James Cumming studied at ECA from 1939 to 1947 and returned to teach there. After college, he used a travelling scholarship to go to Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, an experience that formed the basis of his work and imagery for years to come. His artistic motto was “Always go your own way” and he occupies a unique position in twentieth century Scottish painting.
The Woman with Second Sight brought milk to Cumming’s cottage in Lewis and is seated here amongst Hebridean crofts and fields under a strange crescent moon. She appears shrouded in mystery like the gift that she supposedly possessed.