Lights, camera and ACTION!

Hello everyone

I hope you are going to see some shows at the Edinburgh Festival. If so I do hope you will pop in and see the fabulous Kevin Low exhibition here at UG.
In the meantime here's a short and sweet video by artist Stewart Bremner of the Kevin Low exhibition opening night. Just paste it into your browser.
If you were there maybe you can spot yourself!

https://vimeo.com/71750061


If you're in Edinburgh this weekend the Kevin will be in the gallery on Saturday between 2-4.00pm to show a few of his tricks and talks about his inspirations behind the work.

I can't wait! x

Autumn Watch

Hello everyone

As always a warm welcome to our latest blog follower - hope you are well.

Continuing on the Autumn theme folks, I think I mentioned previously that this is my favourite time of the year to be out in the landscape. Autumn is a landscape painters paradise: amazing cloud formations, glittering light and enriched, enhanced colours.
I'm itching to be out in the wilderness currently, however meantime I am content with my usual stomping ground - Inverleith Park. In between throwing balls and scooping dog poo, I was amazed by this:

Ok, it's been amateurishly and hurriedly snapped, but I hope you "get the picture" (apologies for another feeble joke). I can categorically assert that the sky has not been enhanced or tickled with in any way....that's beyond my capabilities. Seeing this sky immediately made me think of:

"Morning of the Autumn Equinox". An exceptional and eerie painting by award winning artist Philip Braham.
We will see more of Philip's work next year....will keep you posted.

I have to confess to being annoyed with myself for not managing a couple of pieces of my own for "Landmarks II". I knew all the work coming in was going to be superb, but seeing it all hanging together, it really is quite beautiful. I would have loved to be a part of it. Take a look at this:

"Winter Solstice in the Strath" by Hazel Cashmore.

All the way from Thurso, Hazel Cashmore's latest paintings are truly gorgeous. I've been studying her "land meets sky" precision- and she really is the expert. I have also realised that, apart from the brilliant painterly qualities, she is also an expert with colour. These are colourful paintings, yet Hazel's discerning eye and control ensures they are never "shocking" or over the top. Her paintings are both dramatic and sexy, not to mention well observed.

Speaking of drama:

"Big Buachaille" by Beth Robertson Fiddes.

Wow....big skies, roaming mountains, it surely doesn't get better than this?

Of course I want you to come in and see all the paintings for real. This piece for example has exquisite collage work that you can't see here.

Next up. We will be taking a look at 3rd year ECA drawing and painting student, Martyn McKenzie. He's really, very good!!

Have a good 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.

Something for The Weekend I. (Just for fun.)

Ok so you can probably guess that we are quite serious about our Art round these parts. I have even been know to spin round with excitement whilst talking about certain artists.....(yes I am sure you do remember that!). Should you be lucky enough to stumble past the gallery windows you may even catch a glimpse of my screwed up wee face scowling at the computer screen. Deep in concentration. However, even I can allow the odd spot of humour to creep into the gallery.

So would like to share a few oddities with you:

Introducing the gallery hounds....

This cheery little face belongs to Tommy our adorable pooch form Boxer Welfare.

This is Harry introducing himself to Barbara Franc's "Palmer". Harry is also a rescue pooch and is proving to have a bit of a "nose" for art. As you will see from the next couple of pics.........

Harry was most taken by "David Hosie's "Man Observing Horizon". And was thrilled when he sniffed out the deadly talented Dylan Lisle's "Object of Desire".

We have probably mentioned our great fondness for Broughton Street. There is such a cool vibe round here and never a dull moment. Just the other day I managed to capture (badly...did I mention I am cack with a camera?) These curiosities.....

I have no idea what the over-sized monkey's head was all about. One can only assume (hope) that it was part of a float. There are a couple of other weird things in front of monkey. The next pic put a wee grin on the scowly face.

The next 2 images never fail to crack a smile. Just a few doors up from the gallery is the delectable Pizza Piccante. Suppliers of the famous Deep Fried Mars Bar. Just the ticket for sorting out the ARTeries! I know... awful.

Rob has just informed me that my lilly feet are not unlike hooves in this picture! Charming.....bring on the onslaught of insulting comments.

Just minutes walk from the gallery is the Edinburgh institution that is Dofos petshop. That wonderful frontage is unmistakable and hasn't changed for decades.

Now immortalised by award winning artist Henry Kondracki.

Once again the proud owners of this little masterpiece are overjoyed with their latest acquisition. Nice.