A Sea Symphony

Hello everyone,

There is a painting currently hanging in the gallery as part of the Shore Things exhibition entitled 'On the Beach at Night, Alone', one of three in the exhibition by wonderful landscape painter Hazel Cashmore. We always love showing Hazel's work - she is a master of colour, depth and texture, and manages to reproduce the dark brooding skies of her home in Caithness with consummate skill.  Everyone recognises her paintings to be on Northern landscapes as soon as they see them, and this one is no exception:

'On the Beach at Night, Alone', acrylic on canvas, by Hazel Cashmore.
This painting has such presence and power: a real favourite.

You may be wondering about the title - it seems so fitting for such a strong yet dark painting. In fact, On the Beach at Night, Alone is the title of a piece of music from Vaughan Williams' famous work, A Sea Symphony, and it happens to be a favourite piece of Hazel's. The piece is actually a poem by American poet Walt Whitman, which Vaughan Williams set to music, so how fitting that it is being used yet again, in yet another artistic endeavour. 
 

On the beach at night alone,
As the old mother sways her to and fro singing her husky song,
As I watch the bright stars shining, I think a thought of the clef
     of the universes and of the future.

A vast similitude interlocks all,
[All spheres, grown, ungrown, small, large, suns, moons, planets,]
All distances of place however wide,
All distances of time, [all inanimate forms,]
All souls, all living bodies though they be ever so different, [or in
     different worlds,
All gaseous, watery, vegetable, mineral processes, the fishes, the brutes,
All nations, colors, barbarisms, civilizations, languages,
All identities that have existed or may exist on this globe, or any globe,]
All lives and deaths, all of the past, present, future,
This vast similitude spans them, and always has spann'd,
And shall forever span them and compactly hold and enclose them.

If you get a chance, you really should come and have a look at this latest re-incarnation of On the Beach at Night, Alone.

Speak soon.

Shore Things

For all you lovers of the seaside:

See you there......

A Spacious Place

Hello everyone,

One of the great artists currently exhibiting in The Onslaught of Autumn is the fabulous Hazel Cashmore.  Hazel was one of the very first artists that we showed here, and our love of her work grows every time we see more of it.

Hazel's use of colour and texture gives her paintings an amazing sense of depth and space.  None more so than this:

'A Spacious Place (on the Flows)', acrylic on board, by Hazel Cashmore.
The Flow Country in Caithness refers to an ancient and unique environment of blanket bogland - the largest in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in the world.  It is frequently referred to as The Last Real Wilderness in the United Kingdom. The terrain consists of vast acres of wetland where moss, cotton grass and other vegetation grow.  Hazel, who lives locally, is attracted to the vast spaces and beautiful vegetation with subtle but rich colours, backdropped by the huge Caithness sky .


How lucky we are that a painter as gifted as Hazel Cashmore happens to live in such a stunning environment so that she can record it for us in her own unique way.  This is just one of four of her paintings currently in the gallery.  They are all worthy of spending some time with.

Hopefully you will get the time to do just that before the exhibition closes.

Think About It!

Thanks to gallery visitor Douglas Fraser for posting this in.

How very true!

Speak soon.....

Windswept and Interesting

Hello everyone

I trust that you were all good to your mummies on Sunday!
I was.  Indeed my ma's special present looked the business wrapped up in Jenny Matthews wrapping paper:

So we are into the final week of 'Making Waves' and, being partial to a bit of sea painting myself, this exhibition really 'floats my boat' as they say.  I wanted to highlight a few of the treasures on display.  Lets start with this:

'White Water', acrylic on board, by Hazel Cashmore.
I would have liked to have spent more time admiring all that is great about 'White Water', but the pround new owner couldn't wait to get it home.  When I looked at this beauty, I could almost hear the crash of the waves and the fizz of the foam on rocks.  I loved how the sea was spilling out of the paining.  Enegmatic and energetic, as are all of Hazel Cashmore's paintings.

'Sandwood, Summer', mixed media, by Beth Robertson Fiddes.
This is an impressive and brilliantly executed painting by Beth Robertson Fiddes.  Legendary Sandwood Bay, with all its mysticism and breathtaking scenery has been captured perfectly by Beth.  There's some very clever collage work going on here and if you view the painting from a certain angle, it's almost a 3D painting!  Come in, and I will position you.

