Local Artist Jennifer Austin Opens 'The Returning Tide' Exhibition at Orkney Museum

A new exhibition featuring recent paintings by local artist Jennifer Austin opens next Saturday at the Orkney Museum.

The exhibition showcases Austin's distinctive oil paintings of seas and skies, inspired by her Orkney heritage and years of travel as a musician.

"I paint seas and skies in oil, inspired by my Orkney roots and years spent travelling as a musician," explains Austin. "My work isn't tied to one location - I usually begin with a photo reference or two that sparks the feeling of being there, then let the painting drift until it finds its own form."

Austin's collection includes her signature round 'porthole' works, which she developed from "an interest in capturing the openness and scale of the sea, as if looking out to open waters." The artist aims to capture atmospheric conditions ranging from calm to wild seascapes.

"My hope is that viewers bring their own memories and experiences to the work," Austin adds.

'The Returning Tide' will run from Saturday 4th October through Saturday 25th October 2025. The exhibition is free to attend.