Perspectives

I love all things Cubisty - possibly not a real word - but they made up their own rules and so shall I!

David Martin RSW RGI - Ace of Clubs

Cubism was one of the most influential art movements of the twentieth century. It was begun by the powerhouses that were the Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1882-1973) and Georges Braque (French, 1882-1963) in 1907. 

Pablo Picasso - Three Musicians

Georges Braques - The Apple

They were greatly inspired by African sculpture, and by the painters Paul Cezanne (French, 1839-1906) and Georges Seurat (French, 1859-1891).

Paul Cezanne - Victoire

Georges Seurat - Sunday Afternoon on The Island of La Grande

Picasso and Braque initiated the movement when they followed the advice of Paul Cézanne, who in 1904 said artists should treat nature "in terms of the cylinder, the sphere and the cone."  The subject matter is broken up, analysed and reassembled in an abstracted form.

I have always been fascinated by these works, and about the uncompromising way in which these artists created paintings that flew in the face of what had come before.  It was a breath of liberating, creative, fresh air that has possibly influenced most artists since.

David Martin RSW RGI - The Round Table

It said it was okay to look at things differently from the way we are taught to process the world around us.  It says there is perhaps more than one way in which we occupy our world.

David Martin RSW RGI - Four Green Beans

I have therefore always been drawn to the works of David Martin.  Born only forty years after Picasso and Braques, it was perhaps inevitable that the young artist would be inspired by these incredible fathers of modern art.  Being in his late eighties now, David has been through many movements of his own, but these paintings are my personal favourites.

I find them inspiring and exciting, and I am thrilled to be exhibiting them just now at the gallery as part of a three person exhibition alongside Sian MacQueen RSW and David Smith RSW.

http://smithygallery.co.uk/currentExhibitions.htm

Thanks for reading!


Natalie

Champions

I surprised myself by being completely swept up in everything to do with the Olympic Games.  I have never really been a sports-lover, but the games opened up my eyes to what their forte can mean to the individuals competing, to the spectators, and to the people who have perhaps followed an individual career trajectory.  They witness the highs, the lows, and most of all the extraordinary passion and determination.

All of us who chose to get into the Olympic spirit saw this too.  We also saw how inspired people from all walks of life were and how the achievements of the athletes or lack there of (in their eyes) are echoed in so many other areas of life.

I believe that knowing your passion and being able to strive to achieve great things within that passion is an immense gift.  I think to be challenged and driven is one of the keys to happiness.  Whether this is to huge or tiny ends it doesn't really matter, but caring about it does.

I realise that the artists that I work with and admire all have this quality.  Some say it can be a double-edged sword.  Such personal drive can lead to heartache in the low times, but I believe that the passion for their work and hopefully enough highs, make up for this.

Thank you to the three wonderful artists who we are currently exhibiting.  They are all at different stages in their careers, but they all have this champion quality.  I admire them very much.

Sian MacQueen RSW . . . .

David Smith RSW . . . .

David Martin RSW RGI . . . .

To view more of this exhibition, please click on the link.

http://smithygallery.co.uk/currentExhibitions.htm


Thanks for reading!


Natalie

Coming Up!

We all need a holiday, even a break from something we love doing.  I have had my week far, far away . . . .

. . . . and now I'm back, happy to be immersed in all things gallery, particularly since the invitations have already been received for our brand new exhibition opening this Sunday.

All the paintings have arrived for this lovely mix of works by award-winning artists. When I finally see all the paintings together in the same room, even before they are hung, I get a strong feel for the exhibition.  It's different every time.  This one already feels cool, creative and calm.


We have one of Scotland's most reputable painters known the U.K. over, David Martin RSW RGI . . . .

Ace of Clubs

Sian MacQueen RSW, is becoming increasingly well known for her exquisitely textured ethereal scenes of Scotland . . . . 

Journey To Jura

And David Smith RSW, a vibrant Scottish painter gaining attention from the art world from here to London. . . . .

Fisherman's House, Coll

I am excited to say I have come back to a lot of enquiries already about the upcoming exhibition.  Always a good sign of things to come.

The exhibition previews this Sunday, 2pm to 5pm. The artists will be present and drinks and canapes will be served.  All are welcome!

To preview just now, click the link.

http://smithygallery.co.uk/currentExhibitions.htm


Thanks for reading!


Natalie