Graeme Todd (1962–2022) was a pivotal figure in contemporary Scottish art, recognized for his unique approach to landscape painting that bridges the gap between the romantic and the analytic. Born in Glasgow and trained at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Todd later became an influential lecturer at the Edinburgh College of Art. His style is often characterized by a sophisticated layering of media, in this case, watercolor, where the fluidity of the paint is anchored by deliberate, almost map-like linework. His work often references the legacy of historical landscape painting while deconstructing it through a modern, semi-abstract lens.
Graeme Todd’s career was marked by significant critical recognition and a deep engagement with curatorial practice. He was a central figure in the “new Scottish art” wave, featured in key exhibitions such as The Persistence of Painting at the CCA Glasgow and Open Country in Lausanne. Beyond his own painting, he co-directed Polarcap, an organization dedicated to projects like Steep Trail, which examined the legacy of John Muir. His artistic legacy is preserved in major international collections, including the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Kunsthaus Zürich.
