Blake Milteer
Degree: Fine art
University: Maryland Institute College of Art
Graduation Year: 1991
New Blood Art Commentary
Blake Milteer makes meticulously observed pencil drawings.
Enchanting but strange, natural forms collide and collapse, growing into and out of one another. Dead matter becomes compost; the landscape is a space for regrowth. It is a space of possibility, something highlighted by Milteer’s quiet but persuasive images.
Artist Statement
In my drawings, I aim to reflect characteristic aspects of individual landscapes but also to represent my experience and memory of spending time there. From being in these places - often for extended periods and over many years - to creating the drawings, I look to challenge my own expectations, familiarity and comfort. Through vigorous and fine mark-making I hope to reflect a sense of density and constant change.
I have worked for more than thirty years as an artist, curator and educator. After university, my professional emphasis was on curatorial work for the Denver Art Museum, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, the National Library of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland, and The Macallan. I currently live in Edinburgh, where I have re-prioritised by creative practise while continuing select curatorial work.
Solo Exhibitions
(2025) Returning: New Drawings by Blake Milteer, Gairloch Museum, Gairloch, Wester Ross, Scotland, UK
(2002) Badachro, St Mary's Academy, Englewood, Colorado, USA
(1995) Redefining Proximity, Opicka Gallery, Denver, Colorado, USA
Group Exhibitions
(2025) Vanishing Points, Chrissy Moore Art Advisory, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
(2025) The Thread That Pulls (Visual Arts Scotland Biennial 2025), Royal Scottish Academy, National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
(2023) Winter Showcase, Gairloch Museum, Gairloch, Scotland, United Kingdom
(2023) Through the Branches, Birch Tree Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
(2022) Winter Showcase, Gairloch Museum, Gairloch, Scotland, United Kingdom
(2009) Faculty Choice Exhibition, Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Arapahoe Community College, Littleton, Colorado, USA
(2001) Emotional Distance, Gallery Sink, Denver, Colorado, USA
(1991) BFA Degree Show, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Competitions, Prizes & Awards
(2025) W Gordon Smith Award for work of outstanding merit. Presented in relation to work included in the Visual Arts Scotland Biennial 2025 at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh.
(2025) Homiens Art Prize, Highly Commended Artist, Summer 2025
(2023) Scottish Arts Trust, Scottish Landscape Awards, Scottish Arts, Longlist selection