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Nets
Nets
Nets

Nets

Artist (Newton Mearns, Scotland, 1921 - 1972)
Date1952-1955
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 71 cm, Width: 91 cm
Frame: Height: 85.8 cm, Width: 106 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1975.
CopyrightOrphan work
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003293
About MeThis painting is an early seatown scene by Willian Burns. Burns was first influenced by his teacher at Glasgow School of Art, Ian Fleming and he started painting and drawing with the same attention to details and meticulousness. Among his other influences, William Wilson and David Donaldson played a role in his artistic development.

Burns began moving away from this naturalism towards a more impressionist style, as in this picture. Here, there is nearly no skyline, as the viewpoint is based on ground level, with a particular interest in simple walls and pavements. He developed this idea of solidity in his later works - increasingly working the juxtaposition of shape, colour and form - until reaching abstraction.