Allan is drawn to the ambiguous spaces on the edge of the built environment where boundaries between civilization and nature,
Allan J Robertson is a dedicated landscape painter based in Edinburgh, Scotland who transitioned careers to pursue his artistic aspirations. After completing an Art Foundation Course at Leith School of Art, he studied at Edinburgh College of Art from 2005-2009, earning a BA (Hons) in Painting & Drawing. Since graduating, Allan has worked as a full-time visual artist from his Edinburgh studio, regularly exhibiting in shows across Scotland and beyond. His evocative works are held in private collections throughout Scotland, Ireland, Germany, USA, and Canada.
Robertson's Artistic Vision and Approach
Allan is particularly drawn to the liminal spaces where the built environment meets nature. He explores architectural structures and foreshores, focusing on ambiguous boundaries where civilization and nature, order and disorder, past and present become blurred. His work often depicts overlooked landscapes where urban decay coexists with rural elements, creating compositions that challenge conventional perspectives.
The Distinctive Techniques of Allan J Robertson
Robertson employs bold, heightened color palettes to create atmospheric and intense paintings. His masterful manipulation of light and dark contrasts vast, dramatic skies and disquieting backdrops with meticulously detailed structural elements. Allan's technical approach is diverse and experimental, incorporating methods such as dripping, layering, and splashing paint. He frequently rubs back into the paint, distresses surfaces, and utilizes various tools including brushes and rags to achieve his distinctive visual language.
Exhibition History and Artistic Recognition
Since 2015, Allan has maintained a consistent presence in the Scottish art scene, participating in numerous prestigious exhibitions. His work has been featured in annual exhibitions at institutions like the Royal Scottish Academy, Paisley Art Institute, and Gallery Ten in Edinburgh. Robertson has also been selected for notable group shows at venues including Fidra Fine Art, The Lemond Gallery, and The Velvet Easel Gallery. This extensive exhibition history demonstrates his growing recognition as one of Scotland's significant contemporary landscape artists, whose textural and colorful works evoke an intense sense of place.