Up The Garden Path

The month of June sees us tending to our gardens:

What will you fine up the garden path?

Join us for a summery evening to celebrate the wonders of the flora and fauna (and much more) that inhabit our gardens.

See you tomorrow!

Perfect Little Packages of Joy

Hello everyone,

With just a week to go until our first exhibition of 2013, 'It's the Little Things', comes to a close, I thought it would be a good idea to have a closer look at some of the cracking little paintings hanging in the gallery at the moment.

We should start with this:

'Gone Potty', acrylic on card, by James Newton Adams.
Whenever we are lucky enough to have new work from Skye-based artist James Newton Adams in the gallery, it always creates a stir.  His ability to mix naive charm with a slight sense of melancholy in his work life seems to strike a chord with all who view it.  He is a chronicler of the world around him, exploring the land and seascapes of Scotland as well as the people, animals and objects that inhabit them, often highlighting tensions in their relationships with each other and with the landscape itself.  It is always a pleasure to have his playful, charming scenes of everyday life in the gallery.

And how about this?

'Highland Hiker', oil on canvas, by Henry Kondracki.
Edinburgh institution, Henry Kondracki, is famous for his stunning, and often quirky, views of Scotland.  He is perhaps best known for his larger scale work, yet this little gem is tiny - just 14x14cm and is absolutely exquisite in every detail.  I often feel that it takes a great painter to create something so perfect on such a small scale, and Henry Kondracki has proved it yet again.

As has artist Olivia Irvine with this:

'Woods', oil and egg tempera on canvas, by Olivia Irvine.
We've been  exhibiting work by Olivia Irvine since we opened, back in 2009, and she never fails to get me going with her beautiful, atmospheric work.  This beauty is just 14x10cm in size, and is all the more special for that.  Olivia takes her subject matter from her house and garden, family holidays and themes of childhood and play and recently she has been inspired by swimming pools in Iceland, campsites in the French Pyrenees and rose gardens in Madrid. Often her works explore a combination of natural and man-made elements, and they all have a rather 'other-wordly' atmosphere to them - less to do with observed reality and more to do with the creation of a world of fascination and engagement.  This stunning painting is no exception.

I have given you just a flavour of the special small paintings on show at Union Gallery at the moment, and there are many more.  if you haven't managed to come in yet, I really recommend that you do - it is a really wonderful exhibition.

CHRISTMAS

There's no escaping it folks......

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!

Horsepower

HORSEPOWER

The horses look
at all that power
the classic car club
in strict formation
like men o’ war
painted and polished
good enough
to meet the Queen. 
'Horsepower' by Iain Finlay MacLeod.

'Horsepower', oil on canvas by James Newton Adams.

Ahab

AHAB

He’s not looking my way.
I know why!
Look at this beauty
and his creels are empty
And the village is watching
I knew it, I said
I’ve hooked this monster before
But people never believe
a man with his feet on the ground
will amount to much.
Get the chips on, darling
I’m king of the world.



'Ahab' by Iain Finlay Macleod.

'Ahab', oil on canvas by James Newton Adams.

Some Of These Things

'Golden Chain', oil and egg tempera on canvas by Olivia Irvine. 

Some of These Things

Imagine some of these things

Not just the glint of a hard, blue glacier

Nor the curl of wrought iron on a bench by the Seine

Not even the haunting music from a pink house,

Chanced upon on a midnight walk

But old, blotched walls

A carpet, faded and worn

A diving platform, a broken parasol, a creaky hinge

And a heart drawn hastily on a greasy window

Imagine and be there

Where the bright leaves dance in the tangled dell

And the rose trellises carve out spaces in the sky

Stay a while and touch the smooth, orange beacons

Left by lopped off branches on the crumbly trunks

Open the cupboard where the imaginary thing lives

Hit that soaring, plastic shuttlecock

Maybe you once had the shell I put in my pocket for a while

Sat on that same lonely, stony shore

And swung on that same peeling gate

Even so

I want to show you the actual tent poles and the signposts

The spotted dresses, the lampposts, the trodden path

I want you to see for yourself

The exact spot we hid the treasure

Feel for yourself the curl of the fine chain on your hand

The drag of a bag on the floor

The soft folds of that curtain drawn aside

Hear the ringing ankle bells

The buffeting whip of a kite

And the crisp turning of another page

Olivia Irvine               January 2012

Happy News!

So 2011 has been a bit of a handful for many of us.
I thought as the year slips away we would end it with a little snippet of innocent and happy news.
Look at this smile:

Eleanor Horton is the daughter and mini muse of artist Olivia Irvine and can now take her place in the UG 'hall of fame' (the toilet).

I thought it would be nice to place her alongside heavyweights Philip Braham and David Hosie.
Well done Eleanor.

Happy Christmas to you all and best wishes for 2012!

Get Rhythm

Hello everyone

Sadly the soggy Scottish summer time is letting us down. However, it's nice and dry and bright and colourful in Union Gallery. It's also free and inspiring to visit, so feel free to drop by anytime.

