Barbara Rae b. 1943

Barbara Rae (b. 1943) is a renowned Scottish artist known for her vibrant and expressive use of colour, particularly in her prints and paintings. However, a significant chapter in her artistic journey came when she spent time in Capileira, a small village in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain, which influenced her work in more subtle and muted ways. The time she spent there marked a shift in her approach, focusing less on the bright, bold palettes that were characteristic of her earlier work, and more on the use of earthier tones and more restrained colour schemes.

While in Capileira, Rae immersed herself in the rugged, remote landscapes surrounding the village, which inspired a series of works where the colours were more muted, often reflecting the tones of the natural environment. The earth tones, ochres, and greys of the Andalusian landscape found their way into her work, creating a sense of quiet contemplation and an appreciation for the simplicity of nature. Rae's prints from this period often feature subtle textures and layers, using limited colour palettes to convey the landscape's stark beauty and solitude.

During this time, Rae's focus shifted towards a more intimate connection with her surroundings, working with materials and methods that reflected her environment. Her landscapes from Capileira, though still influenced by abstraction, displayed a new depth and sensitivity to the land, capturing the essence of the mountains and the traditional architecture of the region. These more muted works provided a contrast to the vibrant, exuberant works that defined her earlier career, but they remain an important part of her artistic evolution, showcasing her ability to adapt and interpret the world in a constantly evolving style.