The Countdown to Christmas begins!
And we have a real cracker of an exhibition for you!
Hope you can all make it in to feast your eyes on this :)
Showing posts with label animals in art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animals in art. Show all posts
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
GET READY!
The Menagerie is coming!
Featured here are 'Yellow Flower', 'Work of Art' and 'Cafe Creme' and are just 3 of the fabulous creations Barbara Franc has made for her solo exhibition.
Featured here are 'Yellow Flower', 'Work of Art' and 'Cafe Creme' and are just 3 of the fabulous creations Barbara Franc has made for her solo exhibition.
TIP: This is a MUST SEE exhibition!
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Little Nipper
The first spring-loaded mouse trap was invented by William C. Hooker of
Abingdon, Illinois, who received US patent 528671 for his design in 1894. James Henry Atkinson, a British inventor
who in 1897 invented a prototype called the "Little Nipper", probably
had seen the Hooker trap in the shops or in advertisements and used it as the
basis of his model. It is a simple device with a
heavily spring-loaded bar and a trip to release it. The design is such that the
mouse's neck or spinal cord will be broken, or its ribs or skull crushed, by
the force of the bar.
Simple, brutal, but effective.
'Three Blind Mice' oil on panel by Dylan Lisle.
Three blind mice, three blind mice,
See how they run, see how they run,
They all ran after the farmer's wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a thing in your life
As three blind mice?
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Up The Garden Path with Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE
Hello everyone
Last time we took a closer look at artist Ruth Addinall's work, this time it's the turn of Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE. In particular this lovely piece:
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'Up The Garden Path', oil and pencil on card by Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE.
This slinky looking feline is Nannie, a former companion to Joyce Gunn Cairns.
Those who know her well, know that Joyce is an animal lover and has a particular fondness for cats. She admires there intelligence and loyalty, but at the same time their independent spirit. Put it like that and I see why they tick a lot of Joyce's boxes!
Many years ago, Joyce took her sons to the cat and dog home with aspirations to pick out a really striking looking cat......but came home with Nannie.
Poor Nannie was no great beauty, indeed she was a sorry looking wee thing, but her talents laid elsewhere. In sensing that she had just come across 3 good natured humans, she endeared herself to Joyce's boys by circling round and round their feet. Being youngsters at the time, the boys instantly feel in love with wee Nannie and of course she went home with them. Joyce, slightly disappointed with the choice, soon grew to love her too and believing it was meant to be never looked back. And so it was that Nannie came to be a loyal and loving companion to Joyce and her sons for many happy years.
I really love this painting of Nannie and the story that goes with it. It's a fitting tribute to the old cat to see her immortalised so sensitively. For me the work has a familiar feel to it, almost like a memory.
I think this is the reason why:
This is my good self many, many years ago cuddling my own kitty at the time, 'Birdie'.
Similarly, I remember my mum being a little disappointed in our new puss at the time. She'd come from a litter that were born in a haulage/truck garage which was also home to 2 huge guard dogs. On a visit there my dad took pity on this tiny kitten squeaking from the jaws of one of the hounds. That little kitten miraculously disappeared from that garage....making her way to our home.
She was a poor thing too, filthy, fleas-ridden, underweight and somewhat 'mismatched' in her markings, but I loved her to bits and she was my best friend for many years.
She also turned out to be a first class hunter. Indeed, 2 minutes after that photo was taken I stood, bare foot (it was a gorgeous summers day) on one of her victims. I still remember the horrible sensation of standing on the tiny mouse!
On further inspection, there turned out to be close to 10 little corpses in that part of our garden.
I never went bare foot in Birdie's graveyard again!
Hurry back to see who we're going Up The Garden Path with next.....
Last time we took a closer look at artist Ruth Addinall's work, this time it's the turn of Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE. In particular this lovely piece:
.JPG)
'Up The Garden Path', oil and pencil on card by Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE.
This slinky looking feline is Nannie, a former companion to Joyce Gunn Cairns.
Those who know her well, know that Joyce is an animal lover and has a particular fondness for cats. She admires there intelligence and loyalty, but at the same time their independent spirit. Put it like that and I see why they tick a lot of Joyce's boxes!
Many years ago, Joyce took her sons to the cat and dog home with aspirations to pick out a really striking looking cat......but came home with Nannie.
