Ian Williams - Artist, Braefasach Studio
A fresh approach to art as found in the work of Skye artist, Ian Williams. Visit his studio at Braefasach, Watenish,Isle of Skye. Braefasach Studio is only a short drive from Seal Haven Cottage on Skye.

In the previous article on Skyeskyns, the only exhibition working tannery in Scotland, we mentioned that right next door to Skyeskyns lies the the artist/s studio of Ian Williams. It would be such a pity to miss calling in to see Ian and to view his work. So when leaving Skyeskyns, turn a quick right and you are at the door of the studio.

Ian has a story to tell, and we will mention it below. He has just recently published his first book of watercolour paintings 'A Moment in Time in Skye'. You can view details of the book here and purchase a signed copy which I'm sure you will enjoy as much as we have here.

I really can't do better than to quote from the description of Ian's work by watercolourist Peter McDermott.

"FRESH, VIBRANT and above all HONEST!!
That’s the joy of this lovely first book by my friend Ian Williams. Inside, you’ll discover a host of watercolour sketches that honestly capture the wildlife of Skye as seen by Ian whilst out in the field gathering inspiration for his various art forms.

Too often we as artists are constrained by the opinion of others, our insecurities censoring work which we have been conditioned to feel is in some way sub-standard, driven to show only our very best, most polished offerings, but sadly in the process, discouraging many people who would just love to draw and splash some paint around, feeling that they could never do what we do! This book, I believe, is an antidote to this all too common condition.

So here you’ll find FRESHNESS - dictated by the need to record the moment, no carefully studied lines, but the observed essence captured instantly - something we all could do. VIBRANCY - from swiftly mixed washes, presenting what the heart sees, not what the mind reasons - who cares if the cows are green! And lastly HONESTY - this is Ian, at his ‘larger than life’, ‘take me as you find me’ best - each page a hearty slap on the back encouraging us to do the same.
Peter McDermott - Watercolourist".

Another unique talent on Skye. Ian wasn't always an artist and tells here how he came to start painting in watercolour. Personally, I would love to paint particularly in watercolour, and perhaps I am now inspired to pick up a brush and get paint on paper. My late Father, quite unexpectedly took up the discipline in his middle sixties. He was an engineer by profession, and his paintings reflected his training as there were a lot of straight lines, mostly buildings, but for an untrained artist late in life, the result were remarkably good. Ian's story reproduced here will perhaps inspire you also and encourage you to meet Ian and discover his work.

"For Ian Williams the creative process has always been so much more
than the finished result! Back in 2000 when he found himslf
completely lost after being a victim of a violent assault, his
journey out of the darkness was aided by the simple ministry of
moulding salt-dough models. During that time he discovered the world
that exists in-between the start and finish of any work of art. A
world where initial ideas lead to deeper considerations, simple
pencil lines evoke memories of the moment, or moments long past when
as a child one first discovered the joy of mark making. Suddenly the
original motivation for creating is be-jewelled with wider thoughts
and deeper emotions, time expands as thoughts soar and innocence is
refreshed.

It’s here in this realm, that Ian’s work is realised. Entitled
‘Visual Poetry’, his expression of such personal emotion leaves one
surprisingly arrested by being privy to such moments of reflection,
and not a little moved as Ian’s honesty reaches out to equally begin
a work in the viewer".

Ian' work can also be viewed at the Perutz Gallery.  A link is provided to the gallery at Skye Cottage Links.  We hope that you will enjoy a visit to the Braefasach Studio.

by Neil Gracie - 17th March 2010

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Source: http://www.braefasachstudio.co.uk