Researchers have found that even just looking at art can bring about measurable positive changes to the way we feel physically and mentally. A professor of neurology Semir Zeki scanned the brains of volunteers looking at numerous works of art and discovered that when they looked at something they found to be beautiful it triggered an immediate release of the feel-good hormone dopamine.

Looking at a lovely picture can increase blood flow to the brain, activate the visual cortex and allow us to focus in on particular features or place ourselves in the scene, distracting us from anxieties and stressors in the real world. What can occur is a complex whole-brain response that brings into play many usually disparate aspects of the mind.

‘Ethiopia’ at Sea

This vessel was built in Aberdeen by Walter Hood in 1864, she made her maiden voyage to Melbourne in only 68 days. Her last voyage under Red Ensign was in 1886, then she was sold to a Norwegian owner, abandoned near the Western Isles in 1894 then towed to St Michaels where she was condemned.

Sweet Day Dreams

Artist Tom Gay has chosen to depict a seaman caught in a daydream in this oil painting. While resting on a harbour wall, the man dreams of sailing days gone by. The artist has conveyed this by including the image of a majestic clipper ship floating through the clouds in the background.

Fishing Vessel 'Research' (LK62)

Shown in this painting is the Zulu type fishing vessel 'Research' (LK62) docked on a calm day. The boat is now on display here at the Scottish Fisheries Museum. John Sandison lived in Lerwick and took up painting after he retired. He died in 2015. Shetland Museum and Archives has more of his work.

Macquette 'Our Lady of the Isles'

The full-sized sculpture can be seen the on the Hebridean island of South Uist at Rueval. The granite Madonna and Child soars above the rugged terrain where it can be seen from miles around. It is unusual for its isolated position and independent architectural qualities, rather than assuming a supportive or decorative role to a more substantial structure.

‘Star of the Sea’ or ‘Stella Maris’ is an ancient title of the Virgin Mary. Under this name she was considered to be a guide and protector of seafarers.

Fifies Moored in the Dreel, Anstruther

This oil painting created by I. Ferguson in 1901 depicts a serene view of Anstruther harbour, with two half decked fifies moored near the Dreel Burn.

Steam Fishing Vessel (KY274), Entering a Harbour

Artist J. Black depicts a steam fishing vessel entering a harbour, presumably returning after a fishing trip. Seagulls soar in the pale blue sky above, completing this quintessential seaside scene.

Fife Fisher Girl

In this piece, Cook has captured the titular Fife Fisher Girl in an important part of everyday life, a moment of rest. Through the door of the cottage, we can see a view of Pettycur Bay, Kinghorn towards Burntisland.

Evening, Anstruther

Born in Anstruther, Francis Patrick Martin studied at Glasgow School of Art and went on to have a successful art career as well as serving as a soldier and working for the General Post Office as a telegrapher. In this painting, the artist has captured the mood of his hometown at sunset.

Fishing Nets

By using quick brushstrokes to depict this tangle of nets hanging out to dry, Morrison has created a moody, abstract and busy scene. Morrison is best known for his work as a landscape painter and has been credited as one or the driving forces behind the reinvigoration of landscape painting in Scotland.

Smack-Rigged Fishing Boat Dragging a Dinghy Downstream

A fishing boat tows a dingy through an industrial riverscape in the half-light. The artist has captured a habitually busy environment in a moment of relative calm, where the blue and yellow hues of the sky are reflected in the gently rippling water.