Stunning Yorkshire landscapes revealed on canvas

Now the Masham-based painter is revealing the magic behind some of Yorkshire’s most stunning landscapes in a special exhibition that is currently being staged at Fountains Hall.

Two years in the making, the exhibition captures the beauty of the ancient abbey and Studley Royal as well as Hackfall, near Grewelthorpe.

The atmospheric and colourful paintings feature the geometric ponds, classical statues and follies of the Studley Royal Estate, as well as nearby Hackfall’s deep wooded gorge, with its wild waterfalls and far-reaching views.

Mr Scott Massie, 58, who is also a music teacher at Queen Mary’s School, near Thirsk, said: “The idea for the exhibition came from a previous one I did at Fountains Abbey two years ago. Talking to people at the time I became interested in John and William Aislabie, who designed the gardens at Studley and Hackfall.

“This was all done in the 18th century and at the time I think most of the local landowners were building follies, and William Danby, from Swinton, designed the Druid’s Temple. They were all at it, but the Aislabies came up with something far better than everybody else.

“I wanted to capture this in an exhibition combining all my work featuring these landscapes and that’s what I’ve been working on.”

Spending weeks on location in a bid to capture the magic of the landscapes, Mr Scott Massie became immersed in the vision the Aislabies had attempted to create hundreds of years ago.

“I’m drawn to the romantic, atmospheric and poetic aspects of Studley Royal and Hackfall. I wanted to capture how it feels to be in these landscapes – to reflect how they were created to restore, revive and refresh the spirit,” he said.

“I think that the Water Gardens at Studley Royal are very beautiful, but I think what really gave them the edge was Fountains Abbey.

“All these 18th century gardens are very pretty but having something a magnificent as Fountains Abbey as a feature is pretty unusual. I think that’s the key element of the project at Studley, having that amazing building at the end of the gardens.

“The Hackfall scheme was very clever. There was lots of little follies and opened up view points. Through this design, what you saw each time you reached one of these view points were follies or you would suddenly get amazing views of something else. It’s a bit like Alice in Wonderland. Every time you found something amazing, something else amazing opens up.”

But it is the atmosphere of the landscapes that really fascinated the artist.

He said: “Obviously they don’t look like they did when they were new and so many people have come here and looked at them yet they have this really amazing atmosphere – a spirit of place. When you view Fountains, Studley or Hackfall, you have a feeling you are somewhere very special – somewhere not quite in the real world.

“I think what really appeals to people is they can escape from reality into a magical place, hence the title of the exhibition Magical Landscapes.”

While Mr Scott Massie has painted many landscapes in his 34 years as an artist, there are some that hold a special place in his heart.

“There are some views that I have come to like very much. I have done a couple of paintings this time to the view looking down the drive at Studley Royal towards Ripon Cathedral in the distance, which is just amazing. I think it takes most people’s breath away because the view down the tree-lined avenue changes with the seasons and it’s incredible,” he said.

“There’s also a view from Hackfall woods, which looks right across the Vale of York. It’s amazing as it’s like being able to see most of Yorkshire. You feel like a bird as it’s so high up, it’s lovely.”

Mr Scott Massie said he felt privileged as a painter to be able to time in these places in order to capture them.

“You get to indulge your love of being where you want to be and it’s harder to think of a better way to spend time. I do find myself drawn to these places again and again. I would say they are some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscapes. Few people would argue with the fact that Fountains is one of the most amazing ruins and the Water Gardens has World Heritage Status. Hackfall, which is owned by the Woodland Trust, is a real gem,” he said.

Mr Scott Massie’s paintings will go on display in Fountains Hall until Sunday, October 16. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm daily. For more information visit fountainsabbey.org.uk or call 01765 608888.

Painting was childhood hobby

After deciding to pursue the hobby he loved as a child, Ian Scott Massie began painting professionally in 1977.

While painting takes up the majority of his time, Mr Scott Massey teaches art at Artison, near Masham. He also teaches guitar and drums at Queen Mary’s, near Thirsk.

However, art is where his passion lies, and he runs the Masham Arts Festival every two years.

While mostly paints in watercolours, his latest exhibition also features oils and screenprints. He is currently working on a project with the Churches Conservation Trust to paint the landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.