Sneaky Peak

It's the calm before the storm, no that's not it . . . . it's the eye of the tornado, no that's wrong too.  It's the other way round.  It's the frantic paddling of inelegant feet underneath the gliding swan!  It's the chaos before show-time, it's . . . . . 

. . . . . hanging week!  And it's the part I usually don't let anybody else see.  But hey, I'm in a sharing kind of a mood.  Gordon Wilson's solo exhibition previews this Sunday, and getting over fifty of his new paintings from the safety of their wrapping up onto the spotlight of the gallery walls, in the most thoughtful and balanced way is . . . . important.  It is to me anyway.

I see it like a puzzle in a way.  My aim is to first of all fit all of the artist's work in, but only in a way that shows each and every piece as if the spotlight was only on it.  Because each piece of art deserves that, it demands it if it's good enough.  And these pieces are.

I know, I hope, that I'm getting the end result that I am wishing for.  For all of Gordon's hard work and for the gallery too. I need to be all ready for Sunday. 

Then it's champagne on ice, chocolates piled high, music on, deep breaths and  . . . . . show-time!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie  

They're Here!

It's a beautiful day today.  The little cottage garden outside the gallery is blooming, but something far more important is happening. . . .

The new Gordon Wilson paintings have arrived! 

The gallery walls have been stripped bare, the Summer exhibition dismantled and carefully wrapped - always a little saddening.  But when the new paintings arrive just in the nick of time, again the excitement builds!

Gordon has accomplished quite a collection for his solo exhibition.  This is just one corner of the gallery, and from what I can see nestling beneath the bubble wrap, it's going to be a full and fabulous show!

I have seen all the images, but now I get to unwrap, get close up and personal, and enjoy soaking up the nuances of the paintings in the days leading up to the private view this Sunday. 

It's a process and a challenge that I love.  It can be hard work hanging an exhibition in order to do justice to the time, effort and talent of the artist.  Scissors at the ready. . . . !

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Preview

There is nothing like a preview to whet the appetite! 

The Gordon Wilson solo exhibition opens at the gallery on Sunday 31 July and the paintings are not due to arrive until next week. 

But I have these!  Beautiful images of what's to come. And there are so many more to come. . . .

This will be the second solo exhibition that Smithy Gallery has held, and Gordon has put together a collection of new paintings especially.  I am particularly excited to be dedicating the gallery to his work.

Gordon Wilson is one of Scotland's rising stars.  Having been an artist and framer for around 20 years (he's still a young'un at 43) his painting career has been on an upward trajectory, particularly in the last couple of years. 

His bold, unapologetic style has won him, yes I'll say it, a fan-base!

Many art-lovers won't just buy one of his paintings, but several, as they fall for the energy, passion and thoughtfulness that each work conveys.

As you can see from this mini-preview, his subject matter is also diverse as I don't think Gordon's enthusiasm for painting and for life, could be communicated through just one.

If you would like to view the paintings first-hand, the actual preview is on Sunday 31 July at 1pm.  It will be a lot like this, but with champagne and people and a lot more paintings!

Oh and Gordon will be there too.  And as anyone who knows him will say, it's worth a visit just to meet the man himself!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Summer Lovin'

This summer, we're loving Victoria Maxwell MacDonald . . . . . 

Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE . . . . 

Emma Waine . . . . 

Henry Fraser . . . . 

David Martin RSW RGI . . . .

and Joe Hargan PAI . . . .

With the work of over twenty artists combining to fill the Smithy walls, come rain or shine, the mood of our annual Summer exhibition has been bright, beautiful, subtle, humorous, divisive, inspiring and worth seeing.  

Above are just some of the artists whose work we are lucky enough to be showing this year.  Get them while they're hot!

The exhibition continues until Sunday 24 July.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Temptation

One of my favourite Oscar Wilde quotes is:  'I can resist everything except temptation.'

Oscar of course was a master of observation, a genius, and the most I have in common with him is that I could have said that one myself.  So like me, prepare to be tempted! 

The Summer exhibition continues until 24 July and I'm busy organising Gordon Wilson's upcoming solo exhibition. 

But it just wouldn't be right unless we had a fanfare of new and exciting treats to accompany Gordon's work.  Icing on the cake shall we say.  Although the hard-working sculptors, jewellers and ceramicists might have a word or two to say to me for suggesting that their work is mere icing.  Although some say the icing on the cake is the best part . . . no, all cake is good . . . . anyway, I digress!

