Three Part Harmony - An Exhibition of Works by Ewan McClure, James Russell Cowper and Lewis MacKenzie
Hello folks. It has been a while since I updated the blog, and I am aware that this might give the impression of inactivity on my part, but the reality is quite different. For the past several months I have been busily beavering away in the studio to produce work for my upcoming exhibition in Kirkcudbright, along with Ewan McClure and James Russel Cowper. I don’t mind telling you that am practically vibrating with excitement about this show. Ewan and James are unquestionably two of the very best painters in Scotland, and it it was an immense honour to be given the opportunity to exhibit with them at the Whitehouse Gallerythis September. Having had my first look at the catalogue on friday, I can honestly say that this show is not to be missed. I’ll have 22 pieces on show, which is probably a bit excessive, but I figured I’d struggle to beat Ewan and James on quality, so I might as well try to one up them on quantity instead.
The exhibition runs from the 6th of September to the 28th of October, and the opening coincides with the start of the Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival - so there really is no excuse for not coming, if it’s humanly possible for you to do so. Seriously, though - we will all be present for kickoff, and would love for you to come and say hello.
Here’s the blurb from the gallery website:
Three Part Harmony … features three distinguished Scottish painters—Ewan McClure, Lewis MacKenzie, and James Russell Cowper—whose shared dedication to light, colour, and craftsmanship creates a dynamic conversation between tradition and contemporary realism.
Ewan McClure (Kirkcudbright) is renowned for his rapidly executed realist portraits, capturing the essence of his subjects with immediacy and sensitivity. A finalist in prestigious awards such as Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, McClure’s work is held in collections including the Royal Scottish Academy.
Lewis MacKenzie (near Glasgow) draws inspiration from classical masters to create impressionist works defined by their poetic use of light and colour. His accolades include the Murray and McGregor Prize at the 2023 Scottish Prize for Fine Art.
James Russell Cowper (Scottish Borders) combines classical European training with experimental approaches to paint atmospheric and emotionally resonant oil paintings.
And here’s my statement about the show, and the body of work I’ll be exhibiting:
When I was invited to exhibit alongside two of my favourite contemporary Scottish painters, I accepted with enthusiasm— if not without a measure of trepidation. Comparison, as all know, is the thief of joy; yet as an artist, it’s difficult not to measure one’s work against the standards of one’s peers. This body of work represents a broad cross-section of my interests in landscape and still life, and I hope it holds its own within such esteemed company.
The paintings include views of North Yorkshire, the Solway Coast and North Berwick, alongside studio still lifes and floral compositions. My process combines direct observation with photographic reference, punctuated by imaginative embellishments and omissions. My aim is to draw out the musical and poetic aspects of the visual impression—to offer viewers a glimpse of what it feels like to see through my eyes.
The title of this exhibition - "Three-part Harmony" - resonates with me on several levels. As an impressionist painter, I’m drawn to the unifying power of light: its ability to weave together disparate elements of a scene into a delicate harmony, and to elevate the everyday into something beautiful or sublime. More deeply, the title speaks to the enduring relevance of observational painting - an art form sometimes viewed as outmoded or anachronistic, yet one that continues to offer vital ways of seeing and understanding the world: While "harmony" might suggest sameness or conformity, it more correctly is defined as "unity in difference." The three artists in this exhibition share a commitment to working from nature, but the similarities in our approach only serve to lend greater significance to our differences. Within the shared reference frame of artist and viewer, our individual sensibilities are revealed not as conflicting forces, but as complementary threads in the broader tapestry of human experience—underscoring and enriching what we hold in common.
It’s the perfect weekend for art, culture, and good company, so if you don’t have plans - come and see us. And if you do have plans, reschedule! I’m certain you won’t regret it.