Happy News!

So 2011 has been a bit of a handful for many of us.
I thought as the year slips away we would end it with a little snippet of innocent and happy news.
Look at this smile:

Eleanor Horton is the daughter and mini muse of artist Olivia Irvine and can now take her place in the UG 'hall of fame' (the toilet).

I thought it would be nice to place her alongside heavyweights Philip Braham and David Hosie.
Well done Eleanor.

Happy Christmas to you all and best wishes for 2012!

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

Hello everyone

So as the 'Head To Head' exhibition comes to a close I'd like to finish up with a nod to this special painting:

'Mirror Mirror On The Wall', acrylic & screenprint on canvas by Sophie McKay Knight.

Yes, I think it's fair to say that 'Mirror Mirror' is one of the fairest paintings on the wall, and in an exhibition that has proved to be another high point for Union Gallery.

A huge thank you to artists Sophie McKay Knight, Norrie Harman, Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE and David Hosie.

The Eyes Have It

Hello everyone

I hope you have managed to catch some sun in between dodging the downpours.

I wanted to steer your attention to some captivating and haunting gazes in the current exhibition 'Head to Head'.
First of all I'd like to start with a piercing stare that is not part of the exhibition:

Thia photo is simply called 'Afghan Girl' and became one of the most famous National Geographic pictures ever. Indeed, it was featured on the cover of National Geographic's Top 100 Pictures of all time. This 12 year old refugee's photo was taken in 1984 and her iconic stare captivated audiences for years. It was the first time anyone had ever taken her photo.
If you have never seen 'Afghan Girl' before you can read more about her here:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/03/0311_020312_sharbat.html

 I brought Afghan Girl into the equation as, on viewing David Hosie's 'Arabian Child' I immediately thought of her.

'Arabian Child', oil on panel by David Hosie.
Similarly, 'Ghanaian Girl II' thumps me with the same impact as Afghan Girl.

David Hosie has painted this beautiful woman twice now and she is a direct result of a field trip David made to Ghana last year.
Tired of the constant reports of economic doom and gloom in this country, David wanted to get a fresh perspective on poverty. I thought his trip to be admirable:the photos he sent back to us were pretty grave and I for one was also given a new perspective on what it is to be skint.

And look at these boys, and look them in the eyes:

and

These 'Young Spartans' look rough and ready and, for me, there is no escaping their gaze which is determined and yet vulnerable at the same time.

This next painting I definitely have eyes for:

'Bonxie', oil and pencil on card by Joyce Gunn Cairns.

Gosh, the haunting stare of 'Bonxie'.
After Joyce's work was hung a lot of time was spent simply experiencing this painting.
Now, there's a beautiful and moving story behind 'Bonxie', which I believe should be shared between the four walls of the gallery. For me, 'Bonxie' is a jewel in its own right and I am pleased, from the response, that many others can see this too. That there 'happens' to be an intelligent and sensitive seed behind 'Bonxie's' creation is an added bonus. Of course intelligent and sensitive is artist Joyce Gunn Cairns all over.

Next time we will be looking more at Joyce Gunn Cairns and the work of Sophie McKay Knight. In particular this treasure:

'Mirror Mirror on the Wall', acrylic and screenprint on canvas by Sophie McKay Knight.

Oh, and I want to leave you with another iconic gaze which is also captivating many people....

 
'Antonine Hill', oil on canvas by Philip Braham.
This painting will be shown in Phil's solo exhibition 'Still' which opens next month.

People are fascinated by people.

Happy Sundays x

It's A Tough Job, But Somebody's Got To Do It....

Hello everyone

The blog has been a bit quiet of late because I have taken advice from the wise and caved in to the pressure to create an 'official' Union Gallery facebook page.  Feel free to 'like' it or become a friend there.  To be honest, I've had trouble adjusting to it: until now all social 'meeja' stuff has been done by me, a person, and have been personal observations and thoughts which I hope have been done with some kind of insight and empathy.  Trying to post messages on a facebook page as another brick in the wall, or as a fly on the wall, really isn't my style.  I can do measured, but I like a bit of passion too.  I am sure I'll get the hang of it so please bear with me.  However, this particular blog has been brewing for quite some time and really can't come from the viewpoint of a brick....so here goes:

