Lou is a lifelong Glaswegian, illustrator, and artist, with a body of work encompassing two decades. He utilises his finely honed skills in drawing and painting to portray his remarkably vivid dreams; insights into a vaster, richer, truer world than our own. Incredible landscapes where vast spiralling towers and staircases organically mingle with and grow into endless expanses of land, sea, and plant life that together almost seem to wake from dreaming and distantly regard you from the frame as you pass. You are invited to step inside his work. Perhaps this will be your first insight into the real world – or perhaps you have seen it before?

See Lou’s work as part of our annual Spring open call, Keep Your Eye on the Doughnut, Not the Hole, which runs April 3rd to 24th, featuring an incredible collection of works by thirty artists leaning into joy, curiosity, and the often surreal pleasure of focusing on what is rather than what isn’t, in a myriad of mediums.

Hi Lou! Tell us how you arrived at the theme of your work?
I have always had very intense, memorable dreams, so it felt natural to start drawing and documenting them.

Can you walk us through your creative process?
There is a sketchbook I keep by my bed, so that when I wake up from a dream I can sketch it all out while its still fresh in my mind.

What advice would you give to artists who are just starting out?
Paint in a way that makes you feel something.

Which artists inspire you? Are there non-artistic influences such as literature or music that impact your work?
There are so many! Anyone who has ever created something based on a dream they had is an inspiration to me. I used to daydream about getting to talk to David Lynch about making art based on dreams, and its one of my great regrets in life that I now will never that opportunity.

What emotions or reactions do you hope viewers experience when they see your artwork?
Familiarity. It is important to me to find people who recognise the scenes I’m showing them. Have you dreamt of this place too?

How do you typically approach your creative process from initial inspiration to the completion of your artwork?
I try not to overthink it. There are these clear images in my subconscious, and I will just jump in until it looks like I dreamt it would.

Are there specific advantages or challenges associated with working in your chosen mediums? Have you experimented with other mediums or techniques?
Over the years I have experimented with every type of artistic medium I could get my hands on. Right now I find oil paint the most fun, I have lots of experience with pen and ink illustration. And I am a truly terrible sculptor.

Can you elaborate on the significance or symbolism of the chosen title of your work?
Usually, the title of a piece is the thing I realised, said, or saw that caused me to wake up from the dream.

How do you know when a piece is complete?
A piece is complete when it looks like I dreamt it would.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about your work or your experiences as an artist?
Whenever I show my work, there are always people who say they recognise some of it, or that they’ve dreamt something similar. If you feel that, I’d love to hear from you!

Are there any upcoming events or additional information you would like the audience to know?
Solo show at Six Foot Gallery this August! [We’re delighted to have Lou joining us later in the year for his solo show from Thurs 28th August to Thurs 11th September – SFG]

Find out more about Lou’s work on Instagram. Keep Your Eye on the Doughnut, Not the Hole runs at Six Foot Gallery until Thursday 24th April 2025.