Poor Nannie was no great beauty, indeed she was a sorry looking wee thing, but her talents laid elsewhere. In sensing that she had just come across 3 good natured humans, she endeared herself to Joyce's boys by circling round and round their feet. Being youngsters at the time, the boys instantly feel in love with wee Nannie and of course she went home with them. Joyce, slightly disappointed with the choice, soon grew to love her too and believing it was meant to be never looked back. And so it was that Nannie came to be a loyal and loving companion to Joyce and her sons for many happy years.
I really love this painting of Nannie and the story that goes with it. It's a fitting tribute to the old cat to see her immortalised so sensitively. For me the work has a familiar feel to it, almost like a memory.
I think this is the reason why:
This is my good self many, many years ago cuddling my own kitty at the time, 'Birdie'.
Similarly, I remember my mum being a little disappointed in our new puss at the time. She'd come from a litter that were born in a haulage/truck garage which was also home to 2 huge guard dogs. On a visit there my dad took pity on this tiny kitten squeaking from the jaws of one of the hounds. That little kitten miraculously disappeared from that garage....making her way to our home.
She was a poor thing too, filthy, fleas-ridden, underweight and somewhat 'mismatched' in her markings, but I loved her to bits and she was my best friend for many years.
She also turned out to be a first class hunter. Indeed, 2 minutes after that photo was taken I stood, bare foot (it was a gorgeous summers day) on one of her victims. I still remember the horrible sensation of standing on the tiny mouse!
On further inspection, there turned out to be close to 10 little corpses in that part of our garden.
I never went bare foot in Birdie's graveyard again!
Hurry back to see who we're going Up The Garden Path with next.....
Monday, 12 September 2011
Nancy The Greedy Bee!
Hello everyone
So as Hurricane Katia continues to give us a battering, I have been thinking about the poor wee bees even more of late.
Union Gallery's current exhibition, 'Plight of the Bumblebee' aims to raise funding for, and awareness of, the declining bee population. 20% of the proceeds of this exhibition will be donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust whose vital work you can read about here:
www.bumblebeeconservation.org
Instead of blustery winds and flattened barnets, I will attempt to transport you somewhere calm, warm and sunny. How about Nancy in France?
I will let glass making supremo Jessica Irena Smith take it from here, but first a quick look at her gorgeous bee inspired work:
'Bee Bowl I', kiln formed glass by Jessica Irena Smith.
The faded bee motif represents the decline in the bee population.
"I'm just back from France where I took on your challenge of finding a French bumble bee! We were staying in Nancy, which is really beautiful (and an important city in the history of glass making), and has gorgeous parks. I'd almost given up on finding a bumble bee in the park - there were lots of honey bees, but no bumbles - when I came across the lovely plump specimen in the photos!
He (or she?) was sitting so still that at first I thought he'd popped his clogs! I think he'd just been a bit greedy and tired himself out (he was absolutely covered in pollen), because he eventually bumbled off to the next flower!
I've attached a few pics for you to see. I know you'll be wondering how you can tell it's definitely a French bumble bee, but I'm sure this close up shot will leave you in no doubt....."
and.....
Alors! Je suis si plein je peux me deplacer a peine!
Hurry back for more busy bee action soon - next time they will be Assisi bees!
Time to buzz off!
So as Hurricane Katia continues to give us a battering, I have been thinking about the poor wee bees even more of late.
Union Gallery's current exhibition, 'Plight of the Bumblebee' aims to raise funding for, and awareness of, the declining bee population. 20% of the proceeds of this exhibition will be donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust whose vital work you can read about here:
www.bumblebeeconservation.org
Instead of blustery winds and flattened barnets, I will attempt to transport you somewhere calm, warm and sunny. How about Nancy in France?
I will let glass making supremo Jessica Irena Smith take it from here, but first a quick look at her gorgeous bee inspired work:
'Bee Bowl I', kiln formed glass by Jessica Irena Smith.
The faded bee motif represents the decline in the bee population.
"I'm just back from France where I took on your challenge of finding a French bumble bee! We were staying in Nancy, which is really beautiful (and an important city in the history of glass making), and has gorgeous parks. I'd almost given up on finding a bumble bee in the park - there were lots of honey bees, but no bumbles - when I came across the lovely plump specimen in the photos!
He (or she?) was sitting so still that at first I thought he'd popped his clogs! I think he'd just been a bit greedy and tired himself out (he was absolutely covered in pollen), because he eventually bumbled off to the next flower!
I've attached a few pics for you to see. I know you'll be wondering how you can tell it's definitely a French bumble bee, but I'm sure this close up shot will leave you in no doubt....."
and.....
Alors! Je suis si plein je peux me deplacer a peine!
