* JOHN LOWRIE MORRISON OBE (JOLOMO) (SCOTTISH b. 1948), WET JULY, GROGPORT (ARGYLL)

oil on canvas, signed and dated '85, titled verso framed image size 102cm x 117cm, overall size 132cm x 146cm Note 1: a rare appearance at auction of an early (and very large) work from 1985 signed "J Lowrie Morrison" (he started signing "Jolomo" later in 1985). Note 2: Jolomo remains one of Scotland's most celebrated contemporary artists. In The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction of 13th December 2020, lot 717 "Birlinn Leaving the Uists" by Jolomo sold for œ7000 (hammer) and on 20th June 2021 lot 641 "Nick's Tug at Crinan" achieved œ6000 (hammer). In our August 2021 auction, "Portnahaven, Islay" sold for œ6000 (hammer). These being just three of numerous recent auction prices which reflect the strong and ever-growing collector demand from both the UK and abroad for the vibrant work of John Lowrie Morrison. In The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction of 28th September 2023 lot 38 LEE SHORE - NO LANDING ON STAFFA, sold for œ8000 (hammer) setting a new auction record for a painting by John Lowrie Morrison. Note 3: Renowned for painting the West Coast of Scotland and capturing the unique light of the Hebrides. John's use of strong colours reflects the human spirit; light overcoming darkness. John Lowrie Morrison was born in Glasgow in 1948 and studied at Glasgow School of Art (1967-71). Since his first solo show in 1976 he has become phenomenally successful and is now Scotland's most popular contemporary landscape artist. In 2005 John established 'The Jolomo Foundation', a charitable body aimed at promoting and encouraging painting the Scottish landscape. John donates a percentage of his sales and art works to charity each year. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West of Scotland and an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Abertay Dundee University, for 'A Significant Contribution to Scottish Culture'. John was awarded an OBE in 2011 for 'Services to Art and Charity in Scotland'. The following year, he and his wife Maureen were invited by HRH The Princess Royal to become Vice Presidents of Carers Trust. In 2013 over 20,000 people visited his major retrospective exhibition at Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery. John was awarded the 'Great London Scot Award' for Lifetime Achievement in 2017 and in 2018 was invited to luncheon at Buckingham Palace by HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip. In the same year he preached at Crathie Kirk, Balmoral in the company of HM Queen Elizabeth II. His work has been exhibited in USA, China and the throughout the UK. Four of John's paintings are in the Parliament Collection of the Scottish Government and his work is collected worldwide. Known collectors include Madonna, Sting, Simon Le Bon, Sophia Loren, Gregor Fisher, Lord Patten and Rick Stein. It is also reported that HM Queen Elizabeth II owned his paintings.