I promised to shed more light on multi-award winning artist Colin Brown, so here goes:

I first viewed Colin's work in December last year at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. Not every artist can claim to have had their work shown in such a prestigious setting! The exhibition was titled "The River Runs Through It" and was the brain child and curated by artist Charles Jamieson MFA, PAI, PPAI and journalist and art lover Jan Patience, and I was very keen to see it as the ethos and spirit of the show and artists involved captured my imagination. The aim of "The River Runs Through It" was to generate interest and funding for the Riverside Museum Appeal. I felt it was also a celebration of heritage and culture and an exhibition not just of beauty, but of historical importance. The new transport museum, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, opens today (the longest day) and I will certainly be going for a look at some point.
There were many great artists involved including Ruth A Nicol, Adrian Wiszniewski, Annette Edgar, and of course Colin Brown.
I have to admit that Colin's work hit me right between the eyes. I had never seen anything like it before - or since.
Here is an example:

"Salon", acrylic and collage on wood panel by Colin Brown.

What hit me most was the outpouring of information. This information overload both excited and captivated me and I thought it very in tune with our modern day living. Yet at the same time, Colin Brown has been developing his wholly unique/distinctive/original style since the 1980's. After the initial excitement and experience of viewing Colin's work, there is no escaping how brilliantly engineered and constructed they are. The 'information overload' all makes perfect sense, the layers of thought are painstakingly cohesive and it's obvious that Colin, who begins making these paintings by experimenting with ideas, leaves nothing to chance once he is in the groove. To me, I liken Colin's work to composing a brilliant piece of music...there is rhythm, colour and texture and, like any outstanding composition, it will remain a classic:

"Gabriel", acrylic and collage on wood panel by Colin Brown.

You can experience Colin Brown's work in Union Gallery's "Now We Are Two" exhibition alongside Stewart Bremner, Trevor Jones, Olivia Irvine and Jenny Matthews.

Speak soon

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

Little by little

All great things are only a number of small things that have carefully been collected together.Anonymous

Hello everyone

Greetings to our latest blog followers. Nice to have you with us Ms Patterson!

So we are continuing with the little guys theme. Lets start with this beauty:

"Tortoiseshell" by Jenny Matthews.

When you get over how perfect that little butterfly (who is only 5cms in width) is, you will start to notice other amazing things about this painting. Bottom right hand corner, on the stalk of the pea plant there are tiny, minutely observed, strands peeling away from the stalk. That's so good! If I were told I was going to be boiled alive at dawn I could not do anything a 10th that good. I was also keen to see a 'black' painting on the black background - rather slick I think. If you still can't see what I mean about the stalk, come in and I will show you.

"Dark Place II" by Siobhan O'Hehir.
At only 30x30cm there's an awful lot of work that's gone into this striking little painting. The oil and beeswax combination give this painting a really rich finish. Again, I was keen to see this painting on the black background too.

And this little cutie:

"Tiny Cup on Blue" by Ruth Addinall.
I really, really like this little treasure. I have even been lucky enough to share coffee and chocolate with artist Ruth Addinall, using this very tea cup. The coffee was a small serving...the chocolate was not!


Have a great weekend all.

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.

The Bush That Turns Red

Hello everyone

Something quite special happened at Union Gallery the other day which I wanted to share with you.
I have spent most of the summer fretting about my wildly out of control bush. I apologise to my neighbours who have been very patient about the ever encroaching hedge. I have felt shame everytime someone tried to walk along the pavement whilst dodging the massing branches.
My bush:

On deciding enough was enough, and that it was time to do the right thing, I enlisted the help of my good friend and brilliant landscape gardener Cliff Hall, safe in the knowledge he would show my hedge who's boss.
Cliff, the man who can:

It was hair raising stuff! Especially when he suggested that whilst using a chainsaw you should always be on the look out....for pedestrians.
Sure enough after a bit of elbow grease my bush was tamed and in much more respectable shape. I felt an immediate sense of calm come over me. That my ying and yang had been restored and that I had indeed done the right thing.
The very next day a lovely couple visited the gallery and bought a really special painting that has always been a favourite of mine:

Gorgeous little painting: "The Bush That Turns Red" by award winning artist Olivia Irvine.
A very special couple and a very special painting. I have said before I love happy endings....when magical things happen. I just cannot believe the coincidence of having just trimmed my own bush the day before.
Come in and look at Olivia's and all the other Edinburgh based artists during The Festival.

With the Edinburgh Art Festival in full swing I've decided to throw myself in the deep end. Next week I will be battling with the Festival goers on the Royal Mile. I would like to catch a glimpse of some pipers and get a feel for the party atmosphere......captured lovingly in:

Michael McVeigh's smashing painting, "Parade on Royal Mile".

I shall also be making pit stops to the establishments The Conan Doyle and The Jekyll and Hyde Bar. I would like to make sure they are aware of sculptor John Brazenal's "pop guns".
Check back next week to see some Festival footage....provided I don't get squashed!

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/

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!

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.

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.