Tidal Pull

Marie Louise Jones , 2015

Donald Provan graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 1986. He has won critical acclaim both nationally and internationally, winning the David Cargil Award and the Cuthbert Award for the best “New Young Artist” from the RGI in 2002 and more recently the RSW Small Painting Award at the Royal Scottish Academy.

Provan‘s preferred medium is oil, his method of application dictated by his subject matter, be it above or below the surface of the sea.

Tidal Pull is an exhibition of 50 recent works created for his first solo exhibition at Lemon Street Gallery. Given his fascination with the sea it is only to be expected that Provan chooses to paint not only seascapes but includes fish in his artistic repertoire. Provan observes in “Trio” that the clever use of the red and it’s placement brings a sharpness to this winter seascape. His painting “Brown Trout” and “Artic Charr”: so majestic that the fish themselves would be delighted with their portraits .These wonderfully intricate compositions are painted with dedication and patience with the smallest of brushes and the greatest of skill.

This exhibition gives us a glimpse of Provan’s unique working practice – a testament to the continual advancement of contemporary artistic practice in Scotland. The works are descriptive and illustrative in their content but yet dreamlike in their ethereal realisation .The “jeu du mots” titles, everyday reminders of our journey through life. ”Silver Lining” he muses with his upcycled tube of oil paint no doubt used to complete the work itself.

What makes these works inherently Scottish? Is it his sense of humour; is it his use of light (as we so often refer to in Cornwall); their immense cultural load; or perhaps his innate innovative ability? I’m not quite sure. What I am sure of is that these paintings are powerful examples of Provan’s intense collaboration with nature, and we have the privilege of enjoying them.

“I was born and brought up in a coastal mining town in Fife and was influenced greatly by this environment. Due to industry the shoreline was very dark, which highlighted the brightness and intensity of both the sea and the fish I caught there. Fish look very magical against a backdrop of black sand!

I use oil paint in both areas of my work but in different ways. When painting fish I plan and apply the paint in a very controlled and precise manor using soft sable and watercolour brushes. While in order to paint my seascapes I create more textural surfaces with washes of turpentine letting the paint dictate the final direction of the painting”

Donald Provan

PUBLICATION: Tidal Pull

Purchase Tidal Pull

Purchase the Donald Provan Tidal Pull exhibition publication for £10 including p&p (£12 worldwide).

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UK £10.00 GBP Worldwide £12.00 GBP