Austin brushes up on his art strokes and gets top grades ahead of Creativity in the Law event

Two years ago Austin Lafferty made the bold decision to become a part-time student to learn more about the techniques of being an artist.

This ‘super-charged’ his enjoyment for painting and drawing and he has since amassed a wealth of artwork since throwing himself into his studies.

Austin is now looking forward to showcasing a selection of that work at the Royal Faculty’s forthcoming ‘Creativity in the Law’ event.

Austin, a Past Dean of the Royal Faculty, said:

“I don’t mind people seeing my work and commenting on it, positively and critically. It would be great to have as many people as possible taking part and coming along to view people’s work.

“I recall around 17 or 18 years ago speaking to the Law Society of Scotland about organising some kind of art exhibition for lawyers to showcase their creative talents. In the end an event was organised that attracted artists, a silver smith and photographers.

“It proved that lawyers are not just dull people and have a creative hinterland. That should be encouraged.

“There is a great ocean of creativity out there amongst lawyers and the wider legal community and I’m sure next year’s event will be another great success.”

Austin specialises in portraiture – human (especially children) and animals - working in graphite pencil, coloured pencil, and acrylic paint mainly. He also draws and paints still life and landscapes, while also turning his hand to crafts such as painting dolls and figurines.

Set to be the biggest edition of the exhibition to date, the RFPG is now inviting submissions from creative legal professionals and law students across Scotland. Open to both RFPG members and non-members, the Creativity in the Law event welcomes anyone working or studying in Scotland's legal sector who would like to share their creative talents.

For the past 45 years, Austin has forged a successful career in business law and commercial property work, while also dealing with wills and powers of attorney.

After qualifying as a solicitor in 1981, Austin often turned to his creative instincts as an outlet to deal with the stresses of the job.

On semi-retiring a few years ago, Austin grasped the opportunity to spend more time brushing up on his love of art.

Austin, a former President of the Law Society of Scotland, added:

“I had an interest in drawing and painting at school in the 70’s and although I was unable to fit it into my regular studies my art teacher still allowed me to sit the O-grade exam. However, I was unable to go on to do the Higher.

“So, when I semi-retired a few years ago I took the opportunity to do my Higher at the Anniesland Campus at Glasgow Clyde College in 2024/25.

“I achieved a Higher B, which was frustrating since I was scoring in the higher 80s for my paintings and drawings but was marked down for my work on a computer design module for designing wallpaper.

“Whether it was out of determination or revenge I decided to do the Advanced Higher the following year. I couldn’t find any FE college that offered Advanced Higher, so I asked my old school, St Aloysius' in Glasgow, and they very kindly allowed me to do a sort of self-start course. I was fortunate that one of the art teachers took me under her wing. We met up once a month to look at my work and she gave me inspirational expert advice and guidance.

“I achieved an A and doing both courses has provided me with a huge portfolio of work which I’m looking forward to exhibiting at the Creativity in the Law event next year.”

Previous editions of the free-to-attend event have featured an impressive range of musicians, including acoustic singer-songwriters and string quartets. They have been joined by photographers, painters, sculptors and even a video game designer.

Austin took part in the inaugural Creativity in the Law event in 2024 and the following year’s exhibition. He is now looking forward to returning in April.

He said:

“Working full-time as a solicitor can be very stressful, When I was able to take myself away from work, I could lose myself in another world and could draw for two hours without thinking about something else.

“The difference now compared to when I was working full-time is that I can now schedule more time to do artwork and studying. I now do a three-hour class every Tuesday at Anniesland College in drawing and painting.

“I don’t use the word ‘passion’ very often as it’s overused. But doing the Higher and Advanced Higher courses has greatly improved my techniques and I’m now more adventurous in my work than before.

“It has super-charged my enjoyment of doing artwork. If I was told I could do art eight hours a day I certainly wouldn’t object. Doing my art sessions is definitely my highlight of the week.”

This year's event will also raise funds for Shelter, supporting the charity's vital work tackling homelessness and housing insecurity.

If you would like to get involved as an exhibitor, artist or performer, simply email library@rfpg.org to register your interest.