Hurry back for more busy bee action soon - next time they will be Assisi bees!
Time to buzz off!
Monday, 5 September 2011
Plight of the Bumblebee!
Post Festival blues?
We have the answer.....
I will leave you with this wonderful photo of artist Jenny Matthews suited and booted and ready for action.
All will bee revealed.......
We have the answer.....
A beespoke exhibition that will help restore some buzz!
I will leave you with this wonderful photo of artist Jenny Matthews suited and booted and ready for action.
All will bee revealed.......
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Delicate Things
Hello everyone,
I would like to draw your attention to a very special number in Janet Melrose's solo exhibition, "A Still Life". Firstly though, by way of introduction, I wanted to show you this:
Oddly enough, this time last year I was out walking Union Gallery hound Harry, and came across this perfect little birds nest. And, like last year, I will stress that I didn't hijack it from a tree, I simply came across it on the path. I couldn't resist the urge to pick it up and inspect the fine craftsmanship. I also said in that blog that I immediately thought of artists Janet Melrose and Jenny Matthews, believing that they would also appreciate this perfect piece of nature.
And so, one year on, we have another work of perfection:
"Delicate Things", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Artist Janet Melrose has, in the past, made comment about her 'generic' birds. Yes, it's true to say her birds are often stylised, but this is not to be confused with being frivolous or cartoon-like. Janet's seemingly effortless birds are captured in the moment, skillfully recording their very essence. To me, the bird featured in "Delicate Things" is anything but generic. Her beady eye is alert and watches anxiously, staring right at you whilst she sits protectively over the fragile fruits of her labour.
I have a feeling that who ever secures this treasure will also have an eye for all things delicate and special.
Leaving you with a couple more delicate and special things:
No. We did not prepare them earlier! These tiny visitors are the gorgeous twin girls of our good friends Sam and Nina Gough.
Little Cassia is on the left and Poppy is on the right.....we think!
Speak soon x
I would like to draw your attention to a very special number in Janet Melrose's solo exhibition, "A Still Life". Firstly though, by way of introduction, I wanted to show you this:
Oddly enough, this time last year I was out walking Union Gallery hound Harry, and came across this perfect little birds nest. And, like last year, I will stress that I didn't hijack it from a tree, I simply came across it on the path. I couldn't resist the urge to pick it up and inspect the fine craftsmanship. I also said in that blog that I immediately thought of artists Janet Melrose and Jenny Matthews, believing that they would also appreciate this perfect piece of nature.
And so, one year on, we have another work of perfection:
"Delicate Things", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Artist Janet Melrose has, in the past, made comment about her 'generic' birds. Yes, it's true to say her birds are often stylised, but this is not to be confused with being frivolous or cartoon-like. Janet's seemingly effortless birds are captured in the moment, skillfully recording their very essence. To me, the bird featured in "Delicate Things" is anything but generic. Her beady eye is alert and watches anxiously, staring right at you whilst she sits protectively over the fragile fruits of her labour.
I have a feeling that who ever secures this treasure will also have an eye for all things delicate and special.
Leaving you with a couple more delicate and special things:
No. We did not prepare them earlier! These tiny visitors are the gorgeous twin girls of our good friends Sam and Nina Gough.
Little Cassia is on the left and Poppy is on the right.....we think!
Speak soon x
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Look Closer
Hello everyone,
Firstly, a huge thank you to all who have been in to view award winning artist Janet Melrose's solo exhibition, "A Still Life". And thank you to those who have been in many times now as "it makes me feel good". I completely understand this and my old habits of sneaking in early and leaving a wee bit later have returned ten-fold.
A closer look at this:
"Look Closer", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Janet Melrose's exhibition was always going to be special and was the perfect celebration for the month of May. Ok, we seem to be experiencing 'April Showers' this month, but the long, dark cold nights of the incredible winter of 2010 are far behind us. It's time for people to feel better and Janet's work offers calm and inspiration to all who see it. I find it intoxicating and feel Union Gallery currently offers sanctuary.
For me, the above painting goes someway to explain the beauty and sensitivity in Janet Melrose's work. I think it's fair to say that we are living in challenging times, in reality brutal times, Yet I look at this enchanting painting (even the title is perfect), and I am encouraged. If you are daring enough to take 10 minutes out of your gruelling schedule, or have the need to get out out of the office at lunch, then go for a walk. I do this as often as I can to get some thinking space and calm time. To see the birds, bees and blossoms reminds you that there are still perfect and beautiful things in the world. Janet Melrose's exhibition really does encourage you to 'look closer' and focus on the things we often take for granted.
