White Jug and Flowers by William Baillie (1923–2011) is a vibrant still life that features a loosely painted bouquet of flowers in a white jug, set against a richly textured and boldly coloured background. Dominated by warm hues of orange, red, and pink, the composition blends abstraction with recognisable floral forms. The soft, expressive brushwork and the use of complementary colour contrasts evoke a sense of warmth and spontaneity. At the same time, the red vertical borders on either side of the flower arrangement provide a sense of structure and rhythm, reinforcing the work’s carefully balanced design.

William James Laidlaw Baillie CBE PRSA PRSW, 1923-2011

Born in Edinburgh, Baillie entered Edinburgh College of Art in 1941, but his studies were interrupted by army service in the Second World War. He returned to the college in 1947 and graduated in 1950. After teaching in Edinburgh schools, he joined the teaching staff of Edinburgh College of Art in 1960, retiring in 1988. In 1990 he became President of the Royal Scottish Academy.