Born in 1946, Christine studied at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, graduating in 1963. Soon after she won the prestigious David Murray Scholarship for Landscape painting in 1966 and then the Hospitalfield Scholarship in 1968. She was at Hospitalfield Summer School with Jack Knox as a visiting lecturer. On graduating, she trained at Aberdeen Teacher Training College where she was awarded Distinction. Christine received much critical acclaim but spent time looking after her children as they were growing up and it wasn’t until the early 1990s that she returned to exhibiting and began to receive serious attention.
In 1993 she was elected to membership of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolours and two years later she won the Teachers Whisky Travel Scholarship at the Royal Glasgow Institute. This allowed her the travel opportunity of a visit to North Africa and the experience changed both her style and interpretation. Indeed, among her numerous awards have been several travelling scholarships which have broadened her subject matter: the landscape and architecture of Morocco, Tunisia, Spain, Greece and Italy have become particular sources of inspiration. Still Life and Scottish landscape also continue to feature strongly in her work.
‘Winning the RGI Whisky Travel Award to Venice, Sienna and Florence was a major event in my life as a painter. I decided to use Japanese handmade paper to convey the rich colour and texture. My tastebuds for travel have been developed since 1996 and that award; I have enjoyed Tunisia, Greece, Spain and Morocco. Tunisia with its searing light, intriguing dark alleyways and fabulous colour was inspirational - but moving to Fife and building a studio looking out to the Fife Lomonds has also been very special whether the hills are dusted with snow or shrouded in mist they have a magical quality.’
The impact of international experience marked a step forward in terms of recognition for Christine, and her works began to be bought and subsequently feature in a number of permanent collections. In 1996 her work was purchased for the Royal Scottish Academy as well as other similar bodies in different parts of the country. In 1999 she was elected as a Member of the RGI.
Christine’s sense and understanding of colour and composition are superb and enticing There is a love of rich texture and intricate colour in her paintings with many layers of oil, watercolour, pastel and applied paper forming a sensuous bejewelled surface that is almost tactile in its appeal.
