Untitled

Artist Colin Thoms (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1912 - 1997)

Date1979

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 71 cm, Width: 92 cm
Frame: Height: 76.1 cm, Width: 97 cm

AcquisitionThe Scottish Arts Council Bequest, 1997.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG013667

Keywords

Abstract

About MeThoms studied art at Edinburgh College of Art where he was taught by S.J. Peploe, W.G. Gillies and D.M. Sutherland. After a short period at the Slade School of Art in London and subsequent travelling scholarships to Europe, he began his teaching career as art master at Loretto School in Musselburgh. In 1949 he was elected President of the Society of Scottish Artists. Two years later he was appointed lecturer at Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen where he remained until his retirement in 1977. He was President of the Aberdeen Artists' Society from 1966 until 1970.

In 1963 Thoms was inspired by the major Miró retrospective exhibition in London. This changed his painting style irrevocably and he embraced the challenge of abstraction. He was one of a generation of Scottish artists, like William Gear and Alan Davie (see Centre Court), who moved easily in abstraction.