Most Coveted

Hello everyone,

A very Happy New Year to you all, and a warm welcome to our latest follower: it's great to have you with us.

Our Christmas Exhibition continues until January 23rd, so there's still plenty of time to come in and see a superb selection of work from some of the finest artists who show with UG.  There's too many great artworks to fit in one blog, so here's a wee slice.

Starting with: 

'Hummingbird Bowl', kiln-formed glass, by Jessica Irena Smith.
 And....

'Seated Woman II', oil on canvas, by Audrey Grant (you saw her here first, folks...).
Or, perfect for a grumpy January....

'Lead Balloon', sealed lead, by John Brazenall.
Or perhaps....

 
















'Steppe Sisters' acrylic on board, by Drummond Mayo.
And, perfect for the year 2012....

 
















'This Modern World', mixed media. by Megan Chapman.

UG is pleased to report that visual artist Megan Chapman is making the transatlantic journey to join us here in Edinburgh as we speak.  Megan will be present in the gallery from 3.00pm on Sunday 22nd January for an informal chat about her work, and we promise there won't be a mince pie in sight!  We look forward to seeing you then - feel free to email us for further details.

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.

Bring on the BIG GUNS!

Hello everyone

And a warm welcome to our latest follower.

Just wanted to let you see a few "behind the scene" photos of what's all been going on at Union Gallery during the Edinburgh Festival.
The long awaited arrival:

The evening before the opening of the festival exhibition, sculptor extraordinaire John Brazenall (background) delivers his amazing "pop guns". Rob has a dangerous aim.

"Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde" by John Brazenall.
Not only is the idea behind these pieces quite brilliant, they are exquisitely executed. The patina finish on the handle of Mr Hyde is absolutely gorgeous. I think it looks like rich walnut. I should also point out that each gun is 1 of 1. That's right people, a ONE OFF CASTING, totally unique!!
They have also created a bit of a stir in the gallery. A few of you have "popped" in to see the pieces. I would encourage you all to come in and have a "shot".
As these chaps have done:

and

Cute. Just so you know, John Brazenall for many years has worked as the chosen fine art bronze founder for the likes of Ian Hamilton Finlay and Julian Schnabel. However, we were interested in John's own work and what he had to offer....sure enough, rather a lot!
Photography of sculpture is always tricky and lucky for us, wonderful Stewart Bremner saved the day again:

Shot on shot. Stewart photographing John Brazenall's "Self Portrait as a Bunh of Tulips".
Just to prove that I have a sense of humour (now and again) I too had a "shot" of the pop guns:

Deadly! Another brilliant image care of Stewart.
Please note that it appears that I am the only one with a decent aim!

Come in to view this exhibition by some of the finest artists living and working in Edinburgh today. You will not be dissapointed.
Time to pop off
x

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/

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.......