BIRTHDAY BLOG II

Hello everyone

No, it's not my birthday again. Although Union Gallery will be celebrating it's 1st birthday very soon.....I am SO EXCITED!!

It was the birthday of regular gallery visitor and now friend Lillian Redhead yesterday. Mr & Mrs Redhead popped in as crafty old John had told his gorgeous missus that she was getting a jigsaw puzzle for her birthday! How could he? However, on opening said present, she discovered that it was infact:

WOW. Now that's what I call a present; what a perfect husband!
"Through The Net Curtain" by Philip Braham is a unique and very special painting and it could not have gone to a better home. As I say: I love happy endings.

Happy Birthday Lillian!
John and Lillian took the opportunity to have a last look round the "Not So Still" exhibition which you all still have time to do.....my offer of a wee gin and tonic whilst viewing still stands. A really beautiful exhibition and a huge thank you to all the artists involved: Georgie Young, Cathy Campbell, Jean Hall, Suzanne Kempley, Astrid Trugg, Ruth Addinal, Drummond Mayo and of course Philip Braham.
Leaving you with this:

I am pleased to report that I finally got my "art n tart" date with lovely Stewart Bremmner. He is coming along nicely with his new abstract style and I can also happily report that his famous pies are in fact the business. Mmmmmm.....

Have a great weekend everyone x

Not So Still

Hello
Thought we would have a closer peek at a few things in the current "Not So Still" exhibition.
I knew that this exhibition was going to look good, however it's even better than I could have dreamt. I knew a lot of the work had flowers in them, so I thought it important to include some related foliage.

Kicking off with this:

I have already mentioned Union Gallery's humble cactus, mainly in the Jenny Matthews "Full Bloom" entry. Yes, this little fella will be doing his thing shortly, but for now I think he is complementing the following:

"Pot Plant" by Drummond Mayo.

It's just coincedence, but I think that Drummond's gorgeous painting is actually of this particular variety of cactus. My old cactus also works well with this beauty by artist Cathy Campbell:

"Early Morning Studio" by Cathy Cambpell.

Obviously this is not a cactus...a spider plant I think.....feel free to correct me. Either way everyone who views this subtle and delicately balanced painting is in agreement that it's top drawer wor: spines and spiders besides.

Next up:

"Protea and Lace" by Georgie Young.

I adore Proteas, their spiky almost unatural appearance fascinates me. I did worry that I may not get my hands on any for the exhibition.  However, as you can see, I did, care of my mother. Thanks mum!

Proteas are the national flower of South Africa, which I am reliably informed (thank you) is the chosen destination for some important football tournament this year???

"Tulips" by Jean Hall.

I picked tulips from my own garden to compliment Jean Hall's striking painting....that way I knew they wouldn't clash. I even have a spare batch lined up for when these chaps get past their best.

  

I have a lovely gallery visitor to thank for the use of the Chinese Latterns to compliment Suzanne Kempley's painting. He took pity on me after I told him that Union Gallery hound Harry ate my sprig! I also want to point out that, through the wonders of my shocking camera skills, I have managed to distort the above image. The paintings ARE NOT SQUINT.

I thought better than to get in some kippers for Astrid Trugg's painting:

 

"Four fish and a lemon" by Astrid Trugg.

I did opt for a lemon though....that way I have an excuse to purchase some gin and tonic which, I have discovered, is an excellent way to take in all of these clever and very beautiful paintings. If you fancy a little pick-me-up whilst viewing some wonderful art then feel free to join me.

Speak soon x

HAPPY BUNNIES

Greetings everyone
just wanted to show you who's all been hopping into Union Gallery of late.

Yes, that is a spotty leg you see, taking far too much interest in my Easter treat, care of marvellous landscape painter Hazel Cashmore as seen below:

It was lovely to see Hazel Cashmore again. We are in touch quite a bit, but nothing beats a good old face to face chinwag. We enjoyed a fabulous "coffee morning" together, topped off with cheese cake.......we did NOT count the calories. I should say that Hazel felt a little nervous about being snapped infront of her own painting, but she should be incredibly proud of her work! Actually, the whole morning was lovely, not only to spend time with Hazel, but she got the opportunity to meet artists Cathy Campbell and Georgie Young. It was wonderful to have three such brilliant and creative brains under one roof, genuinely enthused to meet each other and see their work. I think it may even have cracked a smile on my scowly face! Hazel and I will be teaming up together for a landscape exhibition later on in the year. I am both thrilled and a tad nervous at the prospect of exhibiting alongside Hazel Cashmore. Will have to sharpen the old paint brushes.
Next Happy Bunny:

















Lovely landscape painter John Carberry popped in to check I was "behaving myself". But of course I always behave myself John! I like this photo-me in my diamond print sweater and John sporting the stripes. We shall be seeing more of John's brilliant landscapes shortly......naturally I will keep you posted.
Next Two Bunnies:

