Mary McDonald's "Journey of Colour in the Landscape" immerses viewers in a dynamic interpretation of Scotland's coastal terrain through bold, expressive brushwork. This substantial acrylic on canvas (105 x 135 cm framed) presents a sweeping vista dominated by vibrant blues that suggest both water and sky, creating a sense of expansive space and atmospheric depth. McDonald employs a masterful palette of contrasting colours—cool turquoise waters against warm pinks and subtle golds—applied with confident, gestural strokes that convey both movement and emotional intensity. The semi-abstract composition captures the essence of a highland loch or coastal inlet, where land meets water under an ever-changing sky, inviting viewers to experience the landscape through sensation rather than strict representation.

The Power of Abstract Landscape
Hanging on a wall, this commanding piece transforms a room with its atmospheric presence and emotional resonance. The generous scale allows the painting to serve as a focal point that draws the eye across its dynamic surface, creating a sense of depth that visually expands the surrounding space. McDonald's contemporary approach to Scottish landscape traditions speaks to both local heritage and universal themes of natural beauty and environmental connection. The painting's abstracted forms and expressive colour relationships ensure it remains fresh and engaging over time, revealing new details and relationships with each viewing and changing dramatically as natural light shifts throughout the day.