I want to write about what it entails to be an artist.  I say it's been brewing for a while, but like most artists it's probably played on my mind for as long as I can remember and, until now, I haven't really had the means to express it.
Possibly it's all bubbled to the surface now as I recently attempted to catch up on some painting of my own.  Until now it has largely been a secret that I went away for a weeks worth of art 'boot camp': because I feel guilty when not at UG, which has become very much my 'second home'...a second life-line if you like, I had been neglecting my painting.
I got quite a lot of 'stuff' done at boot camp and, although I found it somewhat traumatic (to say the least), I am very glad that I did it.  I took an awful lot away from that week, the most important thing being that I reacquainted myself with the harsh realities of what it is to be an artist.  This may sound a little strange or even over-dramatic, but seriously it's a tough job.  And it really is a 'calling'.
I am sure many artists have, in their time, experienced comments such as, 'it must be great to be doing what you truly love', or 'I wish I was gifted'.  Well, yes and no.....I've often thought of it as something more like a curse than a gift, an addiction or, at its worst, an abusive relationship.
There is no doubt that if you are a creative type, that menace inside you will not let you be.  It is a calling and it will niggle and goad you until you do something about it.  At boot camp it brought home to me again just what a strange and uncertain profession being an artist is.  It's a lonesome occupation, often involving long, unpredictable and unsociable hours.  Indeed, many artists have to juggle their calling with other jobs, so that they can subsidise the making of their artwork.  It's often dirty, smelly and involves all sorts of nasty chemicals that we are told to avoid:

Then there's the self doubt and personal angst/torture that is compounded by working in solitary conditions.  What am I doing?  Is this any good?  etc. etc.  Then, there's the best part....it's often unpaid!  Any artist will tell you that it's an expensive business; paint, brushes, canvases and frames all cost an arm and a leg, and it all adds up.  The cliched image of the starving artist all alone in their garret is not so far from the truth....

However, just like any addiction, there are fantastic highs:
To create an artwork that is truly unique and which you believe to be one of the best you've ever done is enthralling, exciting and totally untouchable.  If an enlightened individual gets that kick too, and invests in your creativity....well that really is the ultimate high.  And yet the majority of artists who are true to themselves will carry on regardless of sales.  You develop a 'thick skin' and continue to battle on with your 'gift'.  one day I will post a blog about thick skin syndrome - I promise it will be shorter than this one!

I thought I would leave you with my picture of the week:

This is the seriously gifted artist Norrie Harman.
Norrie graduated from ECA in 2001, and won a number of prestigious awards whilst still a student - a remarkable achievement.  I am really pleased that his work, which has not been seen in his home town of Edinburgh for many years has been so well received.   In this informal, relaxed photo, I feel that a lot of that worry and self doubt is captured perfectly.  To be fair, Norrie Harman is most likely exhausted in this picture, having worked to the wire to get the work done, arrange the framing , travel from Leeds to Edinburgh to deliver it and attend a busy, busy opening.  It's only at the time of this photo that he finally gets the chance to reflect on all his hard work.  it was definitely worth it.

Leaving you with my other picture of the week:

From left to right: artists Norrie Harman, Sophie McKay Knight, Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE and David Hosie all looking genuinely happy and comfortable at the opening of their exhibition Head to Head at UG until August 1st.  Beautiful!

Hotter Than July!

Get ready for this.....

See you this Thursday 6-8pm for refreshments and some serious art!

The State of The Union

Hello everyone,

It's not by chance that I titled this blog as such.

As the Chinese curse says, 'may you live in interesting times', and we most certainly are. What a shame there's so many people out there scared about their and their children's futures, coupled with Mr Salmond's determination to march on and split us all up....we most definitely are living in interesting times.
At UG we just experienced our second anniversary and I've been a bit selfish and spent a whole afternoon reflecting on all that has happened. I'm no politician, I'm merely an artist. However, I do believe amazing things have happened in our 'happy space' in the face of diversity.
Establishing any business is a frightening prospect at the best of times. To do so in the economic doldrums is even tougher and involves many sleepless nights, but I revert back to my original message and genuine belief that, even in challenging times, good things can happen. This is something I largely attribute to the artists and gallery visitors....forward thinking, resourceful and enlightened individuals are very much the people to pull through in a crisis.
People pulling together, showing mutual respect and genuine support for each other in difficult times has proved to be a winner in this particular situation. In nature's terms...safety in numbers helps and it's easier to face the big bad world when you're not alone.
Briefly, when thinking of a name for our gallery, we struggled. It had to be definitive and something that could not be changed overnight. I found it interesting that there's Union Gallery's all over the world: Student Unions, Union this and that, the list is endless. However, here in Edinburgh, there's never been a Union Gallery until now, and ours is a true union of gallery, artists and visitors.
Hand on my heart, I believe that we are simply warming up. Union Gallery and the artists have so much more to offer. So far this year we have been enthralled and amazed by artists Audrey Grant, Barbara Franc and Janet Melrose. Who can forget this fella:

