Bio | Robert McNeill

Robert’s artistic practice is grounded in a sustained investigation of light, colour, and visual perception. This inquiry was established during his postgraduate studies at Edinburgh College of Art and Edinburgh University and has continued to underpin his work ever since. While his earlier practice engaged with colour abstraction, his recent work has moved towards a close examination of the effects of light upon the diverse and complex forms found in the natural world, with particular emphasis on botanical subjects.

Situated in deliberate opposition to the rapid circulation of transient digital imagery, Robert’s painting practice is characterised by slowness and sustained observation. His works require prolonged engagement, encouraging the viewer to move beyond immediate recognition and to attend to the layered visual structures and perceptual ambiguities within the image. Time operates as a critical component of both the making and reception of the work.

Robert received his formal training in drawing and painting at Edinburgh College of Art and Edinburgh University. Following graduation, he was awarded a year of postgraduate study and the Andrew Grant Travelling Scholarship, which supported extensive research travel throughout Italy and France. Since the completion of his postgraduate studies, he has maintained an uninterrupted commitment to painting.

His work has been exhibited extensively in the United Kingdom and internationally, including exhibitions at the Royal Scottish Academy, the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour, the Shirley Sherwood Gallery, London, and institutions across Europe and the United States. His paintings are represented in significant public collections, notably the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation and the Shirley Sherwood Collection, as well as in numerous private collections.

Exhibitions

2026

145th RSW Annual Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

2025

The Shirley Sherwood Collection, A celebration of India's rich biodiversity, The Singh Twins and Flora Indica, Shirley Sherwood Gallery, London

2025

144th RSW Annual Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

2024

198th RSA Annual Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

2020/21

Exploring Botany, Manggha Museum, Kraków, Poland

2019

Shirley Sherwood Modern Masterpieces of Botanical Art, Shirley Sherwood

Gallery, London

2018

Out of the Woods/Out on a Limb, Foundry Art Centre, St Charles Missouri

2017

Abundance, seeds, pods and autumn fruits, Shirley Sherwood Gallery, London

2016

The Beauty of Botanicals, OA Gallery, Missouri

15th International Exhibition, Hunt Institute, Pittsburgh

2015

Horticultural Society of New York 18th Annual Exhibition

2014

Agua Doce/Fresh Water Exhibition, Museo Centro Gaiás, Santiago de Compostela

Annual Exhibition “Botanical Garden” The Society of Botanical Artists, London

Horticultural Society of New York 17th Annual Exhibition

Strictly Botanical, The Park Gallery, Callendar House, Falkirk, Scotland

2013

Annual Exhibition, “Tha Language of Flowers” The Society of Botanical Artists, London

2008

The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour, 128th Annual Exhibition

SSA, Annual Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

2007

A Celebration of Hospitalfield, Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh

2005

The Royal Scottish Academy, Open Exibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

2004

RGI, 143rd Annual Exhibition, Roger Bilcliff Gallery, Glasgow

1995

Cyberia Internet Café, Edinburgh

Collective Gallery, Group Exhibition, Edinburgh

1997

Aberlady Gallery, Aberlady, East Lothian

1996

Collective Gallery, Group Exhibition, Edinburgh

1994

Collective Gallery Christmas Exhibition, Edinburgh

Aberdona Gallery, Group Exhibition, Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire

1990

W.A.S.P.S. Tillicultry Group Exhibition, W.A.S.P.S. Ltd. King Street Glasgow

1989

Society of Scottish Artists, Annual Exhibition, Demarco Gallery, Edinburgh

1988

Society of Scottish Artists, Annual Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

1987

Society of Scottish Artists, Annual Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

1985

Central Arts, Smith Art Gallery, Stirling

1978

Winsor and Newton Finalist Exhibition, Royal College of Art

1977

Hospitalfield House, Arbroath, Edinburgh College of Art/Edinburgh University

1977

RSA Student Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

Solo Exhibitions

1985

Collective Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Edinburgh

2009

East Kilbride Arts Centre, South Lanarkshire

Awards

1977

Awarded Scholarship to Hospitalfield House, Arbroath, Edinburgh College of Art/Edinburgh University

1978

Awarded Andrew Grant Travelling Scholarship, Edinburgh College of Art/Edinburgh University

2013

Certificate of Botanical Merit, Suzanne Lucas Memorial Award, People's Choice Award, SBA London

2016

Best in Show, OA Gallery, Kirkwood Missouri

2018

Jurors Award, Foundry Art Centre, Saint Charles, Missouri

Collections

Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh

Shirley Sherwood Collection, Shirley Sherwood Gallery, London

Various private collections

Articles

Edit, The Alumni Magazine, The University of Edinburgh. “In a Fresh Light” Silke Currie. Robert McNeill and Fiona Strickland.

Kew Magazine, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Sue Herman

Selected Exhibitions

2026
145th RSW Annual Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

2025
The Shirley Sherwood Collection: A Celebration of India’s Rich Biodiversity, Shirley Sherwood Gallery, London
144th RSW Annual Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

2024
198th RSA Annual Exhibition, RSA Gallery, Edinburgh

2020–21
Exploring Botany, Manggha Museum, Kraków, Poland

2019
Modern Masterpieces of Botanical Art, Shirley Sherwood Gallery, London

2018
Out of the Woods / Out on a Limb, Foundry Art Centre, St Charles, Missouri

2017
Abundance: Seeds, Pods and Autumn Fruits, Shirley Sherwood Gallery, London

2016
The Beauty of Botanicals, OA Gallery, Missouri
15th International Exhibition, Hunt Institute, Pittsburgh

2014–2015
Society of Botanical Artists Annual Exhibitions, London
Horticultural Society of New York Annual Exhibitions

2004–2008
Royal Scottish Academy, Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour,
Royal Glasgow Institute, Society of Scottish Artists, Edinburgh & Glasgow

Earlier exhibitions (1977–2003)
Selected group exhibitions including Collective Gallery, Hospitalfield House,
RSA Student Exhibition, and Royal College of Art (Winsor & Newton Finalist)

Solo Exhibitions

2009
East Kilbride Arts Centre, South Lanarkshire

1985
Collective Gallery, Edinburgh

Awards

Andrew Grant Travelling Scholarship, Edinburgh College of Art
Scholarship, Hospitalfield House, Arbroath
Certificate of Botanical Merit & Suzanne Lucas Memorial Award, SBA, London
Best in Show, OA Gallery, Missouri
Jurors Award, Foundry Art Centre, Missouri

Collections

Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh
Shirley Sherwood Collection, Shirley Sherwood Gallery, London
Private collections

Publications

Kew Magazine, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Edit, Alumni Magazine, University of Edinburgh