Crail Memories

John Johnstone was born in Forfar in 1941 and trained at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art 1959-64, where he was highly commended, receiving a major travelling scholarship to visit European Capitals. On his return, he became a part time lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, where he taught for many years.  John has continued to live and work in his native Forfar and says of his work; “my paintings seem to be expressing something, either serious or amusing about life. They depict people acting out minor dramas. Gesture, composition, characterisation and setting are important. There is an element of gravity in them, but the humorous side probably eclipses that aspect.” Over the last forty years, John has exhibited his work far and wide and his paintings and etchings are now in numerous public and private collections at home and abroad including HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Carnegie Dunfermline Trust’s Art Collection, Angus Council Collection at The Meffan Gallery in Forfar, Dundee City Council - The McManus Galleries Collection and Fife Council Museums West Collection. He is also a regular exhibitor at the Royal Scottish Academy and the Scottish Society of Artists and is a professional member of the Scottish Society of Artists and Visual Arts Scotland.