Gardens, Eaton Terrace by Charles McCall (1907-1989) presents a flat perspective of a terrace scene, with a loosely captured figure amongst some flowers, and walls and buildings seemingly stacked on top of each other to make up the background. McCall uses rich green colours with grey and whites to provide a lushness within the scene, giving some sense of a sunny day with the vibrant green shrub in the background. McCall also uses a drier technique with the oil paint, causing it to appear rough around the edges, and blend some elements together, creating the flat effect. 

McCall's work in oils is characterised by a vibrancy of colour and French influences, seen here in the lush tones of green and the drier brush technique. His work often focused on the contents of a scene, rather than a single subject, seen here in the way the singular figure blends in with the overall scene and is not portrayed in high detail. 

Charles McCall, 1907-1989

Charles McCall was primarily an oil painter. His work is distinguished by a strong sense of colour, painterliness, and an awareness of French influences such as Vuillard. He began his education in Edinburgh. McCall first worked for a law firm while attending Edinburgh College of Art in the evenings. At the age of 23, he won a scholarship to the college, sponsored by his teacher D M Sutherland, and completed his diploma in two years rather than the usual four.

In the mid-1930s, he received a number of scholarships that allowed him to travel extensively throughout Europe. He was awarded a two-year fellowship in Edinburgh upon his return. McCall resumed painting after serving in the Royal Engineers during WWII, primarily on camouflage, and gradually built up an impressive series of one-man shows in England, North America, Canada, and Ireland. He was later a resident of London.