Bass Rock

1988

Norman Ackroyd

Associated Names
Norman Ackroyd

Artist, British, born 1938

The image shows Bass Rock, a large rock formation in the middle of a vast body of water. The horizon is visible just above the rock, creating a contrast between the water and the rock. The style of the artwork is reminiscent of a print, with thick brushstrokes creating texture on the rock and sky. The brushstrokes vary in intensity, especially in the shadowed areas of the rock. The color scheme is monochromatic, using shades of gray to add depth and dimension. Darker tones are used for the rock, while lighter shades depict the water and sky. In the background, faint cloud patterns can be seen in the sky above the rock.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    aquatint in black on Lana Pur Fil paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mrs. Robert A. Hauslohner

  • Dimensions

    plate: 14 x 18.3 cm (5 1/2 x 7 3/16 in.)
    sheet: 24.8 x 30.9 cm (9 3/4 x 12 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.116.158

  • Series Title

    The Pictish Coast

Associated Artworks

See all 10 artworks
The image depicts a scene from a slightly elevated perspective. A hill or mountain dominates the view, with its peak fading into a cloudy sky. In the distance, a castle or palace stands against the base of the hill, slightly off-center. The painting has soft, diffused brushstroke marks, creating an atmospheric haze. The color palette is monochromatic, with varying shades of black, white, and gray. The architectural outlines are more defined in the foreground but still blend subtly with the surroundings.

Falkland Palace

Norman Ackroyd

1988

The image shows a view with a suggested horizon line where darker shades blend into lighter ones as the gaze moves upward, creating a soft transitioning effect. The brushstrokes are soft and washed, resembling an ink wash or watercolor technique emphasizing texture and fluidity. The palette is dominated by muted grays and blacks, lending a subdued and atmospheric visual impact. Near the lower-middle section, the words "THE PICTISH COAST" are elegantly inscribed, providing sharp contrast against the hazy composition. The overall effect is one of calm simplicity, inviting contemplation of the vastness implied by the title.

Falkland Palace

Norman Ackroyd, Douglas Dunn

1988

The image depicts a landscape with a tower and a mountainous backdrop. The point of view is straight on, showing a white tower slightly left of center. The horizon is represented by the base of the mountain in the background. The brushstrokes are rough and textured, especially in the mountain and trees, creating depth and contrast against the smoother tower. The color palette is monochromatic with black, white, and gray. Dark, shadow-like forms suggest foliage or terrain in the foreground, leading towards the tower and the mountain looming in the distance.

Creich Tower and Norman's Law

Norman Ackroyd

1988

Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower center in graphite: Bass Rock 33/45 Norman Ackroyd 88; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: P2900

Watermarks

Lana Pur Fil

Wikidata ID

Q74892606

You may be interested in

Loading Results