Simon Menzies

Simon Menzies is a former Scots Guards Officer and son of the Scottish Clan Chief, The Menzies of Menzies. Simon Menzies, titled The Menzies of Culdares, became a full-time painter in 1994. His works combine design and symbolism with a rich and classical aesthetic, which he brings into his Portraiture work. He is married to Claire, Madam Menzies of Culdares.

In 1997/8, Menzies, after briefly attending the Royal Academy of Art in London, moved to Florence, Italy, to learn the techniques of the Old Masters and to expand on his artistic vocabulary. After a scholarship at one of the World leading Ateliers, Charles H. Cecil Studios, followed by teaching at the same school, he was evolved in using naturalistic figurative painting and portraiture techniques. His work currently combines pure naturalistic painting with his earlier concepts in design and aesthetics, thus bringing the traditions of the Old Masters into a more modern context.

Menzies' has exhibited around the World, including Australia, UK, USA and the Caribbean. His paintings have been used in a number of Feature Films and can be found in collections as diverse as the late George Harrison and HM The Queen.