Based in Perthshire, Ron Lawson is widely regarded as
Scotland’s most original and distinctive contemporary landscape
painter. His unique and instantly recognisable style has met with an
extraordinary response throughout the UK and abroad, where his works of the
Scottish Islands and the Highlands are enthusiastically collected.
Born in 1960, Ron spent his early years on a farm in
Mid-Lothian, Scotland before a career took him to the art studio of publishers
DC Thomson in Dundee, where he progressively developed the dynamic and highly
individual palette and technique that is central to his work today.
With a passion for dramatic and sparsely populated locations,
Ron has spent many years exploring and capturing the wild remoteness and
majesty of the Outer Hebrides and Scottish Highlands.
In 2010, after 34 years, Ron left his career to concentrate
his time fully on painting. His remarkable, contemporary Scottish landscapes
appeal to an international audience, and are included in private collections
worldwide. Ron exhibits regularly in Scotland, London and New York.
My love of drawing began at a young age. From 10 years old I
would doodle on any piece of paper I could find. In my early teenage years I
began to combine my enjoyment of both films and art by painting my own versions
of cinema posters. From these I created a large portfolio which earned me a job
at 16 years old in the art studio where I worked happily for the next 34 years.
'There are many artists I admire. I am impressed by Edwards
Seago and his use of watercolour. I admire absolutely everything Sir James
Guthrie did. I also hold the works of James Morrison in very high regard; I
have one of his paintings in my studio and never tire of looking at it.
Before deciding to paint professionally most of my time would
be spent training for marathons or cycling. These days I do not have much free
time as I work best when I am totally focused. I very much look forward to
getting back out on my bike, but serious (painful) cycling can wait a little
longer as I now direct all my energy into painting'.
‘I thoroughly enjoy travelling all over the Highlands and
Islands to capture the amazing landscapes that inspire my work. Whilst each
place has its own unique quality, the opportunity to spend several days on St
Kilda was truly wonderful. There is so much to see it is impossible to capture
everything in one visit, so I enjoy returning regularly. I believe that in
order to paint the subject I need to see and experience the places myself, and
there are countless places I have yet to discover. I may even take my bicycle.’