Artists directory

Lesley

Rankine

I work across a multitude of mixed media, both figurative and abstract, using watercolour, oil, and acrylic paint, mono printing and electroplate lithography, photography and found objects, particularly objects from the natural environment, like wasps nests, plant matter and wood. I’m inspired by vibrant, saturated, often jarring colours, and depth of texture. I like to incorporate opposing elements not normally seen together and that, while engaging, present a hint of disharmony. In figurative work I want to create an image that is very slightly unsettling to the onlooker, that balances conventional ideas of beauty and harmony with an element of discomfort. I like work that presents some kind of challenge or in some way unsettles or prompts questions from the viewer. I’m inspired by work that displays a profound freedom of movement and expression, a kinetic energy, and a somewhat left-field, challenging or confrontational approach. These are all elements I try to incorporate in my own work. In my abstract work I usually create multiple pieces at a time. They feel like a family of work – all connected in some way, serving as visual representations of my current preoccupations, either on a personal, emotional level, or by way of geopolitical and societal commentary. I started professional life as a musician and still make music intermittently, often releasing my visual and musical work together as one complete piece.

Disciplines: Mixed Media

Location: Edinburgh

Materials: Acrylic, Found, Lithography, Monoprint, Oil, Paper, Paper Cutting, Pencil, Relief Print, Screenprinting, Watercolour
I work across a multitude of mixed media, both figurative and abstract, using watercolour, oil, and acrylic paint, mono printing and electroplate lithography, photography and found objects, particularly objects from the natural environment, like wasps nests, plant matter and wood. I’m inspired by vibrant, saturated, often jarring colours, and depth of texture. I like to incorporate opposing elements not normally seen together and that, while engaging, present a hint of disharmony. In figurative work I want to create an image that is very slightly unsettling to the onlooker, that balances conventional ideas of beauty and harmony with an element of discomfort. I like work that presents some kind of challenge or in some way unsettles or prompts questions from the viewer. I’m inspired by work that displays a profound freedom of movement and expression, a kinetic energy, and a somewhat left-field, challenging or confrontational approach. These are all elements I try to incorporate in my own work. In my abstract work I usually create multiple pieces at a time. They feel like a family of work – all connected in some way, serving as visual representations of my current preoccupations, either on a personal, emotional level, or by way of geopolitical and societal commentary. I started professional life as a musician and still make music intermittently, often releasing my visual and musical work together as one complete piece.

Previous Experience

I studied graphics/illustration at Wimbledon and Camberwell Schools of art in London before pursuing a career in music as a recording artist in London and the U.S, providing visual art for record covers, videos, promotion and merchandising. Since returning to Scotland I took a sabbatical to raise my son, providing visual art solely on a commission basis for local projects, before returning to making music and visual art, and rebuilding a more contemporary portfolio. I’ve exhibited only a few times in small, local exhibitions in Kirkcudbright art gallery and Gracefield art gallery in Dumfries in the 2010s. Otherwise I sell my visual art via my online stores. However, now living in Edinburgh and producing more work, I’d very much like to exhibit.

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.