Catriona Millar

that populate her imaginative world. In Marlon and Mabel, Millar introduces a character whose quiet confidence and gentle presence are framed by a vibrant, decorative backdrop.

Marlon, with short brown hair and a red flower tucked neatly to one side, gazes outward with Millar’s signature blend of simplicity and emotional depth. The blue shirt—adorned with a charming black‑and‑white dog motif—adds a playful, personal touch, hinting at affection, loyalty, or memory. On Marlon’s shoulder perches a small blue bird, its red and white markings echoing the palette of the figure’s face and clothing. This bird, like many of Millar’s animal companions, becomes a symbolic presence: a whisper of intuition, imagination, or inner voice.

Behind the figure, a tapestry of bold leaves, berries, and petal‑like shapes creates a lively, almost folkloric atmosphere. The flat planes of colour, geometric forms, and rhythmic patterns are hallmarks of Millar’s style, transforming the background into an emotional landscape rather than a literal setting.

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