As a variation from my usual routine, I (accompanied by a long-standing friend) have just returned from the exhibition: “When the Apple Ripens: Peter Howson at 65” at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre. And I must admit, it was a captivating exhibition that celebrates the remarkable artistic journey of the renowned Scottish painter Peter Howson as he reaches the milestone age of 65.
Featuring both large-scale canvases that command attention and smaller, more intimate works that invite closer inspection, it would be true to say that Howson’s masterful use of colour, texture and composition was captivating, and evoked a profound emotional response with a sense of connection to the subjects portrayed.
As a commentary on what we saw, Peter Howson‘s ability to capture the human condition with unparalleled intensity was evident throughout the exhibition. His figurative paintings, both large and small, conveyed a range of emotions from haunting depictions of war and conflict to intimate studies of the human spirit. The saying that a picture is worth a thousand words was evident in this exhibition, with each canvas telling its own story that invited viewers to contemplate the complexities of the human experience and empathise with the subjects portrayed.
I could not help but be captivated by Howson’s masterful use of colour, texture and composition, creating a visual language that transcends words, allowing the viewer to feel the emotions emanating from the canvas. Whether it was the visceral energy of a battlefield or the subtle nuances of a tender moment between individuals, Howson’s art evoked a profound emotional response that lingers long after leaving the exhibition.
Although (I must admit), I am currently unaware of where else this exhibition will visit, should you ever have the opportunity to attend When the Apple Ripens: Peter Howson at 65, I believe that what you will find is an exhibition that will immerse you into the profound world of a true artistic genius that will leave an indelible impression.
