Fiona’s Story

Look at a still life from Glasgow-based artist Fiona Longley and it is the sense of timelessness that catches you. The detail is superb. Every shape, contour, light and shadow is incredibly well captured. But there’s far more. It really feels like you could be looking at a work from one of her heroes such as Chardin or Vermeer – it could be centuries old but still fresh.  For one production company shooting a costume drama, wanting to dress the walls with art giving a real sense of the period, Fiona’s art was their first choice. 

These are definitely not photo-realistic images. These are moody, atmospheric representations of the subject matter that tell their own story. They are so clearly in the traditional of classic realism. This is striving for perfection in paint with a strong emphasis on the skill involved and the beauty created. The works are meticulous in their eye for detail and unwavering in the mood they create. This is unmistakeably Fine Art and that’s something that Fiona is committed to bring back into focus.

“There are so many wonderful contemporary artists out there today but, I feel, there are far less concentrating on Fine Art. In my still life and landscape work I want to bring the level of skill and dedication that we see in the Old Masters,” she says. “Whenever the opportunity arises, I love to visit art galleries and museums around the world to study the work of the Old Masters. There’s so much information in these paintings, just seemingly simple things like how they put light on a bowl. The learning process is continuous and I hope that it’s always making me a better artist.”

Learning has always been central to Fiona’s artistic journey. Although she began her formal training later than most, when she enrolled in the three year painting and drawing programme at the Glasgow Academy of Fine Art. It proved to be an inspiring chapter. The experience deepened her understanding of classical techniques and refined her eye for detail, leaving her with a profound appreciation for craftsmanship and a lasting commitment to excellence in her work.

She comments: “I think that this is one of the most important lessons a young artist can learn. You must use the very best materials. If you use the best materials then you’ll get the best results. But, you’ll also give a little more of yourself and give more respect to the work. I believe that, through this, you know you’re giving the person hanging your work something special.”

Authenticity is also close to the top of Fiona’s list of priorities for an artist.

“Wherever possible, I strive to be as true to my work as possible. My bowls come from vintage stalls. My books were bought at a French Flea market. I paint on fine linen and use paints with the best possible pigments so I am able to work in a very similar way to the Old Masters. I only ever paint what’s in front of me, never from a photo, whether still life or landscape. That way I know I’m capturing all the changes of light and atmosphere as they’re happening.”

At the Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show, Fiona is exhibiting three works – Quiet Bloom, Resting Apples and Strawberry Spill – in recognition of the excellent care that a family member received at The Beatson Hospital in Glasgow. The skill and care from the Macmillan team have left a lasting impression on Fiona who comments “They were always so kind as well as being right on top of treatment options”.

“I cannot praise the Macmillan team highly enough,” says Fiona. “They are always incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. So, I’m very grateful that I can contribute to this great show and give something back to people who have done so much for someone so important to me.”

Fiona Longley is one of over 160 Scottish artists taking part in this year’s Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show taking place from 10am-4pm November 22-23 at the Cornerstone Centre in central Edinburgh. An online store will also operate during and after the show. You can find more information here.