Catriona Millar (b.1956), Scottish

“This is another painting by Joe Hendry exploring the theme of the kilted Scottish figure. The man is shown from behind, hands clasped behind his back, standing quite calmly on the canvas.

What I like about this one is its simplicity. There’s nothing complicated about it — just a figure, a kilt, and a quiet bit of attitude. Hendry manages to make something very Scottish feel fresh and contemporary at the same time.”

Catriona Millar (born 1956) is a Scottish painter known for her distinctive figurative paintings combining humour, narrative and strong decorative colour. She was born in Glasgow and grew up in Milngavie, on the outskirts of the city.

Millar studied Fine Art at Glasgow School of Art, graduating in the late 1970s. After completing her studies she developed a painting practice centred on imaginative figurative compositions featuring elongated figures, stylised interiors and theatrical arrangements of characters.

Her paintings are recognised for their whimsical atmosphere, rich colour palettes and narrative quality, often depicting scenes that suggest stories or relationships between the figures represented. The work combines elements of figurative painting, surreal humour and decorative design, creating a distinctive visual language that has become strongly associated with the artist.

Millar’s work has been exhibited widely in galleries in Scotland and internationally, and her paintings are held in numerous private collections. In 2007 she was identified in the Scottish art market as one of the five most collectable contemporary Scottish artists, reflecting the strong demand for her work among collectors.

Today, Catriona Millar remains one of Scotland’s most recognisable contemporary painters, with a distinctive style that continues to attract collectors and gallery audiences.