Artist Statement

Through my paintings I focus on exploring the forms of interior landscape, and looking at everyday objects in a way that brings out beauty in simple scenes. In these paintings, I seek to capture the ordinary moments around us that often go unnoticed, such as light falling through the spindles of a chair, the hard edge of a table, or the intimate corner of a restaurant.

With my recent work, I have been influenced by the paintings of Édouard Vuillard, and Gwen John’s interiors. Blocks of colour and quiet sensitivity. Loosely painted oil colours, areas of the canvas are sometimes left exposed, the space speaking for itself. I often paint on wood, stiff card, or canvas board. The hardness lending to a dry style of painting, not quite chalky. My palette subdued and earthy, colours from the past, like old things.

Painting is solitary for me, there are no people in my work, instead it’s empty chairs and places once inhabited.

Artist Biography

Caroline Ann Mordue (b. 1986) hails from the Scottish Borders. After completing her degree in Illustration at the University of Central Lancashire, she continued pursuing her passion for fine art by joining a weekly painting course, and then a year-long mentorship programme at the Leith School of Art in Edinburgh. She now works from her studio at home in Lauder, after returning to the Scottish Borders.

In 2021, Mordue held a solo exhibition ‘At home’ at Old Gala House, showing her personal journey and approach to landscape-based and abstract paintings.

She has had her work shown in the 197th Annual Exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy, and most recently featured in a group showcase of Scottish Artists in the ‘Caledonian’ exhibition at Thompson’s Gallery, Harpenden.

Her work has been annually exhibited in the Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show since 2018, as well as at the Borders Art Fair where she has exhibited as a solo artist in 2024 and 2022, and also as a selected member of Visual Arts Scotland.