Scottish Still Life Art – Contemporary Scottish Still Life Painters

Still life painting has a long and respected tradition within Scottish art. From classical arrangements of flowers and objects to bold contemporary compositions, Scottish still life art is celebrated for its colour, balance, and expressive handling of everyday subjects.

Contemporary Scottish still life painters bring fresh ideas to the genre, exploring pattern, symbolism, domestic interiors, and the quiet beauty of ordinary objects. Their work ranges from delicate realism to vibrant, semi‑abstract compositions — all united by a distinctly Scottish sense of colour and atmosphere.

Below is a curated selection of leading Scottish still life artists represented on ScottishArtPaintings.co.uk.

Contemporary Scottish Still Life Artists

Jane Cruickshank

Jane Cruickshank is known for her exquisitely detailed still life paintings. Her refined technique, soft lighting, and carefully arranged compositions give her work a timeless, classical quality.

Peter Graham

Peter Graham brings a bold, expressive approach to still life painting. His rich colour, confident brushwork, and lively compositions create vibrant, contemporary interpretations of traditional subjects.

Astrid Trügg

Astrid Trügg’s still life paintings are known for their delicate textures and subtle colour harmonies. Her work often features flowers, ceramics, and domestic objects arranged with elegance and sensitivity.

Morag Muir

Morag Muir creates richly patterned still life and interior scenes filled with symbolism and narrative. Her distinctive use of colour and decorative detail gives her work a warm, imaginative character.

Joan Gillespie

Joan Gillespie’s still life paintings combine strong structure with expressive colour. Her compositions often feature flowers, vessels, and everyday objects arranged with clarity and rhythm.

Jenny Matthews

Jenny Matthews specialises in floral still life, capturing the delicacy and movement of flowers with a light, fluid touch. Her watercolours are fresh, elegant, and full of natural grace.

John Kingsley

John Kingsley works across landscape and still life, bringing strong composition and expressive colour to his arrangements. His still life paintings often balance structure with painterly freedom.

Michael Clark

Michael Clark’s still life paintings are known for their clarity, precision, and refined sense of light. His work often features glass, ceramics, and reflective surfaces rendered with exceptional skill.

Nael Hanna

Although best known for his dramatic coastal landscapes, Nael Hanna also creates expressive still life works. His bold textures and strong colour bring a dynamic, contemporary edge to the genre.

The Character of Scottish Still Life Art

Contemporary Scottish still life art is defined by:

• Expressive colour: a hallmark of many Scottish painters.
• Balance and composition: carefully arranged objects with strong visual rhythm.
• Symbolism and narrative: everyday objects used to suggest mood or meaning.
• Varied technique: from delicate realism to bold, semi‑abstract styles.

These artists demonstrate the richness and diversity of Scottish still life painting, offering collectors a wide range of styles united by a shared appreciation for beauty, colour, and form.