Alison Proudlock’s new exhibition at Thomas Tosh features both new original work and limited editions prints. “I’ve called the exhibition ‘My Country Life in Paint’, “ says Alison. “It perfectly sums up where my heart is.”
Alison’s father worked as a farming contractor in Galloway, one of six brothers, and one sister, “She was the boss, Auntie Gertie!” laughs Alison. Childhood days spent at the family’s farm just outside of Shawhead, created abiding memories “I loved it all. The black range, the tea pots, wellies, the smell of wet dogs. It was my life”
One of Alison’s teachers at Shawhead Primary School, spotted her painting talent in P3, when her daffodils painting inspired by Wordsworth’s ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud’ was shown off to classmates.
Over a decade later, Alison went on to study at the prestigious Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art between 1967-1971. “We had the best time,” says Alison, reminiscing of painting in the top floor studio with its views over the Tay. “It was all about draughtsmanship and classical training, and I was tutored by Alberto Morrocco, David McClure and Jack Knox.”
But a return to Dumfries & Galloway was never in question. “I am definitely not a city girl,” reflects Gatelawbridge-based Alison. “My life long love of Dumfries and Galloway is what inspires me to paint. My work is developed from a series of sketches before setting the final composition.” Alison chooses acrylics, oils or watercolours for her paintings
Nithsdale at its magical, predominates in Alison’s work. There’s snow filled clouds, white capped Upland foothills, brilliant blue sky days, lush leaves and grasses in spring and summer, glades of light, beehives in fields of yellow rapeseed, and open gates from bluebell woods leading onto bright pastures.
There’s also pictures of coastal sunsets on the Solway Coast, and her children and grandchildren feature in image of family fun in both Rockcliffe Bay. “I don’t feel whole if I don’t paint, there’s something missing in me if I don’t do it,” says Alison.
