Coming Next

We are in the middle of our TEN exhibition.  This exhibition, which continues until 9 August, is the beginning of the celebrations for our tenth year.  Our anniversary is in November, and we can't believe it's almost ten years already!

 

 

 

We are also excited about what's coming next.  Three very special artists are coming together for the first time.  Cate Inglis, Joyce Gunn Cairns and Henry Fraser are three very different painters, each as defined as the next.

 

 

Cate Inglis creates intricate and very beautiful urban scenes:

 

 

  

 

Joyce Gunn Cairns creates sensitive yet strong, evocative paintings featuring mainly figures and wildlife:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry Fraser is known for his emotive figurative paintings, imbued with dark humour:

 

 

 

 

 

 

This exciting three person exhibition opens on 16 August.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

Natalie

 

 

 

 

 

Henry Fraser and Paul Barnes

Our Tim'rous Beasties exhibition has some fabulous artists exhibiting, and here are two of them: Paul Barnes and Henry Fraser.





King Monkey by Paul Barnes





The Dawn of The Golden Owl by Paul Barnes

 

Paul Barnes' work is instantly recognisable. His ethereal works enchant the viewer. The subjects seem as if from a world of extended metaphor and gentle strangeness.

Black Deer by Paul Barnes

 



 

They are exquisitely painted in fine detail on a textured plaster base.  This creates a lovely juxtaposition between the rough and the delicate.

 

 

 

Craw Bogle by Henry Fraser

Henry Fraser is another artist whose work grabs the attention and intrigues the viewer.



We Use These For Meat by Henry Fraser



His paintings compel the viewer to connect at a deeper level. Whether it is the emotions felt or the memories triggered, the experience is a significant one and the lasting impression is one of warmth and affinity, but not always.





Not a Happy Bunny by Henry Fraser



Craw by Henry Fraser



These works and many more can be viewed until 18 May.

 

 

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



We're Not in Kansas Anymore . . . .

I live quite far away from the gallery and decided yesterday during Hurricane Bawbag (titter) that it wouldn't be a good idea to get in my car and face the fearsome gusts and flying branches. 



The gallery is housed in a 200 year old building - old sandstones, beams and a slate tiled roof.  As I stayed home, safe and warm, I worried that it may have been whisked away, Wizard of Oz style. 

Of course that would make me Dorothy (every little girl's dream) but even so, I am pleased to say that everything is as it should be - tiled roof is intact and oldie-fashioned swinging sign hasn't been blown off its hinges.

Inside, the Winter exhibition is still hanging beautifully, and bursting full of talent and treats.  Like Alma Wolfson's 'Mull Rainbow' . . . .

Sculptor Christine Cummings' little dog . . . . .

Gordon Wilson's 'Roister Doister' . . . . .

And Henry Fraser's 'Malina'  . . . .

The exhibition is packed full of beautiful paintings, ceramics and jewellery by the best and most varied of Scottish contemporary artists.  It's sure to keep us warm and fill us with wonder over the festive season!

So I'm glad to say we have a happy ending.  I see blue skies, even a little sunshine today!

Wait a minute . . . . hurricane, rainbow, little dog.  Does that look like the Tin Man to you?  Could Malina be a Wizard?!  Does this make me Dorothy after all, just a little bit?

Okay, perhaps I have a vivid imagination, but I think I'll wear my red shoes tonight anyway.

Thanks for reading!


Natalie

Mixing It Up

It's all change at the end of the month.  Our winter exhibition is going to be bright, beautiful, and fabulously eclectic!

At Smithy Gallery we like to show the best of Scottish art, and the best Scottish artists are bold, distinctive and unlike anybody else.  Take Batman here!  This is 'Self Portrait as a Superhero' by well known Edinburgh artist, Henry Fraser.  I love it, and I might have to have it!

This is a stunning painting by David Martin RSW RGI, and as far as I am concerned, he is a new old master.

This is the delicate touch of Marion Thomson.  I just love some warm looking snow, like marshmallow!

And figurative work by the fearless Gordon Wilson has the direct approach that people admire.  You can't avoid 'Roister Doister's' gaze, and why would you want to!

And brand new to Smithy Gallery, the wonderful Felix Daly.  I hope sleeping beauty here keeps warm this winter.  She is also going to be the face of this exhibition, she's on the front cover of our invitation.  Look out for yours, or contact the gallery if you would like to receive one.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie