Artists directory

Janette

Sumner

Disciplines: Painting

Location: Edinburgh

Materials: Acrylic
My work is heavily influenced by the coastlines around me, in particular, the tidelines that are left along the beaches by the retreating tides. I am captured by the transience of these spaces before they are taken away at high tide. From observed and recorded information my mixed media work captures their striking visual impact on the shifting sands. I use mixed media processes as it lends itself well to the characteristics of tidelines, highlighting the shapes, colours and textures that are hidden within this fascinating microhabitat. I work building up a complex abstract surface with collage, paint and drawing before working in to them in order to ‘excavate’ my composition from the surface.  Often elements of the under surface still remain, offering a history to the work. The coast has always held a great source of strength and freedom for me, so wandering and waiting for low tide to reveal these intricate structures has become something of a fascination, and a vital starting point for my work.

Previous Experience

2025 Solo Exhibition: Whitekirk Hill, North Berwick Group Exhibitions: 2025 Dalkeith Palace with VAS 2025 Eduardo Alessandro Studios, Dundee 2023, 2024, 2025 Torrance Gallery, Edinburgh 2024, 2024, 2025 Found Gallery, Dunbar 2023, 2024, 2025 Dukes of West Barns, Dunbar 2024, 2025 MacMillan Art Show, Edinburgh, Scotland 2024 Society of Scottish Artists Exhibition (30 x 30), Edinburgh 2024, 2025 Detail Gallery, Lochrin Place, Edinburgh 2023, 2024, 2025 St Columba’s Art Exhibition, Edinburgh 2024, 2025 Edinburgh Art Fair with St Columba’s Hospice 2024 ‘Rhythm’, Dundas St Gallery 2023 Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh 2022 Art Walk Porty, Portobello

Collections

Not yet a member?

We are committed as a society to supporting and exhibiting a diverse range of contemporary Scottish art, in a wide variety of media – including drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture.

View our membership packages for more information and to sign-up.

Migrate to Stripe

Visual Arts Scotland memberships are now processed through Stripe. If you have been paying by bank transfer or PayPal we request that you switch your subscription to our new system to ensure continuity of membership.

Your card will not be charged until the renewal date of your membership.