Seatown 6

Artist William Alexander Burns (Newton Mearns, Scotland, 1921 - 1972)

Datec. 1960

Mediumoil on hardboard

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 98 cm, Width: 152.8 cm
Frame: Height: 119 cm, Width: 169.3 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1970 with income from the Macdonald Bequest.

CopyrightOrphan work

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003290

Keywords

Abstract

About MeSeatown 6 is one of Bill Burns' later semi-abstract landscapes. Although created in his studio, the painting represents a townscape, probably inspired by an aerial view (Burns was a light aircraft enthusiast). Using an assemblage of big blocks of colour, he creates a disorganised, yet calculated composition.

Burns plays a lot with the senses, especially with the sense of touch represented in the painting's rough surface, which is partly due to the work being on board, rather than canvas.

Throughout the 1960s Burns had less and less contact with other artists, which could account for the individuality of his later works. He developed the idea of the importance of intuition for the artist and the acceptance of the conditions that the materials impose.