Royal Scottish Academy Diploma Deposit

Frances Walker's work has often explored the city of Aberdeen and the tightly-knit fishing community of Footdee, shown here in her Diploma Work, is situated at the mouth of the river Dee, a little enclave surrounded by the city. With a meticulous attention to detail the artist has depicted a near deserted shoreline, but has included references to people and industry in the distant buildings and in the flotsam and jetsam amongst the rocks. The painting has been executed with painstaking care. Each rock has been carefully detailed and the varied decorative textures and patterns have been emphasised and rendered in pale, chalky tones – with the palette concentrating on the granite hues of grey and pink. The mood of this picture is subtle. It feels as though we are looking back at the distant city which we have left behind to come to this peaceful place. It feels like an isolated, private spot, hidden amongst the rocks and with only the sound of the waves for company. But we never quite leave the city behind – the litter reminds us of evidence of our existence.
Sandy Wood, Collections Curator, Royal Scottish Academy