Acclaimed Scottish artist Ron Lawson returns with ‘Quiet Lands’, a major new solo exhibition hosted by The Annan Gallery in Glasgow which runs until May 31
The Annan Gallery in Glasgow is delighted to welcome back Ron Lawson, one of Scotland’s most distinctive and highly collectable contemporary painters, for his only Solo Exhibition of 2026.
‘Quiet Lands’ from 9th to 31st May, sees Ron Lawson at his classic best, bringing together a carefully curated selection of 30 new original paintings.
This tightly-focused exhibition offers a rare opportunity to encounter a fresh body of his much sought-after work.
Widely recognised for his striking interpretations of the Hebrides, Ron Lawson has established a reputation for paintings that are both immediately recognisable and quietly compelling.
His pared-back but meticulous approach turns traditional, colour-rich Scottish landscape painting on its head.
Vast, flat skies, often rendered in his trademark grey, dominate his compositions and, while his palette is deliberately restrained, his work distils the essence of crofting and island life with clarity and impact.
‘White Sand Tiree’ (Image: Supplied)
Ron said: “I’ve always sought to capture the flat, open expanse of the Hebrides, reducing my paintings to the essentials to convey their vast emptiness.
“I strip away unnecessary detail, leaving only what’s needed to evoke a sense of space and stillness.
“Much of my work is made up of flat skies, grey-blue tones and a strong sense of openness. It doesn’t need to move left and right – it can move upwards as well.”
In this latest collection, Ron continues to refine his visual language. Solitary crofts, expansive skies and wide open landscapes are rendered with confident economy of detail, allowing a sense of ‘being there’ to take centre stage.
A notable introduction is a series featuring deep cobalt-blue skies – a striking contrast to the more moody and introspective grey works, with their intensity suggesting crisp coastal light and clarity.
The result is a body of work that feels both contemplative and immersive, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect.
Through decades of engagement with Scotland’s islands and coastal regions, Ron’s work is rooted in experience as much as observation.
Regular visits to the Hebrides and other remote areas have fostered a deep understanding of place, enabling him to distil landscapes into compositions of remarkable clarity and balance.
‘Thunder Sky Red Roof’ (Image: Photography – Jon-Paul Davis)
These paintings demonstrate both technical mastery and commitment to his artistic vision.
Ron Lawson’s paintings have found an international audience and are held private collections worldwide. In recent years, he has often achieved sell-out exhibitions – testament to his hard work and the strength and demand for his paintings.
Despite this, his work remains firmly grounded in the landscapes that have inspired him throughout his 40 year career, maintaining a strong connection to Scotland’s cultural and geographical identity.
Gallery owner Scott Bennett commented: “We’re proud to welcome Ron back for his only exhibition of 2026, which promises to be exceptional.
“His work continues to resonate strongly with audiences, this new collection being a superb example of his clear style.
“There are few artists today who have the level of demand he enjoys, which makes it especially significant that our Annan and Strathearn Galleries are the only galleries presenting Ron’s Solo Exhibitions.
“He’s an important figure in Scottish contemporary art and his quite unique style of paintings have a huge following.
“This new exhibition further reinforces his position as one of Scotland’s leading contemporary landscape painters.”
‘Quiet Lands’ opens at the Annan Gallery, Glasgow on 9th May and runs to 31st
