An early career as an illustrator/graphic designer, backed by training from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in illustration and printmaking, has informed Scottish artist Stuart Moir’s practice as a painter welcomely. Similarly to the way in which an illustrator uses their drawings to enhance the written word or an idea, Stuart Moir’s paintings evoke a sense of narrative which delves into the history of the figure portrayed in his portraiture paintings through busy detailed backgrounds and inscriptions within his artwork.

Meticulous execution is married with Stuart Moir’s main creative influences: 16th century Indian and Flemish art and the French Naturalists.

The impression had on Stuart Moir by the French Naturalists of the art world can be clearly seen within his paintings and the effort taken to depict his subjects in both a natural and historically accurate social environment.

Highlighting almost forgotten individuals who lead influential lives throughout history is a leaf straight out of Flemish artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s book, a particular favourite of Stuart Moir and one of the most significant artists of 16th century Dutch and Flemish Renaissance period. As Pieter Bruegel the Elder used his platform to paint, and by which draw attention to, the everyday man and his world, he became a pioneer for ‘genre painting’, shedding a unique light on the folk culture which is still distinct within Belgian life and culture today.

Stuart Moir paints people of note that may otherwise be lost to the histories, illuminating them and hopefully commemorating them in the manner deserved.