Paul Reid is undoubtedly one of the great figurative painters to have emerged out of Scotland in recent years. His personalized interpretations of ancient myths have attracted a growing and enthusiastic audience, with highly successful exhibitions recently held in Edinburgh and Harrogate.
A major publication of his work was published by 108 Fine Art in 2006, with an introduction written by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and essay by Laura Gascoigne.
Paul Reid studied at Duncan Of Jordanstone College Of Art, Dundee from 1994 – 1998. He was awarded a Carnegie Trust Vacation Scholarship and a John Kinross Scholarship. His work is held in numerous public and private collections including JK Rowling and HRH Prince of Wales.
In 2004 Paul accompanied HRH The Prince of Wales on a trip to Turkey and Jordan, completing a series of paintings and drawings based on the landscape and people of the areas visited. In 2009 he accompanied HRH on a visit to Canada.
His first public art gallery exhibition was arranged by 108, and toured the UK in late 2007 / 2008. The exhibition charted the development of his work over the previous ten years, with the emphasis on his series of paintings, based on ‘The Minotaur’ and, ‘Circe’.
Review by Iain Gale, “Six of the best painters point the way forward”, Scotland on Sunday
“Since he burst on to the British art scene three years ago, shaking up received notions of what contemporary art was about, Paul Reid has been gathering a loyal audience with his unique take on the apparently redundant tradition of neo-classical painting.
Yet he has also made as many people wish he would go away. His art is unlike anything else you will see on the contemporary scene. While some others might imitate the old masters, Reid creates his own vocabulary and towers over his rivals through his sheer draughtsmanship and feel for paint. But there is nothing reactionary about this work. Reid is not attempting single-handedly to subvert the the current trend for conceptualism, some of which he admits is powerful and valid. Rather he sees himself as part of a bigger picture, using Greek myth as it was originally intended to be used, as a metaphor through which to tap into basic human truths and mysteries.”
Press articles (click here)
In issue 18 of Turps Banana Magazine Paul Reid talks about his own work with the painter Derrick Guild. This eight page illustrated feature offers an insight into what he paints and why. Turps Banana is a bi-annually produced independent magazine about painting, by painters. A unique publication with no backers, advertisements or professional writers, Turps was evolved from the passion of painters… discussing what they love the most – painting.
View press review for Paul Reids 2104 exhibition ‘MYTHS’ at the Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh
Selected bibliography
“A History of Scottish Art” Selina Skipwith and Bill Smith, published by Merrell, 2003. Illustrated. Pages 12,19,207, 282, 283.
“Art Tomorrow” Edward Lucie Smith. Published by Terrail, 2002. Pages140 & 1444, plate146.
‘Artists Eye’ Art Review, November 1998 (illustrated pages 34-35 and front cover).
Best of Young British, New Statesman, July 2002
‘Arts Firmament: Paul Reid, John Russell Taylor, The Times, 16.6.99