With Thanks

It has been an amazing year at Smithy Gallery. 

In such unpredictable times we have had a very good year, including four very successful solo exhibitions.  Thank you so much to George Birrell, Gordon Wilson, Sandy Murphy RSW RGI and Margaretann Bennett RSW for bringing excitement, colour, beauty and drama to the gallery. 

With each show, the space was transformed into a different world and took me with it.  I loved each one.

Thank you to all the wonderful artists that have supported the gallery since we opened six years ago.  And also to the new artists who have entrusted us with their work.  We would be nothing without you, except for four very characterful old walls, wooden beams, a slate roof - a very pretty cottage - but not the contemporary and stimulating place that I had always dreamt of.

And of course thank you to the customers, old and new.  It's lovely to see the gallery being enjoyed by regularly visitors, and it's lovely to be discovered.

Lastly, thank you to the special people in my life (you know who you are!).  You amaze me with your tireless interest in all things gallery, and you help me in more ways than you realise.  I simply couldn't do it without you.

Have a wonderful New Year.  See you in 2012!


Thanks for reading!


Natalie

Christmas Crackers

People keep commenting on how beautiful the paintings are in this year's Winter Exhibition.  It's music to my ears, and when I see the smiles and hear the lovely comments, it can make me feel all puffed up.  I realise that I see some of the paintings as my babies and I want them to be appreciated!

I also enjoy the discussion about what people like, and what they don't like, and why.  I love to show all different types of artists' work.  I think if an artist is good, then their work should be different.

That's what I look for, and hopefully it makes for an interesting exhibition.  I'm very pleased to say that the Christmas spirit is alive and well and many paintings have been lovingly bought as Christmas presents.  Here are some of the beauties that are still available!

From the top, we have a beautiful George Birrell, a striking David Martin RSW RGI and a gorgeously textured Alma Wolfson.

Above is a painting by the newly elected RSW David Smith, then a stunning figurative work from newcomer Felix Daly, and finally a flamboyant Henry Fraser.

Actually looking at the paintings that haven't yet sold, I realise that it really is a striking exhibition and I am delighted that so many people have enjoyed it.

There's still time to visit before Christmas.  But remember, a painting isn't just for Christmas, it's for life - what a gift!!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie