Dog Day Afternoon

Hello Everyone

I am sure I'm not alone in noticing a sudden chill in the air.  This morning, in an attempt to warm myself up, I tried to take a brisk walk with Union Gallery hound, Tommy - although he clearly had other ideas:

Yes, he really is actually sleeping on that bench!
Anyway, feeling the chill whilst trying to walk the pooch immediately put me in mind of one of my favourite (I have 20 out of the 24) paintings from Derek McGuire's solo exhibition, Ella Novo Loco:

'Man and Dog' by Derek McGuire
I have to confess that in my excitment when unwrapping Derek's paintings, I initially missed the dog.  On discovering the hound's perfect head I got really excited.  Not purely because this painting appeals to me as a dog owner, but also because with the head only one centimeter in size, this is a perfect representation in every sense. 
How did Derek get this tiny section of a dog's head, just bounding off the end of the painting, to encapsulate all the joy, energy  and excitement of that special bond between man (and woman) and dog?  I guess, for lack of better words, it's because he's a brilliant artist - and practice makes perfect.
I should alos point out that this painting measures only 11x13cm in total!  A real treasure.

Leaving you with this:

Following the success of his superb exhibition at Union Gallery, artist Dylan Lisle has rewarded himself with a new companion for his studio......introducing Leda, ladies and gentleman.

Have a great weekend.

Ponies and Popes

Hello everyone

Just a short blog today as I have lots to get done in preperation of Pope Benedict XVI's imminent visit to Edinburgh this week. Although he has not officialy replied to my invitation, I am sure he will come. I will be most interested to hear his feedback on exceptional artist Derek McGuire's work. In particular I think "Gun Cupboard" and "Cityscape with a Fear" will capture his imagination, being iconic paintings of our time. Alternatively, if these prove a little challenging then he might like "Expressionist Garden with Bees, Ponies and Unicorn" to brighten up the Vatican in its increasingly darkening days.

"Expressionist Garden with Bees, Ponies and Unicorn" by Derek McGuire.

"Cityscape with a Fear" by Derek McGuire. I knew this would look outstanding on a black background.
Lastly, leaving you with this:

This photo was taken ages ago, when Derek's exhibition was merely a few boards with some layers of paint on them. Even then, at the very bones of the exhibition, it was clear that is was going to be something pretty damn special. I remember standing staring at these notes as Derek spoke enthusiastically about his ideas. I was both shocked and amazed.

Anyway, must be off to now. Need to finish cleaning the gallery for Benedict.

Bottles, bottles everywhere!

Hello everyone

Yes, I have been know to partake of an occassional swallete myself.
However, I must stress that only two of the above bottles were my own doing. Last night we had a fabulous time hosting the opening of the Ella Novo Loco exhibition by award winning artist Derek McGuire.

Those who attended were not dissapointed and the general reaction was one of amazement. Yes, this really is a special exhibition and if you want to see some truly remarkable paintings this month, there's only one place to be.

All in all a great night. Enough vino to sink a destroyer, red wine up the walls, spot of dancing and red dots. What more could you ask for?

Again the joyous occassion was captured by our own Stewart Bremner (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU SIR) and you can watch it here.....

Special prize to the first person who can tell me how many bottles were drank!

Union Gallery – Derek McGuire preview from stewart bremner on Vimeo.

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.

Toy Story

Hello everyone

I have another curious and magical coincidence that I would like to share with you. The other day, whilst out walking Union Gallery hound, Tommy, I came across this little cutey:

A dinky little fire truck sadly seperated from it's owner. It immediately put me in mind of:

This wonderful gem, "Toy Bus", by award winning artist Henry Kondracki.
This sweet painting is of one of Henry's own children's toys. As is this:

"Toy Giraffe" by Henry Kondracki. Brilliant!
Oddly, not long after finding the lonesome fire truck, "Toy Bus" found it's new home. Even better "Toy Bus" will share it's new home with an old friend.......

The cult "Ice Cream Van" by Henry Kondracki. I LOVE happy endings!
Leaving you with this:

Here's a wee snap of Henry Kodracki himself. Happy to learn the news of "Toy Bus" and friends, but rather less impressed with the advances of Union Gallery hound Tommy.

Have a great weekend everyone

Beep Beep!

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!

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
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