OVERVIEW
A beautiful and highly appealing original watercolour attributed to acclaimed Scottish wildlife artist Derek Robertson, entitled “Family Outing”, believed to date from 2004.
The painting depicts a great crested grebe accompanied by four young chicks, swimming together through calm, reed-fringed water.
The adult bird's distinctive head markings and elegant profile are beautifully captured, while the four youngsters provide a particularly charming family composition.
Fine brushwork, delicate washes of blue, green and brown, and carefully observed details of the birds' plumage demonstrate the artist's accomplished approach to wildlife painting.
Presented beneath glass in an attractive, substantial gold-toned decorative frame with a broad pale mount and contrasting inner border.
ARTIST & ORIGIN
Derek Robertson (born 1967) is an established Scottish wildlife artist, originally from St. Andrews, Fife.
He studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, graduating in 1989, and has developed an international reputation for his detailed and atmospheric depictions of birds, wildlife and natural landscapes.
His work has been exhibited widely, and he is associated with several respected professional art societies, including the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour.
The painting carries the artist's DR monogram on the front.
Of particular interest, the reverse retains the artist's handwritten signature, the title “Family Outing”, a date appearing to read 04, and a handwritten original price of £260.
The reverse also carries the original Woodlands Studios, Bandrum, near Saline, Fife studio details, providing valuable supporting evidence of the painting's origin.
These markings, together with the appearance of the painted surface and the original professional presentation, provide persuasive evidence that this is an original work by Derek Robertson, believed to date from 2004.
The artwork has not been removed from its frame for independent verification of the medium.
DIMENSIONS
Overall framed dimensions: (H33cm×W35cm)
Visible artwork dimensions: (H15cm×W18cm)
Measurements are approximate.
CONDITION
The artwork presents in very good overall condition, with attractive, well-preserved colours and finely defined details throughout.
The pale mount appears clean and well maintained, complementing the natural tones of the painting.
The substantial gold-toned frame features an attractive aged and distressed decorative finish, with textured detailing that suits the artwork particularly well.
The reverse is especially interesting and remarkably well preserved, retaining the artist's handwritten inscriptions, studio details, professional framing labels and original-looking backing.
The framing was undertaken by The Art Centre, 81 Main Street, Kelty, Fife, whose label also references Fine Art Trade Guild commended framing.
The backing has deliberately been left undisturbed to preserve the integrity of the presentation and its historical inscriptions.
Please examine all photographs carefully, including the detailed images of the painting, monogram, frame and reverse.
DELIVERY
Next Day Delivery with Royal Mail Tracked 24 — £10 Postage & Packaging Service.
The artwork has already been carefully protected and secured for storage. Upon retrieval, it will receive additional cushioning with bubble wrap before being securely enclosed in appropriately sized protective cardboard packaging, ensuring considerable care and attention throughout preparation for dispatch.
SUMMARY
A particularly charming and accomplished Scottish wildlife composition by Derek Robertson, depicting a great crested grebe and four chicks.
Entitled “Family Outing”, believed to date from 2004, and retaining the artist's signature, studio details and original handwritten £260 price on the reverse.
Beautifully framed and presented, with compelling supporting evidence of its attribution and original provenance.
An appealing opportunity for collectors of Scottish art, original watercolours, ornithological subjects and British wildlife painting.