A Tale of 9 Lives

Hello everyone

A big welcome to Douglas Fraser. Thanks for joining us!

This is a happy blog entry to kick start another pawsome week.

I recently made a studio visit to award winning artist Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE's studio to fully appreciate her exquisite work. Joyce will be showing with us in July and I will be sure to let you know all about it in good time. I was very excited by Joyce's work, and was even lucky enough to get a sneaky peek through her drawers. It's not everyday you get to say that!
I was really taken by a small drawing of her dearly departed cat, Seamus, on the studio wall. Sadly I didn't have the presence of mind to take a photo of it at the time, but it struck me because it was very similar to a drawing I did of my own kitty, Pluto, in my art student days:

I sold the original drawing at my degree show so this is a photo of a scan, behind glass, so the image is a bit dodgy. It was much better in real life..... I promise!
Anyway, it got me thinking about how many artists I know that are animal lovers. I wonder if it is that we are quite sensitive souls by nature, and that we enjoy the gentle but fullfilling company of our loyal and unconditional loving friends?
So this blog is for all those studio cats....we can't get enough of you!

HOLD THE PRESS!:

 






We now have Seamus! Isn't he beautiful?

Back to my own pussy:

So here is Pluto who I acquired in my 3rd year at ECA. Being a mug I actually got 2 from the litter, but sadly Holly left this world a long time ago. At the grand old age of 14 Pluto's still up to his old tricks and annoying me by blocking the TV.
Many of you will be familiar with Scottish treasure Elizabeth Blackadder and her cats:

Simply gorgeous.

Northern kitties:

Terrible twosome Lola, left, and Millie, recent studio companions to award winning artist Fiona Jappy who sadly lost her former companion earlier this year. They look like real mischievous moggies!
A regal feline:

This is Rosie, an Egyptian meow.....sorry, Mau! Rosie is studio accomplise to flower painter extrodinaire Jenny Matthews. Here she is getting in on the action:

Now that's a beautiful drawing.
Award winning artist and coincidently, former student of Elizabeth Blackadder, Jenny Matthews will be showing again next year in a duet with fellow contemporary, Janet Melrose. Janet Melrose's stunning solo exhibition will be in May this year. Again, I will let you know all about it.
Next:

This is Pearl, the bonnie British Blue. Pearl lives with Andy Green and Karen-Claire Voss who have a most excellent printing company which you can read more about here:

http://www.pearlprints.co.uk/index-about.html

 I really like this little pussy:

This cute little menace is Newton. Ever enthusiastic, but perhaps a bit distracting to outstanding sculptor Barbara Franc. Interestingly, Barbara trained under another Scottish treasure John Bellany, yet progressed into 3D work. Iam VERY excited that Barbara will be having a solo exhibition with us next month. You MUST see it.
Leaving you with this:

"Ginger Cat" oil on canvas by Henry Kondracki.
Ok, so Henry doesn't have a studio cat however, he quite likes moggies and this tiny painting is of his neighbours cat 'Ron' - so named after Ronald Weasley of Harry Potter fame.
I'm a massive fan of Henry Kondracki's work and in my humble opinion he is another Scottish treasure.
Purrrrfect.

So that's a nod to the felines DONE. Next time a pat on the back to the studio hounds.

Speak soon

The Cardinal Bird

Hello Everyone

I thought I'd tell you a lovely story connected to this stunning painting, currently being exhibited in our Small and Perfectly Crafted exhibition:

'Homecoming' by Fiona Jappy
I am a real fan of Fiona's paintings: they are always so beautifully concieved and painted.  And I love the fact that her paintings always have an interesting story attached to them, and a slightly 'other worldliness' feel to them.

After graduating from Edinburgh College of Art, Fiona moved to the US to complete her Masters at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.  I'll let her take up the story:

"When I moved to America and arrived in Carbondale it was night so I couldn't really see much of me new 'home'.  The next day, when I got up one of the first things I did was go outside to see where I had come to.  I discovered that the house I was living in had a beautiful garden, and as it was such a beautiful sunny day I sat out on the porch and observed everything that was going on around me.  I was busy watching the birds when my landlady came out to see how I was getting on.  I asked her what type of bird I was looking at as it was so pretty, and she told me it was a Cardinal, which happened to be the state bird of Illinois.
Forward on many years, back in Elgin, and one Saturday I went down to the local mart to have a look at the stalls they have there.  There's always one stall that I go to that collects for charity, and when I was looking I couldn't believe what I came across.  It was a beautiful little suncatcher....shaped like a stylised Cardinal Bird.  So through different spaces and time, two of my 'homes' were connecting themselves."

And so, there is a stunning little Cardinal Bird in a cage in the foreground of this painting.  It's tiny, so if you want a proper look you will need to come into the gallery before Feb 14th.

And here is an image of a real Cardinal Bird:

 

Beautiful, isn't it?

And leaving you with this:

Artist Christine Clark popped in while we were hanging the exhibition, and here she is having a good look at her friend and fellow artist Imogen Alabaster's new work.

Have a good weekend everyone.....  

SAD?

Hello everyone

Apparently today is the most depressing day in the calendar. Dubbed 'Blue Monday', psychologists say that a combination of the weather, post-festive blues and financial worries make this the most depressing day of the year.

So, at UNIONgallery we are going to look at things a bit differently. Firstly, after today 'Blue Monday' will be over - a thing of the past - and you will only have 348 days left to make the best of 2011. It IS a new year and I have higher hopes for the artists, gallery visitors and for the gallery itself than ever before. I truly believe that even in these difficult times brilliant things can be achieved. I also believe that artists - creative, resourceful and forward-thinking individuals - are the very ones to pull together and to make a difference for the better.... for everyone's benefit. Indeed, with the world seeming an increasingly brutal place, I believe that there is even more need for art. I know this: I am lucky enough to experience it, day in and day out.

Always remember that at UNIONgallery we have an 'open door' policy. The inspiring and uplifting artwork we exhibit is to be shared and enjoyed by everyone, and I am convinced that just a look will help to alleviate any Blue Monday or SAD symptoms.

This will put a smile on your face:

Artists Imogen Alabaster, Mark Nicholas Edwards and Christine Clark worked hard throughout the freezing temperatures to achieve what is now affectionately known as 'The Wonder Wall'. Their work may be on a small scale, but it is the epitome of what 'Small and Perfectly Crafted' is about.

Leaving you with this, which I hope will create more smiles:
There has been much talk about the new man in my life. Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing......HENRY:
  

I have given him a test drive over the weekend and it's true.....we are inseperable. My New Year's Resolution? Clean up my act!

Speak soon.....

"SMALL AND PERFECTLY CRAFTED"

Hello everyone

Overinduldged at Christmas? Did everything supersize?

The perfect little fix is here.....

and......

If Santa was good enough to put some cash in your stocking, then this is the perfect exhibition to treat yourself to something really special.

Big can be beautiful, but tiny treasures can hold there own.

There are some real stunners in this exhibition and, in spite of the smaller scale of the work, there is no shortage of quality.

Last weekend to view "The Hunt" and many other beautiful artworks from the Christmas show.

Closer

Hello everyone

Coverage from the 1st Birthday/Artists Party will follow. A huge thanks to all who came along to help with the celebrations. It really was a lovely evening.

However, before that I would like to take a closer look at some of truly beautiful and very clever paintings that are in the current Summer Cocktail exhibition.

Lets kick off with this:

"A Bird in the Bush" by Janet Melrose.
Award winning artist Janet painted this piece outdoors in her garden. The birds and wildlife that visit Janet's garden have become quite tame and are used to her presence....so much so that Mr Blackbird flew into the canvas! I love that wee story. The blossom is that of a Damson Tree, much more delicate and intricate than that of the fluffy cherry tree. As ever, Janet has handled the subject matter with great skill. You can see the couple of birds in the foreground but can you see the others? Take a closer look.
Another little bird:

"King Fisher" by Sally Johns.
Gold leaf is notoriously tough to photograph.
This image is not bad but you should come in to see the real deal. You would be forgiven for thinking that it's a painting, but the actual King Fisher is done in pastel. Incredible....as good as it gets for well observed drawing. The gold leaf is fabulous too, Sally has good control and a lot of patience is needed to apply all that.
Next:

"River Earn at Carnie Braes" by John Carberry.
This painting speaks for itself. A beautiful summers day on a canvas. I want to be there!

"The House in The Woods" by Fiona Jappy.
This little painting deserves a closer look. It maybe small scale but it's packed with atmosphere, mystery and curiosity. You could look at this piece all day and let your imagination run riot. I think it's like a fairy tale and I bet there are characters just out of site, playing in the woods. Clever and original.

"Backstage" by Douglas Sneddon.
This piece gets a lot of attention, including from a lot of the artists that show at the gallery. Any artist will tell you that approval from your peers, with their well trained eyes, is the ultimate! I am extremely lucky to own a Douglas Sneddon myself. Perhaps one day I will show you it.
Lastly:

Have a closer look at my lovely tubs and you will notice that my flowers are beginning to bear fruit. If you are planning to visit to the gallery soon, perhaps we can treat you to a micro bowl of strawberries and cream.
Speak soon

Mmm....Summer Cocktail

Hello everyone

So I have returned safe and sound from Cannes following my recent debut in the film industry.....hence the reduced blog activity. Although I was inundated with movie offers and other work, I felt it was time to come home. I missed the gallery too much.

Luckily, I returned in time to hang the latest exhibition :Summer Cocktail. So glad.....it's an exhibition worth returning from Cannes for! It's so fresh and colourful and has a real summery feel to it. Yes, it maybe typical British summertime out there but inside Union Gallery there's a real feel good factor and the exhibition has some real stunners in it. I'm even doing the old sneaking in early trick so I can take a proper look. See for yourselves:

Please note those gorgeous Janet Melrose paintings on the right. I know of one new owner of her paintings who is absolutely over the moon! And to the left:

Another warm and summery wall, consisting of some exceptional new pieces by Fiona Jappy: look at "Saturday" on Fiona's page, it's something else. At the end of the wall a superb new body of work by John Carberry and centre, an all time favourite painting of mine "Returning From The Party" by Olivia Irvine. To me this sums up a warm summer evening. Lastly:

I have affectionatle christened this "Nosferatu Wall" with it's dark, mysterious and dramatic paintings. Some beauties there, but best you just come in and see for yourself.

