AN ALEXANDRIA artist is nailing his colours to the mast by showing his support for Scottish independence in a series of artworks.

From spray paints and acrylics, to digital design, Shawn Doherty lets his imagination run wild with blocks of bold colour, and mesmerising displays.

Working under the name The Highlander, and Highlander Art and Design, Shawn works from his home.

But he is keen to share his will for Scottish independence by spreading the word through his designs.

Shawn told the Reporter: “My family in general are big supporters of the campaign for independence.

“That’s what I’ve been brought up with. I do wish for Scotland to have independence.”

One of Shawn’s key pieces “Free spirit” depicts the head of a majestic great deer stag set against a sprayed and painted background of the Scottish flag’s outline.

He describes the striking creation as an “expression of pride and freedom”, and a fitting emblem in the push for another independence referendum.

The picture, for which he has used a combination of different techniques, is a contemporary twist on the 1851 oil canvas painting “Monarch of the Glen”, by Sir Edwin Landseer, which became something of a “quintessential” image of Scotland through the 20th century.

Shawn, who is also working towards getting into university, said: “My Free Spirit piece was inspired by the Monarch of the Glen – it’s a very iconic painting.

“I think the stag is the most proud animal we have here in Scotland.

“It looks quite royal and majestic. It shows fortitude, its independence and pride.”

The Highlander says he is keen to run forward with the stag motif in his work, developing further pieces into an eventual series that represent his passion for independence.

He also takes inspiration from the local area, including Loch Lomond and Dumbarton Castle.

The artist even experiments with creating designs for old boats, and is in talks with local venues to showcase more of his work.

“I work with anything I can get my hands on,” he explained.

“I like to work with the spray paints because it’s very quick.

“Sometimes I’ll be working and I don’t realise until later when people point it out that I’ve put things in my pieces like hands and things. I just get a rough idea and go for it.”

Shawn is also in the process of starting up a YouTube channel with tutorials

Find out more about Shawn’s work on Instagram @ highlander0le1.