The Laraig Ghru by Gill Williams

Medium

Oil

Dimensions

H6 cm x W7.5 cm

Dimensions with frame

H10 cm x W11.5 cm

Description

Snow covered mountain pass in the Cairngorms.

Notes

An infamous mountain path in the northern Cairngorms, this rendition of Laraig Ghru perfectly captures the majestic mountain view of the glen. From such as small scale, this piece feels as though the viewer is peering through the view finder of a camera or a small window through to the magic of the highlands. Williams' execution with oil paints captures the sweeping snowy texture of the hills and the rugged irregularities of the trees. Overhead, the grey and white clouds hide some of the peaks in the background, creating a foreshadowing of more treacherous weather ahead. Although, there is a touch of blue in the sky, in a way that almost implies the viewer is waiting for the clouds to pass, both a poignant metaphor and a shared experience of many hikers and photographers.

About Gill Williams

Gill Williams lives in the Cairngorms and draws inspiration from the surrounding Scottish landscape and wildlife.

After a distinguished 30-year career with Thames Valley Police, including 24 years as a specialist police diver and becoming the UK's first female in the role, Gill retired in 2010. She was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for her work, including involvement in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami recovery efforts.

She later developed a passion for photography, focusing on landscapes and auroras, often seeking out remote and lesser-seen locations across Scotland. This work gradually led her back to painting, using her photographs as inspiration.

Gill specialises in highly detailed miniature oil paintings on unique surfaces such as shells, ceramic and acrylic. Her work has been exhibited at the Bankside Gallery in London with the Royal Society of Miniature Artists, with further pieces shortlisted for upcoming exhibitions.