'Five Boats', mixed media, by Nikki Monaghan.
The relaxing pleasure of observing boats gently bobbing in a harbour, brilliantly observed by Nikki Monaghan.

'Cellardykes', oil on cotton board, by Ian Rwnsley.
 Fife boasts some beautiful coastline, and Cellardykes is a well known attraction.  The village is known locally as 'Sillerdyke' - a reference to the sun glistening on fishscales on the nets as they dry on the harbour walls.
And:

'Stonehaven', oil on cotton board, by Ian Rawnsley.   
A favourite of mine, there is such softness and subtlety in this painting.
Lets end with a: 

'Splash', gouache, by Dorothy Bruce.  
Great title, great painting. Dorothy lives on the Isle of Cumbrae, and in this painting there are actual grains of sane from the beaches there.  You may not be able to see that in the image above, so I highly recommend that you pop in abd appreciate it at first hand.

Speak soon. 
 

Happy Days

Hello everyone

I am busy hanging the next exhibition, "Making Waves". It's looking rather splendid and I feel energised and refreshed by the work on the walls. It makes me want to get out and about and head for the coast, to see some of our beautiful landscape. Which, is looking better all the time:

Come and join us tomorrow night:

I will show you some snaps from the preview. Until then, I leave you with this:

A big thank you to Daisy-May for this cheerful little painting! Daisy-May is the granddaughter of Hazel Cashmore whose exquisite sea paintings are 'floating my boat' as it were.

Speak soon x

Autumn Watch

Hello everyone

As always a warm welcome to our latest blog follower - hope you are well.

Continuing on the Autumn theme folks, I think I mentioned previously that this is my favourite time of the year to be out in the landscape. Autumn is a landscape painters paradise: amazing cloud formations, glittering light and enriched, enhanced colours.
I'm itching to be out in the wilderness currently, however meantime I am content with my usual stomping ground - Inverleith Park. In between throwing balls and scooping dog poo, I was amazed by this:

Ok, it's been amateurishly and hurriedly snapped, but I hope you "get the picture" (apologies for another feeble joke). I can categorically assert that the sky has not been enhanced or tickled with in any way....that's beyond my capabilities. Seeing this sky immediately made me think of:

"Morning of the Autumn Equinox". An exceptional and eerie painting by award winning artist Philip Braham.
We will see more of Philip's work next year....will keep you posted.

I have to confess to being annoyed with myself for not managing a couple of pieces of my own for "Landmarks II". I knew all the work coming in was going to be superb, but seeing it all hanging together, it really is quite beautiful. I would have loved to be a part of it. Take a look at this:

"Winter Solstice in the Strath" by Hazel Cashmore.

All the way from Thurso, Hazel Cashmore's latest paintings are truly gorgeous. I've been studying her "land meets sky" precision- and she really is the expert. I have also realised that, apart from the brilliant painterly qualities, she is also an expert with colour. These are colourful paintings, yet Hazel's discerning eye and control ensures they are never "shocking" or over the top. Her paintings are both dramatic and sexy, not to mention well observed.

Speaking of drama:

"Big Buachaille" by Beth Robertson Fiddes.

Wow....big skies, roaming mountains, it surely doesn't get better than this?

Of course I want you to come in and see all the paintings for real. This piece for example has exquisite collage work that you can't see here.

Next up. We will be taking a look at 3rd year ECA drawing and painting student, Martyn McKenzie. He's really, very good!!

Have a good weekend.....

Comings & Goings

Hello everyone

Pretty busy here in Galleria Del Fuego so I haven't had much time to compose anything intellegent about the current exhibition, Landmarks II. Suffice it to say its stunning and you should get in here for a look!

For now I'm just going to post a few images of the comings and goings in and around the gallery of late. Enjoy.

Congratulations to artist Laura Homoky who is expecting her second child. Glamerous as ever, she is now sporting a mini bump :)

Union Gallery hound, Tommy, oversees proceedings as we hang the Landmarks II show.

The other Union Gallery hound, Harry....being rather less helpfull.

Like a child on Christmas morning....I couldn't wait to unpack the top notch work of brillaint landscape painter Hazel Cashmore.

Jamie McGrigor MSP, like many others, is suitably impressed by the skills of artist Beth Robertson Fiddes.

A confident, conservative point Jamie.  (And you still owe me a fag!).

