George Birrell trained at the Glasgow School of Art (1967 – 1971) and was involved with the Hospitalfield Summer School in 1970. He taught art and design in Scottish schools for the next decade, starting painting full time in 1980.
Birrell lectured in art, design and photography from 1985 – 1998. Since then George has taken part in regular joint and group art exhibitions at many Scottish galleries particularly: Edinburgh Art Galleries,
Glasgow Art Galleries, and
Fife Art Galleries
. He has also exhibited his art abroad.
George Birrell produces Architectural paintings
and Landscape paintings
of his native Scotland. The East Coast Scottish towns and fishing villages of Fife hold a special fascination. One is immediately struck by the bold use of strong colour and stylised compositions. He describes this as an emotional response to memories and atmosphere of these special places on the Scottish east coast . Vigorous handling of colour, a bold palette and strong design are all hallmarks of his painting.
Speaking about his paintings Birrell says: ”I paint neither on the spot nor from photographs, but improvise the remembered essentials of a place, in the comfort of my art studio. Harbours and their bric-a-brac attract me, as do mills and castles. Texture, colour and pattern are what I use to evoke feel-good locations”
An example of George Birrell's art work is the oil painting 'Church Tower, Fife'. This is a typical of Birrell painting, with a clear and well constructed composition clearly illustrating George's bold and effective use of colour to create an emotional impact. The contrasting colours, which create areas of light and shade, draw us into the small Scottish village. There is a great sense of peace and serenity in the work. A moment of stillness and clarity before the evening light fades.
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