James Morrison (artist)

James Morrison (1932 – 2020) was a prominent Scottish landscape painter. Born in Glasgow, he is best known for his evocative depictions of the Scottish landscape, particularly the landscapes of Angus and the Arctic.

Morrison studied at the Glasgow School of Art from 1950 to 1954, where he was influenced by figures such as Joan Eardley and Alberto Morrocco. He initially explored urban and figurative subjects, but gradually shifted his focus to landscape painting.

His work is characterized by a strong sense of place and a commitment to accurately portraying the nuances of light and atmosphere. He frequently worked en plein air, directly observing and painting the landscapes he depicted. He developed a distinctive style using a palette of often muted colors to capture the subtle variations in the Scottish weather and terrain.

Morrison's depictions of the Arctic, undertaken during trips to the region, represent a significant body of work. These paintings capture the stark beauty and immense scale of the Arctic landscape, demonstrating a similar sensitivity to light and atmosphere as his Scottish landscapes.

Throughout his career, Morrison exhibited widely in Scotland and internationally. His work is held in numerous public and private collections, including the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, the City Art Centre in Edinburgh, and the McManus Art Gallery and Museum in Dundee. He is recognized as one of Scotland's most important landscape painters of the 20th and 21st centuries.