Early Life and Education
- Born: February 20, 1926, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, United Kingdom
- Died: February 20, 1998 (aged 72)
- Nationality: Scottish
- Attended Queen's Park School in Glasgow.
- Served as a Bevin Boy in the mines of West Lothian during World War II; early works depict mining scenes and portraits.
- Studied English and History at Glasgow University before focusing on Fine Art.
- Studied at Edinburgh College of Art (1947-52), influenced by Anne Redpath, William Gillies, John Maxwell, and Robert Henderson Blyth.
- Awarded a travelling scholarship in 1952-3 and an Andrew Grant Fellowship in 1955-7, leading to periods working in Spain, Italy, Sicily, and Norway.
Artistic Style and Development
- Early work influenced by Surrealism and Cubism.
- Developed a rich Colourist style, often referencing French Post-Impressionists like Matisse, Gauguin, Picasso, Braque, Chagall, and Redon.
- Known for vibrant still lifes, nudes, landscapes, and family portraits.
- Style evolved over time, influenced by John Maxwell in the 1960s.
- Celebratory of good things in life and nature; informed by art history, literature, and music.
Career and Teaching
- Taught painting at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art (1958-1985).
- Became Head of Painting at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in 1983, succeeding Alberto Morrocco.
- Reputation as an inspirational and caring teacher; known for opening the minds of students.
- Wrote a monograph on the painter John Maxwell.
Major Achievements and Recognition
- Elected to the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) in 1971.
- Exhibited widely in group shows in Scotland and internationally.
- Held numerous one-man exhibitions, including at the Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh, and Thackeray Gallery, London.
- Commissioned for the reconstruction of the King's Room at Falkland Palace, Fife (murals and ceiling paintings).
- Received the Guthrie Award in 1956.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- Considered a significant figure within the Scottish Colourist tradition.
- His work reflects a deep appreciation for colour, light, and form.
- Remembered as an influential teacher who fostered creativity in his students.
- Continues to be exhibited and collected by art enthusiasts and institutions.
Questions & Answers
Can I explore David McClure's works by color spectrum?
David McClure's works can be explored by color on the artist's Spectral Index page.
Where is David McClure from?
David McClure was born in United Kingdom.
How do I find works by David McClure on a specific theme?
David McClure's works can be explored by keyword on the artist's By Keywords page. Each keyword groups the related artworks.
How can I follow David McClure's work year by year?
David McClure's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.
What are the birth city and country of David McClure?
David McClure was born in Lochwinnoch, in United Kingdom.
How many artworks by David McClure are available to browse?
You can browse 19 artworks by David McClure on the All Artworks page.
Where are David McClure's artworks grouped by art movement?
David McClure's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.
Can I browse David McClure's works by color palette?
To find works by David McClure in a specific palette, use the artist's By Palettes page.