Janet herself described the process of making the work for this exhibition as 'carthartic'. I can feel this completely and for those who see it, there is a similar sensation. Here's a comment from Janet's visitor's book: "May 11th 2011. Crap day. Came into the gallery again to clear my head. The paintings are a breath of fresh air, clearing my brain, filling it with an empty space of beauty, now can go out and handle the crap without it getting me down".
"New Beginning", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Have a lovely weekend.
Firstly, a huge thank you to all who have been in to view award winning artist Janet Melrose's solo exhibition, "A Still Life". And thank you to those who have been in many times now as "it makes me feel good". I completely understand this and my old habits of sneaking in early and leaving a wee bit later have returned ten-fold.
A closer look at this:
"Look Closer", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Janet Melrose's exhibition was always going to be special and was the perfect celebration for the month of May. Ok, we seem to be experiencing 'April Showers' this month, but the long, dark cold nights of the incredible winter of 2010 are far behind us. It's time for people to feel better and Janet's work offers calm and inspiration to all who see it. I find it intoxicating and feel Union Gallery currently offers sanctuary.
For me, the above painting goes someway to explain the beauty and sensitivity in Janet Melrose's work. I think it's fair to say that we are living in challenging times, in reality brutal times, Yet I look at this enchanting painting (even the title is perfect), and I am encouraged. If you are daring enough to take 10 minutes out of your gruelling schedule, or have the need to get out out of the office at lunch, then go for a walk. I do this as often as I can to get some thinking space and calm time. To see the birds, bees and blossoms reminds you that there are still perfect and beautiful things in the world. Janet Melrose's exhibition really does encourage you to 'look closer' and focus on the things we often take for granted.
Janet herself described the process of making the work for this exhibition as 'carthartic'. I can feel this completely and for those who see it, there is a similar sensation. Here's a comment from Janet's visitor's book: "May 11th 2011. Crap day. Came into the gallery again to clear my head. The paintings are a breath of fresh air, clearing my brain, filling it with an empty space of beauty, now can go out and handle the crap without it getting me down".
"New Beginning", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Have a lovely weekend.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Horses for Courses
Hello everyone
I thought we could do a spot of horsing around today and take a closer look at sculptor Barbara Franc's magnificent horses in her first ever Scottish solo exhibition, "Diversity".
"Ride on a Fine Horse", steel wire, copper wire, tin and brass by Barbara Franc.
Barbara used to keep horses and even trained to be a riding instructor, so has always been fascinated by their power and physique. Barbara explains "the debt owed to them by humanity as the early fast vehicle of trade and conquest has always been a subject for artists since the dawn of time".
"Time Flies", steel wire & recycled material by Barbara Franc.
I wholly admire sculptors. Like many other painters, I find trying to create an accomplished image on 2D really hard...it's so difficult and taxing on the brain! However, to create something in 3D, so that it appears anatomically perfect, tactile and pleasing to the eye from all angles...that's mind blowing.
Here's another fine horse:
This is award artist Janet Melrose's horse toughing it out against the harsh winter of 2010/11.
As you can see he was well cared for with his blanket, and given plenty of scoff to keep him fit.
Nature is an incredible thing. It's hard to believe that under all that snow and frozen ice it was still working hard, working it's magic, and 3 months later provides us with joy like this:
We all welcome and enjoy the sights of the awesome blossoms, here we see it perfectly celebrated in:
"Birds on the Damson", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Award winning artist Janet Melrose's first Edinburgh solo exhibition, "A Still Life", opens Thursday May 5th. GET VOTING AND GET VIEWING PEOPLE!
Speak soon x
I thought we could do a spot of horsing around today and take a closer look at sculptor Barbara Franc's magnificent horses in her first ever Scottish solo exhibition, "Diversity".
"Ride on a Fine Horse", steel wire, copper wire, tin and brass by Barbara Franc.
Barbara used to keep horses and even trained to be a riding instructor, so has always been fascinated by their power and physique. Barbara explains "the debt owed to them by humanity as the early fast vehicle of trade and conquest has always been a subject for artists since the dawn of time".
"Time Flies", steel wire & recycled material by Barbara Franc.
I wholly admire sculptors. Like many other painters, I find trying to create an accomplished image on 2D really hard...it's so difficult and taxing on the brain! However, to create something in 3D, so that it appears anatomically perfect, tactile and pleasing to the eye from all angles...that's mind blowing.
