THE Queen Margaret University (QMU) campus proved to be an “inspiring setting” for an annual landscape art competition organised by Musselburgh Creates.
The recent event, which attracted a dozen artists, both familiar faces and newcomers, coincided with the university’s community open day.
Nancy Bryce, of Musselburgh Creates, said: “Working across a variety of media and styles, participants spent the day responding to the landscape around them.
"The resulting artworks demonstrated a remarkable range of interpretations, from detailed architectural studies to expressive and atmospheric responses to the environment.”
Along with fellow judges Jacky Thow, also from Musselburgh Creates, and Nicky Orr, industry engagement officer at QMU, she faced the difficult task of selecting winners from a “strong and varied field”.
The winner was Julia Murden for her “atmospheric watercolour” of the campus.
A retired professional graphic designer, she is a member of Corstorphine Art Group, Edinburgh Urban Sketchers and Holyrood Art Club. Working primarily in pen, watercolour and mixed media, she regularly exhibits and has also illustrated her self-authored book Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh.
“Her winning painting combined confident architectural drawing with a sensitive response to light and weather,” said Nancy.
Second prize was won by Edinburgh-based gouache artist Dhanasri Kyatham.
Inspired by Edinburgh's “ever-changing skies, shifting light and restless clouds”, she creates landscape paintings that “capture atmosphere and movement”.
“Her striking study of reflections and structure demonstrated a strong sense of design and observation, transforming an everyday scene into a compelling composition,” explained Nancy.
Third prize went to Euan Cameron for an “expressive” oil painting inspired by the wildlife and planting around the campus pond.
An enthusiastic plein-air painter, he enjoys working directly from observation and seeks to paint what he truly sees rather than what he expects to see.
Nancy said: “His vibrant and energetic work captured the colours, light and vitality of the landscape, celebrating the natural environment of the QMU grounds.”
The competition forms part of Musselburgh Creates' ongoing programme of community arts activities, encouraging artists of all experience levels to engage with their surroundings and share their creative responses.
Nancy said: “The variety and quality of work produced during the day demonstrated the wealth of artistic talent within the local community and made for an enjoyable and inspiring event for participants and visitors alike.”
She added: “Musselburgh Creates would like to thank the university's events team for their support and hospitality throughout the day."
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