Close
Gillies paints a picture within a picture (on an easel) against a flat, pale board within an interior. In the picture, which is his and provides the whole subject for his second picture, there is perspectival space in which his pots, leaves and lamp consort in a series of rectangles and parabolic shapes. In this picture, depth is merely indicated by the shallow shadow of the easel crosspiece against the board. The playfulness and winning palette of creams, ochres and dun colour, make for an entirely satisfying composition. It derives from Braque, but is characteristic of Gillies’ spritely, crisp drawing with the brush and his wit and restraint in posing his subject. His upcycled frame is a typical, valuable addition to his time-derived aesthetic.
Sir William Gillies is still highly underrated in Modern British terms. Born in Haddington, he trained and taught at Edinburgh College of Art, and did the latter as principal. He was a great influence on many of the next generation of the Edinburgh School. He himself studied in Paris with Andre Lhote and absorbed, variously, the work of Munch, Matisse, Braque and Bonnard. Still life and landscape oils tend to be composed studio pieces of subtle complexity. Watercolours are lyrically observed renderings of the Scottish Borders based on decisive pencil or pen drawings or for larger works, executed alla prima. Gillies had a long and fruitful relationship with The Scottish Gallery which continues in the secondary market.
Struggling to find that perfect gift? We have the solution! A Scottish Gallery Gift Voucher is the perfect gift for friends, family, customers and colleagues.
Own Art is a national initiative that makes buying contemporary art and craft affordable by providing interest-free credit for the purchase of original work.