It gets scarier:

I was recently visited by my good friend Norma Donald who, after hearing about my Scottish Widows shenanigans, thought I should try on her "cloak coat".

Normal dress code has now resumed however and I promise to behave sensibly when you next visit.

Speak soon.

More from Inverleith Park

Hello everyone

With it being such a lovely day here in Edinburgh, I thought I would once again "treat" you all to some of my questionable phototgraphy skills with some snaps from Inverleith Park.
I really liked this one....somone enjoyed there Easter eggs:

I do apologise for Union Gallery hound Harry doing his "thing". He always has to get in on the act!
Wanted to show you a photo of this curious house that sits slap bang in the middle of Inverleith Park. I never see anyone go in or out.

Anyway, it always reminds me of the house that features in artist Fiona Jappy's cracking little painting:

"Time Had Changed It" by Fiona Jappy.
To me the mysterious house in Inverleith has the same feel and draw to it as Fiona's painting. The house looks familiar yet it seems a little out of place in it's location.
And look at the tree "patterns" in the next photo. There's a specific variety of tree in there (I know I'm rubbish with a camera!)

Again, every time I see these trees along the entrance to the Botanic Gardens I always think of another of Fiona Jappy's paintings:

"From There To Here" by Fiona Jappy.
This special painting was acquired by a really thoughtful chap who was buying it for the arrival of his first born. He told Fiona and I that, once the baby arrived he would drive his wife and child to that very location to see the real place. So sweet....I love happy endings!
Will leave you with this cheeky chap:

Introducing "Ritchie the Rat". I paid artist Sally Johns a visit the other day to collect her newest "Barn Owl" which, of course, is absolutely stunning. I noticed they had a new addition to the household who clearly has made himself at home.
Next week back to the "Not So Still" exhibition.
Have a good weekend all 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

Well dressed blog!

Hello everyone
This blonde bombshell is my good friend and horse jumper extraordinaire, Jude Carrie. She was absoultely tickled....well, blue.... at Fiona Jappy's gorgeous paintings. Being a gifted person herself she fully appreciated Fiona's sophisticated and classy palette. It matched her smart coat perfectly.

I then pointed out to her Fiona's own coat as seen below:

Which features in:

"She had been away" by Fiona Jappy.  Happy Birthday, by the way, Fiona!
So now I thought I would show you this smart little number....

This gorgeous vintage swing coat dates back to the 60's and was artist Olivia Irvine's coat when she was a little girl. I undersatnd that one of her daughters can still get it on and models it for Olivia. You may recognise it in the following piece:

Perfectly observed in "Rosalida Revisited" by Olivia Irvine.

I mentioned before that Olivia's studio is a bit like a treasure chest. You keep finding bits and pieces, or clues about Olivia's research. I got excited when I spotted these two items.....

and......

Which I instantly recognised from the following treasure of a painting:

Detail from a "Perfect Spot" by Olivia Irvine.

Behind The Scenes

Hello everyone
I had a lovely visit from award winning artist Olivia Irvine the other day. She had just purchased her latest batch of tempera pigments and was on route to buy the eggs to bind it with. I thought you might like to see the tempera, or what I like to refer to as "the magic fairy dust", in it's raw state. Sadly I was unable to provide an image of the eggs in a raw state.
Here they are:

Delicious colour choice!
Anyway, Olivia had purchased these because she was holding a demonstration class on the ancient technique. As I said before, Olivia is regarded as an expert on the practice.....many people pay money to get the inside know-how.
 I also thought you might like to see some of the behind the scenes working drawings that help construct a final painting. I think it's exciting and interesting for visitors to be exposed to the thought process that goes into a work of art, and not just the final "product".

This was obviously used to help arrive at the piece below......

"Rosalida in the Night" by Olivia Irvine.

And I just happened to pick out the following two sketches from Olivia's books as I think they are really lovely drawings in their own right; not over worked or fussy.

and.......

Particularly like this one. No doubt these drawings will also help to create another really special painting.

Similarly, with Fiona Jappy's work I thought you might be interested in seeing some of her working material.

I mentionad before that Fiona gets so engrossed in her work that it becomes a way of life, creeping into her everyday, personal diary. Although I can't show you her diary I found these images fascinating:

Fiona was intrigued by this impressive house and the solitary figure that happened to be passing by. She gave a lot of thought to creating the perfect composition and then Fiona gave it the unique and dramatic Jappy touch.....

Which translates into.....

"Silent Traveller" by Fiona Jappy.

I love the eerie red on the drain pipes subtly emerging from the darkness.

The amount of work, effort and thought process that goes into an individual painting is fascinating, I am sure you will agree.