Commissions
Commissioned work is a joyful adventure for me. This wonderfully ambitious painting for a client is my most recent. Please contact me to discuss your ideas for a commissioned painting.
My images emerge from suggestive paint that I apply in glazes, sometimes gossamer thin, at other times more determined. Building colour and texture with ink, oil and chalk pastel, charcoal and pencil, I seek the golden sweet spots of colour and texture to create my overall impression.
Over the Years
This painting describes the taking of the young Mary, Queen of Scots from Stirling Castle to a place of greater safety.
For sale. Please enquire.
The outstanding privilege of having tenure as Historic Environment Scotland’s first artist in residence at the deeply resonant Stirling Castle continues to influence my work.
Please enquire about prints of any work you see here.
Iona's Art and Reachout Work
Whilst primarily known for her vivid landscape paintings, Iona creates art across a variety of genres. An original piece of artwork can also be commissioned with Iona. A bespoke piece can be an opportunity to celebrate a favourite location, illustrate a personal story or mark a special moment. Contact Iona here for special requests.
Painting on Canvas & BOARDS
Education
Creative Flow Workshops
Creative Flow painting sessions were born out of hearing people say things like “I wish I could paint” or “I loved art at school but I was told I wasn’t any good” or “my Dad said there’s no money in art so I should focus on other things”. I felt sad that people were stuck in these ideas, and so birthed Creative Flow workshops.
I encourage expression and mark making, mixing water-based paint, allowing it to flow and using other media such as chalk pastel, charcoal and ink to make textured, fascinating surfaces multiple times. Images arise from this approach, suggesting themselves, thus we can allow ourselves to be guided by the materials rather than sticking to a defined outcome. Over the years, I have seen this approach helping to open up possibilities and lead to greater creative freedom within.
In Nature
Youth
Testimonials
What People say
Dr Neil Oliver
Broadcaster, Historian, Archaeologist And Author
“I have loved many of Iona’s paintings over the years and, as a resident of Stirling, I especially enjoy catching fresh glimpses of places I know, seen through someone else’s questioning and pondering eyes.”
Maria, Peebles
Teaching testimonial
“I really felt encouraged and supported by you throughout the day and I found your approach to be enthusiastic, sensitive as well as challenging in positive way. Your compassion was infectious and has taught me to remember this to silence my inner critic”
Eleanor, Dollar
Teaching testimonial
“Iona’s enthusiasm and explanations of how to “let it all out” really loosened my painting technique. I feel that her talent for teaching, art is unique and any youngster (or older person) starting out will really benefit from her teaching”
Alison & Barrie
Castle Douglas, COMmISSION
We first saw Iona’s work at the Wigtown Book Festival in Galloway and were enraptured. The character and depth and sincerely-felt emotion in her work makes for glorious paintings. We find something new and inspiring in Iona’s work every day. Commissioning a painting was easy and a dream come true for us, as it put shimmering life into an old much-loved story and interest that we have talked about for years”.