Two prominent Scottish artists, Peter Howson and Ross Muir, have collaborated on a new painting of Vincent van Gogh. The artwork, titled 'Two Sons', merges Howson's signature powerful style with Muir's distinctive touch of a retro Adidas tracksuit, creating a unique reinterpretation of a classic.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Howson and Ross Muir collaborated on 'Two Sons', a painting of Van Gogh.
- The artwork combines Howson's muscular style with Muir's retro Adidas tracksuit motif.
- 'Two Sons' is a reimagining of Muir's viral 'Square Gogh' piece from 2018.
- The collaboration began after a chance meeting between the artists in Glasgow.
- The painting will be publicly displayed in 2026 before a private sale.
A Chance Encounter Sparks Artistic Fusion
The collaboration between Howson and Muir began unexpectedly. The artists met while walking their dogs in a park located in Glasgow's west end. This casual encounter laid the groundwork for a significant artistic project.
Ross Muir, known for his clever reimagining of famous artworks, conceived the idea of combining their styles. He felt confident he could integrate Howson's impactful aesthetic with his own recognizable elements.
Interesting Fact
Ross Muir's original 'Square Gogh' painting, which depicted Van Gogh wearing an Adidas tracksuit, gained national attention in 2018 and was even recognized by the Van Gogh Museum.
The Creation of 'Two Sons'
Muir began working on the painting alone, developing the concept. As the artwork progressed, he noticed a natural blend of both artists' styles emerging on the canvas. The piece started to reflect Howson's intensity alongside Muir's modern twist.
Muir eventually shared an image of the evolving work with Howson. The response was positive, with Howson expressing his appreciation for the piece. This confirmed their artistic synergy.
"We had had a couple of conversations and I kept thinking I could do Square Gogh in his style," Muir explained. "I started it by myself, but then the painting got better and better. It was looking more like his, it was looking more like mine, so I sent an image to him and eventually he told me he loved it - it just worked."
The new painting, 'Two Sons', is a direct remake of Muir's earlier, highly successful 'Square Gogh' piece. This earlier work brought Muir widespread recognition.
Echoes of 'Starry Night' and Dual Representation
The background of 'Two Sons' features elements reminiscent of Van Gogh's iconic 'Starry Night'. However, it includes two suns instead of one. This unique detail symbolizes the meeting and merging of the two artists' distinct styles and personalities.
The title itself, 'Two Sons', further reinforces this idea of partnership and dual representation. It suggests that the artwork embodies both Muir and Howson equally.
"Two Sons is both of us on the canvas, exactly as we are," Muir stated, emphasizing the personal connection within the artwork.
Background on the Artists
Peter Howson rose to prominence in the 1980s. His work often depicted working-class life, focusing on themes of economic hardship and social tension. He served as the official British war artist for Bosnia in the 1990s, producing powerful and widely discussed pieces, including 'The Massacre of Srebrenica'.
Ross Muir gained national fame with his 'Square Gogh' painting in 2018. He is known for injecting humor and contemporary elements into classic art, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Impact and Future Display
Muir holds Peter Howson in high regard, acknowledging his significant influence on the Glasgow art scene. Howson's work is widely collected and frequently discussed among artists and enthusiasts.
Muir's admiration for Howson is evident. He described Howson as one of the greatest living artists and a profound influence since he began painting.
"Peter is one of the greatest living artists of our time, and I've looked up to him since the day I first picked up a brush," Muir affirmed. "You can't escape his influence in the Glasgow art scene - his work is everywhere, in the best collections and in every conversation about painting. And when you finally see a Howson piece in the flesh, you understand exactly why."
The collaborative painting is set for public display in 2026. The specific venue for this exhibition has not yet been announced. Following its public viewing, 'Two Sons' will become available for private sale.
This collaboration highlights the vibrant artistic community in Glasgow and the unexpected ways creative minds can come together to produce new and compelling works. The fusion of traditional and contemporary elements in 'Two Sons' promises to be a notable addition to modern art. The piece not only celebrates Van Gogh but also the unique talents of two Scottish artists.