Some subjects stay with you long after you’ve packed up your brushes.
St Machar Cathedral in Aberdeen is one of them — a building whose grey granite seems to hold the light differently each time you look. I’ve painted it before, but this time the cathedral called for a rethink — a fresh take that would breathe new life into a familiar view.

Two Days, Two Moods

In the first version, painted last year, I caught the cathedral on a brooding day — damp clouds, cold light, and a strong sense of stillness. The greens were subdued, the stonework cool, and the mood reflective. It had the weight of history, but also a certain distance, as if seen from under an umbrella.

A few months later, I returned to the same composition with a very different feeling. The sun had finally broken through, bringing warmth to the granite and a shimmer to the leaves. This second version — St Machar Cathedral II — isn’t just a repaint; it’s a reinterpretation. Where Version 1 is introspective, Version 2 is alive and open, inviting the viewer in.

Light, Colour and Contrast

The most striking change lies in the sky and greens.
In Version 1, the sky is layered with grey-blue washes, soft but heavy, setting a contemplative tone. In Version 2, I lightened the upper tones, added subtle yellows to the stone, and pushed the contrast in the foliage. The result is a composition that feels warmer and more welcoming — a reflection of how small shifts in light can completely alter a scene’s emotion.

Look closely and you’ll also notice changes in the path and trees. The path now draws the eye more confidently towards the cathedral doors, while the trees frame the composition with a gentle rhythm. The new balance guides the viewer’s gaze rather than closing it in.

Why the Rework?

As an artist, you often revisit a scene not because the first version failed, but because it taught you something. The original painting captured the atmosphere of that rainy afternoon perfectly — but it left me wondering how different the same view might feel under a clearer sky.

Sometimes, the challenge isn’t to start again, but to see again.

This “facelift” became a conversation between mood and memory — between Aberdeen’s soft northern light and the enduring texture of its granite.

Which Version Speaks to You?

If you prefer calm tones and a quiet, reflective mood, Version 1 might suit your home — especially in rooms with darker woods or muted walls.
If you favour freshness and light, Version 2 brings a lift to spaces with cream, sage or neutral décor.

Both share the same foundation, yet each tells a different story.

Framing and Display

Both versions of the St Machar Cathedral painting are supplied mounted and can be framed easily using standard high-street frames.

The cathedral’s strong geometry is best complemented by a light cream mount and a natural wood frame, which bring warmth to the stonework and allow the greens and greys to sit comfortably in almost any setting — from traditional to modern interiors.

For collectors or interior designers, displaying both versions side by side creates a captivating contrast — a subtle “before and after” in mood and light that celebrates how atmosphere transforms the same scene.

Behind the Brush

Each painting was completed in my Aberdeen studio using artist-grade watercolours on heavyweight paper. I worked from on-site sketches and reference photos taken on two consecutive days — one overcast, one sunlit — to preserve the authenticity of each mood.

While both are finished pieces, the rework reminded me how responsive watercolour can be: lift a shadow here, brighten a wash there, and suddenly the whole painting feels reborn.

Final Thoughts

St Machar Cathedral has stood for centuries — weathered, renewed, and ever watchful over Old Aberdeen.
These two paintings are my small tribute to that endurance — a reminder that even in familiar places, there’s always a new light waiting to be found.

Explore the Paintings

➡️ View version 1 of St Machar Cathedral »
➡️ View version 2 of St Machar Cathedral »
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