Featured Works, Gallery Life
A Year in Art: 2025 Highlights and Favourite Finds
As the year draws to a close, we often look back at the paintings that stayed with us long after they arrived. Some surprised us. Some sold the moment they were listed. Others lingered for a while, quietly winning people over until the right buyer came along. It’s always interesting to see which pieces leave the strongest impression.
There were landscapes this year that felt unusually atmospheric, full of shifting weather and low light. A few small watercolours stood out too, particularly the ones with that soft, confident handling you only see in older British work. Buyers responded to them instantly. There is something about a small piece done well that never fails to charm.
1930–1970 French Signed Oil Portrait of a Woman
A quietly compelling portrait with a thoughtful expression and refined handling. A piece that reflects the enduring appeal of classic figurative painting.
View the artwork here.
We also had a number of expressive modern paintings that brought welcome colour into the collection. Strong pinks, warm ochres, and deep blues featured more often than expected. People seem drawn to colour again, especially during the darker months. These pieces brought a different energy to the website and reminded us how varied our collection has become.
Some of our favourite finds were the ones that arrived looking ordinary, only to reveal themselves fully once framed or photographed properly. A quiet portrait with a thoughtful expression. A gentle coastal scene that looked unassuming at first, then completely transformed in natural light. These pieces often turn into favourites, partly because they feel discovered rather than expected.
The Bar Drinker – Signed French Modernist Oil Painting
A characterful modernist scene capturing a fleeting moment at the bar. Full of atmosphere, movement and subtle narrative.
View the artwork here.
A year at Stag Gallery is always made up of small moments like this. Paintings arriving from all over the country, the occasional parcel that takes us by surprise, the steady rhythm of photographing, cataloguing and placing each piece online. What stays with us most are the works that feel honest. The ones painted with real conviction, whether bold or understated.
We have gathered a small edit of 2025 highlights, a mixture of recent favourites, memorable finds and pieces that still feel special now. It is a quiet way of marking the end of the year, and a reminder of why we do what we do.
Antique Scottish Highlands – Sunset Over the Loch
An atmospheric Highland landscape with warm evening light and a calm, reflective mood. One of the year’s most quietly affecting scenes.
View the artwork here.
