The Fotheringham Gallery in Bridge of Allan is hosting an exhibition of the unique work of Nicola McBride. Nicola graduated from Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen with a BA Hons degree in drawing and painting in 1997, and after initially exploring an abstract style, since 2019 she has focused on the medium of biro pen – interested in both the mark-making achieved by the pens, and the challenge of trying to control an unforgiving medium. The ‘palette’ is restricted to eight colours plus black, and she relentlessly practises layering different permutations in order to establish a realistic finish. Along with Bic biro pens, she uses acrylic paint to block in the background, creating a contrast for the subject matter.

Nicola develops still-life compositions, focusing on iconic foods and retro objects stemming back to her childhood, and is heavily influenced by the 1950s Pop Art movement with its fascination for imagery from popular and mass culture. Her central aim is to spark memories in the viewer, helping them to form connections and relationships from their childhood.