James Lumsden

Working between studios in Edinburgh and the Isle of Lewis, James Lumsden's beguiling work explores paint’s essential being through process. Using an historical method, he builds dozens of thin translucent glazes with modern paint mediums until an illusion of light and depth are achieved. Each layer is dragged, pulled or manipulated with various implements. The process is repeated over time, layer upon layer, until the painting emerges. The delicate yet complex surfaces of Lumsden’s paintings reveal luminous chromatic strata, shimmering within the gradual accretion of translucent layers.

Lumsden exhibits regularly in Scotland, Canada and the US and has work in many public collections including…

A square, abstract artwork with a blend of purple and blue hues, featuring smooth, flowing, and slightly wavy patterns.

Point Series Resonance (14/24), Acrylic on Canvas, 35cm x 30cm, 2024

A blank, light purple or lavender-shaped ceramic or glass tile with a glossy finish and subtle swirling patterns.

Point Series Resonance (2/25), Acrylic on Canvas, 35cm x 30cm, 2025

A square canvas with a holographic finish displaying a gradient of purple, blue, and pink hues with abstract watercolor-like splashes at the bottom.

Point Series Resonance (1/25), Acrylic on Canvas, 35cm x 30cm, 2025

Abstract artwork with vertical streaks of pink, red, and orange tones, framed in pink, with a black bottom border.

Fugal Painting (1/25), Acrylic on Canvas, 30cm x 40cm, 2025

Abstract art with a division: top half features light purple and pink vertical lines, bottom half is dark blue with horizontal streaks.

Contrapuntal Painting (1/24), Acrylic on Canvas, 70cm x 60cm, 2024