"Man Standing with Yellow Background", oil on canvas by Audrey Grant.

As we hit the hopefully not so terrible two's, we welcome award winning artist Colin Brown who's work excites and intrigues all who see it.
Next month sees four very bold and individual artists unite for the first time within the four walls, and I promise you it's going to be spectacular.
Here's a little taster:

The latest beauty from artist David Hosie.
I am especially pleased that we see the return of award winning artist Norrie Harman's work to Edinburgh. He is ready, his work is ready and I know you're ready!

Fear not, if you think things couldn't get better then you need to witness this:

"Love Letter", oil on canvas by the incredible Philip Braham.

Philip Braham's solo exhibition, "Still." will be showcased during the Edinburgh Festival. Definitely one not to miss.
All in all, I'm overjoyed and enthusiastic about the state of the Union.


Speak soon....

Goodbye and Hello

Hello All

The end of our Festival exhibition, 7 Artists: Edinburgh Soul, is nigh!  Monday is the very last day.
So Alison and I have that regular, slightly depressing feeling that we are about to lose a group of great friends - the paintings and sculpture that have kept us company over the last four and a half weeks.  When you're surrounded by work by some of the finest artists working in Edinburgh, it's hard not to get attached to them.  If you haven't been in yet, I strongly recommend that you try and find the time over the next couple of days....it really is a superb exhibition.

Alison having a quiet moment with Graham Flack's 'I Wait for You' before it goes off to it's new home in Glasgow.

Award winning artist David Hosie having a look at "Mythopoeia" and a final look at "Anima" before she begins her journey to her new home in Germany.

As well as Graham Flack and David Hosie's brilliant work there are new paintings by Olivia Irvine, Michael McVeigh, Henry Kindracki and Philip Braham, and amazing bronze sculpture by the brilliant John Brazenall. A real feast for lovers of great art.

'Constellation 4' by Philip Braham 

'Father Son' by David Hosie

However, for all of you who think that September is a little bit of a cultural void after the overload of the Festival, I have some very good news for you.  Our next exhibition, opening on Thursday, is a collection of new work by the brilliant painter Derek McGuire, titled 'ELLA NOVO LOCO'. 

Derek McGuire is a lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art, and a painter of extraordinary depth and diversity.  His work will amuse you, confuse you, and definately challenge you.  This is an important exhibition, where the artist has used his unique voice to superb effect. 

If you look in The Scotsman on Monday, you will find an advert for this exhibition, along with an image of this painting:

'The Relaxing Pleasure of Shitting in the Woods' by Derek McGuire

In their wisdom, The Scotsman decided that the word 'shitting' was far too offensive for their readers, even though they seem to cope with the daily dose of murder, rape and cruelty.  So, they insisted on changing the title to 'The Relaxing Pleasure of Sh***ing in the Woods'.  I have only just stopped laughing at them.  How ridiculous.

Anyway, more on this exhibition will follow, but for those of you who like to be challenged and enthralled by their art, you really should come along in September.

Action!

Hello eveyone

Thought you might like a look at this fabulous video. It's by my new partner in crime Stewart Bremner.
I spot of behind the scenes action and subsequent opening night....a lot of wine was enjoyed!

I would also like to invite you all along to a talk by award winning artist Philip Braham. He will be telling us as bit more about the inspirations and influences behind his stunning "Drift" series of paintings.
This Thursday 6pm. Dont miss it.



Snapshots in the life of a gallery from stewart bremner on Vimeo.

Its Festival Time!

Hello everyone

Its August again, and that means one thing here in bustling Edinburgh....its Festival time!
Througout July many visitors to the gallery have asked how we could match the outstanding Dylan Lisle, Patsy McArthur exhibition. A good question.

I think we have the answer........

and......

Don't miss this superb exhibition.

http://www.edinburghartfestival.com/

Not so still

Hello everyone

Just thought I'd let you know whats going on in Union Gallery at the moment.
Last month saw me take delivery of some of the finest still life paintings I have seen. Indeed, the gallery is looking uber sophisticated, elegant, grown up and classy......all adjectives I am not normally associated with!

It was wonderful to finally meet Cathy Campbell and of course to finally see her work for real! I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed: see that little one at the front there? "Winter Table" its absolutely gorgeous and I have it strategically positioned opposite me in the gallery, so I can look at it all day. Cathy has never shown in Edinburgh before, so I am thrilled to have found her and to be able to show you all her beautiful work. She's fascinated by light and how it falls on the objects in her paintings. She can work for months on a single painting, as she likes to go back to the piece and capture it at different times of the day. The paint is super thick on some of her work, at times actually forming peaks.....delicious!

And take a look at this little treaure. "Orchid in Brass Pot" by Suzanne Kempley. If you look really, really closely you can just make out Suzanne's reflection in the pot. You can just see her and her easel as she works away at the painting.....amazing! It's hanging on the wall right now so if you can't make it out from this little image, come in and I'll show you. Suzanne also takes a long time to produce her work as everything she has ever painted has been observed from life. She wouldn't dream of using photographs.
The next piece is possibly my favourite of Suzanne's:

"Gourd with White Flowers". Those delicate little white flowers look like collage, however it is actually painted. The shadow under the gourd in the foreground is painted in gold leaf.  Again, quite stunning.

And what about this tasty number:

"Evening" by Astrid Trugg. This painting has so much charm and I adore the subtle palette. Again, you may not be able to make it out from this image but, on the grey section of the background there is written a list of some of my favourite things.....Tarte aux chocolate, sorbet, chocolat chuad. Heaven on a canvas - well board actually. Astrid works on board as she likes to build up layers of paint, then scrape back and build them up again to achieve the desired effect.
Another artist who prefers to work on board and uses layering and scaping away of paint is the wonderful Georgie Young:

"Protea and Lace" has the actual lace imprints on it. Some of which I believe to be the designs of her own father who was a lacemaker. Beautiful.
Another lacey number:

"Tulips" by Jean Hall. Quite a lot of Jean's work derives from an interest in Indian fabrics and other objects, having lived there for some time. I so enjoy the sense of order and calm in Jean's work.
We will be taking a closer look at the work in the Not So Still exhibition, paying particular attention to the flowers used.
After hours. I am leaving you with this happy image.We were blessed with a little visit from artist David Hosie (left) who came in just after the opening of the exhibition. Interestingly, he was immediately drawn to Cathy Campbell's work.

Speak soon x

Going FULL BLOOM!: Jenny Matthews solo

Hello everyone
I decided to set myself a little project the other day to get my brain into the "zone", in preperation for the spectacular Jenny Matthews solo exhibition in May. I did something similar before during the Christmas Exhibition. We were showing Janet Melrose's stunning paintings, some of which featured the little birds that visit her garden. I went on a reckie to do a spot of bird wathching.....only then did I fully appreciate the difficulties of trying to paint the wee blighters....they wont hold still!
So this time, armed with my wonderful wellies, a spotty dog and camera, I decided to get myself inspired by the flora around Edinburgh.

During the expedition the spotted one thought he'd found himself a girlfriend, however sensible Crombie took one sniff of Harry and thought better of it!

I was trying to pick out certain types of flowers in keeping with Jenny Matthews style: she likes the kind that suprise you, have grown quite happily on their own, not necessarily really exotic or overly manicured specimens. I also picked out a few of my own favourites, probably because like a lot of other people I am so glad to see them finally here.....we have defeated another winter! That's why we are having the Jenny Matthews solo exhibition. It seemed fitting to celebrate getting through a particulary tough winter, and rather grim year for many people, by putting on this beautiful exhibition. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate with us!
Back to the project:

I confess to actually having taken this photo (not a bad one if I may so so myself!) back in February. These snowdrops are the first to come out in Edinburgh and every year I make a point of going to visit them.

