Welcome to our very first IFLI Artist-in-Residence!

 

Artist Darren Woodhead, who recently appeared on the BBC’s Springwatch,  Autumnwatch and Winterwatch as Artist-in-Residence, is now turning his eyes to the Inner Forth. He is to become IFLI's very first Artist-in-Residence for the coming year, aiming to inspire more people to value and celebrate this unique natural and historic landscape through his stunning paintings. Darren will also be working with local communities through a series of interactive events, to help change perceptions of this sometimes undervalued part of the world.

Commenting on the appointment, Darren said: ‘I have worked for many years along the mouth of the Forth, so to be invited to work higher up in the estuary I find exciting. The combination of a wealth of fauna and flora within a significant historical and industrial setting I find intriguing, with so many possibilities for painting and inspiration. I look forward to the challenges ahead, pushing the way I work and capturing a sense of place.’

Sue Walker, IFLI’s Communications Officer, added: ‘We are absolutely delighted that Darren will be our Artist-in-Residence. He paints directly from life, working outdoors in all conditions, so that the weather becomes part of the artwork. His paintings seem to capture the essence of a place in just a few brushstrokes. The Inner Forth is a complex landscape, with spectacular flocks of waders and wildfowl feeding against a backdrop of steel towers and chimneys, and ancient castles gazing down on factories and warehouses. Sadly many people only see the industry and commerce, while the area’s rich natural, cultural and historic heritage is often overlooked or neglected. Darren’s work as Artist-in-Residence will really help us to turn these perceptions around.’

Before becoming IFLI Artist-in-Residence, Darren Woodhead appeared on the BBC’s Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch as their Artist-in-Residence. He has been a professional artist for many years, is a graduate of The Royal College of Art, and has had his work published in a number of books, with two solo titles; ‘From Dawn til Dusk’ and ‘Up River, The Song of the Esk’. He also lectures and runs drawing and painting courses both nationally and internationally. He lives in East Lothian with his family. You can find out more about him, and view some of his work, at http://www.darrenwoodhead.com.

Darren will be visiting IFLI sites all around the Forth, so if you see him at work there when you're out and about please do stop and say hello. He will also be involved in a number of events in the coming months, so keep a lookout for news of when and where on our events calendar and in our enewsletter.