Portrait award nomination turns the spotlight on NESCol’s creative talent

September 18, 2020

North East Scotland College creative specialist David Herd aims to use recognition on the national stage as an inspiration for the region’s next generation of artists.

David has been shortlisted in the fine art category of the Scottish Portrait Awards. His piece ‘Ronnie Buddha’ was one of 60 selected from the fine art and photography categories from more than 1,000 submissions.

The striking painting will be part of the 2020 exhibition which is scheduled to run in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Duff House in Banff between November and June. Judges will select their winner from the pieces exhibited.

David, Curriculum Manager for Business Enterprise and Creative Industries at NESCol’s Fraserburgh Campus, said: “I’m both humbled and surprised to have been shortlisted and to feature in this prestigious exhibition alongside so many other talented painters and photographers. There are stunning pieces of work from a very diverse group of artists across the country and it’s a goal achieved just to be chosen.”

Another of David’s pieces will also be part of the online version of the exhibition in December at www.scottishportraitawards.com.

David added: “NESCol has a proud tradition of supporting the creative industries and all of our teaching teams encourage students to embrace opportunities to express themselves and to develop in their chosen discipline – from creative subjects such as art and design and music through to business entrepreneurship. We always aim to lead by example and throughout my time at the College I’ve been able to combine my own practice with a focus on teaching and expanding our creative offering.

“Applications for our creative courses are always strong and this year we have been welcoming another talented and enthusiastic cohort. Although it’s nice to get personal recognition, the biggest reward is always when our students go on to fulfil their potential and we’re looking forward to a very positive year at the College.”

NESCol, which serves the region from its facilities at the Fraserburgh Campus and in Aberdeen at the City Campus and Altens Campus, is accepting applications for full-time 2020/21 courses starting this month as well as part-time and distance learning courses. For further information click here. A full range of support services are offered to existing and new students. Further advice for students and applicants is available through the Student Advice Centre team by email at studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk .