§ JAMES CUMMING R.S.A., R.S.W. (SCOTTISH 1922-1991) ST. ABB'S FISHERMEN
Signed, oil on board
59cm x 59cm (23.25in x 23.25in)
Exhibited: 'James Cumming Exhibition' - October 1984, MacAulay Gallery, East Lothian
Biography:
Born in Dunfermline, James Cumming was a Scottish artist, and influential lecturer known for his highly intellectual and expressive paintings. At school Cumming was taught by George Watson where he showed an early promise in art. Determined to become a painter Cumming won the Andrew Grant Scholarship to attend the Edinburgh College of Art between 1939-1947. His studies were interrupted by the Second World War and in 1941 he joined the RAF, serving in India and Burma.
Following the war Cumming returned to the ECA, completing his Diploma and then postgraduate degree in 1949. He was awarded a travelling Scholarship to Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, during which he was inspired to paint his series of Hebridean paintings. Cumming was also associated with the Edinburgh School of painters which included Sir Robin Philipson and William Gillies. However, his distinctive 'painterly' yet thinly applied textures set him apart from the heavy impasto of his contemporaries. His abstract paintings were inspired by the origins of life, symbols and microbiology, and his art has been described as 'part- archaeological, part- sociologically-scientific'.
Throughout his career he worked with a restricted colour palette, drawing his visual language from scientific research and investigations into recent discoveries with electronic microscope. Between 1950 and 1982 Cumming lectured at the Edinburgh College of Art - during the time when John Bellany and Richard Wright were students. He is remembered as an ambitious artist who strove to create an original and distinct vision. His life and work are frequently celebrated, with the most recent exhibitions being held at the Scottish Gallery and the Talbot Rice Gallery in Edinburgh.
Sold for £1,125
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
Signed, oil on board
59cm x 59cm (23.25in x 23.25in)
Exhibited: 'James Cumming Exhibition' - October 1984, MacAulay Gallery, East Lothian
Biography:
Born in Dunfermline, James Cumming was a Scottish artist, and influential lecturer known for his highly intellectual and expressive paintings. At school Cumming was taught by George Watson where he showed an early promise in art. Determined to become a painter Cumming won the Andrew Grant Scholarship to attend the Edinburgh College of Art between 1939-1947. His studies were interrupted by the Second World War and in 1941 he joined the RAF, serving in India and Burma.
Following the war Cumming returned to the ECA, completing his Diploma and then postgraduate degree in 1949. He was awarded a travelling Scholarship to Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, during which he was inspired to paint his series of Hebridean paintings. Cumming was also associated with the Edinburgh School of painters which included Sir Robin Philipson and William Gillies. However, his distinctive 'painterly' yet thinly applied textures set him apart from the heavy impasto of his contemporaries. His abstract paintings were inspired by the origins of life, symbols and microbiology, and his art has been described as 'part- archaeological, part- sociologically-scientific'.
Throughout his career he worked with a restricted colour palette, drawing his visual language from scientific research and investigations into recent discoveries with electronic microscope. Between 1950 and 1982 Cumming lectured at the Edinburgh College of Art - during the time when John Bellany and Richard Wright were students. He is remembered as an ambitious artist who strove to create an original and distinct vision. His life and work are frequently celebrated, with the most recent exhibitions being held at the Scottish Gallery and the Talbot Rice Gallery in Edinburgh.
Sold for £1,125
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
