Hanging

All of the work arrived today for the Sandy Murphy exhibition: paintings, studies and sketches. 

 

Because I have been dealing with images for a while, it is such a pleasure to finally see the finished works, which in Sandy's case are always far superior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandy's attention to detail is also reflected in the way the works are mounted and framed. Everything is presented beautifully, adding even more to the quality of this exhibition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another bonus was having the artist there himself to help with the hanging of the exhibition. Sandy has put so much thought into this exhibition including how it will be presented in the gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a first in my experience, and it was a great thrill to have an artist I respect so much appreciate all the different ways that the gallery space can house an exhibition. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The way in which an exhibition is presented has great impact on how each individual work is viewed.  To work with someone who values this as much as I do was incredibly satisfying,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So it has been a good start, but there is a lot more to do before Sunday's exhibition preview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The works have to be seen to be believed.  The little studies are exquisite in their variety and lead to the most beautiful paintings.


For more information, please click on the link: 

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


Thanks for reading!


Natalie

Countdown

 

The catalogues for the Sandy Murphy RSW RGI PAI exhibition will have just been received and we have had so many enquiries about this exhibition already.

 

 

 

 

Purple Cloth

 

 

 

 

Anyone who knows Sandy Murphy's work, knows that the paintings look even better in person, so the excitement is building about the exhibition preview on Sunday 8 September.  Although some people are happy to buy straight from the catalogue without having to actually see the paintings at all.

 

 

Winter, Loudon Hill

 

 

 

 

This type of response is always wonderful, especially when I am as enthusiastic about a show as I am about this one.  I think Sandy Murphy is one of the best painters working today, and it seems I'm not the only one.  It's lovely to share with other people a passion and appreciation for a special talent. 

 

 

 

 

 



Autumn Trees



 

 

 

 

We are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the paintings, studies and sketchbooks.  They are due to arrive at the gallery at the beginning the week.

 

 

 

 

 



Study

 



Study

 

 

 

 

I am delighted that myself and the artist will be hanging this exhibition together.  This is a first at Smithy Gallery and it means that the exhibition will wholly be a representation of Sandy's work and also how he perceives it.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Birdcage and Lace

 

 

 

Images are now ready to view on the website.

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



Thanks for reading!


Natalie

Catalogue

We have just produced our very first exhibition catalogue.  The upcoming Sandy Murphy RSW RGI PAI exhibition is the special event we have been waiting for. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has been a delight to work with Sandy on putting a catalogue together that epitomises his vision for the exhibition. 

 

 

 

The exhibition will feature a rare glimpse into the artist's sketchbooks, moving onto the many studies in oil and mixed media and then onto the finished and beautifully framed paintings.

 

 

Without giving too much away, for Sandy's work always has to be seen in person, the catalogue represents an artist at the height of his career, confident enough to show the workings behind a finished painting.  This is possible because each study is a thing of beauty in itself.  The drawings and studies will be available to purchase alongside the paintings.

The exhibition previews on 8 September.  The catalogue is available on request.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

Natalie

Sandy Murphy RSW RGI PAI



We are busy putting together our catalogue for the upcoming Sandy Murphy solo exhibition and are loving every minute of pouring over the images. 


Galloway Moon

 

Hillside Ayrshire

Process: An Exhibition of Ideas, Sketches and Paintings is a rare chance to see the sometimes complex evolution of an idea into the finished painting. 
 



Study For Silver Flowe

Sketch



Sandy's sketchbooks will be on display, plus the initial studies and small paintings.

Loudon Hill

 

 

 

 

Blue Shade

 

The exhibition previews on 8 September.  The catalogue will be available on request.

 

Thanks for reading!



Natalie


Gallery News

We are back from our holidays and are busy organising a fabulous line-up of exhibitions for the rest of 2013.

Opening on September 8, we have an exhibition I have wanted to have since opening the gallery in 2005. 

Sandy Murphy RSW RGI PAI has been an inspiration of mine since I was an aspiring painter myself.  I believe that he is the best painter that Scotland has to offer.

This is an exhibition that he has always wanted to have and I feel very lucky that he is choosing to have it at Smithy Gallery.

Process: Ideas, Sketches and Paintings is a concept that I love.  Sandy is allowing people to see the development of a painting from its initial conception in the sketchbook. 

I feel that seeing into an artist's sketchbook is a little like being allowed a peak at their diary.  A very personal insight into how an artist really works. Also on show will be the multi-media works that Sandy works through until the final painting evolves into life on canvas.

Sandy will hang the exhibition himself in the way he wants his work to be viewed, a first at Smithy Gallery.

A beautiful catalogue is being produced for this exhibition.

Then in October, we have a first at Smithy Gallery.  I have often admired the bold and beautiful works by painter Liz Knox and am delighted to be hosting a solo exhibition of her new works Flowers and Circumstances.

Liz will be showing alongside renowned sculptor Tom Allan.  The gallery walls will be devoted to Liz, and the floor to Tom's marble and stone sculpture. A real meeting of the bold and the beautiful.

In November we are delighted to be presenting works by Alasdair Gray alongside Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE and Steven Camley.

Herald cartoonist Steven Camley had a sell-out show at the gallery in June and we are excited to have been approached by Alasdair Gray, a fan of his and of Edinburgh star Joyce Gunn Cairns, to hold an exhibition of works by these three dynamic artists, forerunners in their fields.

Watch this space for more information.

Thanks for reading!


Natalie

Happy Days

The sun is shining and Andy Murray won Wimbledon.  Happy Days!

 

The flowers are in bloom, and it's any excuse to enjoy the sunshine.  Scotland in the sunshine is extra-beautiful and we've had many people out and about and coming in to visit our Summer Exhibition

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun spills in, inviting people to stay a while and enjoy some of their favourite artists.  The choice this year is fabulous and I'm pleased to say that the work is leaping off the walls!

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For a look at who is showing, click the link!

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

The exhibition continues until this Sunday.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

 

 

Natalie

Margaretann Bennett RSW

I have been a fan of Margaretann Bennett's work for many years now.  Her work is incredibly recognisable, a quality I love in a good artist. 

Wraith

The work speaks for itself, but I am also a fan of Margaterann herself.  For me, knowing and liking the artist adds even more to the work.

She studied at Glasgow School of Art, graduating in 1991 and then worked as a freelance designer. A desire to experience other areas of artistic practice led her to explore etching and lithography. She has also studied paper-making, and the use of paper in an innovative manner is fundamental to her work.

Mystery

While her work has extensively explored landscape and still life, her more current work is figurative, as you can see. 

Whether real or imaginary, her characters have to have a strong sense of the individual, and people seem to have one of two reactions: unnerved or utterly compelled.  All I know is, they never stay in the gallery long.

What I like most about Margaterann is that she is utterly true to herself.  She isn't inspired by what sells.  For her, it's about the creation of the work and her development as an artist.  This is a rare quality indeed, and I admire it greatly.  She will take time and space to live and development and to see in what direction her work grows.  Having her work in the gallery, and the reaction that follows, is always an exciting experience.



Melody





Her strong work has deservedly gained in reputation over the years, and the awards have been plentiful including the Mabel MacKinlay Awards (RGI, 2011); The Scottish Arts Club Award (RSW, 2010); The Inverarity One to One Travel Award (RGI 2007); The Armour Award (RGI 2006); The William Bowie Award (PAI 2006); and she is also an elected member of the Royal Society of Watercolourists.

We are showing these paintings in our Summer Exhibition until 12th July.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie