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Daniel Murray working at a painting sitting on an easel Close up of a hand holding a paint brush working on a portrait Daniel Murray painting at an easel at the Portrait Artist of the Year event

Artist's Statement

I enjoy painting realistic portrayals of the human form and mixing that with abstracted landscapes inspired by the highland environment I grew up in.

Using scale, contrast and composition, I create atmospheric worlds in which the subjects of the paintings inhabit. Striking, slightly unsettling, jagged, unworldly backdrops that accentuate the fragility of the human condition represented by the figures. My paintings are inspired by my own life experiences.

Awards

  • 2024

    Work shortlisted for RSA MacRobert Art Award

  • 2022

    Longlisted for Jackson’s Painting Prize

  • 2022

    Commendation winner at the Scottish Portrait Awards

  • 2021

    Longlist in the Scottish Portrait Awards

  • 2018

    Winner of the Scottish Portrait award in fine art

  • 2013

    Took part in the Sky Arts Portrait of the Year televised round

Solo Exhibitions

  • Jun 2023 Portraits, Gairloch Museum

Selected Group Exhibitions

  • Nov 2024 Home, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh
  • Sep 2023 A Closer Look, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh
  • Jul 2019 Out of the Blue is 25, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh
  • Jun 2015 The Crossing (with Diana Hope), An Talla Solais
  • Dec 2012 Winter Exhibition, Loch Torridon Gallery
  • Mar 2012 Studio Inscape, An Talla Solais
  • Jul 2006 Coming Home, An Talla Solais