Here's another fine horse:
This is award artist Janet Melrose's horse toughing it out against the harsh winter of 2010/11.
As you can see he was well cared for with his blanket, and given plenty of scoff to keep him fit.
Nature is an incredible thing. It's hard to believe that under all that snow and frozen ice it was still working hard, working it's magic, and 3 months later provides us with joy like this:
We all welcome and enjoy the sights of the awesome blossoms, here we see it perfectly celebrated in:
"Birds on the Damson", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Award winning artist Janet Melrose's first Edinburgh solo exhibition, "A Still Life", opens Thursday May 5th. GET VOTING AND GET VIEWING PEOPLE!
Speak soon x
Friday, 22 April 2011
Bird Song
Hello everyone
I wanted to show you a very special guest in award winning sculptor Barbara Franc's solo exhibition, "Diversity".
This sweet little chap is called Edgar.
Edgar came to stay with Barbara Franc just before Christmas last year and proved to be quite an inspiration.
Barbara explains to me that crows in particular are very intelligent birds, and that it is not uncommon for them to turn to humans when in need. Sadly Edgar died peacefully of old age, but he was given a loving home in his dotage and Barbara naturally got very attached to him.
You can see why! What beautiful and trusting eyes. Birds are very intelligent and you can tell from this photo that Edgar felt safe and comfortable in his new surroundings.
Here he is lovingly immortalised:
"Black Crow", steel wire & recycled materials by Barbara Franc.
I already knew the touching story of Edgar and had seen the photos of this magnificent bird with the searching eyes. So I confess that when I unwrapped the above sculpture and saw his eyes staring back at me, it pulled the heart strings. Barbara Franc has captured Edgar's personality with great care: In the eyes alone she has given him soul and created a fitting tribute.
Thankfully, "Black Crow" now also has a loving home: as I've said before, I love happy endings :)
Previously I have posted blogs on artists and their studio cats and dogs. I think about the special bonds between humans and their faithful companions quite a lot. Personally, I'm an animal lover and if I'm painfully honest, sometimes I prefer the company of my pets to humans.
So, I will leave you with another touching story:
This is little Chirpie in the studio of award winning artist Janet Melrose. Janet's solo exhibition, "A Still Life" opens next month and promises to be an exhibition of real beauty and sensitivity. This photo was taken way back in the summer of 2009 and was an enlightening introduction to Janet Melrose and her work. Janet rescued little Chirpie as she was being relentlessly picked on by the rest of her flock. Being a baby and without Janet's careful observation and swift intervention, Chirpie would surely not have survived. However, lucky Chripie is now thriving and much like the story of Barbara Franc and Edgar, it reveals wonderful acts of kindness and character-a genuine love and respect for nature.
Wishing you all a lovely Easter....if you're passing by I can introduce you to Edgar personally!
I wanted to show you a very special guest in award winning sculptor Barbara Franc's solo exhibition, "Diversity".
This sweet little chap is called Edgar.
Edgar came to stay with Barbara Franc just before Christmas last year and proved to be quite an inspiration.
Barbara explains to me that crows in particular are very intelligent birds, and that it is not uncommon for them to turn to humans when in need. Sadly Edgar died peacefully of old age, but he was given a loving home in his dotage and Barbara naturally got very attached to him.
You can see why! What beautiful and trusting eyes. Birds are very intelligent and you can tell from this photo that Edgar felt safe and comfortable in his new surroundings.
Here he is lovingly immortalised:
I already knew the touching story of Edgar and had seen the photos of this magnificent bird with the searching eyes. So I confess that when I unwrapped the above sculpture and saw his eyes staring back at me, it pulled the heart strings. Barbara Franc has captured Edgar's personality with great care: In the eyes alone she has given him soul and created a fitting tribute.
Thankfully, "Black Crow" now also has a loving home: as I've said before, I love happy endings :)
Previously I have posted blogs on artists and their studio cats and dogs. I think about the special bonds between humans and their faithful companions quite a lot. Personally, I'm an animal lover and if I'm painfully honest, sometimes I prefer the company of my pets to humans.
So, I will leave you with another touching story:
This is little Chirpie in the studio of award winning artist Janet Melrose. Janet's solo exhibition, "A Still Life" opens next month and promises to be an exhibition of real beauty and sensitivity. This photo was taken way back in the summer of 2009 and was an enlightening introduction to Janet Melrose and her work. Janet rescued little Chirpie as she was being relentlessly picked on by the rest of her flock. Being a baby and without Janet's careful observation and swift intervention, Chirpie would surely not have survived. However, lucky Chripie is now thriving and much like the story of Barbara Franc and Edgar, it reveals wonderful acts of kindness and character-a genuine love and respect for nature.
