A cousin’s wedding invitation in Aberdeen meant that I couldn’t attend an Edinburgh art auction where I had been advised that a large watercolour “Moonlit Landscape” by David Waterson was for sale

A good friend Andrew Noble checked out the painting and to cut a very long story short managed to purchase this fine painting on my behalf.  Andrew hadn’t come across David Waterson’s works prior to this date and recounting his experience with his Friday night Edinburgh drinking buddies was amazed when one of his “cronies” said that his grandfather and David Waterson were cousins.

Ken MacAskill has since provided invaluable help and further images – another huge step forward in this exciting task

David Waterson may have come across as grumpy from time to time as my old friend Les Skelton remarked when as a boy he would pass David on the Brechin Bridge, paint brush and pallet in hand, most artists display such characteristics when deep in concentration.  Les did say that, at times when David had finished for the day and less absorbed in his work, he would often ‘pass the time of day’ with him and his young pals!

Les recalled the gypsy woman who lived in the hill wood where he used to play just beyond Brechin Bridge.  The gypsy woman gave birth to a daughter and not knowing the identity of the father named the girl “Hilda Wood” because she was born in the hill wood!

I came across the extraordinary talent of Waterson for the first time at the inaugural Arts Festival in Brechin where his work was displayed in abundance.  I remember being in awe of how the artist had managed to capture the essence of local countryside working in such diverse mediums.  That exhibition of his work gave me great pleasure that day and has stayed with me ever since.  My favourite of all is ‘Rain’ a watercolour painted in 1909.  It is alive to the senses with all that rain does bring, smells, sounds, trickles down the neck, I feel as if I am there! So many wonderful examples and familiar places, his talent knew no bounds, from landscapes to portraits and all between.

As I gaze at this wonderful collection I wonder what went through Waterson’s mind as he worked.  Did his poetry flow from him at the same time?  We can only imagine today what drove the man on to such an abundance and variety of work, recorded here and so precious!

Jan Hensman