We have new jewellery, ceramics and sculpture winging its way to the gallery, hopefully in time for the Gordon Wilson private view on the 31 July.

Jewellery by Sarah Anderson, animal sculpture by Christine Cummings, clocks by Ian Roberts and ceramics by Anne Morrison.  A feast!

Sorry . . . .no photos yet, you'll just have to wait . . . tempted though?  I know I am!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Hmmm the blog doesn't feel right without a photo.  So, here's Oscar for you . . . . .



Gordon Wilson Goes Solo!

I've just been to the printers to collect the catalogues for the next exhibition.  The Gordon Wilson solo exhibition opens 31 July and promises to be, dare I say it, fabulous!

Here's a sneaky peak of the front cover.  But there are fifteen more images within its pages.  If you would like to get your hands on one, email the gallery with your address details and I'll post one out to you.  They don't go out until 19 July, but if you are quick, perhaps you can get in there first!

Oh, and for those of you who aren't aware of Gordon Wilson, you soon will be.  His work is dynamic, powerful, full of life and magic and when most people look at his work, well they've just got to have one!

More on Gordon as we count down to the exhibition.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie



Thinking Ahead

As you may have been able to tell from my last two posts, I've been thinking ahead.

Of course I always focus on the current exhibition, but it so happens that we have three very exciting solo shows coming up at the gallery.  Gordon Wilson is next at the end of July, then Sandy Murphy RSW RGI PAI in September, and then . . . . . this!

Margaretann Bennett RSW is another exciting Scottish artist whose work we are lucky enough to exhibit.  Thought-provoking, daring and beautiful work, she is a rising star in the British art scene, winning awards and capturing hearts, minds and imaginations.

Two of these paintings were snapped up in previous exhibitions, and one we have currently in our Summer exhibition.  I won't tell you which is which though, because you will only think you want the sold ones more!

Margaretann applies her distinctive and delicate style to several subject matter, not just figurative.  The solo show will reflect this - it promises to be a dramatic and beautiful exhibition from an exciting and uncompromising artist.

The exhibition is in October, so this is only a taster. 

I will keep you updated with news, images and musings from all the exhibitions as time goes on.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Sandy Murphy RSW RGI PAI

I'm very, very excited. 

One of my dreams when I was younger was to have an art gallery when I grew up.  Check!

Then, when I was lucky enough to know and love the work of so many artists, the dream was to one day have an exhibition by the artist Sandy Murphy. 

I was a painter myself and it was Sandy's work that I most admired.  He is a truly wonderful artist, and when I look at his work, it can literally take my breath away.  The layering, the texture and the exquisite colour unites in an alchemy, yielding a beauty to behold.

This has been a dream of mine for a long time and it's happening in September.  I'm over the moon!  If anyone isn't familiar with his work, then have a look as these three beauties, although nothing compares to seeing them in person. 

 

These three paintings will be part of his featured artist show which opens 4 September.  Please put it in your diaries and if anyone would like to receive a catalogue, email the gallery with your address details and I will be happy to send you one when they are available.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Multi-Tasking

There's a point when I'm running an exhibition when I have to start thinking about the next one. Of course the exhibitions are booked months in advance, but it's when the artist or artists start to send images of the new paintings, that I begin to get excited. 

So here we go . . . a taster! 

After the current Summer exhibition, we are having a solo exhibition with artist Gordon Wilson.  Gordon, a relative youngster (anyone under 45 is considered young in the art world!) has been taking the Scottish art scene by storm, with his bold paintings and ebullient personality leaving a trail of admirers in his wake.

The exhibition opens 31 July and I will be sharing more about Gordon and his paintings in the run up to it. 

In the meantime, as the images come in, the invitation/catalogue for the exhibition will start to take shape.  I take much time and pleasure in the design, as I enjoy getting a semblance of the mood and the feel of the upcoming show

So I'm multi-tasking, focusing on the current exhibition and all that entails, whilst allowing myself to get excited planning the next one.  I am also listening to Andy Murray play in the Wimbledon semi-final.  So it's proper multi-tasking!  Go Andy! 

And of course, go Gordon!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie