Artist Spotlight | Iain Carby

This March’s Artist Spotlight features Iain Carby. Known for his bright landscapes and red cypress trees, Iain Carby is always a favourite for bidders at McTear’s. Pictures Specialist Makenzie Cool interviewed Carby to get an insight into his artistic ambitions and inspirations, and a little bit more about the life of this well-loved artist. 

Q: When did you start painting? Or did you start with another artform first?

Carby: At art school 1995

Q: When did you start to develop your distinct style?

Carby: It’s part of my signature so it came with me .

Q: Who were or are your artistic influences? 

Carby: Joan Miro,Salvador Dali,the impressionists all the way back to the cave painters.

Q: What is your favourite dessert?

Carby: That’s a broad subject and is now reflected in my figure !

Q: What is your favourite beverage? 

Carby:  Laphroig

Q: Where is your favourite place in Scotland? 

Carby:  St lanes on the Isle of Bute

Q: Is there a medium that you have not yet worked with, but would like to try? 

Carby: Sculpture in stone .

Q: What are other interests you hold outside of painting?

Carby: Gardening

Q: Are you into fashion? If not, what is your favourite item of clothing? 

Carby: Comfy old jumper

Q: What is one painting by someone else (well known or not) that you wish you had done? 

Carby: The Farm by Joan Miro

Q: What is your favourite painting you have done yourself? Did you keep it for yourself, sell it, was it a commission etc? 

Carby: Any of my Red Tree paintings, I have kept the original.

Q: What is your favourite holiday? 

Carby: Mauritius Silver Beaches

Q: If you could choose someone to play you in a film, who would you choose? 

Carby: Not bothered

Q: What are you the proudest of in life/what is your biggest accomplishment? 

Carby: My children

Q: Who is your favourite artist? 

Carby: Joan Miro

Q: If you didn’t paint, what would you want your career to be

Carby: A surgeon.

Q: Tea or coffee?

Carby: Coffee

Q: What is your favourite book? 

Carby: Kidnapped by RLS

Q: What is your favourite time of the day?

Carby: Morning

Q: What are three things you cannot live without?

Carby: My wife Margaret, paint and my garden.

Q: What are you currently reading?

Carby: Newspapers

Q: Do you have any advice you would give your younger self? (art related, or not) 

Carby: Learn some languages

Q: Do you speak any languages besides English?

Carby: No

Q: Favourite sports team? 

Carby: Beith Juniors

Q: Do you collect anything? 

Carby: Memories.

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Makenzie Cool

For a complimentary, no-obligation on Scottish contemporary art, please contact our specialists on 0141 810 2880 or auction@mctears.co.uk.