isles, Eigg and Rum. A familiar sight as I have painted these islands many times over the years in all weather conditions. 

 I’m not at the end of my journey, just the beginning of a new one”.

TURADH

Cara has also composed her own music and written lyrics inspired by the land and seascape that she paints as she travels throughout Scotland particularly on the peninsula of Ardnamurchan. 

This has resulted in an album with ten tracks called “ TURADH”, meaning “ a dry spell” in Gaelic , but Cara prefers a more poetic interpretation ,“ light through the rain”. 

This selection of songs is played on the clarsach and fiddle and sung by Cara with arrangements on cello and guitar by PÄR CARLSSON, who is also responsible for the sound production. 

 A number of the tracks describe Cara’s favourite painting areas on her journey down the Shiel , “ This Silver Water”, the view looking down Loch Shiel and the grandeur of the mountains which raise straight up on both sides of the Loch. “Jigg of The Small Isles” looking out to the islands of Eigg , Muck and Rum. “Turadh” describes the ever changing skies she has painted at Ardtoe , and some are just memories of many happy years spent on the peninsula of Ardnamurchan. 

 A very special thanks to PÄR CARLSSON. The album would not have possible without the immense skill , talent and patience of Par. Combined with his own arrangements and instinctive musical abilities on cello and guitar the album developed into something special. 

 Thank you PÄR, it has been a magical journey, and a lifetimes ambition finally achieved. 

 Sîth gus solas

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Colour of Scotland

Gail Ross MSP Caithness, Sutherland and Ross	Anas Sarwar MSP Glasgow Region
Bruce Crawford MSP Stirling Region	Bill Bowman MSP North East Scotland Region
Ruth Davidson MSP Edinburgh Central

The Garden Lobby, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh.
16th Sept – 20th September 2019

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The Collection - Hopetoun House

This exhibition will be part of the Edinburgh Festival featuring paintings of France, Italy, Russia and Scotland.

Opening on the 30th of July 2016, 10am – 4pm at The Carriage Room, Hopetoun House, Edinburgh, EH30 9SL.

A chance meeting on a train has become a memorable moment in my life. It was on a day in october 1989 when the West Highlands of Scotland excelled in all its Autumn glory. I was returning by train from a visit to Loch Carron and found myself sitting opposite a lovely young lady. We soon got chatting and she introduced herself as 'Cara'. Together we enthused about the wonderful colours of the highland landscape, at which point she revealed her interest in painting, and encouraged by myself began to show me items of her artwork and sketches. She said her father was a painter and she hoped to make her own mark as a professional artist. Her work was beautiful and I remember that I remarked that I was sure she would fulfil her dream. Cara was very modest about her accomplishments.

Years later I was delighted to discover that Cara's dream had indeed been realised when I visited her exhibition at Hopetoun House in August 2016. I was overwhelmed by her mastery of Highland landscapes and West Coast seascapes. I feel very proud that she has given Scottish Art such excellent global recognition. I wish her continuing success and happiness.

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New Galleries

A selection of Cara's work can be seen in the following galleries:

Skye and the West

Eilean Iarmain has the pleasure of hosting an exhibition by Cara McKinnon Crawford at its gallery – An Talla Dearg on the Isle of Skye.

This exhibition of new paintings includes many well known landmarks which distinguishes Skye as one of the most dramatic of all Scoltand's islands; Trotternish Ridge,the Mighty Bla Bheinn to the stunning setting of Loch Courisk, but also Cara's interpretation of the island from the air. An artist who likes to push the boundaries for her work, Cara flew over the island last year on a float plane and a film "Skye High" of her flight will be previewed at the exhibition.

"It was an incredible experience to fly over Skye, The island is dramatic enough from the land and sea. It was certainly challenging to try and interpret the landscape from the air and it has given me inspiration to do further larger compositions. Just flying through the cloud was breathtaking , and the painting "Flying High" which features in the exhibition reflects this extraordinary experience for me."

An Talla Dearg, Eilean Iarmain, Isle Ornsay Hotel, Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland, IV43 8QR
Tel 01471 833 332 or 01471 833 475
28th August - 16th September 2015.

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Portree Art Exhibition

Exhibition and paintings of Skye and the West Coast of Scotland. Featuring a portrait of Sorley Maclean, celebrated son of Skye.

Aros Centre, Viewfield Road, Portree, Highlands and Islands IV51 9EU.
15th June - 19th July 2015.

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Into the West

Resipole Studios fine art gallery is delighted to be hosting a solo exhibition by Scottish artist Cara McKinnon Crawford - INTO THE WEST. This collection of work by Cara depicts the rugged coast line of Ardnamurchan and the West coast of Lochaber. There will be more than 60 paintings on show. The Rt Hon Charles Kennedy will be officially opening the exhibition at 6.30pm.

Resipole Studios, Acharacle, Argyll, Scotland. PH36 4HX
Friday 8th August 2014 to Sunday 7th September 2014

More Info

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Waterside Gallery - Stratford upon Avon

Waterside Fine Art is an independent art gallery in the heart of Stratford. Situated at the top of the stairs on waterside, overlooking the canal basin.

More Info

Contact

To enquire further about Cara’s paintings please email info@caramckinnoncrawford.com or fill out the online Enquiry Form.