William Neal is an artist based out in Wigtown, SW Scotland. For many years he’s painted landscapes of Galloway, but more recently he’s moved into creating large abstract artworks, full of light, texture and colour, but completely flat and smooth.
He was after some updated portraits and new images of his studio, so I was out there last week clicking away.
Part of his fascinating and varied background includes his association with prog-rock giants, Emerson Lake and Palmer, for whom he created the album covers for 'Tarkus' and 'Pictures at an Exhibition'
As we were coming towards the end of the session he mentioned an idea he’d had for a while about having a photo of him sitting outside at his easel, looking like a typical landscape artist, yet having one of his abstract works in front of him. That sounded like too much fun to miss, so we loaded bits and pieces into his car and went down to the harbour. We may have run well over time, but he did make me some rather nice sandwiches for lunch.
I have lot of fun taking photos, and I have just as much fun editing and playing with them in Photoshop. But the best aspect of this job is meeting people and finding out more about their lives, their passions and their world views.
Once again I've put up a gallery of some of the images from the session on my photography website. If you're interested, click here:
Kim Ayres photographs William Neal

The artist at work
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what great photos! he has a most expressive face. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI specially love the period feel to the one on the post but I enjoyed seeing the others.
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally I have just visited Parsnip http://twosquaredogs.blogspot.com/
and her latest Monsoon photo has me drooling. What do you think?
Nice work again.
ReplyDeleteThat's one angry lookin' moggie!
It does sound like you are having fun with this new project. William Neal sounds cool.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. My favourite is this one.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with FLG on a favorite.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm thinking that your mid-life crisis is just about over.
Savannah - he was a nice guy to work with :)
ReplyDeletePat - I'll pop over and take a look when I get a mo :)
Mapstew - thank you :)
Eryl - I think setting up the photography business is one of the best things I could have done (I may yet change my mind if I don't get any more customers though...)
FLG - it's good to get feedback on what people like! Thanks :)
Charlie - you think? I'll have to ponder on that one a wee while...
You make beautiful pictures Kim! he seems like an interesting guy!
ReplyDeleteThank you Starrlife :)
ReplyDeletei love this shot Kim.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteI can feel the heat fae your large warm smile my friend. It suits you well.
ReplyDeleteAs for the photie?
Genius. You sir.. are the artist.
I bought two prints from William Neal back in about 1989ish when he had a shop Kirkcudbright (actually by the time I had them framed in the local shop, I could have bought one of his originals (then - I suspect not now)). He's an excellent artist, long may he paint (and need photographed).
ReplyDeleteWell done both
Sandy
Jimmy - your kind words make me blush and giggle like a schoolgirl. In a manly way, or course.
ReplyDeleteSandy - thank you :)
My favorite is the profile, in hat.
ReplyDeleteMakes me wonder what that artistic eye is contemplating.
You do nice work, Sir!
Thank you Hope :)
ReplyDeletethey're all great shots, I especially like the one that illustrates this post
ReplyDelete