A north-east artist has spoken about a medical condition which could have ended his painting career.
Aberdeen-based Donnie Ross, who is a member of Aberdeen Artists Society (AAS), suffers from Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
The condition can lead to the loss of central vision – the ability to see the area directly in front of you – effectively blinding the sufferer.
Mr Ross has recently undergone treatment for the condition and is now back to leading a normal, productive life.
He said: “Although the treatment isn’t cheap, it is more economically viable than the associated costs of disability and the support that would otherwise be required, while in human terms, the benefits are incalculable.
“Thanks to successful modern medicine and due to the fact we have the expertise and facilities available here in the north east, I and others like me can lead a normal life, including, for me, painting and other creative work, hence my continuing link with AAS.
“As a direct result, I’ve had three solo exhibitions of recent work this year, two paintings in the 2014 AAS exhibition, two in the Macmillans art exhibition ‘INSPIRED!’ at Bonhams in Edinburgh and I have a painting in the forthcoming Fabric of the Land Exhibition in Aberdeen.”
Mr Ross is now looking forward to taking part in Aberdeen Arts Fair.
Now in its fourth year, the festival features work from hundreds of painters, sculptors and photographers from across the UK.
It takes place in the Music Hall on Saturday September 6 and Sunday September 7, with a preview evening on the Friday. More information is available on www.aberdeenartfair.co.uk