Isabel McNeill

I taught art for many years and also worked in graphic design.

Early in my career I exhibited at a local level. A steady stream of private commissions, mainly through word of mouth, enabled me to develop my personal graphic style. I work with fine pens on a textured surface and never tire of the visual impact of black on white and the challenge of ‘taking a line for a walk’ to see where it leads.

I find it visually exciting to incorporate the graphic distortion of the human form into the decorative elements of pattern and texture as well as juxtaposing space, solid black areas and panels of intricate detail to create interesting compositions. Each piece of work provides the impetus to challenge myself to create another. I enjoy watching people instinctively move closer to investigate my mark making and then step back with a greater awareness of how the overall image was created.

A nod to my Glaswegian background is acknowledged in the titles of my work.

Retired, I now commit more time and energy to doing something that gives me great personal fulfilment. Being part of last year’s Big Art Show and selling work has been a great confidence boost as well as being part of an environment that supports and values the creation of the visual arts. 

Scotland