Yes, I am sure I am not alone in being very glad to see these fellas. Although I do remember them one year being out in full glory during March.....then being snowed on! I picked this one out as it was just the couple of flowers in the middle of no where. Who put that bulb there then?

I came across this on my adventures:

I think both artists Jenny Matthews and Janet Melrose would like this. A perfect little bit of nature, lovingly and dutifully crafted. I would just like to point out that I found this little nest (probably last years) lying at the side of the path....I did not take it out of a tree!

The bravest of the brave: Helleborus makes an appearance in January when all the other sensible flowers have shut up shop. I noticed that artist David Hosie had one of these potted up in his studio on my recent visit. It's a pretty tough species, so may survive ok in doors.
Leaving you with this picture as it put a smile on the old scowly:

Edinburghs finest. Two lovely WPCs take some time out to allow the children to pat the horses. I wanted to have a pat myself but unfortunately the spotted one made it impossible. This was in Inverleith Park, which I will show you a couple more snaps of soon....with a bit of a Fiona Jappy artist theme.

Bye bye for now x

IDOL VISITS

Hello everyone
So the pit stops continue, and the end of last week saw us rejuvinated, insprired and uplifted by a visit to the studio of Georgie Young.
Some of you may remember my earlier entries to the blog re. Georgie Young's work, and my confession that it upset me as a painter......she's just too good! Only now do I accept that I will never paint like Georgie: she has her own unique and distinctive style, and no one else comes close. Excellent, she has worked a long time to achieve that.
Anyway, Georgie is very cool and down to earth, yet her paintings mean a lot to her, so she suggested we visit to take a look at the new paintings she has been working very hard on for our "Not So Still" exhibition. Not for a second did I fear that the work wouldn't be up to her usual standards however, I wasn't quite prepared for just how good it is. Indeed, I have my sights set on a smaller piece....but I'm not going to tell you which one...someone might buy it to tease me!

This is Georgie's cat, Elvis, over-seeing proceedings. Interesting just how many artists are animal lovers...that could be a wee blog in itself. See the Protea flowers in the background? They will be making an appearance in Georgie's work.
We chatted a lot about her work and the enjoyment/angst of being an artist. It's like a love/hate relationship that you can never brush off!
Here's another wee image of Georgie's lovely studio. A mellow and relaxed space....much like the artist herself.

Georgie lives on the top floor and the views across Edinburgh are incredible. Aparently she's very popular during the Edinburgh Fireworks displays. I can see why...may even try to wangle a seat myself.
We briefly touched on how some of the objects that feature in her still life paintings are quite personal. I can see why certain objects have been painted with care, devotion and love.

I think the Paisley Hen is one of the more fun objects that will feature in Georgie's new work and it was really  interesting to see the actual thing - a part of the artist's life.

This is Georgie demonstrating what her next move will be in finalising her latest painting.....and although it's pretty nailbiting stuff, I am confident she will pull if off. You must come along and see Georgie's and all the other new work in the "Not so still" exhibition opening March 25th. We'll be having a wee party.
The next idol visit:
I was agian lucky enough to visit the epicentre of my former tutor David Hosie's studio last week. I have been to David's special place quite a few times since Union Gallery opened, David being a key figure in its development, and I find that each visit keeps me in tune and grounded with the exceptional talents that show in the gallery. David Hosie will be another artist featuring in the Edinburgh Festival Exhibition.....can't wait!
Sure enough on entering David's space I was confronted by this:

This is not a brilliant image of the work, and the piece is still a work in progress, so you're very lucky to see this. As yet the painting doesn't even have a title but I have given it the affectionate name of "Floating Boy and Girl". It will be interesting to see how far of the mark I am when David does christen it.
To me, this outstanding painting has everything - impact, curiosity, magic and mystery. Not only is it brilliantly painted, so much thought has gone into it. I remember seeing "Falling Man" for the first time, when it stopped me in my tracks, and this piece had exactly the same, powerful impact. Only this time I felt rather sad as I started to wonder if this special painting will get the home and appreciation it deserves.
Anyway, here's a wee insight into the life of a contemporary Scottish artist who has dedicated his whole life to painting:

My kind of place! I just know that when David paints, which is everday, he automatically wants everthing to be exactly where he left it.
Thumbimg through David's "note book" ,he dislikes the term sketch book, I can see that he's verging on creativity overload. An awful lot of good stuff going on in that head.
David  Hosie at work:

Yup, really proud to show an artist of such high callibre. You need to see David's latest work during Union Gallery's Festival Exhibition......don't miss out folks!!! The gallery is a public space that we and all the artists who show here want you to experience too.
Coming up......will I survive the meet with sculptor John Brazenall? Eek.
Take care all x

All Systems Are GO!!