Wishing you all a lovely Easter....if you're passing by I can introduce you to Edgar personally!
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Foxy Ladies!
Hello everyone
I hope you have all been out and about and enjoying the better weather!
This is a special blog as we have 2 very special exhibitions coming up at Union Gallery. April the 11th sees the arrival of award winning sculptor Barbara Franc's new work for her first Scottish solo exhibition, "Diversity". 30 new pieces of work, varying in scale and subject; all perfectly crafted; all simply brilliant. "Diversity" opens on Thursday, April 14th.
Introducing......
"Reynard" by Barbara Franc. Wire netting, steel wire and red oxide.
This stunning chap will be making a trip with all his other companions in a van all the way from London. By the time he reaches Edinburgh, he will be one well travelled fox. I can't wait to meet him!
"Reynard". Profile.
There is much to admire in Barbara's work. I am always amazed by her care and attention to detail. There's as much love and commitment in the small scale works as there is in the larger sculptures. We are always being force-fed the importance of recycling, so I'm sure you will agree, that this is an inspired and ingenious form of recycling.
Barbara was rather modest about making her debut on the blog. However, Newton, her studio cat was more than happy to represent her:
I often think that foxes get an awful lot of bad press. Considered as vermin and a pest to many, I personally believe and I think both artists Barbara Franc and Janet Melrose (who's solo exhibition will be in May) would agree with me, that there is much to admire in them. Of course they are 'cunning', but they are so much more than that. I think they are beautiful and mysterious, inquisitive and intelligent animals. As the modern day world relentlessly encroaches on their natural habitats, they have adapted like the true survivors they are, and I find them welcome visitors to our cities. They are, after all, merely scraping by and surely deserve their place in natures grand plan.
So here is award winning artist Janet Melrose:
Sporting those 'famous' dungarees, I admire Janet's no nonsense and unglamorous approach to her vocation. I'm sure many artists will recognise this 'there's work to be done' attitude. Forget image, the work comes first.
"Spot the Fox", acrylic on canvas.
This painting was given a home in a heart beat. However there will be other foxes appearing in Janet Melrose's solo exhibition "A Still Life", as the fox motif is a recurring theme in her work.
"A Still Life" opens on May 5th, and I canny wait!
Have a great weekend all x
I hope you have all been out and about and enjoying the better weather!
This is a special blog as we have 2 very special exhibitions coming up at Union Gallery. April the 11th sees the arrival of award winning sculptor Barbara Franc's new work for her first Scottish solo exhibition, "Diversity". 30 new pieces of work, varying in scale and subject; all perfectly crafted; all simply brilliant. "Diversity" opens on Thursday, April 14th.
Introducing......
"Reynard" by Barbara Franc. Wire netting, steel wire and red oxide.
This stunning chap will be making a trip with all his other companions in a van all the way from London. By the time he reaches Edinburgh, he will be one well travelled fox. I can't wait to meet him!
"Reynard". Profile.
There is much to admire in Barbara's work. I am always amazed by her care and attention to detail. There's as much love and commitment in the small scale works as there is in the larger sculptures. We are always being force-fed the importance of recycling, so I'm sure you will agree, that this is an inspired and ingenious form of recycling.
Barbara was rather modest about making her debut on the blog. However, Newton, her studio cat was more than happy to represent her:
I often think that foxes get an awful lot of bad press. Considered as vermin and a pest to many, I personally believe and I think both artists Barbara Franc and Janet Melrose (who's solo exhibition will be in May) would agree with me, that there is much to admire in them. Of course they are 'cunning', but they are so much more than that. I think they are beautiful and mysterious, inquisitive and intelligent animals. As the modern day world relentlessly encroaches on their natural habitats, they have adapted like the true survivors they are, and I find them welcome visitors to our cities. They are, after all, merely scraping by and surely deserve their place in natures grand plan.
So here is award winning artist Janet Melrose:
Sporting those 'famous' dungarees, I admire Janet's no nonsense and unglamorous approach to her vocation. I'm sure many artists will recognise this 'there's work to be done' attitude. Forget image, the work comes first.
"Spot the Fox", acrylic on canvas.
This painting was given a home in a heart beat. However there will be other foxes appearing in Janet Melrose's solo exhibition "A Still Life", as the fox motif is a recurring theme in her work.
