Nocturnal Oil Painting Urquhart Castle Loch Ness

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands – Nocturnal Moonlight
Original Oil Painting | After James Bell Anderson | c.1950
Subject & Medium
This evocative original oil painting on board, dating from circa 1950, captures the haunting beauty of Urquhart Castle beneath a glowing full moon. Nestled along the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, the scene is steeped in mystery and atmosphere. Titled Urquhart Castle Loch Ness Scottish Highlands Nocturnal Moonlight, the work masterfully portrays the castle’s illuminated ruins resting against a tranquil, moonlit landscape.
Set under a cloud-strewn night sky, moonlight breaks through with brilliance, scattering silvery reflections across the still waters of the loch. Two tall, wind-swept trees rise on the left, silhouetted dramatically against the luminous sky. The shoreline arcs gently toward the castle, subtly guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition.

Painted in oil, the medium enhances the textured treatment of light and form, breathing emotional depth into this legendary Highland setting.

Composition & Technique
The painting exemplifies the romantic nocturne style associated with James Bell Anderson. Its composition is both balanced and atmospheric, drawing the eye from the textured foreground to the distant hills and softly glowing castle ruins.
Brushwork is expressive and layered—broad, dramatic strokes animate the sky, while intricate details in the trees and stonework bring intimacy and clarity. The artist’s palette is notably restrained, allowing light and tone to do the storytelling:

Deep greens and browns convey the moody Highland terrain
Silvers, greys, and cool blues dominate the water and sky, intensifying the nocturnal ambiance
Subtle ochres and warm tones around the beach add contrast and depth
The moonlight's reflection is rendered with sensitivity, capturing the ethereal quiet of the night
Blending realism with romanticism, the work channels both the physical place and its timeless mystique.
Signature
Monogrammed “T B” in the lower-left corner, indicating it is painted after the style of James Bell Anderson, by a skilled mid-20th-century hand.
About the Artist (James Bell Anderson)
Though not painted by Anderson himself, this piece is a devoted homage to his artistic legacy. James Bell Anderson (1886–1938) was a Scottish landscape painter celebrated for his moody, moonlit portrayals of the Highlands. Born in Fife, his work is noted for technical precision, emotional resonance, and his hallmark atmospheric nocturnes—blending naturalism with romantic vision.
Framed Dimensions
35 cm (W) × 30 cm (H) × 2 cm (D)
Presented in an ornate, original gilt decorative frame—ready to hang.
Provenance
From a private collection
With Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Previously exhibited at a Middle Shire museum
Why It Stands Out
A moody, magical vision of Loch Ness by moonlight
Rich in Highland romance and mystique
A faithful tribute to James Bell Anderson’s iconic nocturne style
Masterful balance of light, tone, and composition
Offers a timeless Scottish aesthetic for any interior
Vintage gilt frame complements its classic charm
A rare and unique piece for collectors of Scottish art and romantic landscapes
Condition Report
In good vintage condition overall. Paint surface is stable with no visible flaking or restoration; some light foxing is present and would benefit from a professional surface clean. Frame shows typical wear for its age, with some minor chips and losses, but remains structurally sound.
Shipping
Worldwide delivery available.
Professionally packaged and fully insured for global transport.
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