Hello everyone

There's so much going down at Union Gallery at the moment, with Rob and I making various pit stops all over the city, visiting some exceptional artists to see their masterpieces taking shape.  This has been pretty exciting, and here is the latest news:

Lovely artist Stewart Bremner paid me a visit the other day having just purchased the ingredients for his fabulous tarts from our neighbours at Real Foods.  As well as being a creative individual, he is also pretty gifted with the old pots and pans and I have been on a promise of one of his legendary cheese and broccoli flans for some months now.  Stewart tells me that there has been quite a lot going on in his life lately, and that inevitably this is channelling his work.  His painting is taking quite a dramatic change, going down a more abstract route.  I think this will be a good move for him and I will be very interested to see the new work.  I will keep you posted....  I will also let you know if the cheese and broccoli flan really is legendary!

Speaking of legendary, have a look at this, people:

Inside the hub of uber slick and meticulous artist Philip Braham.

Just wait until you see what Philip Braham can do folks.....spellbinding:

These pieces are painted on copper as Philip was on a quest to achieve the most flawless and immaculate finish possible.  Philip Braham has made the broadsheets a few times of late, and we are incredibly proud, impossibly excited, and a tad in awe at the thought of him showing in our Festival Exhibition - just remember that you saw him at Union Gallery first. 

Here's a last look at Philip's studio:

The Festival Exhibition is going to be a bit of a show stopper, showcasing the work of some of the finest artists currently living and working in Edinburgh: nothing like a bit if home-grown talent.

Next week I will be taking my life into my hands by visiting the residence of sculptor extraordinaire  John Brazenall.  Word in the art world is that John B has a bit of a rep for being a bad boy, such is his passion for credible art.  However, in defence of Mr Brazenall I must say that , apart from our 'dancing' incident, I have always found him to be the perfect gentleman!  Either way, I am on a quest to seek out the elusive 'Pop Gun' sculpture as another signature piece for the Festival Exhibition.  Intriguing , no?  If there are no further entries to this blog from me, you'll know that it all went horribly wrong!

A wee image of John Brazenall, the legend himself, at the preview of our David Hosie exhibition last September.

Next up, a very important and highly rewarding studio visit to award winning artist Jenny Matthews.  Jenny has spent the last year working towards her solo exhibition at Union Gallery, opening in May.  Jenny Matthews' flower paintings are much admired and highly collectable - she has consistently made the top five in the list of Scotland's best and most influential watercolour painters.  There will be a lot of interest in her exhibition, so if any of you want a heads up on the work, I will be more than pleased to accomodate you.

So this is Jenny in her beautiful studio, about which I couldn't help but be impressed with how organised and productive it was.  Everything is finely tuned towards Jenny being able to produce these exceptional paintings; her 'special' space is drenched in light, so important to her work, yet there are blinds to counteract the effects of the light becoming too harsh.  Jenny's studio is a calm, clean, organised and quiet space, allowing her to focus completely on her work, of which in my humble opinion, I have recently seen some of the best.

Here's a little preview:

 

I haven't given away too much as I would like to encourage as many of you as possible to come and see them for real...trust me, you won't be disappointed.

OK, signing off now, but I will end by showing you a pic of this humble catcus as, believe it or not, it had a pivotal role in organising the Jenny Matthews Solo Exhibition:

All will be explained in due course!

Lots more happening next week, including the highly anticipated visit from wonderful landscape artists Hazel Cashmore.  I do hope she brings along her fan, HRH The Prince of Wales to Union Gallery, where he will be greeted with a mug of the best coffee in town.

Tomorrow evening, Rob and I are off to award winning artist and genius Olivia Irvine's birthday party.  There is a 1970's theme....I'll be sure to take the camera.

Have a good weekend all.......