"A Still Life" opens on May 5th, and I canny wait!
Have a great weekend all x
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Labour of Love
Hello everyone
Sore hands from moulding the wire bodies, six months of solid knitting, countless balls of wool later, and 'The Hunt' was born.
Sore hands from moulding the wire bodies, six months of solid knitting, countless balls of wool later, and 'The Hunt' was born.
'The Hunt' by Hannah Haworth.
I kid you not, the amount of painstaking work that has gone into this installation is mind-boggling. Hannah even made the sledge herself from found green oak. A true labour of love. It reminds me of a really gorgeous Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, 'The Wild Swans'. Read it here if you're not familiar with it:
I'm not sure if you can tell from the images (look at Hannah's page on the website), that this is a large scale work.
However, its not just that it's visually impressive and satisfying to look at. The concept behind the work is equally beautiful and thought provoking; based on an old Inuit Folktale. All this from such a young artist (Hannah's only 21). I think Hannah's work is very special indeed and I intend to enjoy the precious time I will have with 'The Hunt'.
If you are passing you simply must come in to see and learn more about 'The Hunt'....it's not something you will see everyday! Then, once you've recovered from the excitement you will get an eyeful of some particularly fine paintings.
Not sure it gets much better!
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
The Dog, Cat and Squirrel!
Hello all
I am itching to show you the new works that have arrived form sculptor Barbara Franc....they are amazing!
Before we do so just thought I'd show you who payed us a visit the other day:
Pooch put up a bit more of a fight with his little bandaged legs. So cute:
Here he is in full glory
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That's one of the brilliant things about Barbara's sculptures. There's so much work and detail in them and you keep finding wonderful little details and decorative aspects. Her ability to give the pieces personality and character is also amazing.
I am itching to show you the new works that have arrived form sculptor Barbara Franc....they are amazing!
Before we do so just thought I'd show you who payed us a visit the other day:
TV chef Clarissa Dickson Wright came in with her friend to have a look at Barbara Franc's "Sisters". The piece being based on 2 female members of the Cholmondeley family of whom Clarissa is a close friend. After a little look round Clarrisa homed in on sculptor Carl Newman's "Leaping Hare". She will be giving the piece to her friend who is the president of the National Coursing Association who, I am told, loves work featuring hares. However, they rarely find works that depict the movement of a Hare so accurately. Well done Carl and what a fab present!
Anyway back to Barbara's new work. I had been looking forward to getting these pieces for a while now. The "Alley Cat", being a commission, already had a home to go to, however we still have the dog and the red squirrel which I can assure you are well worth a look. Here's a quick look at their arrival:
"Red Squirrel" was quite easy to handle and happy to pose for the camera:
Pooch put up a bit more of a fight with his little bandaged legs. So cute:
Here he is in full glory
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"The Little Dog Laughed to See Such Fun" by Barbara Franc. Barbara kindly sent a couple of images to us of "Alley Cat" in the making and I love the look of her studio, would like a good rummage around in there! See.....
The little beastie in the bottom right of the picture above actually ended up as part of the "Alley Cat's" leg.
That's one of the brilliant things about Barbara's sculptures. There's so much work and detail in them and you keep finding wonderful little details and decorative aspects. Her ability to give the pieces personality and character is also amazing.
Peek a boo!
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Little Treasures
I recently took delivery of some new work from the charming artist Mark Nicholas Edwards. He is another talent whose work I have enjoyed for a few years now and I am lucky enough to own one of his "treasures". I also love Koi Carp and sometimes visit the Botanic Gardens to see the Carp in the ponds. I find it very theraputic to watch them clamly bobbing about, not a care in the world. Mark's work has been a big hit at the gallery and he has quite a following already. These new pieces are scoring high on the gorgeous radar! His choice of title's for them are spot on too. I was also really keen to see them on a black back ground as I know a couple who bought a large piece that was to be hung on a black wall. Very stylish I thought.
"Little Treasures I" by Mark Nicholas Edward.
(Also hoping Santa might be reading this)
"Little Treasures I" by Mark Nicholas Edward.
"Little Treasures II" by Mark Nicholas Edward.
I should point out that these beautiful little pieces are only 13x13cm yet the work in them is quite astonishing. The above piece being a good example. The shading on the right hand side and the work on the scales and fins looks painstaking. A labour of love.
"Little Treasures III" by Mark Nicholas Edward.
Last little treasure.....
"Little Treasures IV" by Mark Nicholas Edwards.
