Visiting the Relatives

Feet traipse across well-worn pebbles, shrouded in a veil of snow-white sand,

Ghostly marram grasses, process quietly alongside the path, leading the way,

In the distance, the evening sun is falling asleep in the soft, undulating sea,

Opening the wrought iron gate, this walled, sacred ground, holds dear, the past, of forebears, 

Resting in eternity. 

Dancing

Dancing in the soft west side winds,                               

Fields of pale barley corn,

Sway gently under the summer sun,

And,

Wild machair flowers, not wanting 

to be outdone,

Flounce their petticoats of colour,

And, join in this sumertime fun.                              

Bog Cotton 

Bog cotton,

Cotton white,

White silk,

Silk smooth,

Smooth to touch

Bog cotton,

Ghost white,

Fluffy heads,

Lifting skywards,

Spreading sedge.

A Walk

Machair sand,

Marram grass,

Hebridean land,

Quiet trespass,

Hand in hand.

 Copyright May Byrne (Màili Byrne)

My studio is based at the picturesque Harbourside in Irvine, situated in an almost hidden courtyard setting next to the Harbour Arts Centre and The Ship Inn. There are a variety of other artists working in the courtyard studios with most studios open on a daily basis.

I work as a professional landscape artist and tutor and have received many awards and accolades for my work, which is held in a number of private and public collections throughout the world. 

I am particularly inspired by my journeys through the Highlands and Islands and in particular, my intimate connections with the Uists in the Outer Hebrides. With my family history intrinsically entwined with that of South Uist, my art is an evocation and interpretation of the Gaelic rhythms of my native island. Generations on both sides have been shaped by island life, as well as making their own mark on the character of South Uist. Subsequently, many years spent visiting have only served to further strengthen these strong bonds. An unconscious absorption of the history, culture and environment of the chain of islands that make up the Outer Hebrides has proved integral to my art. A subsequent lifelong fascination with the crofting lifestyle, the environment and its resilient people, allied to my instinctive awareness, appreciation and understanding of the Hebridean landscape, has shaped my very distinctive artistic voice. 

An Lanntair, Steòrnabhagh - An Dùthchas - November/December 2023

An Lanntair , Steòrnabhagh - Wild Landscapes April 2023

House for an Art Lover , Glasgow –  Masterclasses 2017 - 2020

Mid Auchengowan Farm, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire  - Art Retreat

Summerlee Heritage Centre - N Lanarkshire

Troon Art Club, Ayrshire  – Demonstration with Inks, Charcoal and Pastels

North Ayrshire Art Club – Demonstration of Expressive Mark-Making Techniques

Fairlie Art Club, Ayrshire – Workshop - Making Collage Papers

Brookfield Art Club, Renfrewshire