Laura Drever

December already. The last twelve months have whizzed past – like a lot of folk I’ve only gotten used to writing 2025 and the time is nearly here to write 2026! Isn’t it crazy how time works?

I’m really aware that nothing said above is very unique (actually laughing at myself writing that as the opener to this months blog, very boring!) But actually it’s not boring when looking back or thinking ahead. Time whizzing past must be a sign that life is full. Full of people, conversations, being involved, giving time, walks, painting, watching bairns grow up – mixed with other bits and bobs that aren’t so pretty to write about – full of all the stuff that is meant to be.

The other day Keith and I went a damp walk. Five minutes from home and we were in the country. Part of our walk took us to the edge of town and we were soon looking over Scapa Flow. We saw a peedie flock of sanderlings (I think) dancing across the rippling sea and watched them for a moment. When younger I always called flocks or murmurations of birds “bird weddings”and as an adult it’s nice to think that’s exactly what the birds are doing: joining together in a dance with friends and family, showing unity with displays of soft relaxing movement, spending time before a journey.

Even if that’s not what they are doing, it’s a good thing to think.

Nature Turns has just opened at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh. A group exhibition including 30 invited artists, bringing together paintings, drawings, prints, photography and sculpture.

“Nature turns explores calm and solace in the natural world through winter scenes and subjects.

Winter can be seen as a season of contrasts, outwardly still and restrained yet quietly preparing for transformation. Nature Turns reflects this dual character, inviting viewers to contemplate the quiet beauty of the season and the sense of renewal that comes with the turning of the year. Through a diverse range of artistic practices, the exhibition offers moments of stillness and reflection, encouraging us to consider the cyclical rhythms of nature and our place within them.“

Unfortunately, I didn’t make it down for the preview of the exhibition and it is unlikely that I will see it in person. The stretch of water between Orkney and the mainland, the time it takes (and cost) to travel to Edinburgh can make it tricky sometimes – but that is ok, choosing to live in Orkney means that compromise is a big part of life. One observation from afar is that the exhibition looks like it will give viewers time to stop and reflect for a moment, be in nature while in the city. Another observation is the inclusion of three Orkney artist in the line up – Samantha Clark, Frances Pelly RSA and myself – all motivated and inspired by our landscape, nature and the richness of it. Of course the exhibition is not about Orkney but it is wonderful to know that Orkney has a place in this story.

Skrimings is my submission. A painting of light and land, ebb and flow. Each panel is named separately from descriptive words from the Old Norn by Hugh Marwick. Perhaps it’s a poem too?

SKRIMINGS           The first – or last – daylight

SWA                           noise of the sea heard from a distance ‘the singing noise of the sea’

SWAAR                     bed of grass

SKIGG                       to walk with curious gate

SKYRAN                   glittering very bright

SKELP                       an expanse – especially of land

SWEEVLE                a gust or a short sharp gale

STOND                     a little push of the tide

SWILKIE                   a whirlpool in the sea

SMOOK                    a drizzling rain before the wind

As December comes and goes, I’d like to thank you for being here and reading my blog, spending time with my artwork. Who knows what next year will bring but one thing I do know is that there will be more time spent walking, painting, looking for bird weddings and being blown away by our wild breeze. If you are in Edinburgh in January and March it would be great to say hello – to find out dates and info about The Northern Isles group show and my solo at the Scottish Gallery, please get in touch and I can add you to the mailing list.

If you’d like to read more of my monthly thoughts from 2025, please follow the links attached to the images: