TAKE THREE (II)

Hello everyone,

Whilst doing the dishes the other morning I was thinking about some of the extraordinary art currently showing in the Christmas Exhibition. It occurred to me that, by chance, there's something of a threesome going on. For example:

'Trinity', non tarnish silver coated copper wire, collected dove feathers, abalone shell by Marcela Trsova.
A very beautiful installation which casts the most delicate shadows that dance on the walls.

'See no Fish, Here no Fish, Catch no Fish', acrylic on canvas by James Newton Adams.
I love their bright yellow, rubbery gloves.

'Three Sisters', digital painting by Kevin Low.
Otherworldly and enchanting, the attention to detail in the girl's clothes is very touching.

'Three Blind Mice' oil on panel by Dylan Lisle.
An impressive and powerful triptych that depicts his subjects with mind boggling detail.

'Waiting for The Tide', finest lead-free pewter on olivewood by Carl Newman.
There's nothing lovelier than a nice piece of wood, so tactile and I love how the wood grain mimics the tidelines in the sand.

So as you can see there's something for everyone in UG's 2013 Christmas Exhibition. If 3 is your lucky number then perhaps this selection might appeal to you.

Have a great weekend all!

Coupled Up

Hello everyone,

This weekend and next Monday offer you a last chance to see our lovely Autumn Exhibition before it makes way for the stunning Beth Robertson Fiddes Solo Exhibition.

One of the things that you'll find if you get here over the weekend, is a number of 'couple-related' paintings - quite an unusual turn of events for UG.
For Example:

'Burton' and 'Taylor', acrylic and collage on panel, by Colin Brown.

And:

 
 

'Mr.' and 'Mrs.', oil on panel, by Dylan Lisle.

Maybe there's something in the air, or maybe it's just great, imaginative work by some great artists, but whichever, we are delighted to see such exceptional work in the gallery.  After all, who can resist the wonderfully sensitive and delicate charms of Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE's works, such as:

 
 

 













'Mutual Regard', oil and pencil on card.

Don't miss the chance to see all this talent yourselves - Monday is the deadline.

Little Nipper

The first spring-loaded mouse trap was invented by William C. Hooker of Abingdon, Illinois, who received US patent 528671 for his design in 1894. James Henry Atkinson, a British inventor who in 1897 invented a prototype called the "Little Nipper", probably had seen the Hooker trap in the shops or in advertisements and used it as the basis of his model. It is a simple device with a heavily spring-loaded bar and a trip to release it. The design is such that the mouse's neck or spinal cord will be broken, or its ribs or skull crushed, by the force of the bar. 

Simple, brutal, but effective.

'Three Blind Mice' oil on panel by Dylan Lisle.

Three blind mice, three blind mice,
See how they run, see how they run,
They all ran after the farmer's wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a thing in your life
As three blind mice?

God's Grandeur

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 'God's Grandeur', oil and pencil on card by Joyce Gunn Cairns.

 

The world is charged with the grandeur of God.

    It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;

    It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil

Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?

Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;

    And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;

    And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil

Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.

And for all this, nature is never spent;

    There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;

And though the last lights off the black West went

    Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs —

Because the Holy Ghost over the bent

    World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.

God's Grandeur, Gerard Manley Hopkins.

In The Company of Birds

This month at UG sees us doing a spot of bird watching:

and.....

This is a must see for everyone who enjoys the company of birds!
See you all Thursday x x

Leda Come Home

Hello everyone,

It's Festival time here in Embra, so I'm hoping you will all be popping over for a visit the the shortbread city to soak up some culture.  And, of course, to visit UG!

Those of you who are regulars to this blog may already be familiar with Leda, artist Dylan Lisle's faithful friend and studio companion:

 











Leda has featured on this blog before a good few times, and some of you may also remember that she was stolen from Dylan Lisle last year.  Being a Doberman, she is a distinctively handsome (and valuable) breed - historically an attack dog.  Doberman's are prime targets for the increased 'dog-napping' trend by unscrupulous people whose intentions for the animals the abduct I'd rather not think about.

At barely a year old, the plight of Leda seemed to capture the public's sympathy and outrage, with a massive Facebook, blogging and Twitter campaign launched by decent people who willed her safe return.  Such was the concern for Leda that the story gained the attention of radio and print media, as well as a genuine and concerted effort from Lothian and Borders Police.

And she was found! Largely down to an individual who I feel would blush if I went into too much detail.  However, their keen observations, grit and determination ensured a police raid on the home of the perpetrator and the return of Leda to Dylan Lisle, where she belongs:

 
















'Leda Study', charcoal on paper, by Dylan Lisle.
Now I really don't think there can be anyone who cannot appreciate that this is a top notch drawing.  This study, much like the beautiful beast herself, has gained a lot of at attention in the Claire Duguid and Dylan Lisle exhibition.

One evening, and quite by chance, a gentleman who was visiting Edinburgh for just one night walked passed the gallery on his way to his hotel.  He fell in love with her majestic stance and took her home.  He had never bought a piece of art in his life, and nor was he aware of the special bond between the subject matter and the artist, he simply adored the image and the unquestionable skill of the drawing.  He told us he just had to buy it.

As you know, I love a happy ending, so I am very, very pleased to be able to say that Leda went home.....twice.

Speak soon.

Personal Spaces

Hello everyone, and a warm welcome to our new friends and followers.

Today I thought I'd bring you some behind the scenes footage from deep within the hub that is artist Claire Duguid's studio.

Lovely, juicy oil paints ready all for use!

As any artist will tell you: the studio, where all the magic happens, is a place of both excitement and of torment.  It's the place where an artist can fly high in the knowledge that they are producing their best-ever work, or it can feel like solitary confinement - a place of doom when things aren't working for you.  When an artist is working towards an exhibition deadline, those highs and lows are compounded as the clock ticks.  It's an intense and grueling process that requires a certain amount of 'mind over matter', not to mention hours upon hours of fighting it out with the brushes and paint.  You could call it a love/hate relationship.

However, I am pleased to report that all the angst and dedication from artists Claire Duguid and Dylan Lisle was more than worth it, with both of them producing their best work to date for this exhibition.  Here's a snap of Claire Duguid getting stuck in:

 
















Those of you who have viewed Claire's work will have recognised the incredible skill required to produce such paintings.  To be this precise, whilst using so much white oil paint, requires a very steady hand and nerves of steel.  Make one tiny mistake and it will set you back hours or, even worse, literally send you back to the drawing board.

So we applaud you, Claire Duguid, for putting in a herculean effort and remaining calm under pressure. 

Leaving you with my favourite snap:

Here she is managing to force a smile and put on a brave face from the confines of her personal space.

Speak soon.

My Cunning Disguise

Hello everyone

In my last post we discussed the merits of one foxy lady, artist Claire Duguid, although again I'd like to stress that you pay attention to her paintings ;)

Not to be upstaged, artist Dylan Lisle also has some foxy offerings and trust me, they are smack you in the face, drop dead gorgeous.
Take a look at this:

'Sionnachuighim', oil on canvas by Dylan Lisle.

Some of you have been highly impressed by my perfect pronunciation of the intriguing title, 'Sionnachuighim' which, translated from Irish, literally means, 'I play the fox'. Inspired.
This incredible painting warrants a detail:

I have so far managed to resist the temptation to stroke fox's nose.
If that wasn't good enough for you, it gets better:

'My Cunning Disguise', oil on canvas by Dylan Lisle.

What can I say? A mysterious and compelling image I'm sure you'll agree.
'My Cunning Disguise' just begs the imagination to go wild. My personal interpretation is this:

Being an artist involves occupying what can often be a strange and uncertain world, often lonely and sometimes demoralising.
Exhibition opening nights are a classic example, and what many artists dread the most. You see, when you have locked yourself away in solitude to concentrate on the work and painted your 'babies' with every fibre of your being (in Dylan Lisle's case he has worked on this exhibition for a year and a half), its only natural that, given the time, financial and emotional commitment to an exhibition, that you are nervous of how the work will be received. I must say that in Dylan's case, as with Claire, there were no 'smart arse' comments, only praise and admiration for his undeniable skill and subtle story-telling.
I believe 'My Cunning Disguise' to epitomise much of how Dylan Lisle feels as an artist. In those dark moments of uncertainty, you have to dig deep to garner the courage to keep going, to remain a true professional at all times. I have no doubt that during the opening of this exhibition Dylan Lisle was experiencing that excruciating 'out of body' experience which I'm sure is all too familiar to many an artist. Yet, and much like a fox, he did so with with stealth, charisma and resourcefulness, all of which are essential qualities required of a credible artist.
I find 'My Cunning Disguise' a stark and tender painting and I adore the caught 'off guard' and behind the scenes atmosphere: the precious disguise, the make up, has been taken off and been lovingly to tendered to.
Surely we can all perhaps relate to this? Do we not all have days when we need to pull on a 'thick skin', an act or performance to get us through the day and be the person we are expected to be?

Speak soon x

Pretty as a Picture

Hello everyone,

As the Claire Duguid and Dylan Lisle exhibition continues to amaze all those who see it, I wanted to take a close look at Claire Duguid's work, and maybe even read between some lines.

Now there has been a lot of talk and excitement about Miss Duguid, particularly amongst the men folk, so lets get straight to the point: she is a good looking woman.  However, what I am most concerned about is her real talent.  Take a look at this:

'Blessed', oil on canvas, by Claire Duguid.
Yes, that is the artist in the painting, and she is indeed very pleasing on the eye.  But there's a lot more to this talented young woman than killer looks and a stunning set of pins, and I defy anyone to argue that this work of art has not been executed with real precision, skill and attention to detail.  There is a great deal of talent on display here.

I'd also like to add that it takes a brave person, man or woman, to appear on the walls alongside the mighty talent that is Dylan Lisle.  And what can I say?  I couldn't be more proud and happy with the result:

I do believe that in these two artists we have found both a really class act and the perfect foils for each other.  I'm biased of course, but it's no coincidence that internationally acclaimed artist Derek Guild, former tutor to Claire at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, has stated that he thinks this is the best exhibition currently in Scotland.  Praise indeed, which might lead me to have one of my 'emotional' moments!

Use of light is extremely important to both the artists in this exhibition, and both are admirers of the great masters like Caravaggio and Velasquez.  Whereas Dylan Lisle's work is dark and dramatic, Claire Duguid's is drenched, almost bleached, in sunlight which enhances its ethereal quality.

Personally, I enjoy that you can tell Claire Duguid's work has been painted by a woman.  There is a real femininity and softness of touch to the work; perhaps even a vulnerability which I think is very brave and encapsulates all that in means to be a modern woman.

I've often thought that being 'blessed' with such attractive features and a charming manner such as Claire's can be something of a hindrance.  What I mean is, on the opening night for example, many of the gentlemen visitors seemed to be fixated by Claire's charms.  I can't help wondering if, when she's talking about something so important and personal as her work, she is sometimes concerned that her words are sinking in.  I believe that Claire Duguid is far too polite to complain about this, so I feel compelled to shout on her behalf.  Yes, she is lovely to look at and it is a pleasure to be in her company, but PLEASE look at her work!  There is so much to admire in these paintings - the brains, the precision, the hard graft and the determination that goes into creating such exquisite paintings is there for all to see.  It is these things that I believe are truly rewarding and, I believe, are what make up the true talent of Claire Duguid.

Happy weekend, all.

Personal Helicon

'Personal Helicon', oil on canvas by Dylan Lisle.

Personal Helicon by Seamus Heaney

As a child, they could not keep me from wells
And old pumps with buckets and windlasses.
I loved the dark drop, the trapped sky, the smells
Of waterweed, fungus and dank moss.

One, in a brickyard, with a rotted board top.
I savoured the rich crash when a bucket
Plummeted down at the end of a rope.
So deep you saw no reflection in it.

A shallow one under a dry stone ditch
Fructified like any aquarium.
When you dragged out long roots from the soft mulch
A white face hovered over the bottom.

Others had echoes, gave back your own call
With a clean new music in it. And one
Was scaresome, for there, out of ferns and tall
Foxgloves, a rat slapped across my reflection.

Now, to pry into roots, to finger slime,
To stare, big-eyed Narcissus, into some spring
Is beneath all adult dignity. I rhyme
To see myself, to set the darkness echoing.

HOTTER THAN JULY!

The hottest ticket in town opens Friday and sees artists Claire Duguid and Dylan Lisle take to the walls!

Mother and daughter. Team Duguid deliver the first batch of paintings fresh from the framers.
Mum is on the left and Claire is on the right.....just so there's no confusion!

And from deep within El Studio Diablo:

A tense Dylan Lisle prepares to amaze us with his latest offerings.
Do you see that we gem he's holding onto? Seen again here:

In my sweaty grasp! The little gem is called 'Magician's Assistant' and is going to be something of a curators choice.

Be here Friday or miss out.

Brother in Arms

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to share a few words that mean a lot to me concerning my solo exhibition, 'Gone to Earth'.

Running an art gallery is a very special job and I consider it quite an honour. We get to exhibit the work of many exceptional talents and take our role in the career of these talents very seriously, seeing it as a privilege to be part of that.  However, at UG we believe that our relationship with many artists is not purely about the business of art,
and that you form a bond or a partnership with those you work with.

That is why the the thoughts of outstanding artist Dylan Lisle are important to me, and when he writes about my work I sit up and listen.  This entry on his blog means a great deal to me:  

http://dylanlisle.blogspot.com/2011/11/auldjo-nails-it.html 

I hope you like it too.  Thanks, Dylan

A Dog's Life

Hello eveyone

I recently posted a blog as a nod to all the studio cats out there - past and present.
As promised, now it's time for the hounds. They say that dogs age 7 years in comparison to us humans, so for the purposes of this blog, I've tried to narrow it down to 7 lucky pooches.  I apologise in advance to any 4 legged friends I have not included....I may have let an extra one or two slip in.
As with the pussy blog, I will start with my own:

Spring Hippo! Many of you will already be familiar with Tommy ('Tickles') the boxer. He's a loving and loyal companion who is aprroaching his twilight years. Everyday with Tommy is a blessing now. He's getting a bit older and has a touch of arthritis, so he needs some extra TLC.  At Union Gallery we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a bespoke knitted jumper c/o artist Hannah Haworth. Thanks Hannah!
Tommy is from Boxer Welfare Scotland. If you want to give a squishy face a new home then take a look:

http://www.boxerwelfarescotland.co.uk/

Next:

Hmm. This is Harry the insane Dalmation. Harry is also 'recycled'. Indeed, we are Harry's 4th owners at the tender age of 3. Although it's been hard work and realistically Harry is not allowed a single spot inside my studio, I love him dearly for his madness. Remember the golden rule; "a dog is for life not just for Christmas". All that's spotty is not all fairytales and 102 Dalmations!
All the way from NYC:

This is Cocoa, studio companion and (sometimes) model to artist, sculptor and knitting genius Hannah Haworth. Here she is modeling that coveted jumper. Cocoa is also a rescue dog and I think she has landed on her paws being taken in by someone like Hannah.
Introducing:

Lovely Leda, compadre of deadly talented artist Dylan Lisle. I had the honour of having my face licked off by Leda just the other night whilst discussing Dylan's next exhibition in 2012. HINT....it's going to be incredible!
Next up:

The back ends of Pip & Oscar! These 2 beautiful pointers are a continuing source of inspiration (and exasperation) to award winning artist Janet Melrose. This photo was taken on a recent studion visit in preperation for Janet's solo exhibition "A Still Life", in May. HINT....it's also going to be stunning and some wise early birds are already pecking around.
Nearly ending on this fella:

This is Rufus, sporting his winter coat. Another model, companion and inpiration to award winning sculptor Barabara Franc. HINT....Barbara Franc's first solo exhibition in Scotland, "Diversity", opens on Thursday 14th April, interest is high and I can guarantee that you won't see another exhibition like this. A huge thanks in advance to Barbara for all her hard work.

Ending with this fella:

This is Humphrey. I have a soft spot for 'Humfs' as I affectionatley call him.....and his master. He is constant studio companion to figurative artist Frank McNab, who I visited recently to have a look at his compelling work. You can take a closer look at Frank's work here:

http://frankmcnab.com/index

Incidentally, if you don't come in and see the excellent work in the current exhibition "Making Waves" then you'd be barking mad!

Signing off......Cruella De Vil.....

VARIOUS VISITORS II

Hello everyone

On Saturday I was blessed with the unexpected, yet very welcome company of some of the talented artists that are partners at UNIONgallery. A perk of the job:) Some even bearing gifts!
First in was award winning artist and egg tempera expert Olivia Irvine:

Thank you Olivia for the perfectly gessoed board. Your generous gesture will be seen again in a new life.
I was delighted to tell Olivia that a representative form Stirling University had visited to see her new work. Stirling University have an original Olivia Irvine in their collection...they have a good eye.
Also, it transpires that we are both somewhat vexed that we missed out of the following little treasure:

"Carousel Horse". Oil & Beeswax on Board by Derek McGuire.
'If you snooze you lose'. A wise phrase that rings in my ears, and Olivia's, evertime I look at this image. Geez.

