Lucy Newton

Having been born and raised just outside West Calder, Lucy Newton has long maintained a keen interest in the flora and fauna of the local countryside and farmland. Her early years were spent closely observing the natural environment, from frog spawn to frost patterns, cultivating an enduring passion for nature that now underpins all her artistic endeavours.

Currently, Lucy dedicates the majority of her professional time to fieldwork across various locations in Scotland, systematically observing and documenting the nation's remarkable biodiversity. The diversity found within Scotland—from the bustling colonies of seabirds along the summer coastlines to tranquil moments observing deer on crisp winter mornings—continues to inspire her work. Each habitat, species, and season presents new opportunities and challenges, reinforcing her commitment to working directly from life.

Lucy Newton's artistic practice is characterised by a natural variation in style, often intentionally adapted to reflect specific qualities of each subject through different techniques and mark-making methods. Occasionally, shifts in style arise organically, influenced by factors such as her personal mood, weather conditions, or the properties of the chosen medium. She utilises a broad array of media—including watercolour, pencil, pen and ink, monoprint, and wax crayon—and frequently experiments with combining these materials to convey the essence and vitality of her subjects. Rather than striving for strict realism, Lucy’s approach focuses on expressing the unique qualities and dynamic energy of the wildlife that surrounds us.