‘I find an inexpressible fulfilment sitting out in the midst of nature painting; savouring the fresh air, the changes in light as clouds move across, the rustling of leaves, occasional glimpses of shy animals going about their lives. It is about looking, recording, absorbing and being present. Developing final paintings based on these sketches takes on a very different flavour. In the studio I am selecting, paring down, focusing colours, and finding something from within myself to express my interpretation. I need the separation from the original subject to release the possibilities for the painting to take its own form. These two sides are the yin and yang of my practice, balanced and interdependent. The idea of ‘Borrowed Land’ appeals to me because of my sense that my paintings are about sharing something of what I feel about landscape.’
Shona Barr, Glasgow, October 2023