Next Up:

Abstract artist Trevor Jones (aka dashing Mr Jones) and the deadly talented Dylan Lisle, openly expose my penchant for chocolate.

Who says Yorkies aren't for girls? Nonsense!
Last, but by no means least:

The lovely Homoky family topped off the day with artist Laura Homoky looking as radiant as ever. Aparently Laura sparkled at the recent SSA opening. Best wishes for your second child who will be arriving very soon!
I had been expecting the company of award winning artist David Hosie. However, he was delayed. I believe he may visit today. There's more to come on David Hosie soon. Until then I will leave you with another encouraging image:

They're my heroes!

Speak soon

Autumn Watch II

Howdy partners!

So Autumn has well and truly taken hold and with today being a particularly windy day here in Edinburgh, I have enjoyed watching all the golden leaves dancing along the pavements and footpaths.

If you need an inspirational fix this week, I highly recommend you come in and see "Landmarks II"....it's the last week and I believe this to be one of our most beautiful exhibitions to date.

Here is a little tempter:

"Seilebost Rain" by Beth Robertson Fiddes.
This is a really special piece, again there's some collage work that you can't pick out from this jpeg. You have to see the real thing to appreciate it fully.

More comings and goings at Union Gallery of late:

A working lunch. All round creative giant Stewart Bremner (paintings, photography, websites and videos!) pops in to coach me on how to make a beetroot curry.....I have specific instructions. Surely even I cannot mess this up?!
Leaving you with this:

Yes, it's scary season again so if you visit the gallery over the weekend we shall be offering some pretty terrifying treats. That's right partners...my very own home baking!!!

Speak soon

Dog Day Afternoon

Hello Everyone

I am sure I'm not alone in noticing a sudden chill in the air.  This morning, in an attempt to warm myself up, I tried to take a brisk walk with Union Gallery hound, Tommy - although he clearly had other ideas:

Yes, he really is actually sleeping on that bench!
Anyway, feeling the chill whilst trying to walk the pooch immediately put me in mind of one of my favourite (I have 20 out of the 24) paintings from Derek McGuire's solo exhibition, Ella Novo Loco:

'Man and Dog' by Derek McGuire
I have to confess that in my excitment when unwrapping Derek's paintings, I initially missed the dog.  On discovering the hound's perfect head I got really excited.  Not purely because this painting appeals to me as a dog owner, but also because with the head only one centimeter in size, this is a perfect representation in every sense. 
How did Derek get this tiny section of a dog's head, just bounding off the end of the painting, to encapsulate all the joy, energy  and excitement of that special bond between man (and woman) and dog?  I guess, for lack of better words, it's because he's a brilliant artist - and practice makes perfect.
I should alos point out that this painting measures only 11x13cm in total!  A real treasure.

Leaving you with this:

Following the success of his superb exhibition at Union Gallery, artist Dylan Lisle has rewarded himself with a new companion for his studio......introducing Leda, ladies and gentleman.

Have a great weekend.

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/

Momentous Moments

Hi All

So July has been a momentous month for Union Gallery, not only has the amazing Dylan Lisle and Patsy McArthur Exhibition been a huge success, but a lot more has been going on besides.
To celebrate our month of milestones, we had a wee party on Saturday:

As you can see, much fun was had by all.....

As well as much debate

And serious discussion on the exceptional merits of the two fabulous painters on display.

There are still 5 days to come and see the exhibition, and I can't recommend a visit to Union Gallery enough to those who have not yet managed to make it.  Both Dylan and Patsy are becoming so successful that the likelyhood of seeing them exhibiting together again is extremely small, and this may be a rare opportunity to see such a large body of work from either artist for some time. I can guarantee that if you make the trip to Broughton Street in the next few days, you will be rewarded with an exhibition of exceptional quality and craft: a real feast for the senses.

Here's a couple of images to remind you of what you will be seeing:

'Before the Show' by Dylan Lisle

'The Open Road' by  Patsy McArthur

And one final look at the party on Saturday, where even the kids were overwhemed by the show:
You may have noticed the huge improvement on the photography front. Having accepted I'm useless with a camera, these brilliant snaps were taken care of snap happy wizzard Stewart Bremner.