'Through my paintings I focus on exploring the forms of interior landscape, and looking at everyday objects in a way that brings out beauty in simple scenes. In these paintings, I seek to capture the ordinary moments around us that often go unnoticed, such as light falling through the spindles of a chair, glances out of a window, or the intimate corner of a restaurant.

With my recent work, I have been influenced by the paintings of Édouard Vuillard, and Gwen John’s interiors. Blocks of colour and quiet sensitivity. Loosely painted oil colours, areas of the canvas are sometimes left exposed, the space speaking for itself. I often paint on wood, stiff card, or canvas board. The hardness lending to a dry style of painting, not quite chalky. My palette is subdued and earthy, colours from the past, like old things.

Painting is solitary for me, there are no people in my work, instead it’s empty chairs and places once inhabited.'

Caroline Mordue, December '24

Caroline Ann Mordue (b. 1986) hails from the Scottish Borders. After completing her degree in Illustration at the University of Central Lancashire, she continued pursuing her passion for fine art by joining a weekly painting course, and then a year-long mentorship programme at the Leith School of Art in Edinburgh. She now works from her studio at home in Lauder, after returning to the Scottish Borders.

In 2021, Mordue held a solo exhibition ‘At home’ at Old Gala House, showing her personal journey and approach to landscape-based and abstract paintings.

She has had her work shown in the 197th and 198th Annual Exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy, and most recently featured in a group showcase of artists at the Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh.

Her work has been annually exhibited in the Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show since 2018, as well as at the Borders Art Fair where she has exhibited as a solo artist in 2024 and 2022, and also as a selected member of Visual Arts Scotland.

Education
BA hons Illustration
University of Central Lancashire
2005-2008

Leith School of Art :
Artists mentoring course
September 2022-June 2023

Painting Course, one day a week, with Catharine Davison
2018-19

Portrait Painting with Owen Normand
2018


Exhibitions
Solo
Borders Art Fair, Kelso
2024

Borders Art Fair, Kelso
2022

‘At Home’
Old Gala House, Galashiels
2021


Selected Group
‘Now & then’
Visual Arts Scotland centenary show
2024

‘Wildlines’
The little art hub, Galashiels
2024

RSA 198th Annual Exhibition
Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh
2024


Leith School of Art
Artist’s Mentoring course, end of year exhibition
2023

RSA 197th Annual Exhibition
Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh
2023

Summer of Art, Old Gala House
2022

Macmillan Art Show, Edinburgh
2018-2023

Selected member of Visual Arts Scotland
Borders Art Fair, Kelso
March 2020

Art Friends of St Columba’s Hospice, Edinburgh Academy
2018

Light, Land & Country, Gallery 23, Edinburgh
2018


Awards
Jackson’s Painting Prize
Longlisted in Still Life/Botanical category
2021