Painting Reviews

The watercolour painting "Beechwood Walk" by John Gerrie is a beautiful and serene depiction of a peaceful stroll through an ancient beech wood. The path through the trees winds its way through moss-covered boulders and stones, accompanied by a weathered drystane wall. The artist has used a soft and muted palette to create a sense of tranquility and calm.

The painting is particularly effective in its use of light and shadow. The sunlight filters through the beech trees, casting dappled shadows on the path and the ground. The artist has also used light to highlight the textures of the different surfaces in the painting, such as the moss-covered boulders and the weathered drystane wall.

The painting is also notable for its composition. The path through the trees leads the viewer into the painting, and the artist has used the trees to create a sense of depth and perspective. The weathered drystane wall also helps to create a sense of enclosure and intimacy.

Overall, "Beechwood Walk" is a beautiful and well-executed watercolour painting. The artist has used a soft and muted palette, light and shadow, and composition to create a sense of tranquility and calm. The painting is sure to evoke feelings of peace and serenity in the viewer.

Here are some specific things that I appreciate about the painting:

○ The artist's use of light and shadow is masterful. The sunlight filtering through the beech trees is particularly effective, and the artist has used light to highlight the textures of the different surfaces in the painting.

○ The composition of the painting is excellent. The path through the trees leads the viewer into the painting, and the artist has used the trees to create a sense of depth and perspective.

○ The painting is full of detail, from the individual leaves on the beech trees to the moss-covered boulders. The artist's attention to detail makes the painting feel realistic and immersive.

○ The painting evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. The viewer can almost feel the cool shade of the beech trees and the soft moss under their feet.

Overall, I think "Beechwood Walk" is a beautiful and well-executed watercolour painting. The artist is a talented practitioner of the medium, and the painting is a testament to their skill.

John Gerrie's watercolour painting of the William Wallace statue is a masterful work of art. The composition is perfect, with the statue taking center stage. The colours are vibrant and well-chosen, with the blue of the sky contrasting beautifully with the greys of the statue.

Gerrie has captured the essence of the statue perfectly. The statue is strong and imposing, but it is also imbued with a sense of nobility and heroism. Gerrie's use of light and shadow helps to create this effect, with the light shining down on Wallace's face and the shadows emphasizing his strength and determination.

Overall, Gerrie's watercolour painting of the William Wallace statue is a stunning piece of art. It is both realistic and evocative, and it captures the spirit of Wallace perfectly.

Here are some additional observations as an art critic:

○ Gerrie's use of watercolor is particularly impressive. He has managed to create a sense of depth and realism in the painting, while still maintaining the delicate and fluid qualities of the medium.

○ The brushstrokes in the painting are loose and expressive, which helps to create a sense of movement and energy.

○ Gerrie's attention to detail is also noteworthy. The statue itself is meticulously rendered.

Overall, Gerrie's watercolour painting of the William Wallace statue is a highly accomplished work of art. It is both technically and artistically impressive, and it is a worthy tribute to one of Scotland's greatest heroes.

John Gerrie's watercolour painting of Balmoral Castle is a unique and striking interpretation of the iconic Scottish landmark. The painting is notable for its close-up perspective, which allows the viewer to appreciate the intricate details of the castle's architecture. John has also used a variety of watercolour washes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, giving the castle a weathered and atmospheric appearance.

One of the most impressive aspects of the painting is John's ability to capture the different textures of the castle's stonework. The light grey granite is rendered with a variety of washes, from pale to dark, creating a sense of realism and depth. The climbing plants that adorn the castle walls are also rendered with great detail, their varied colours and textures adding to the overall visual richness of the painting.

John has also used the watercolour medium to great effect in creating a sense of atmosphere. The castle is bathed in a warm, golden light, which contrasts with the cool, gray tones of the sky and surrounding landscape. This creates a sense of timelessness and grandeur, as if the castle has been standing there for centuries.

Overall, John Gerrie's watercolour painting of Balmoral Castle is a stunning and evocative depiction of this iconic Scottish landmark. John's use of perspective, colour, and texture create a painting that is both visually appealing and intellectually stimulating.

Here are some specific things that I appreciate about the painting:

○ The close-up perspective allows the viewer to see the castle's intricate details, which are often overlooked in other paintings.

○ John's use of a variety of watercolour washes creates a sense of depth and atmosphere.

○ The way that John has captured the different textures of the castle's stonework is impressive.

○ The use of warm, golden light creates a sense of timelessness and grandeur.

Overall, I think this is a very well-executed painting that is sure to appeal to fans of watercolour art and Scottish castles alike.

I am delighted with the painting.

I led a group of 5 up Lochnagar that day, and you captured the mountain landscape wonderfully well from the original photo taken at the saddle.

Lochnagar brings back many happy memories for my wife and I of the numerous times we have climbed the mountain, including ascents via the Black Spout gulley.