Gordon Davidson Glasgow Artist Interview for Inverclyde Arts

How did you get started as an artist?

One of my earliest memories as a very young child was being looked after by a relative and passing the entire time drawing. At school my leanings were towards art, music and football. As there was no way I was going to make the grade as a professional footballer I decided to pursue a career in art.

How would you describe your artistic style?

As a result of my training in product design at art school my original style tended towards the realistic however over the years it has developed into a looser style.

Are there any artists who influence your work?

My contemporary influences include the late James Gorman from Arran, Tom MacKenzie the Skye painter and etcher, and Peter Graham for his use of a limited palette.

Where do you take your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes mainly from the mountains and sea of the West Coast of Scotland.

What media do you prefer working in?

My preferred media is Gouache worked with a dried brush technique in layers but I also enjoy new challenges.

What are your ambitions and where do you see yourself going with your work in the future?

I enjoy the freedom painting gives me and I hope for more new challenges in the future which will help to keep my work fresh but I will also continue to illustrate books and CD covers which is a more rigid type of work due to the deadlines involved.

What advice would you give an emerging artist trying to become established?

If you have an idea for a project just go for it yourself and don’t rely on anyone else helping you.

What are your other interests and hobbies?

I obviously enjoy travelling to all corners of the world but I also very much enjoy hill walking around the West Coast of Scotland, where I appreciate all aspects of the experience - from the fine detail of the wild flowers to the majesty of the surrounding mountains.


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My interview with an invited artist is published every month in Inverclyde Arts Newsletter. October 2006 - Gordon Davidson
Gordon Davidson is an artist whose work crosses the boundaries of both the visual and performing arts. He is firstly a painter but also finds the time to perform in his band "Columbus Road". He is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art where he studied Product Design and has exhibited his work widely at home and abroad. For the past year he has been working on a major project which will culminate in a solo exhibition and documentary entitled “Around the World in 80 Pictures” which opens at the Seagull Gallery, Gourock on the 28th October.
Mississippi Sunset Morocco Tree Paradise Valley Driftwood Thailand How did you get started as an artist? One of my earliest memories as a very young child was being looked after by a relative and passing the entire time drawing. At school my leanings were towards art, music and football. As there was no way I was going to make the grade as a professional footballer I decided to pursue a career in art. How would you describe your artistic style? As a result of my training in product design at art school my original style tended towards the realistic however over the years it has developed into a looser style. Are there any artists who influence your work? My contemporary influences include the late James Gorman from Arran, Tom MacKenzie the Skye painter and etcher, and Peter Graham for his use of a limited palette. Where do you take your inspiration from? My inspiration comes mainly from the mountains and sea of the West Coast of Scotland. What media do you prefer working in? My preferred media is Gouache worked with a dried brush technique in layers but I also enjoy new challenges. What are your ambitions and where do you see yourself going with your work in the future? I enjoy the freedom painting gives me and I hope for more new challenges in the future which will help to keep my work fresh but I will also continue to illustrate books and CD covers which is a more rigid type of work due to the deadlines involved. What advice would you give an emerging artist trying to become established? If you have an idea for a project just go for it yourself and don’t rely on anyone else helping you. What are your other interests and hobbies? I obviously enjoy travelling to all corners of the world but I also very much enjoy hill walking around the West Coast of Scotland, where I appreciate all aspects of the experience - from the fine detail of the wild flowers to the majesty of the surrounding mountains.

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