James Somerville Lindsay

James Somerville Lindsay was born in Scone, Perthshire in 1954, grew up in Lanark in the Clyde Valley and studied at Glasgow School of Art, under the tutelage of the late John Cunningham. Despite the many fine art influences at GSA, he chose a career in advertising and design and enjoyed many creative highs during a 26 year career in the industry. However, since his decision to seek a more personal form of self-expression and fulfilment, nothing compares to the joys of paint on canvas.

At every opportunity, he endeavours to capture his chosen subject ‘plain air’, be it in the peaceful hills of a Greek island, the light and colour of southern France or here at home in a coastal village or city square.The fun and banter when the idyll is interrupted by the inquisitive passer-by, simply adds to the pleasure. Since deciding to paint full time in 2009, he has established a studio and framing workshop in an outbuilding adjoining his home in Lanark, and also a base near Beziers in the Languedoc in the south of France.

His painting is now split between the UK and his gypsy like travels abroad. In France, working from an old campervan affectionately nicknamed Claude (after Monet, his favourite artist) he is inspired by the light and colour of the region, often capturing his subject in one outdoor session.