Joan Gillespie

of paint and her interest in the psychological presence of the sitter, Gillespie creates a work that is both intimate and formally assured.

The seated figure—rendered with thick, expressive brushstrokes and a restrained, harmonious palette—reflects Gillespie’s ability to distil gesture and posture into a series of deliberate, painterly decisions. The striped shirt and olive shorts introduce a rhythmic interplay of pattern and form, while the textured background reinforces the work’s physicality. Her confident impasto technique aligns her with the broader traditions of Scottish art, where materiality, emotional resonance, and a strong sense of individuality have long been central concerns.

Within the context of Scottish art, Gillespie’s work stands out for its clarity of vision and its ability to capture the quiet tension of stillness. Study for Stripes and Shorts offers not only a study of a figure but a study of presence itself, making it a striking contribution to contemporary Scottish figurative painting.

Exclusively available through Red Rag Gallery - specialists in contemporary Scottish art.