Still Life
‘McWhirter’s paintings, often of flowers, balance bold, lively brushstrokes and a kind of formalism. Superstar, Peace Rose and Sunflower has a formal clarity in its simple composition and warm taupe background. Vases of flowers are reduced to series of geometric shapes in a way that makes one aware of the surprising geometry of a rose. Even viewed online, the thick impasto takes on a sculpted quality. A handful are entirely abstract, instinctive daubs and swirls of candy colours.’
Susan Mansfield, The Scotsman 2020
For this show, Alison has enjoyed learning about different types of wild flower whilst challenging herself to abstract the surface even further. Her work has been inspired by Joan Eardley’s small series of flower paintings which she created in 1962, characterized by thick oil paint exploring texture, colour and movement using plant forms.
"I have been studying types of wildflower which bloom in summer having identified them in , ‘Flora Brittanica’ by Richard Mabey. After picking them I have been arranging them along with roses from my garden. Peace Rose, Flaming June or Superstar Rose are a few of my favourites. These roses have featured in my paintings in the past."
"There will be lots of Peace Roses in this collection of paintings. It's a special rose for me along with Superstar Rose (which is a type of Peace Rose). The Superstar is so amazing to me, it’s so luminous, the vermillion red has a hint of coral orange which is very difficult to mix on the palette but this is what I have attempted to do."
Alison McWhirter, August 2023
Close up 'Garden Peonies Deep Fuchsia' Oil on Canvas, image 40 x 40 cm
Close up 'Moon Daisies' Oil on Canvas, image 40 x 40 cm
Close up 'Iris Setosa against Alice Blue' Oil on Canvas, image 40 x 40 cm