Isabel Alexander’s oil-on-canvas masterpiece, “To the Northern Isles,” invites us on a visual journey. With an original size of 55.0 x 67.0 cm, this artwork captures the essence of a voyage between Thurso and the Scottish archipelago of Orkney.

Alexander’s artistic journey mirrors her own educational path. After several stints at art school, she returned in the 1960s for further learning. Her time at the Slade, under the guidance of Andrew Forge, and later at Goldsmith’s College (again with Forge), shaped her artistic sensibilities.

Forge’s influence is evident in Alexander’s technique—a rhythmic dance of dots and dashes. Forge aptly described this method as his “drumming” technique. Each painting begins with a single dot, and as dots accumulate across the canvas, color reveals itself. In “To the Northern Isles,” this technique achieves almost preternatural luminosity. Daubs of paint coalesce, conjuring a mystical light. Two receding furrows of white guide our gaze toward the horizon, while three seagulls soar, catching the very air that surrounds them.

The corner of a boat frames this exquisite view, inviting us to contemplate the beauty of the natural world. Despite the historical context—1993, a time of change and uncertainty—the canvas exudes tranquility. It’s a testament to both Alexander’s skill and the enduring allure of the Northern Isles.

Image: 48.0 x 57.0; paper: 61.0 x 69.0cm

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