Cyril Gerber Fine Art. British Painting, Sculpture and Drawings

James Paterson

Born Glasgow, the son of a successful manufacturer, he worked in business for four years while attending watercolour classes given by A.D. Robertson. In 1877 his father agreed to his going to Paris to study first under Jacquessen de la Chevreuse, and then under Jean-Paul Laurens. Remained in Paris until 1882, spending the summer working on the Continent or returning to work in Scotland, and some summers he worked with MacGregor on the east coast (18877 or 78, 1880, 1881). Paterson’s French training was very important and the tonal quality of his work reflects his Paris year. He wrote an article The Art Student in Paris in the Scottish Art Review which gives an insight into the ateliers.

Paterson had enjoyed painting in the Dumfries-shire village of Moniaive and in 1884 settled there with his new wife into a house ‘Kilniess’ enlarged by J.J. Burnet and given as a wedding present by his parents. Paterson painted the landscape around Moniaive in oil and watercolour, working in the open air. In order to be able to paint snow scenes, he built a special studio nearby at Craigdarroch. Paterson was also a keen photographer. In 1888 Paterson was instrumental in establishing The Scottish Art Review, which became the mouthpiece of the Glasgow School, and he was also an early member of the New English art Club. Paterson, however, remained slightly apart from the other Glasgow Boys, rarely painting alongside them. He had family responsibilities and he was also better off than the ‘Boys’.

In the later 1890s Paterson began spending more time in Edinburgh, finally settling there in 1905. He was elected ARSA in 1896, and became Librarian and later Secretary of the Academy. Edinburgh began to feature in his work, often seen from

Arthur’s Seat or Craigleith Quarry. These views are handled tonally and reveal Paterson’s very elegant painting style.

In 1910 his wife died, and Paterson began to travel more abroad, working regularly in Tenerife as well as Italy, Corsica and France. His colour, which had been restrained in Scotland, began to brighten and during his later years he produced many vivid and brilliant watercolours of southern landscapes. Unlike many of the other Glasgow Boys, Paterson’s later work does not decline in quality remaining fresh and vibrant. Died Edinburgh.