Anatomy of the Scottish Landscape – Gordon Hope Wyllie

12/08/2019     Scottish Contemporary Art

The dreamlike landscapes of Gordon Hope Wyllie (1930-2005) grace our gallery walls not once, but twice this month as we offer for sale two outstanding landscapes by the artist in this month’s Scottish Contemporary Art Auction.

Born in Greenock in 1930, Wyllie spent most of his life in the town, educated at the Highlanders Academy where he was dux, and later Greenock High School where he eventually became Principal Teacher of Art and Design.

His artistic training was fostered at Glasgow School of Art between 1949 and 1953, studying under landscape artists, Mary and Willie Armour. It was during his post-graduate year that he was encouraged in abstraction by Ian Fleming (1906-1994), and Wyllie soon developed a fresh take on the genre of Scottish landscape painting.

 

 

Wyllie was a keen cyclist, hillwalker and climber and these activities instilled in him a deep connection with the land, which clearly informed his artistic output. His love for the Scottish countryside is evident in his depictions which feature a wonderful attention to detail and demonstrate his intimate knowledge of the landscape.

Wyllie documented the anatomy of the land - small houses growing out from the crofts as if roots from a tree are set against a calm, yet brooding skyline, a nod to Scotland’s ever changing and sometimes unforgiving climate. Lot 546 is an outstanding example of Wyllie’s output - his fine details in the houses and surrounding crofts bring the composition to life, creating an almost shimmering and decorative effect. This is an immersive piece and if you look long enough you can almost feel the landscape growing and changing around you.

 

 

The autumnal feel is carried on in lot 584 where Wyllie has depicted a rural scene in Bishopton. Wyllie’s sensitive handling of the gouache and pencil has created a serene landscape that exudes warmth and growth.

Each piece is offered at £1,200-1,800 and £300-500 respectively, and as we slowly move into the later half of the year, these pictures would be the perfect addition to any collector with impeccable taste. 

 

Click to view full auction >> 

Jenny MacLeod

 

If you have pictures you wish to sell, please contact pictures@mctears.co.uk

 

 

 

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