by douglas a. karson
Acrylic on Canvas
h: 80 w: 120 d: 5 (cms).
This work is inspired by the highlands of northern Scotland and the colours of the days and night, the earth and the water. It is all about colour and feel and I can't explain how the shapes came or what they mean, but to me, and my relationship to northern Scotland, it is a strong reminder.
It was painted upon return from my last trip to Ullapool, a town near the outer Hebrides, where we used to rent a cabin and holiday for 2 weeks in the summer with my wife's extended family every two years.
After visiting 3 times, on the last time there, I decided to run across Scotland from Ullapool to Bonar Bridge along the Munroe Trail. I brought my water pack, snacks, compass and map and set off to cross the country. My wife was due to pick me up after 9 hours and call mountain rescue after 12. It took me 14 hours to cross.
During that crossing, I was inspired by the quiet, the colours, the lakes and this piece formed during that run.
While visiting Ullapool, we would often take the ferry to the Outer Hebrides and I have incredibly fond memories of that place and those summers.
Since that trip, children have started arriving and we haven't been able to return easily with a bigger and bigger family but this piece is a reminder of those good times and beautiful place.