Kevin Low

Kevin Low is currently exhibiting in our new exhibition, Six Degrees of Separation.

I spotted his work a year or so ago and was immediately taken with it.  This response is always what I'm on the look out for, and it doesn't happen very often.

The Acrobat

His work is striking and enigmatic.  Each painting draws you into the world of a carefully crafted character, complete with back story, hopes and dreams.  They are at once intriguing, witty and mysterious.  And most intriguing of all, this isn’t painting as we know it.

Annie Copeland as the Ingenue from 'The Devil in the Wings'

Kevin is using a new technique to create his beautiful works.  Recently championed by David Hockney, the technique of digital painting is being explored by more and more artists.  Never to replace painting, it is another medium that can now be used to create works of art.

Miss Heatherwicke as 'Winter'



He draws and paints with a digital 'tablet' and 'pen', building up layers and layers until his vision is complete.  Then they are printed using the highest quality archival papers and inks. Each print is produced only in an edition of 10, making them pleasingly more affordable.  They will never be reproduced.

Parlour Window Waiting

Kevin is fast becoming one of Scotland’s best-known digital painters and we are delighted to welcome this new medium and it’s gorgeous results to Smithy Gallery.

The medium, like any other is secondary to what is created.  I think these paintings are beautiful and intriguing, and yes I'm taking one home with me!

Take a look at the website for all of Kevin's paintings at http://www.smithygallery.co.uk/CurrentInages9.html 

And just look at those red dots!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie



Six Degrees

I'm surrounded by beautiful paintings, hanging the new exhibition.  Six Degrees of Separation previews this Sunday and it is around this point that I start to get butterflies.  There is so much planning that goes into an exhibition.  And when that first exciting thought is so close to fruition, you want to get it right!  

I have invited six very different and successful artists to exhibit together, and luckily they said yes!



Kevin Low

Kevin Low is fast becoming one of Scotland's best known digital painters.  His work is striking and enigmatic.  Using the newest medium championed by David Hockney, there will only ever be ten of each, making them pleasingly affordable.  Each painting draws you into the world of a carefully crafted character, back story and all.  They are at once intriguing, witty and mysterious.  I want one.

 



Kirsty Wither



Kirsty Wither is a beautiful artist and a beautiful girl who has been the darling of the London and Edinburgh art scene for several years now.  Her shimmering landscapes and still lifes are an ode to the medium of paint, and look good enough to eat.  Her success is well-deserved and I am delighted to be showing her at Smithy Gallery.

Christopher Wood RSW

Christopher Wood RSW is a fabulous Edinburgh-based abstract artist.  He was recently honoured with the role of President of the Society of Scottish Artists.  His work graces many impressive public collections, and amongst his esteemed collectors are HRH Prince Charles (and me!).

Emma Waine

Another bold and abstract artist is young and upcoming artist Emma Waine. Already the winner of scholarships and awards, watch this space!

Alice McMurrough

I love Alice McMurrough.  Her paintings are steeped in theatrical characters, symbolism, legend and narrative.  Always strangely beautiful, the viewer must study the detail and make up their own minds.

Hazel Nagl RGI RSW PAI

Hazel Nagl is a really beautiful painter, with the accolades to prove it.  I have wanted to exhibit her work for a long time.  Her paintings are dramatic but tonally subtle, always imparting a sense of space and light.

The exhibition is now available to view online at http://www.smithygallery.co.uk/currentExhibitions.htm

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Birthday Wishes

Not once have I missed writing a blog post! 

Every Tuesday and Friday I love the chance to write.  However serious or frivolous, it's a pleasure to write, and a privilege that people take the time to read it.

But yesterday I missed one . . . for the very first time.  Well, it was my birthday, and I am of the opinion that birthdays are special, whatever digits you have clocked up!

So here I am, a day late, after running away on a birthday adventure.  I believe we are all children at heart.  That is, unselfconscious and in awe of the beauty of the world we find ourselves surrounded by.  So I was taken away on a beautiful adventure, exploring some of the gems of Scotland that when we lift our heads, we see glow and sparkle in all directions.

Now I am happily back in the gallery surrounded by all the new work for Six Degrees of Separation opening this Sunday.

I feel invigorated.  Very happy to have had my senses caressed by the wonderful flora and fauna of the Scottish landscape, but now very happily inspired by the spectrum of creativity that our wonderful Scottish artists enhance our world with.

Six very special and diverse artists will be exhibiting together in Six Degrees of Separation which opens at the gallery this Sunday at 2pm.  For details please check http://www.smithygallery.co.uk/index.html

I can't wait!


Thanks for reading!


Natalie

Six Degrees of Separation

Around half way through an exhibition, I have to turn my attention to what is coming next.  And it's a goodie, so here's a taster before the invitations are sent out!

Our next exhibition, Six Degrees of Separation, previews on 20 May.   This well known phrase refers to the idea that everybody on earth is approximately six steps away from everybody else.  So in effect a chain of people, places or events can be identified that links us all.

I'm using it to refer to six very successful artists, all with different backgrounds and styles, but who are now going to be linked by exhibiting at Smithy Gallery.  Six Degrees of Separation by John Guare also happens to be one of my favourite plays, so run with me!

More importantly, this is who is coming to Smithy Gallery . . . .

The beautiful Kirsty Wither, who has reached stellar heights over the last few years in London and Edinburgh is finally coming to Smithy Gallery.  And we're over the moon!

I am delighted that Edinburgh's Christopher Wood RSW will be showing alongside Kirsty.  One of my all-time favourite painters, his works have depth, passion and the most beautiful of palettes.  It makes me hungry just to look at them! I have a large painting of his hanging in my lounge, but I think it will be time for another one!

Then we have our youngest artist, Emma Waine.  I have been excited about her work from the moment I saw it.  She creates canvases of all sizes with a boldness and energy that you don't often see.  There is meaning behind all of her works.  She travels extensively with sketchbook in hand and notes all aspects of her journeys.  These experiences culminate in vibrant pieces that I just love.  She's been busy winning awards and scholarships and I'm so glad to be exhibiting this rising star.

I love it when out of the blue I see something different that completely captures my attention.  I especially love it when it also happens to be very beautiful.  This is work by Kevin Low and I had no idea just how different his work was until I asked him about it.  They are paintings, but they are painted digitally.  Not a paint brush in sight!  He uses the technique now being championed by David Hockney.  It is art, it is creation, but by means of a new medium.

Also working with a feather-light touch is Hazel Nagl, but with very different results.  She is a beautiful painter, creating works way beyond her subject matter.  I have admired her for many years.  Her work is unique to her and the paintings always catch your eye and lift your mood, like sun breaking through the clouds.

And then there is Alice.  Alice McMurrough creates worlds of dark, light, magic, symbolism and wonder.  They are beautiful and intriguing and these narrative works invite the viewer into a different world.  You can dip your toe in, or go the whole way!


Six Degrees of Separation - a wonderful play and soon to be a very wonderful exhibition!


Thanks for reading!


Natalie