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| DUNBLANE ARTIST IONA IS EXCITED ABOUT AUCHTERARDER EXHIBITION |
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| Allan Water News |
| 4 Apr 2008 |
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A new exhibition in Auchterarder will feature the work of a highly respected Dunblane artist. |
| Iona Leishman's paintings have been described as 'exciting and intricate' and use 'rich, luscious colours and textures'. And now her work will be on show at The Ruthven Gallery in the village alongside leading contemporary artists such as Margaret Evans and Hugh Kirkwood. |
| Following on from a successful solo show at Stirling University, the artist is understandably excited about her new collection. "I feel stronger about my work than I ever have," she said. "In terms of my style it's satisfying that no one has ever approached me to say 'you remind me of..." |
| Inspired by he likes of Peter McLaren and Joan Eardley, Iona decided to concentrate on painting in 1996 after studying English at university. "I paint outside like Joan and I know what it's like to freeze, just to capture that excitement and spirit of being outside." |
| The environment provides a great deal of inspiration to Iona and she has used her work to support various charities, including the National Trust for Scotland, the John Muir Trust and Dunblane's Holmehill Community Buyout Group. |
| Steve Mason, Secretary of the Holmehill Community Buyout Group, described how Iona's work had helped the group. "Prior to Christmas she held an exhibition and invited buyers to choose a charity to which she would donate a percentage of the sales. "By this means she raised over £250 for our campaigning fund." |
| In the past year, Iona has been elected to the prestigious Glasgow Society of Women Artists and been exhibited by Thompson's Galleries in London. |
| The Spring Exhibition at the Ruthven Gallery, Auchterarder begins on Friday, April 4 and runs until Tuesday, June 3, with a preview on Thursday, April 3. |
| © Allan Water News |
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© The Ruthven Gallery 2008. |