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Many years ago, while still a first year at Ellon Academy, my art teacher, Mr (Bill) Smith, gave our class a slide show (long before Powerpoints were a thing) on ‘art’. Most of the class saw art as ‘a skive’ and Mr Smith had his work cut out engaging with so many indifferent 12 year olds, but to his credit he was keen, insightful and not easily deterred. One artist that really stood out for me that day was Bruegel, or rather Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and one particular painti

I first discovered Simeon Solomons sketch, ‘The Winged and Poppied Sleep’ back in the 80’s and whenever I’m in Aberdeen art gallery I try to visit it and every time I do, I’m still struck by the beauty, skill of execution and the sadness that surrounds his work.