Watercolour of Rubislaw Church: Aberdeen (Original)

A Glimpse of Rubislaw Church Circa 1883

This watercolour of Rubislaw Church in Aberdeen is a personal tribute to a building that has been part of my life for years. Depicted as it would have appeared around 1883, this painting captures the timeless beauty of the church shortly after its iconic tower and spire were added in 1880. The expansion of the church, originally built in 1874, helped shape the grand Gothic style seen today. The tower and spire likely reflected a sense of competition with the nearby Queen’s Cross Church, another Gothic marvel across the street.

Scottish Church Watercolour Painting

In this painting, I’ve aimed to reflect the warm tones and textures of the sandstone, which sets Rubislaw Church apart from most of Aberdeen’s granite structures. The sandstone, weathered by time and seasons, adds a rich texture to the church’s façade, which stands out against the soft backdrop of the sky. I’ve also focused on the details of the spire and stained glass windows, bringing the historic architecture to life.

Aberdeen Church Artwork

This front-facing view showcases the elegant architecture and strength of Rubislaw Church’s design. The surrounding greenery adds balance to the stone façade, while soft shadows create a sense of depth, drawing the viewer into the piece. This artwork captures the church as it might have appeared around 1883, just before its eventual growth into the building we know today.

Explore the Interior of Rubislaw Church

For those interested in the interior beauty of this historic church, I’ve also painted a detailed view of Rubislaw Church’s interior. The intricate Gothic arches, vibrant blue drapery, and stunning craftsmanship of the pulpit are key focal points. This interior view, featuring the richly carved woodwork and stone tracery, offers another perspective on the grandeur of this historic building. The church’s galleries were added in 1881, further enhancing its capacity and architectural complexity. You can view the interior painting of Rubislaw Church here.

A Tribute to Scottish Historic Architecture

Both paintings—exterior and interior—are tributes to the historic architecture that defines Rubislaw Church. Through these works, I hope to capture not only the building’s aesthetic but also the sense of history, community, and continuity that it represents.