PPPPPARTY!

Hello everyone

And a big welcome to our latest follower. We shall endeavour to entertain and amaze you at all times :)

So last week saw Union Gallery reach it's 1st Birthday. How time flys when you are enjoying yourself!
Unfortunately we were a tad too busy last week to celebrate, however that will change this Thursday evening from 7pm, so come along if you fancy a bit of a knees up. Not to be out done by the Queen, I have decided that I too can have a couple of birthdays. I am really looking forward to having all the brilliant artists that exhibit here for a party. Coverage will follow.

A tasty birthday treat from our fabulous neighbours at Treacle Bar next door.

Going to leave you with this:

Yes, I know. Some of you will be bored to death at me raving about my lucky find. Tough! I just want to say one last time that this is a REAL 4 leaf clover that I managed to find amongst a sea of flesh in Iverleith Park a couple of weeks back. I have decided that it's new home will be in Union Gallery and it will hopefully pass a bit of luck onto anyone who visits. It lives in the main gallery space and I am offering up a bottle of bubbles to the eagle eyes who spot it first!

Sunday will see me attending a red carpet affair hosted by Sir Sean Connery....it's his birthday too. I am sure he will be needing an original work of art to mark the occassion. Again, coverage to follow.

Speak soon

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.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Hello Everyone,
Union Gallery welcomed the arrival of a film crew from Republic Productions the other evening.  On the recommendation of a client who had recently purchased a particularly nice Jenny Matthews - thanks!  They used the gallery space to film a new commercial for Scottish Widows.

The wonderful crew from Republic Productions

There is even talk of a small cameo role by yours truly.....Cannes here I come!  Keep your eyes peeled for some lovely shots of the gallery on your telly soon.

And leaving you with this happy image:

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Roca the other day.  At nearly 12 years old, Roca is absolutely adorable.  As you can see, he made himself right at home in the gallery.
This is the final weekend of the Jenny Matthews solo exhibition, so it's not too late to come in to view what has been a truly stunning and hugely successful exhibition.
Last but by no means least: massive congratulations to our friends Rory and Olivia, who's first born arrived on 28 May.  Also sending best wishes to lovely artist Sally Johns on her wedding day - today.  Look out for Sally's new work in our next exhibition - she's been busy!   

Special Petals

Hello everyone
So the Jenny Matthews exhibition continues to impress and delight all those who view her work.
Even the boys from as far as Bavaria couldn't help but be moved by these beautiful paintings.

Interesting the groom to be's favourite piece was "Wild Roses and Campion" explaining (in his better English than my German) that his missus to be would love it. Sadly, there were a few other parties that also loved it so he couldn't have it!

"Wild Roses and Campion" by Jenny Matthews. Very delicate and summery, beautiful.
Leaving you with this. I mentioned before that humble Union Gallery cactus played an important role in Jenny's exhibition. The cactus, as old as myself, (so not very old at all!) spends the whole year looking dowdy and as one gallery visitor observed "like it's been sat on by a cat". However, in the month of May it explodes into life with a spectacular display of gorgeous pink flowers:

Right on time for Jenny Matthews exhibition. Good things happen in May, the weather makes an improvement, trees blossom and little birds are born. It's an uplifting time of year and the perfect month to exhibit Jenny Matthews work.

Little Things

Hello everyone

We had a gorgeous end to the day on Wednesday, so I thought I would take a relaxing stroll round Inverleith Park with Union Gallery hound Tommy.
I think I'm very lucky to live in such a wonderful city and to be able to find places of calm and nature just a short stroll away. On our travels I spotted this little fella:

This is a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly. It is the same species that features in Jenny Matthews painting.....

"Moonlight Meadow" by Jenny Matthews. The butterfly in this gorgeous painting has been lovingly observed from life. This is the actual butterfly that Jenny found on her doorstep one December. Amazing!
I like this painting a lot. I particularly like the contrast between the meticulous detail, say the tiny blue dots on the butterlfys wings, and the lose and fluidly painted background. You probably can't see from this little image, but there is also some exquisite drawing work in the foreground...again in black. Very slick indeed.
Leaving you with this:

Bang on trend! Even Union Gallery hound Tommy is getting into the feel of Jenny Matthews' exhibition with his own little floral offering. However, DO NOT be fooled by his cutesy appearance!
Speak soon

BLOOMING LOVELY

Hello everyone

Friday night saw us have a thoroughly enjoyable opening of Jenny Matthew's solo exhibition.....even the weather went according to plan!
The exhibition is truly stunning. The paintings are both beautiful and uplifting to look at and it's lovley watching the response of visitors. Everyone who sees the paintings are touched by them. It's so rewarding to see so many smiles and great that Jenny is getting such wonderful feedback.

A lot of very impressed visitors that night. Good stuff.

A huge thank you to Jenny for all her hard work......was certainly worth it!

This is one of my (many) favourites. "Marie's Choice". Titled because, on seeing the unusual and exotic flower, Jenny's daughter became quite excited. The flower is "Celosia", meaning "pink fan flower" and it originates from the Tropics. Beautiful .....well done Marie.

Speak soon

AWSOME BLOSSOM

"April showers bring forth the May flowers". English Proverb.

The last year has seen Jenny Matthews working and prepairing for her show. This exhibition will be both beautiful and uplifting to view. Just the ticket!

Opens Friday x