Caroline Bailey’s “Boats, Portree” offers a vivid glimpse into the life of a coastal village, blending tranquillity with the quiet energy of maritime life. Rich in texture and colour, the painting captures Bailey’s signature style—bold, expressive, and emotionally resonant. Deep blues and reds shape a dramatic night sky, while the boats, painted in brighter tones, seem to drift dreamlike on calm waters. Her layered brushwork evokes the rhythm of the harbour, allowing viewers to feel the sea breeze and hear the gentle lapping of waves. “Boats, Portree” reflects not only the beauty of the landscape but the enduring spirit of a community shaped by sea and sky.
| Medium: | Mixed media |
| Format: | Paper |
| Size (Unframed): | 30 x 35 cm |
| Size (Framed): | 55 x 60 cm |
| Signed: | Yes |
| Limited Edition: | Edition 1 of 1 |
Caroline Bailey, RSW
British Contemporary Painter & Printmaker
Born in 1953 in Chester, Caroline Bailey trained at Manchester Polytechnic from 1972 to 1976, earning a First-Class B.A. (Hons) in Printed Textiles and an M.A. in Textile Design.
Initially working as a part-time lecturer at Manchester Polytechnic until the mid‑1980s, Bailey transitioned to painting full‑time and has since exhibited extensively across the UK.
Her paintings and monotype prints draw inspiration from the meeting of land and sea, often highlighting human traces within natural landscapes. Emphasising shape, vibrant colour, and layered textures, her work aims to convey the atmosphere and emotional resonance of place rather than purely documentary scenes.
Elected to the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW) in 1998, she has participated in notable group exhibitions including those at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, Royal Watercolour Society, Royal Glasgow Institute, and Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour.
Her solo exhibitions span prestigious venues such as Manchester’s Gallery at the Art House, Walker Gallery (Harrogate), Thompson’s Gallery (London and Anglesey), Waterford Gallery, Colours Gallery (Edinburgh), John Noott/Broadway Modern, Ainscough Contemporary Art, Panter & Hall, and Denise Yapp Contemporary Art, among others.
Today, Caroline Bailey continues to exhibit across the UK, exploring vibrant landscapes, floral still-lifes, and evocative seascapes. Her work remains celebrated for its expressive colour palette, texture, and evocative sense of place.
View Profile
