Famous Scottish Artists

Penelope Beaton

Scottish artist Penelope Beaton was a master in watercolor. She studied at the Edinburgh College of Art, developing a creativity for capturing the Scottish landscape and rural life. Her style was characterized as Romantic, as she demonstrated her appreciation for Scottish culture through her still lifes and landscapes.

John Duncan Fergusson

Scottish artist John Duncan Fergusson was a prominent artist in Scottish art history. The artist influenced the styles of the Scottish Colourists School in the early 20th century. He was influenced by his travels in Paris, France, and was particularly drawn to the Fauvist movement. He created many scenes from Parisian society as well as landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Francis Grant

Scottish artist Francis Grant was one of the most renowned Scottish artists of the 19th century. The artist was best known for his portraits and scene paintings. He studied at the Royal Academy in London, England, later becoming the president of the academy. His paintings of horses were particularly powerful, as they captured the grace and character of horses with unparalleled precision.

Queen Victoria

James Guthrie

Scottish artist James Guthrie was among the most prominent Scottish painters of Scottish Realism. He studied art at the Glasgow School of Art and was taught by other masterful artists such as Sir Edward Burne-Jones. The artist created paintings depicting Scottish rural life, expertly balancing color and light.

Gavin Hamilton

Scottish artist Gavin Hamilton was a renowned 18th-century neoclassical painter and archaeologist. He created mythological and historic paintings. He became one of the most influential artists in the field of ancient art and classical antiquity. Hamilton was also an art dealer and restored sculptures. Among his most famous artworks are scenes from “The Iliad” by Homer.

The Anger of Achilles for the Loss of Briseis

Amelia Robertson Hill

Scottish artist and sculptor Amelia Robertson Hill was one of the most famous female Scottish painters of the 19th century. She too formal art training and focused on genre scenes, rural life, and landscapes. She gave color and detail to the Scottish countryside, and later Robertson became one of the first female artists of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolor.

Statue of Scottish missionary David Livingstone, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

James McBey

Scottish artist James McBey was a pioneer in watercolor and printmaking. He became a portrait artist. McBey traveled and captured the landscapes and portraits of those he met. His experiences in the Middle East, including North Africa and Spain, had a profound influence on the development of his practice, which led to his distinct style of Eastern and European influence. He was well known for his intricate etchings.

Mosque Marrakesh

Frances MacDonald

Scottish artist Frances MacDonald was influenced by the symbolism of Celtic designs and Art Nouveau. She became one of the most famous Scottish artists of the early modern period, associated with the Scottish Arts and Crafts movement. Her artwork included eccentric styles of symbolism and Art Nouveau combined with cultural motifs. Her artworks were characterized by intricate illustrations, natural motifs, and decorative panels. Recurring themes were also inspired by mythology and the natural world.

Anne Redpath

Scottish artist Anne Redpath was a famous modern Scottish painter. She was known for her expressive style and fusion of traditional Scottish themes with modernism. Her artworks were influenced by her travels in France and Italy. The artist’s paintings depicted domestic scenes, landscapes, and still life. Redpath became interested in French Fauvism.

David Wilkie

Scottish artist David Wilkie was among the most influential Scottish painters of the 19th century. He was known for genre painting and portraits. The artist put a lot of detail into his paintings. Besides historical scenes. Wilkie created royal portraits as well as landscapes, getting inspiration through his travels in the Middle East and Europe.

Pitlessie Fair  (a small village in Cults, Fife, Scotland)