This series of four paintings depict the Bass Rock on the East Coast near North Berwick. (click on images for larger view)

I love this part of the east coast, I’ve been visiting since I was a girl and I’m there every month or so whatever the weather. The series shows the Bass Rock in the the moods and light of different seasons and I hope captures the sense of mystery of the island as it’s viewed from the shore.

There are boat trips which go out regularly and as you get closer to the island you’re very much reminded that it’s a famous bird sanctuary – it’s absolutely teeming with gannets, taking off, swooping in clouds and formations around the cliffs which are larger than they seem from the shore and surprisingly dramatic, you can spot the odd seal here and there in the deep water off the rocks, and the remains of an ancient chapel. One of the first inhabitants of the island was an early Christian settlet called Baldred

‘North Berwick 1’. Acrylic on 5×5″ wood (side view)

Islands recur often in my work, and I know I’m not alone in feeling drawn to the sense of haven islands offer. Other than Edinburgh Castle and Arthurs Seat, the Bass Rock is the most familiar landscape feature to me. It’s a much loved subject that I’ll be painting for many years to come.