Sun may not have been a feature of this year’s British summer, but a new exhibition entitled 'Dark Sea and Red Sail' (1 Sept 2007 – 24 May 2008) at the Fergusson Gallery will transport you to the sunny south of France.

‘Dark Sea and Red Sail’ showcases an exciting selection of his seascapes and beach scenes. They are the work of Scottish Colourist, John Duncan Fergusson, whose interest in the sea as a theme was constant throughout his career.

Fergusson’s love of the sea began in childhood. He was born and brought up in Leith, Edinburgh and spent many happy days sailing on a second-hand yacht on the Forth. He spent much of his career in France and the exhibition of 30 paintings includes many early, jewel-like, oil paintings of coastal resorts in the north of France, which he visited around 1900 to 1910.

Also on display are watercolours, works done in Portsmouth Harbour during WW1 and numerous later, larger works on canvas inspired by annual visits to the south of France from 1920. The resulting paintings show the idyllic nature of the summers he spent there with his partner, Margaret Morris. She was a dancer and ran summer schools there. Sun-kissed nudes and bathers ooze with health and vitality as they pose before the calm, blue sea.

Accompanying the artwork are some fascinating photographs of Fergusson visiting the various French coastal locations. They show him on the beach with fellow Scottish Colourist Samuel John Peploe and his sons, and with Margaret Morris and her dancers enjoying bathing in the sea.

To compliment the exhibition, a fun day for this year’s national initiative, the Big Draw, will be themed around the sea. Held in the Fergusson Gallery on Saturday 13th October 1.30 - 3.30pm activities will include creating a ‘Creatures of the Deep’ mural, mask making, costume designing, clay modelling and an art trail. Activities are suitable for all the family and are free. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day.

The Fergusson Gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 10am until 5pm and admission is free. Please telephone 10738 441944 for further information.