One of Scotland’s leading artists working in a figurative style, John Johnstone studied under David McClure and Alberto Morrocco at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, where he later returned to teach life drawing classes to a new generation of artists. He says, ‘My paintings seem to be expressing something, either serious or amusing, about life. They depict people acting out minor dramas. There is an element of gravity in them, but the humorous side probably eclipses that aspect’. Born in Forfar in 1941, Johnstone is a regular exhibitor at the Royal Scottish Academy, Visual Arts Scotland and the Scottish Society of Artists, of which he is a professional member. He has works in public and private collections in the UK and aboard, including those of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, the Carnegie Trust, Angus Council, the City of Dundee, The McManus in Dundee, and Fife Council.

In an accompanying exhibition, the Gallery is showing new work by four gallery artists: Helen Welsh, Sandra Dickie, Charlie Parsons and Lesley Skeates.