From Eggs (of Four Chickens) by Scottish artist Gary Anderson (b. 1960) presents a dynamic yet composed scene featuring four chickens, each subtly varied in posture. The birds are arranged across a verdant, grassy terrain, set against a warm, gold-toned background adorned with delicate leafy vines that seamlessly blend into the green of the ground. Each chicken is portrayed through a carefully balanced palette of earthy reds, oranges, blacks, and browns. This piece, created through meticulously layered mixed media, is representative of Anderson's earlier work, which centred on close observational studies of nature. During this phase of his practice, he focused on animals, flowers, and birds - with a particular affinity for chickens. Anderson's artistic approach during this time was influenced by artists such as Joseph Crawhall, Peter Blake, and Gustav Klimt.

Gary Anderson, born 1960

Born in Baillieston, Glasgow, Anderson studied at Glasgow School of Art from 1980 to 1984. He won the school's John D. Kelly Award in 1981 and the Royal Glasgow Institute's Cargill Award three years later. Since graduating he has received further awards and has exhibited widely, having one-man shows in Glasgow, London and New York.
The recurring subject-matter of Anderson's early work was studies from nature - animals, flowers and birds, particularly chickens. These works were influenced by a variety of artists, including Joseph Crawhall, Peter Blake and Gustav Klimt. In recent years Anderson has painted a number of architectural works, including individual buildings that have attracted his attention on visits to New York, Chicago, Istanbul and Venice. At first glance one might take them for old photographs, but closer inspection reveals carefully worked layers of crayon, watercolour, ink and washes that Anderson has painstakingly applied, paying close attention to detail.