The Artist

I am an artist currently based in Glasgow, Scotland. Over the years I have also lived in London, Edinburgh, Montluçon and Grasse in France. Living in different places and studying other languages has shown me that there are many ways to live and see the world. Hopefully, you’ll see these influences coming through in my work too.​

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When I was younger, I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, and fortunately I still don’t! I can remember wanting to be an architect, a professional golfer and a magician. Suffering from eternal optimism means I think there is still time, but let’s stick to the art for now!

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At school, art was the subject I loved and dedicated the most time to even though I didn't always find it easy. I spent a lot of lunchtimes in the art department without fully understanding why I was drawn there.

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When I was mulling over the ‘big one’ at the ripe old age of 18, wondering what on earth I was going to do for the rest of my life in a future that didn’t even exist yet, I chose to study French at Stirling University.

 

I left behind an unconditional offer at the Winchester School of Art and a combined degree in Art and French at Aberystwyth University. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a small regret about not choosing art. But my languages degree took me to live and work in France and I later trained as a French teacher back in Scotland.

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It was during my teacher training that I made my first big steps back towards art. I found the training hard, and creating art was a respite. I carved out time to do what I loved whenever I could. I remember sitting in the rain in Holyrood Park painting Arthur’s Seat, or painting an abstract in the evenings while listening to Walls by Kings of Leon.​

 

From there it hasn’t stopped. I notice the difference in myself when I’m not creating.  

 

A Douglas without art is like France without je ne sais quoi, whatever that means.

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This year, I have developed an (almost) daily sketch practice. It’s not about creating ‘perfect’ art, but being a little more present to my life: what I see, where I go, and the things or quotes that catch my attention. On a personal level, this might be my most important piece of work. Not because of what I create, but because I keep showing up. 

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Putting my work out there is always a mix of fear and excitement. One of my favourite things is hearing what other people see and feel in it, especially when they find something I could never have anticipated. 

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There are so many stories out there. Mine is just one. 

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I hope that sharing more of what I love encourages you to make more room for whatever you love too. And if you're not sure what that is yet, perhaps I'll inspire you to try something new.​

 

I’m still figuring it all out. That’s part of the fun. Or part of the seriousness, depending on which way you look at it. ​There's a time to be serious, there's a time to enjoy and there's a time to seriously enjoy.