Tributes to beloved East Lothian painter who had decades-long arts career
A renowned Scottish artist has passed away at age 89 after a prolific career in the Edinburgh and East Lothian art scenes.
Born in Sunderland, Joan Renton was admitted to the Edinburgh College of Art at age 17 where she studied under William Gillies, a celebrated Scottish landscape and still life painter.
The accomplished creative is known for her evocative paintings and her role in shaping women's art in Scotland. The Royal Family HRH even have a number of her works in their collection.
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In 1959 Joan was awarded a travelling scholarship with which she went to Spain.
She spent the subsequent decades making a lasting mark on Scottish art, and lived for over 30 years in Gifford where she taught art in the community.
Joan also served as the president of the Scottish Society of Artists and the Scottish Society of Women Artists.
In her latter role, Joan advocated in 1990 to make the organisation "a place for high-quality experimental craft," leading the organisation to rebrand as the "Scottish Artists and Artist Craftsman" and admit men.
Joan's son Jonathan Renton told Edinburgh Live: "It's been eye-opening just how much mum has influenced Scottish art, particularly women's art.
"Men and women's art was displayed separately at the time, and mum tried to close that gap. She was a big part of giving identity to women’s art in Scotland. Above everything, that was what made her proudest."
Jonathan remembers his mother as "high achieving" but always very "natural, open, and interested in people".
He recalled how she saw art in everything. Joan kept a beautiful garden which Jonathan said she "saw like a piece of art with textures and shapes."
He added: "It was where she was happiest in her garden surrounded by plants and nature."
Jonathan also remembers his mother's generous spirit.
His favourite painting of his mother's was an abstract seascape of waves rolling over the beach. After the painting was solid in an exhibition, Joan painted him a copy, knowing how much he loved it.
He said: "She was just a lovely soul."
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Joan is survived by her children Jonathan, Jacqueline, and Steven as well as her five grandchildren - three of whom have gone to art college.
Jonathan said it has been lovely to see that Joan's creative genes were passed down through the family, saying it's as if his mother is "living on through her grandchildren."
Jonathan is also an artist in addition to Joan's late husband Ronnie who served as Head of Design at Edinburgh Napier University.
A service is being held at on Wednesday, January 29 at 1pm at Lorimer Chapel, Warriston Crematorium, Warriston Road, Edinburgh.
The family invites anyone to pay their respects. Afterwards, all are welcome to The Village Inn at 140 Crewe Road South.
Those attending are encouraged to wear an item of lavender or purple, as it was Joan's favourite colour.
Joan's work is renowned has been shown in Scottish venues including City Art Centre in Edinburgh, The Health Board of NHS Tayside, and the NHS Lothian Charity Tonic Collection. The Royal Family HRH even have a number of her works in their collection.
Joan's art has also been shown in galleries in America and Europe.
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