Room I
Landscape and Light
The Artist
Jeremy Barclay
Painter, Educator, and based in Dalswinton Estate
Artist Statement
On Painting
On Painting
and Place
I paint from direct observation: landscape, still life, portraits, and beyond. I seek the particular quality of light, the quiet drama of place, and the presence of ordinary things. My work is rooted in plein air and studio practice, and in a life of painting and teaching.
An articulate professional with highly developed organisational and time management abilities, I possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills—particularly when dealing with a diverse range of people of all ages—and an outstanding capacity for engaging the young and old alike, engendering confidence and trust.
Still life comes from the same impulse: to look slowly at the world. Drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, slab-built ceramics, pottery, jewellery, and photography all inform my practice.
Get in Touch
Background
Biography
Education: PGCE (University of Strathclyde, 1994), with TESL elective in Teaching English as a Second Language; BA Hons Fine Art, 1st Class (1983), dissertation on Joan Miró. I was trained in fine art and drawing, and for many years I have taught art in schools and institutions in the UK and abroad.
Career history includes: Art teacher, Varee Chiangmai International School (2019–2023); Art Teacher, British School of Al Rehab, Cairo (2017); Head of Arts, YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (2010–2017); Art Teacher, The Wrenn School, Wellingborough (2009–2010); Art Teacher, Gordonstoun School, Scotland (1999–2008, 1994–1995); Practising Artist & Supply Teacher, Glasgow (1996–1998); PGCE & Teaching Posts, Glasgow (1993–1994); Private Tutor (Art & Design), France (1988–1993); Art Teacher, Association Linguistique Culturelle, France (1984–1988). Exam marking experience: Edexcel, AQA, and CIE GCSE and A level coursework (1994–2012).
I have been a practising and exhibiting artist since 1983. My work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions and is held in private collections in the UK and Europe. I run small, focused courses from Dalswinton Estate in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Studio
Process
I work in oils on linen, canvas, or board, with a preference for natural light and a limited palette. I use MS Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop, InDesign, and Promethean in support of my teaching and practice. My studio at Dalswinton is a place for both sustained indoor work and preparation for painting outdoors.
Plein air painting remains central: responding to the changing light and weather of the estate gives me a direct way of seeing that carries back into the studio. I approach still life with the same discipline: careful arrangement, observation of tone and relationship, and a focus on the quiet presence of ordinary objects.
Commission History
Selected Commissions
Portrait commissions and other work for private clients. A selection of past commissions:
- Laird and Lady Glenbarr
- Janneau Family
- Ann Parker
- Ajarn Varee
Commissions are accepted subject to availability. For enquiries, please use the contact page.