“...I am Raymond Murray...”
I am a full time Scottish Artist born & bred in Greenock. Some people call me eccentric
because I live & work alone... but the truth is I like my own space to work, and that's about
it.
“...I paint in oils, pure oils, using a unique technique...”
I loved the spectrum of colour, blending and mixing paint.
I now like black. Pure black oil.
Maybe there is some deep dark reason, but as far as I am concerned at present it's the
only colour that captures my passion on canvas.
“...If a piece of work isn’t right, I destroy it...”
Each work I produce is an entity... it has soul, a life and a story to tell. There are a variety
of subjects in my paintings. Most are a fusion of my imagination and other influences.
My work must right.
How my work is received is important to me, I take a Stanley knife to any pictures which
fail and obliterate them.
“...I would like to thank those who have bought my work...”
Over the years each piece of work sold has encouraged me and enabled me to progress
and develop as an artist. So thank you to the individuals, corporate clients, Art Galleries and
museums who have added my work to their collections.
“...I am now exhibiting my unique works 'Black & Light”
I am currently producing large pieces in one colour...black. With stippled and smooth areas,
the light which falls upon them brings them to life. I have several exhibitions planned and
continue to discuss exhibitions with interested galleries.
“...I am Raymond Murray...”
Want to know more?
Want to know what drives me & makes me tick?
Please explore my website and find out more.
Raymond
Clip of ‘The Inventor’
Clip of ‘Liberty Revolts’
Clip of ‘The Engineer’
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Black Diamonds
Klondyke
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Black & Texture creation
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PROFILE of Raymond Murray -
“I was born & bred in Greenock on the West Coast of Scotland. a shipbuilding town on the
River Clyde near Glasgow. My bedroom window overlooked the shipyards.
I didn't have a silver spoon, but as a child people said I was good at drawing...
As a youth I studied portrait painting in London, but eventually decided that there was
nothing very interesting about portraits. I was inspired however, by the impressionists,
particularly Vlaminck, I loved his use of pure colour.
In 1969 I started using a broad brush, pure colour and 'artistic licence'.
At the same time I produced my early black studies; I stuck to the neo-classical
figure, but as I perfected my techniques I became more adventurous. When coming
away from the Neo-Classical Portrait School I produced a flurry of nightmarish figures
which could almost be described as surreal.
I am devoted to painting and nothing gives me greater pleasure than people appreciating
my work, and the understanding my enthusiasm and passion about producing contemporary
work which is vibrant, alive and of good quality.
My life has been about me being a little selfish... experimenting with oil on canvas.
I have always experimented and pushed myself to try new and adventurous techniques.
Eventually I developed my unique ‘Black & Light’ works. My friend, sculptor and artist
George Wylie has been a sounding board during this period of creativity.
I work from my studio on the Isle of Bute in the West of Scotland and have exhibited
widely in galleries, mainly on the West Coast of Scotland. I have had a long association
with the prestigious McLean’s Art Gallery and Museum in Greenock since I was invited
to exhibit there in the 80’s and was pleased that they saw a neo-classical study I recently
donated to them as a ‘valuable addition to their collection'.”
Raymond
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“BLACK & LIGHT” Works -
"What makes these paintings unique is the fact that they are solid images painted in black...
just one colour, lamp black. The images are like carvings, they are in the main part textured
and this contrasts with the smooth areas to use the light to bring the images to life.
Almost abstract, each painting has a number of images which are separate but interact
to make a coherent whole. This eccentric style I have developed has manifested itself
in a limited series of large canvases.
I am proud that a number of these artworks are now in the possession of prestigious
Art Galleries & Museums." Raymond
To buy one of these stunning artworks please contact - Blairmore Gallery
‘The Inventor’
‘The Engineer’
‘Liberty Revolts’
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Commissions
Often the paintings I produce are commissioned.
It really is quite simple to commission a painting. The three basic pieces of
information I need are the potential subject matter, size, and the time-scales
involved. I can then indicate the cost. I will produce a sketch to show the
layout of the picture. It is easy to make any changes at this stage and once
you are happy with the sketch, the painting can be started. A painting can be
produced in about three to four weeks after the sketch is approved.
Larger pictures can take longer...
Once produced discussions can take
place about framing and delivery.
If you are thinking of commissioning
a painting then please contact me and
I will be happy to discuss all your
requirements and answer all the
questions you may have
without any obligation.
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NEWS...
During the first part of 2009 I had to lock myself away and concentrate on producing work...
many a phone call went unanswered...
Late Summer 2009 I participated in the Island Artists (IA) Exhibition McLellan Festival 2009,
a touring exhibition for Island artists.
September saw me exhibiting work as part of the Argyll Open Studios.
In October I had a solo exhibition at Blairmore Gallery, Argyll.
During December I have 3 works exhibited at the MacLeans Museum and Art Gallery,
Greenock as part of their Christmas Exhibition.
I am pleased to have been selected to exhibit in December at the prestigious Mall Galleries
London, as part of the Sue Ryder ‘Art Liberating Lives’ Exhibition.
The selection panel included:-
Elizabeth Meek, professional oil painter, currently President of the Royal Miniature Society.
Susan Ryder was Vice President of The Royal Society of Portrait Painters from 2002 - 2008.
Anthony J Lester is a freelance fine art consultant, writer, broadcaster and lecturer. Anthony
is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the International Association of Art
Critics and Companion of the Pastel Society.
Harriet Mead is a leading sculptor. More recently Harriet has been appointed President of the
internationally renowned Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA), making her the first female
and youngest President.
I have sold lots of pieces of work, which are now in public and private collection
Owners of my work include:- Parliamentary Office for the House of Commons
Scottish Maritime Museum MacLeans Museum & Art gallery
Scottish Mining Museum Benmore, Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh
Duncan McNeil MSP David Cairns MP
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