Description
The Apostles, Catacol by Scottish artist Nikki Monaghan brings to life the peaceful charm and heritage of a very special Scottish coastal location. The painting captures the iconic row of cottages known as the “Twelve Apostles” in the village of Catacol on the Isle of Arran — and conjures a sense of place, history and quiet coastal beauty. The Apostles, Catacol evokes the gentle arrival of dawn or dusk over the cottages, softly lit but full of character, against the hills and coastline of Catacol. Through her naive, colourful style, Nikki Monaghan transforms this humble row of old fishermen’s cottages into a joyful, heart-warming vision of Scottish landscape and heritage.
Nikki Monaghan is a contemporary Scottish artist working from her home studio in Falkirk. Nikki Monaghan She is known for her bright, naïve-style paintings that celebrate places across Scotland — from villages and harbours to countryside scenes. Nikki Monaghan The Apostles, Catacol is a perfect example of her approach: a painting rooted in real Scottish geography, yet interpreted with charm, stylised form and bold colour — bringing warmth, personality and a slightly whimsical tone to tradition and tradition-rich places.
In creating The Apostles, Catacol, Monaghan draws on the history of Catacol village: the cottages date back to the 1860s when they were built as fishermen’s homes. Wikipedia The painting invites the viewer to imagine life by the sea: cottages clustered together, perhaps looking out over the bay; simple homes that once belonged to fishing families, now pictured with affectionate reverence and gentle nostalgia. The composition celebrates not only the architecture of the Twelve Apostles cottages but also the landscape of Catacol: the coastal terrain, the nearby hills, and the unique sense of the Isle of Arran’s quiet, rugged beauty.
For art lovers and collectors, The Apostles, Catacol is available through First4Frames — and you have the advantage of choosing from a wide selection of professional framing and mounting options. Whether you prefer a classic wood frame, a modern contemporary style, slim or wide mouldings, or a choice of mountboard colours, First4Frames offers flexible framing that can complement the painting and your own interior décor. Having your print or painting professionally framed by First4Frames ensures it is mounted, glazed, and ready to hang — with clean edges, secure backing and a finish that enhances the colours and composition. The robust framing also protects the print over time — preserving the vibrant inks and paper quality.
Owning The Apostles, Catacol means more than just acquiring a decorative piece. It means having a slice of the Isle of Arran’s heritage in your home: the cottages of Catacol, the story of the “Twelve Apostles,” and the landscape that inspired them — all rendered in the distinctive, cheerful style of Nikki Monaghan. It is a celebration of place, memory and Scottish coastal charm, made even better when professionally framed to display proudly on your wall.
For more about the artist and to view other works, you can visit her website: nikkimonaghan.co.uk.
