Alan Braidwood studied at Edinburgh College of Art and his work over time has developed to reflect his time spent outdoors observing landscape, nature and light. The work aims to bring an atmosphere which can be relaxing, joyful, challenging or reflective.

See Alan’s work, ‘Summer Shade’, as part of our annual Summer open call, Something in the Mirage, which runs July 17th to August 8th, featuring an incredible collection of works by twenty nine artists inspired by the dreamlike shimmering of summer sunshine, heat hazes, lingering afterimages, or maybe the momentary glint of something half-seen and half-imagined in the dappled golden light.

Hi Alan! Can you tell us about which artists inspire you? Are there any non-artistic influences such as literature or music that impact your work?
I love the abstract painter Agnes Martin. I love the subtlety of her work and her own approach, which is to try and remove herself from the process and let the work almost make itself. Also, I think the Finnish artist, writer and illustrator Tove Jansson is a genius. Books, nature, music, travel; everything can be an influence.

How do you overcome creative blocks and what do you do to keep motivated and interested in your work?
Start working. Thinking, or overthinking, stops you creating. Just get started and things start to happen. Don’t sit and wait for inspiration; get to work and it’ll happen. I think it’s simple; you need to have a real love of painting and a real excitement of what’s going to happen next. Over time you create a body of work and I found it was only when I saw 30-40 canvases all together it became clear what I’d made and what I was about.

How do you know when a piece is complete?
It’s not always obvious. I think the key is knowing when to stop; that could mean for the day or entirely. Often when I’m working I’ll reach a point where I know I need to stop. The next day I will look at what I’ve made, or where I’m up to. If it’s still not clear what needs doing, I live with the work for a few days and slowly the answers present themselves and I can see what needs doing. Put simply, if you aren’t sure something is finished or not don’t force it. Let it breathe and the picture will reveal what it needs.

How has your practice changed over time?
I think it’s natural to try a whole range of techniques, styles, sizes, medium and texture. When I started it was all very controlled and tight. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and I like to try new things.

And finally, what advice would you give young artists who are just starting out?
Don’t be intimated by what’s gone before you. Understand it will take time. No one gets in a car for the first time and expects to drive properly. Sometimes you have a clear idea about what you want to make and then the magic starts to happen and it becomes something else. Use your instincts and don’t be scared of mistakes, as this can lead you to exciting places you never considered.

Find out more about Alan’s work on his website or Instagram. Something in the Mirage runs at Six Foot Gallery until 8th August 2025.