Catriona Millar

that populate her imaginative world. In Salma, Millar introduces a calm, centred figure surrounded by a trio of characterful creatures—a cat, a dog, and a small bird—each rendered with the same warmth and clarity that define her work.

Salma’s short, curled hair is adorned with a teal flower, a small but striking detail that sets the tone for the painting’s harmonious colour palette. The patterned teal‑and‑magenta garment adds rhythm and personality, while the figure’s serene expression and closed lips create a sense of quiet introspection. Millar’s simplified forms and geometric shapes give the portrait its characteristic clarity and emotional resonance.

To one side sits a cat with a poised, knowing expression; to the other, a gentle dog whose presence adds balance and warmth. Perched on Salma’s shoulder is a small teal bird, echoing the palette of the floral accessory. These animals are not merely decorative—they are symbolic presences, emotional mirrors that hint at intuition, loyalty, independence, or inner dialogue. Millar’s characters often exist in these intimate constellations, where human and animal share a quiet, unspoken understanding.

Behind them, a tapestry of green foliage and warm orange shapes creates a vibrant, decorative backdrop. The flattened forms and bold colours transform the setting into an emotional landscape rather than a literal one, reinforcing the dreamlike quality that defines Millar’s work.

Millar’s art sits firmly within the tradition of Scottish narrative painting, yet her voice is unmistakably her own—whimsical, modern, and deeply human. Salma is a celebration of individuality, symbolic companionship, and the quiet magic that Millar brings to every canvas.