CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Looking for the Seasons

This exhibition at the SOC in Aberlady presents watercolours by Jonathan Sainsbury, inspired by the iconic Ladybird books series “What to Look for in Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn”.

Looking for the Seasons

About Looking for the Seasons

This exhibition presents watercolours by Jonathan Sainsbury inspired by the iconic Ladybird books "What to Look for in Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn". Published in 1959-60, the books were written by EL Grant Watson and illustrated by C F Tunnicliffe, and highlighted the seasonal changes in the landscape and wildlife.

Over the past two years, Jonathan has sought to respond to the original illustrations, retelling the stories of the seasons. He explains: “I wanted to put my own slant on this classic series in tribute to them and to Nature. I am a huge admirer of Tunnicliffe as a field artist and since childhood I have devoted my life to painting the same natural world.”

Jonathan initially worked exclusively in sepia watercolour, responding directly to Tunnicliffe’s illustrations and trying to keep step with the unfolding seasons. Working in monochrome allowed him to work faster, but also seemed appropriate. Like black and white photography, sepia abstracts from reality to create something timeless. Now in the second year of the project, Jonathan has created some larger paintings in colour that seek to encapsulate each season, as well as some specifically Scottish scenes, with different landscapes and wildlife to the Tunnicliffe originals which were based largely on Anglesey.

Sponsored Links

The Chocolatarium
Wonder & Co
Cancer Research UK
Fayre Play
The Cogency

Similar events you might like...

Small Paintings

Small Paintings

17th January 2026 - 1st February 2026

Small Paintings, now in its 12th year, features over 500 small, original paintings from some of Scotland's most notable contemporary artists. Catch it at Morningside Gallery from 17th January!

READ MORE
King’s Gallery: Guided Looking

King’s Gallery: Guided Looking

Selected dates between 19th January 2026 - 9th February 2026

Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, at The King's Gallery in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as she describes various images in the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance.

READ MORE
Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Selected dates between 29th January 2026 - 30th April 2026

Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse!

READ MORE
Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour

Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour

31st January 2026

Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.

READ MORE
The Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition

The Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition

31st January 2026 - 1st February 2026

Are you planning your wedding in Scotland and looking for the best Edinburgh wedding suppliers? Then come along to The Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition, one of the largest wedding shows in Scotland!

READ MORE
Time & Motion Studies - Exhibition by Nick Devison

Time & Motion Studies - Exhibition by Nick Devison

31st January 2026 - 20th February 2026

Nick Devison uses printmaking as a medium for exploring ideas, solving problems and creating new visual connections. Don't miss his exhibition, Time & Motion Studies, at Upright Gallery.

READ MORE
CATALYST: Art as Activism - All Day, Waiting For Another Sun to Rise

CATALYST: Art as Activism - All Day, Waiting For Another Sun to Rise

31st January 2026 - 29th March 2026

Within this show at Summerhall, Molly Wickett reimagines a post-apocalyptic landscape through a queer and disabled lens.

READ MORE
CATALYST: Art as Activism - Any Body Home

CATALYST: Art as Activism - Any Body Home

31st January 2026 - 29th March 2026

Any Body Home features works developed during the Hugo Burge Foundation x Summerhall residency Art as Activism (2024), along with other pieces exploring related themes.

READ MORE
CATALYST: Art as Activism - A Heart in Exile

CATALYST: Art as Activism - A Heart in Exile

31st January 2026 - 29th March 2026

A Heart in Exile brings together three bodies of work that trace the inner landscape of migration; its fractures, its expansions, and its quiet, unresolvable tensions.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
The Cookbook Shop
Cancer Research UK
King Pins
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

The Chocolatarium
Wonder & Co
Cancer Research UK
Fayre Play
The Cogency
Escape The Past
The Cookbook Shop
Cancer Research UK
King Pins
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Popular Events

Charlie Puth
Internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum and award-winning artist, producer, musician and songwriter Charlie Puth has announced the Whatever's Clever! 2026 World Tour, coming to Edinburgh in July!
Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show
Watch the iconic McEwans Hall in Edinburgh come alive with Enlightenment, a spectacular sound and light show, set to the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons!
Community Connections
Each month in the beautiful and historic Abbey Strand Centre, Community Connections will explore themes from across the Royal Collection and the history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Orchard Wassailing
Come along to Lauriston Farm Community Orchard for songs led by Penny Stone, and merry noise-making with bells and drums, to celebrate their beloved orchard trees and wish them a good year ahead!
Guid Crack: Ae Fond Kiss
Join the Scottish Storytelling Centre for another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh's monthly storytelling club, Guid Crack, held upstairs in the Waverley Bar!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall