Moira Huntly PPPS RI RSMA

Statement

Marine and industrial subjects, buildings in the landscape, figures and still life all appeal to Moira Huntly visually. Moira paints in most mediums, including mixed media. She works in the studio from keenly observed ‘on the spot drawings’, which represent her search for a balance between the figurative and abstract patterns that she aims to capture in drawings. Moira's love of colour is in the tradition of the Scottish Colourists.

Methodology

Since Moira's student days she has believed in gaining knowledge from direct observation. Drawing is very important to her and through accuracy in drawing she tries to explore shape and form and discover the subject's potential for a painting. Moira regards the composition and content of a painting as more important than the medium, but sometimes she instinctively chooses a particular sketch to work from because she visualises it in a certain medium. Moira can’t explain exactly why this is so. Whatever the subject, she is searching for its abstract qualities, trying to balance between realism and abstract patterns full of strong rhythms and invention, distilled from drawings. Moira sees the world as a kaleidoscope of broken lines, shapes and colour masses, sometimes fragmented into jewels of colour. After many years, she is still searching for new ideas and methods. Moira is never satisfied with what she has done and she is always hoping that the next painting is going to be the best.

Bio

1932 Born on 7 November in Motherwell, Scotland

1948-53 Studied at Harrow School of Art

1953-54 Studied at Hornsey College of Art, obtained Art Teacher’s Certificate from London University

1978 Elected a Member of the Pastel Society

1982 Appointed Honorary Secretary of the Pastel Society

1981 Elected a Member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours

1985 Elected a Member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists

1989 Appointed Honorary Treasurer of the Pastel Society

1993 Appointed Vice President of the Pastel Society

1995 Elected a Member of the Royal West of England Academy

2003 Appointed President of the Pastel Society

2003 Appointed Governor of the Federation of British Artists

Memberships

Royal West of England Academy