Dispatches from Remote Places

Black Cuillins, white light

It is good to go somewhere remote and quiet, where the noise of everyday life is replaced with the sound of more natural whispers. This is a photograph of landscape painter Allan MacDonald at work in Torridon. It was taken in March when I accompanied MacDonald and he was very disappointed in the weather.

Not enough shadows. Light and dark must come together. That is the secret, to welcome the shadows as much as the light.

Allan MacDonald likes to give away his ‘secrets’ like this. Another secret is that it will soon change, especially at this time of year when light is low and sculptural, and clouds blow over the hills quick enough to animate them. The Scottish landscape is elusive  and it is rare for a place to look the same twice. That is the third lesson… make the most of it, especially when you see a good shadow.

Allan MacDonald painting in Toridon

We are taking Allan MacDonald’s latest paintings to the Caledonian Club, London from the 12^th October.