One of the “most memorable moments” of a north-east artist’s life has gone on display in the Scottish capital as part of a new exhibition of her work.
The painting, named No Turning Back, features a tender encounter between Angela Davidson’s 11 year-old son, Lawrie, and a Clydesdale horse known as Jake.
Lawrie, a pupil at Oyne Primary school in Aberdeenshire, suffers from Crouzon Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which stops his features from growing properly – particularly in his face.
He has made regular visits to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London for treatment and Mrs Davidson, 45, and her husband Sandy, 59, have been raising funds for the team there.
Angela, from Insch, Aberdeenshire, said: “Lawrie’s skull isn’t growing properly and he has a different look from other children.
“We have had quite an interesting time with his condition as it is unknown up here.
“No Turning Back is based on something that happened one day when I went to visit my friend who has horses.
“Lawrie was only two and I was trying to keep him by my side while I took some pictures of the horses for my artwork.
“The next thing I knew Lawrie’s head was in the view finder and it was just remarkable what I saw.
“The horses were just fantastic with him – they all put their heads down and he was petting them. It was like they knew something was happening.
“I honestly wish Sandy had been there to witness it because it was such a moving moment in my life. That’s why this painting is so special to me.”
The piece is now on display at George Pirie Modern based at the Oval Gallery, The Shore, in Edinburgh and prints are available to buy, with 50% of the funds going to Great Ormond Street.
M has built up a reputation as one of Scotland’s finest animal artists. Her work has been seen at various shows including the Royal Highland Show and Blair Horse Trials, however this will be Angela’s first exhibition in the city of Edinburgh.
ends…