Alison Watt: A Portrait Without Likeness: a conversation with the art of Allan Ramsay

Alison Watt responds to the delicacy of Allan Ramsay's female portraits in 16 modern paintings, exploring the genres of still life and portraiture. She discusses her creative process with curator Julie Lawson and provides insight into Ramsay's inspiration. Andrew O Hagan responds with a new work of short fiction, and Tom Normand's commentary adds further depth to the understanding of both artists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2021
Publisher: National Galleries of Scotland

A captivating exploration of artistic inspiration:


Renowned artist Alison Watt takes us on a captivating journey into the realms of artistic inspiration, unveiling the profound influence of great works of the past on her creative process. Through a series of 16 emphatically modern new paintings, Watt responds to the remarkable delicacy of the female portraits by eighteenth-century Scottish portraitist Allan Ramsay.


In her artistic exploration, Watt draws inspiration from Ramsay's much-loved portrait of his wife, as well as from less familiar portraits and drawings. What sets Watt's works apart is her ability to capture the enigmatic details that often go unnoticed in Ramsay's compositions. Her paintings effortlessly straddle the genres of still life and portraiture, creating a harmonious blend of elements that evoke a sense of mystery and depth.


To delve deeper into the inspiration behind Watt's paintings, she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with curator Julie Lawson. In this exchange, Watt discusses the painter's perspective, shedding light on the ways in which artists look at paintings and the profound impact that Ramsay's work had on her creative journey.


Adding another layer of insight, art historian Tom Normand provides a commentary that delves further into the layers of depth and meaning found in both Watt's paintings and Ramsay's artistic legacy. Through his scholarly analysis, Normand unravels the intricate connections between the artists, shedding light on their shared artistic vision and the timeless themes that resonate through their works.


This captivating exploration of artistic inspiration serves as a testament to the enduring power of great art and the profound impact it can have on the creative spirits of artists across generations. Alison Watt's paintings invite us to witness the fusion of past and present, as she pays homage to the legacy of Allan Ramsay while forging her own unique artistic path. Through her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to evoke emotions and narratives, Watt continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, leaving a lasting impression on the art world.

Weight: 864g
Dimension: 244 x 310 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911054450