Some quarrels in the Highlands are settled without a single word. In McLurcher™ Kiss and Make-Up, a weathered Highland laird sits hunched upon a lichen-covered boulder, chin propped in his hand, wearing the unmistakable expression of a man who has no intention of forgiving anyone just yet. His eyes slide sideways in wary, half-sulking disbelief, because his devoted white lurcher has other ideas.
With perfect timing, the dog leans in and plants a tender, whiskery kiss on his cheek. It is a gentle but persuasive apology, and the laird’s resolve is already starting to crumble.
The laird is dressed in full Highland style. A tartan bonnet sits at a jaunty angle, adorned with a red pompom, a long feather and a small white daisy. Beneath it he wears a well-worn tweed jacket and waistcoat, a crimson tie, a kilt in deep blue, green and red tartan, and chunky tweed hose with red garter flashes. His sturdy leather boots, canvas rucksack and curved walking stick rest close at hand, as if the day’s tramp over the hills has been interrupted by a more pressing matter.
Behind them, the scene opens onto a glorious Highland panorama. A still loch catches the golden light of the setting sun, layered mountains fade into violet and blue, and a Scots pine frames the sky as it blazes with orange, pink and gold. In the foreground, drifts of purple heather and golden grasses tumble around the rocks, bringing the whole landscape to life.
Created by Pippa for the McLurcher™ Collection, this affectionate and richly detailed artwork celebrates the loyalty of a dog, the stubbornness of a man, and the simple fact that love usually wins in the end.