Kyle Blain

My work explores everyday moments of working-class life, drawing from personal memories and family photographs. Anchored to my upbringing in Clackmannan, a small town in central Scotland, these paintings reinterpret ordinary yet meaningful scenes, often inspired by the lives of my own family and community. From childhood photos tucked away in my gran’s cupboard to shots of holidays and home life, I’m most drawn to the quiet intimacy of these moments.

Through my use of emulsion, acrylic, and spray paints, I try and capture the atmosphere and emotional weight of these times, translating them into contemporary paintings that resonate on a universal level. My practice is grounded in a deep respect for the people I depict, often members of my own family, but always reflective of something broader: the beauty, humour, and humanity found in working-class life.

Having studied Fine Art, Painting & Printmaking at the Glasgow School of Art, following an HNC in Fine Art at City of Glasgow College, I’ve developed a visual language that blends bold mark-making with moments of quiet reflection. Over the past four years, I’ve also built a professional practice through commissioned work and solo exhibitions in spaces across central Scotland, including Clackmannanshire, and more recently in Edinburgh. My work was also recognised by the Scottish Parliament for its community outreach, especially in local schools where I’ve led inclusive art workshops.

Whether painting a candid photo of my uncle in a local football shirt or a younger version of my parents before they married, I try to evoke a sense of shared experience. I want to invite the viewer to find their own stories within mine.