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The eagerly anticipated display of work by local artist Julian Smith, has been greeted with enthusiastic praise from scores of visitors during its first two weeks at the Swanson Gallery, Thurso.

The appreciative audiences have been captivated by the selection of strong and colourful paintings as well as a unique and thought provoking multi-media animation which echoes the "Moving images" theme and, for many, has brought the whole show to life.  

The Artsmith exhibition shows Caithness in a completely new light and the accompanying stories to the pictures add an extra personal ingredient which has captured the imagination.

The show includes a range of oil paintings and acrylics featuring dramatic Caithness seascapes and panoramas as well as evocative wildlife scenes.  Many of the images are also on display as fine art prints, with the large format versions available as signed limited editions.

Comments from visitors perfectly illustrated the integrity of the work.  Quotes have ranged from "A moving experience" to "I would like to own them all" ­ but Julian said, the most poignant messages, have undoubtedly come from some of the last residents of Stroma:  ³What can one say...beautiful²;  and from one much respected inhabitant of Scarfskerry, talking about her husbandıs impressions of the show, she confided, "If he didna lek it he widna have said a word, but he thocht it was magic, especially at video".  

³Endorsements like these, continued Julian, have made all the effort worthwhile. To convince local people who have actually experienced the weather or events such as those portrayed, is all I can hope to achieve.  Itıs a very satisfying feeling ­ my only regret is that I didnıt do it ten or more years ago.

The show is open till 28 June and orders for the superb quality prints are being taken at the gallery, or if you don't have time, by visiting www.artsmith-caithness.co.uk

The brochure, which can be downloaded from the web, states Artsmith moving images ­ Capture more of Caithness².  Most visitors to the exhibition would probably agree, but make up your own mind by seeing for yourself and even meet the artist at the Swanson Gallery on 21 and 28 June.

Artsmith Exhibition, Private View
A moving experience for many of the guests

The first night of the Artsmith 'moving images' exhibition in the Swanson Gallery Thurso, was widely acclaimed as a resounding success. The appreciative audience was treated to a selection of strong and colourful paintings as well as a sensitive and moving multi-media display which brought the whole show to life.

Julian's work showed Caithness in a completely new light and the accompanying stories behind the pictures just added an extra personal ingredient.

The show is open for another three weeks and orders for the superb quality prints are being taken at the gallery or if you don't have time to get to the show, by visiting www.artsmith-caithness.co.uk Just download the brochure and price list and order via email ­ it's as easy as that.