Born in 1958 Marion Thomson studied initially at Glasgow School of Art and then for three years at Glasgow University. On leaving university she worked as a costume designer whilst continuing to paint.  Since 2000 Marion has concentrated on her painting, exhibiting her work on a regular basis. In her work one senses the influence of the twentieth century Scottish landscape painters whilst seeing her own interpretation and unique approach to the Scottish landscape.

“The unique landscape of the Scottish west coast and its many islands have always attracted me. Each of these islands have their own character and outlook. Over the years I have walked or cycled most of them from Islay in the Southern Hebrides to Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

On the islands you can experience all the seasons in a matter of hours, sometimes minutes. Weather passes quickly and no one day starts or finishes the same as another. The quality of light here is also of a more intense nature, bouncing off a glittering sea, making the colours of the sky and mountains seem more alive and complex.

Equipped with paints, sketchbooks, sketching easel and camera and the hope of some varied weather, blue skies are lovely but sometimes it's good to have a bit of a storm! I then begin gathering material that I can then take back to my studio. I will walk and cycle the coastlines stopping to sketch and paint on the way. I always visit my favourite painting spots which are many but foray into new areas to find the unexpected. I enjoy the whole experience of being there from the amazing birdlife and plants to the ancient remains of past settlements.

Back in the studio I can start distilling my material into a finished work. I prepare my own canvases in order to have a surface on which I feel comfortable painting. Working on several paintings at the one time, it can take a few weeks before I am happy with the final result. Using both palette knives and brushes in a piece and introducing layers of colour and texture as I go helps me recreate that feeling of light and colour from the islands”.

Marion has exhibited extensively in Scotland with work held in corporate collections. She is a member of the Society of Scottish Artists.