*** Update: Exhibition extended until the end of November 2025 ***

A new solo exhibition of 30 works on wood, canvas and paper opens today at A' the Airts Community Arts Centre in Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, and will remain on show throughout October 2025. Local artist Loïs Cordelia writes: "Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year. The artworks in this exhibition take inspiration from its rich colours and textures, while hinting at the thinness of the veil between the worlds that also characterises this season." Loïs lives with her partner and fellow artist Jasön Curtis in Kelloholm. They both regularly perform live art and leathercraft demos at A' the Airts.




The exhibition features a wide range of artwork styles, including a collection of paintings on wooden artist palettes, mostly using palette knife. Loïs often works on unusual canvases, hence artist palettes are a natural choice. Their beautiful curves and asymmetry complement the subject matter.




Loïs created a number of colourful and richly textured works on canvas specifically for this exhibition, combining sponge, brush and palette knife techniques.


Above: 'Tree Canopy by the River Nith' is loosely based on one of Loïs's favourite local riverside walks by the beautiful River Nith in Kirkconnel.


Above: 'Autumn Woodland' is loosely based on one of Loïs's favourite local spots by the River Nith in Kirkconnel.

Above: 'Silent Language' is a surreal celebration of the expressive, creative and healing power of our hands.



Above and below: 'Autumn Fox' is a foliate portrait, inspired by Loïs's love of ancient Green Man folklore.




Above and below: 'The Witch's Garden' and 'Icarus' evoke the spirit of the macabre. Both are created using coloured pencil on black card.


Lest We Forget:
Heralding the approach of Remembrance Sunday, the final part of Loïs's exhibition features evocative militaria themed portraits, including a few with local relevance. 

Below: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, Canadian WW1 soldier and poet, author of 'In Flanders Fields', descended from Scottish immigrants from Kircudbrightshire. Acrylic on canvas.

Below: John Hope, Seaforth Highlanders, WW1 soldier and diarist from Sanquhar - the only one of five comrades who survived WW1. His diaries had to be smuggled out and have been published by granddaughter Gillian Hope. Acrylic and coloured pencil on wood panel.

Below: Sanquhar War Memorial, acrylic and coloured pencil on black card.