* JAMES SOMERVILLE (SCOTTISH b. 1936), LOCH GOIL

oil on canvas, signed, titled verso framed image size 64cm x 77cm, overall size 71cm x 83cm Note: Originally from Fife, Jimmy went to Edinburgh College of Art, then returned to Fife in 1960 where he became a Principal Teacher of Art in Glenrothes High School. He held various posts on secondment as National Development Officer for Art and Design, was Principal Examiner with the Scottish Examination Board, and was involved in the introduction and implementation of Standard Grade Art & Design in schools. James retired from this work many years ago and began painting and exhibiting on a full-time basis. Slightly abstracted in style, and although always starting from drawings of specific places, they are taken well beyond the picturesque. The finished paintings show a concentration on atmosphere, mood, and response to things seen rather than mere representation of actual places. James Somerville's paintings are held in the collections of: The Scottish Arts Council, Edinburgh Hospitals Collection, Pitlochry Festival (Harry Cruden) Collection, Fife Regional Council, and numerous private collections at home and abroad. James Somerville's paintings rarely appear at auction but in The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction of 23rd January 2022 lot 136 "Village from the Shore" a 61.5 x 74.5cm oil (by Somerville) sold for £750 (hammer).