The time has come to ackowledge the efforts of gallery supporter Stewart Reid. Mr & Mrs Reid have attended every one of the gallery's openings and their enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed. I feel really honoured and chuffed that every month they come to visit us and see the new work. THANK YOU x

A recent gallery visitor told me he thought I looked like Tracey Emin. Naturally I protested, however looking at this photo I'm not so sure!!

Leaving you with this

Thank you to the kind soul who posted this through my letter box. I thought you might like to know that I have named my new chesnut friend Bert.

Bye for now



Busy Blog!

Hello everyone

Well it's been a busy old week here at Union Gallery - don't forget there's still time to come in and view the treasures from the current exhibition "Summer Cocktail". You shouldn't miss out.

Sunday:

Care of my wonderful friend and brilliant writer, Chris Docker, I attended the screening of The Man Who Would Be King. My mission...to press gang Sir Sean Connery into buying an original artwork to mark his 80th birthday....alas, I failed. Happy Birthday anyway Sir Sean.

Monday:

Had a wee look round an exhibition opening at the Craigmillar Community Arts Centre. I was genuinely inpressed and so happy that a community had become so close through a shared interest in art.

Tuesday:

Another talent search, another opening.

Wednesday:

Early morning studio visit to award winning artist Olivia Irvine in preperation for her part in Union Gallery's Festival exhibition (tip...it's going to be AMAZING). I always love coming here:)

Later that morning did a spot of moth watching at the studio of deadly talented Dylan Lisle. He's coming up next in truly spectacular form, but for now here's a little teaser:

Simply superb. Later that evening I attended a talk by acclaimed artist John C Brown on his latest print for a fundraising drive for the excellent charity Art in Healthcare. Unfortunately I discovered that it was in fact the next night.....back again! I'm sure Art in Healthcare's assistant director Trevor Jones will find this highly ammusing.

Finally - some footage from last weeks Artists party/Union Gallery's first birthday.

Alan McIntosh from our favourite local paper, Spurtle, beside artists Olivia Irvine and Lisa Petterson. Amazing landscape painter Hazel Cashmore is just disapearing off on the right. Maybe I should have cropped the empties.

Lovely 3rd year ECA student Martyn McKenzie on the right. Winning smile!

Stunning artist Laura Homoky sporting a rather fabulous Maxi dress....I want one!

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

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.......

HAZEL CASHMORE

Hello everyone
I promised we would take a closer look at the new body of work by landscape painter Hazel Cashmore. To be honest, I have been looking forward and dreading this entry in equal measure. The work is so good and of such a high standard I am really not sure I have the correct words to do it justice. I am however convinced that when you see the work for real, what I have to say won't really matter.....these exceptional paintings will hold their own. I know this is true from the feedback we have been given about Hazel's work and that some of them have new homes already.
Just look at these:

"Last Glow" by Hazel Cashmore.
And:

"Beyond and Beyond" by Hazel Cashmore.
I am really enjoying the above piece. It has an amazing horizon where it's not quite clear where the land ends and the sky begins. It draws you in on a journey and it really does feel like the sky and land could go on forever. "Beyond and Beyond" is the perfect title for this large painting which was picked out by another happy couple. I have mentioned before that Hazel lives in Thurso and is of course constantly exposed to the challenging, broody and inspiring landscape of the North, as demonstrated in "Last Glow". It's also apparent that the recent wintery conditions were a big inspiration in Hazel's work. The following piece, which I am becoming obssesive about, is a perfect example:

"Winter's Dusk behind the Loch" by Hazel Cashmore.
Hazel has spent the last few months engrossed in her studio where I just know she would have pushed and pushed herself to achieve the "perfect" painting, her best ever work. I think this hard work and dedication has more that paid off. I am obviously a huge fan of Hazel's work indeed, the first painting to grace Union Gallery's walls was a Cashmore. That very proud moment is captured below:

Such was my enthusiasm to see the first Cashmore on the walls.....they weren't even painted yet!

So I am a massive admirer - however she has another big fan. Such is Hazel's reputation as a fine landscape painter that it has even attracted the attention and admiration of Royalty:

When Charles met Hazel!

As landscape painters, Hazel and I share a mutual respect for each others work. We also share quite a lot in common: our love for our doggy companions, appreciation of classical music and colourful shoes! I will also add that Hazel's encouragement, wisdom and experience as an artist in the weeks leading up to the opening of Union Gallery were of enormous support to me and I will always be grateful.