Artist Lisa Petterson brought in little Hugo for a look round the gallery. Little Hugo recently celebrated his 1st birthday (Happy Birthday Hugo!) and like all children who visit the gallery he was so excited by sculptor Barbara Franc's "Little Donkey". As I say all kiddies who visit the gallery always seem attracted to the sculptures and I encourage this wholeheartedly. How rewarding to share all the talent and imaginations of the brilliant artists showing at the gallery with such little brains. Apart from reading books, fresh air and exercise (I know, what a fuddy duddy) what could be more inspiring than visiting an art gallery.....and it's free! Children are always so genuine and really switched on when they visit the gallery, but at only a year old, Hugo was fascinating to watch. Me thinks perhaps he has inherited his mummies creative genes.
Last but by no mean least:

Charming gallery visitors Sara Jane Robinson and Joanna Moor couldn't resist a wee tickle at Barbara Franc's "Palmer"

Happy Easter Everyone x

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

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

Favourite things

Hi everyone! I have a confession to make: I again found myself sneaking into the gallery early this morning to look at the paintings. So I thought I would point out some of the "treasures" hanging in the gallery then you could understand why I like spending so much time with them.
Kick starting with this one...

"Autumn on the banking" by Janet Melrose.

There's not so many of Janet's paintings left now. Everyone who has looked at them can instantly see that they are quite special. The above is a firm favourite of mine (please Santa pleeease!)

And this...

Georgie Young's "Paisley Hen". This piece has got me. As a landscape painter I am probably a little biased about Georgie's work in that I will always swing towards her fab landscapes. However, this particular painting gets a lot of attention from me. The colours are not 100% accurate in this jpeg but take my word for it, they are delicious. Red and green can sometimes clash, but I am fixated on that gorgeous blood, ruby red that melts into the jade green background. Again, pure poetry! Love the title too.

All time favourite...

"The Dancers" by Drummond Mayo.

Who wouldn't want to spend time with this painting? He's so clever and a real "painter's painter".

"Skaters Pond" by John Carberry.

For a frosty, wintery painting this has such a warm glow about it. I think it's such a timeless, elegant painting. I must be an old romantic at heART! I know frames shouldn't be everything with a painting, but John has it spot on with this beauty; a simple limed wood number with a classy gold slip. Nice.

Dylan Lisle's dazzling dogs....

and...

 I was really keen to see them on the black background. Stunning.

As the lovely new owner (hi) of one of these pieces pointed out to me "Dogs are not just for Christmas". Neither are paintings I guess!

Another animal number

"Feeding Time" by John Auldjo.

Yes not going to say too much about this number as we wouldn't want pa to get a big head now would we?

I will say the composition's pretty fab - it's a really calming and theraputic painting and I just know that cheeky fish is about to pop it's head out the water in search of scoff.

The enchantress...

"Girl With Moon" by David Hosie.

What a shame this is a poor image of a spectacular painting. It's behind glass so it's almost impossible to get a good image of it. I will sort this out as it's doing a disservice to a truly beautiful painting by a world class artist. Apologies David.

I find the gaze of this impossibly striking woman both haunting and captivating. She is sitting opposite me in the gallery just now and I gaze at her gaze a lot. You need to look at her for real to see what I mean about her be enchanting.

Might just show you a quick glimpse of my "boyfriend" again. He's not actually in the gallery at present however, I think about him a lot!

Yes I think it would be fair to say that I have fallen for "Falling Man". Indeed when you read everything I have said about him I think it would be fair to say it was love at first sight! I should think he will probably be completely dry now.

By no means last....

Beautiful "Reverie" by Frances Ross.

I was really keen to get this piece in as the first time I viewed it as a jpeg I just knew she was special and she doesn't dissapoint. She did give a certain gentelman a tough time though. He was torn between her and "Jennie". I understand completely...how does one decide between these ladies? I think he made the right decision though as he has patiently waited (thank you) for Jennie to come from the foundry for a few months.

"Jennie" by Frances Ross. I think they will be very happy together.

I have a secret method of gauging how well an exhibition is going....the more finger and nose prints on the glass door the better. The harder the polishing in the morning the better!

Obviously there's lot's of wonderful art work on display and it's tough trying to pick a selection. A point I am very proud of in the gallery is all the work is of an exceptional standard.

Oh, also to let you know during the Artist's Christmas party Derek McGuire suggested we have a first birthday party! Great idea: we are planning an amazing exhibition so we want everyone, artists, friends and gallery visitors alike to come along and celebrate with us. Can you tell I am getting excited already?!? It's a whole (short) six months away, plenty of time for me to get over excited. Rob will be pleased.