Sheila Roberts is a fine art printmaker based in Comrie, Perthshire
Sheila (Glendinning) studied drawing and painting at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art from 1978- 83. She was awarded a Post Diploma year and spent a lot of time in the printmaking department where she discovered her passion for soft ground etching. She continued to gain invaluable experience as a member of the Edinburgh Printmakers before creating her own studio in Comrie in Perthshire.
She works with zinc plates, soft wax, nitric acid and recycled or natural materials gathered from her surroundings. It’s a challenging yet exciting method of printmaking resulting in very rich detailed prints. She loves juxtaposing the pattern of antique lace with the texture of sackcloth, or the vane of a feather as it sinks into the soft wax. Each piece is created gradually, organically, with occasional unexpected, joyous discoveries. Taking inspiration from her surroundings she lets her imagination flow, guided by the materials to hand to create dynamic prints.
‘Spring Watch’ is a soft ground etching that was inspired by a mossy wall and stream situated by the gates to Aberuchill Castle in Perthshire. This joyous print is packed with an abundance of birds, insects, mosses, lichens, and flowers that were all seen on that gloriously, warm Spring Day in Scotland. Look carefully to see which creatures you can find hidden in the finely etched details.