Again this treasure got a gasp. The Koi in this piece are a mere 3cms yet the attention to detail is incredible. Also for such a little painting I think the composition is perfect. I also know that to achieve that slick, glossy, black back ground is a difficult process for Mark. I should image even more so on such a tight scale.
Real little "gems"..... brilliant work.
In the studio space next to Mark works another artist whose work we show.
Imogen Alabaster's work has proved so irresistible that we have none left! However we will be lucky enough to be given another 4 pieces for our Christmas Exhibition. Looking forward to seeing them.
"Affection is what I need" by Imogen Alabaster.
Another cracking title by another clever artist.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Landmarks: Mixed exhibition of Contemporary Scottish Landscapes
Again, we are still trying to fill you in with what's all been going on at Union Gallery...nearly there! So time now to let you see a few gems from our current exhibition "Landmarks".
"Autumn Field" by Georgie Young.
I have admired Georgie's exceptional landscapes for many years. Indeed her work has on occassions been know to upset me. As a landscape painter, her style is very much how I would like to paint and it's only been a few years since I have accepted that I simply can't paint like her! The above painting demonstrates why I am such an admirer of her work. This piece "sings". To me everything is spot on: colours and pallette, composition, texture and brush work. No doubt Georgie worked very hard on this piece and the result (in my opinion) is flawless.
It has an obvious "autumnal" theme and I am sure I will not be the only landscape painter who finds this the most inspiring time of the year. Here in Edinburgh, we recently experienced the most beautiful of autumn days. So perfect it was that I decided to get out the camera (I am dreadfull with a camera) and "treat" you readers further afield to some lovely images of Edinburgh in autumn.
"The Bush". I have taken a photo of this shrub every Autumn for the last 3 years. Like the foliage I referred to earlier in Derek McGuire's painting, I haven't got round to finding out what it is called! I just know in the summer (I take a photo then too) that it's covered in beautiful blueish flowers and in autumn the leaves turn a georgeous gold-red colour. Any suggestions?
Visited Inverleith Park and took a couple more poor snaps....
Anyway the sun had brought out lots of people for walks
and there was a really happy atmosphere. The next 2 pics
put me in mind of...........
Henry Kondracki's little gem "Girl with Swan". I love
how he has this gift of capturing really special moments.
I think it's comforting to know we have artists that can
capture moments like these on canvas.
Back to the exhibition:
"Outer Margins" by Dorothy Bruce.
Dorothy was born in Minneapolis. She travelled and painted extensively in the States and Australia before making Scotland her home. The changing light and scenery of the Northern Highlands are a constant source of inspiration to her. I like this painting a lot and I am lucky enough to get to look at it everyday in the gallery. I like it because even with such strong colours, the piece has a really calm feel to it. It makes me think of a late evening in the height of summer and perhaps the only noises around would be birds or crickets. Nice painting.
Next up:
"The Trek" by Drummond Mayo.
I was lucky enough to grow up with an original Drummond Mayo painting on our walls. Much like Georgie Young, he has been quite an influenece in my work. Another "wish I could paint like that" artist. Drummond has been painting all his adult life and is another artist that's not afraid to meet head on the medium he works with. This special painting showing a solitary figure embarking on a very long journey received massive attention. It didn't take long for a very thoughtful lady to purchase it for her husband who enjoys a spot of hill walking. Lucky man and nice present!
Now....
"Shadowed Sea" by Martyn McKenzie.
I was a tad reluctant when 2nd year student at Edinburgh College of Art Martyn approached the gallery. I felt his efforts should be focused on concentrating on his degree in Drawing & Painting & Sculpture....it's hard work! However he came back a second time and I admired him for this. The work already existed and he explained the work was quite special to him and that he wanted people to see it.We agreed that it should be seen and that it would do no harm for Martyn to experience showing in a gallery. He is also a very fine chap and from what we have seen of his work, a potential name to look out for. We will be ceratinly be at his Degree Show! Again it didn't take long for someone else to spot this new talent. The lady who bought "Shadowed Sea" is looking forward to taking it home at the end of the exhibition.
Ending on another "gem".
"Yellow Tree III" by John Carberry.
It's generally agreed that nothing beats seeing "the real thing", however this little beauty can hold it's own as a jpeg. It's not a huge painting but it's got loads going for it. You can see from this image the wonderful mark making and texture. I personally enjoy a painting where you can see the brush strokes, it enhances the life in it. I also like the clever composition. A less is more number...... you are invited to walk into this piece and duck in and out of the trees. A nice little painting.
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