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/

Momentous Moments

Hi All

So July has been a momentous month for Union Gallery, not only has the amazing Dylan Lisle and Patsy McArthur Exhibition been a huge success, but a lot more has been going on besides.
To celebrate our month of milestones, we had a wee party on Saturday:

As you can see, much fun was had by all.....

As well as much debate

And serious discussion on the exceptional merits of the two fabulous painters on display.

There are still 5 days to come and see the exhibition, and I can't recommend a visit to Union Gallery enough to those who have not yet managed to make it.  Both Dylan and Patsy are becoming so successful that the likelyhood of seeing them exhibiting together again is extremely small, and this may be a rare opportunity to see such a large body of work from either artist for some time. I can guarantee that if you make the trip to Broughton Street in the next few days, you will be rewarded with an exhibition of exceptional quality and craft: a real feast for the senses.

Here's a couple of images to remind you of what you will be seeing:

'Before the Show' by Dylan Lisle

'The Open Road' by  Patsy McArthur

And one final look at the party on Saturday, where even the kids were overwhemed by the show:
You may have noticed the huge improvement on the photography front. Having accepted I'm useless with a camera, these brilliant snaps were taken care of snap happy wizzard Stewart Bremner.

 

I'll Be Back!

Hello everyone

Just wanted to show you this genius photo of the gallery space care of the ever so clever Stewart Bremner.
Now, you will be seeing more of lovely Stewart over the next few days as we shall be off doing something else.

Say hello Stewart:

That's Stewart on the left by the way!

Over and out....

A Model Blog

Hello everyone,

I hope you all have a lovely weekend

During the opening of  the Lisle/McArthur spectacular, I was lucky enough to meet Richard, aka the model for "Half Way Home". A really charming chap who was telling me that by the time he and Patsy McArthur had finished the shots for the piece, he was up to his knees in the sea!

 












"Half Way Home" by Patsy McArthur
This doesn't surprise me; I can tell that Patsy puts her models through their paces to get the desired effects.  This accounts for the movement and energy in her work.  I wish I could have met the brave and athletic model who was daring enough to do this:

 
















"Endless Possible Futures" by Patsy McArthur
This has to be an all-time favourite of mine from Patsy's new body of work. I look at it everyday and am completely fascinated by the idea that these men are destined to be forever tumbling. That a 'static' painting can so successfully capture the feeling of these people in free fall, spining out of the sky, is remarkable.  
A couple of interesting facts to tell you about award winning artist Patsy McArthur: a few years back, the Royal Scottish Academy, here in Edinburgh, bought one of her pieces for their own collection - a serious accolade indeed.  Not long after that, she was highlighted in The Scotsman as one of the best up-and-coming artists in Scotland - a remarkable achievement when still only in her 20's. I hope that she won't mind me telling you that a number of years ago she said something to me in relation to my own work that has stayed with me ever since. I was struggling with classic artists angst over my paintings, and she simply said, "Alison, you can't help what comes out of you". It has stuck with me all these years and I suspect I may have even quoted her when talking to other artists. Experience and wisdom beyong her years.

I'm annoyed that I didn't spot Amy Mackie at the opening. Amy is the superb model for:

"Knowledge" by Dylan Lisle
Having been lucky enough to have seen much of Dylan Lisle's paintings as works in progress (and, wow, that really is fascinating!), I feel in an odd way that I have got to know her, and that I would recognise her immediately. Although it was rather busy that night, with lots of lovely people to meet. Thank you, Amy, for your wonderful contribution.

  
















"Decima" by Dylan Lisle
Yes, I confess that I am the model behind this beautiful painting (Dylan Lisle truly CAN work miracles!), and I also modelled for "Gemini", which you can see on his page on our website.

Ending with: 

This happy picture of Dylan was taken way back in February. Both he and Patsy were already working hard on this exhibition, and he looks really calm! The point is, it just goes to show how long and how labour intensive it is to put on an exhibition such as this. Dylan Lisle and Patsy McArthur have put everything into this incredible show: they have pushed their skills, techniques, imaginations and creative capabilities to the absolute limits. It shows, and if you haven't already been in, you really should.
To say I am really proud and grateful would be an understatement.

Hotter than July!

Hello everyone

And a warm welcome to our latest blog followers.

So last Thursday saw the extremely busy opening of the hottest ticket in town....the long anticipated exhibtion of deadly talented artists, Dylan Lisle and Patsy McArthur. Take a look:

and

and on the inside (after the opening!):

Wow......

Breathtaking and powerful stuff. If I've not already said, you MUST come to see this exhibition. It's a one off and never again will you get to see these two extraordinary artists under one roof.

Prepare to be amazed........