S M I T H Y G A L L E R Y

Scotland's Best Kept Secret

2012-02-24T14:20:00.005Z

This is a phrase that was coined by a very well known Scottish painter, referring to the artist Laura Harrison. And I agree. In my opinion, this artist is one of Scotland's most versatile and she has quite a following particularly at Smithy Gallery. But her name isn't as well known as the talent demands. Until now!

We are delighted to at last be having a solo exhibition of Laura Harrison's most recent works. The work is arriving at the gallery now and the bubblewrap is being whipped off. Each painting is a feast for the eyes and heart. Her brush just oozes talent, and her still lifes and landscapes capture the viewer's attention and don't let go. Here's a sneaky peak as the paintings arrive!

Her grounding during the heyday at Glasgow School of Art in the 60s can clearly be seen. Her skill and her love of drawing and painting allow the expression and creativity to come out with a flourish. Each painting is full of life, with appreciation for the subject but moreso for colour and for painting itself.

She has also created a series of small flower paintings for this exhibition which I just love. Each one is quite beautiful and I definitely have to have one of them!

Laura Harrison's solo exhibition opens on Sunday 4 March at 2pm.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Get Them While They're Hot!

2012-02-21T20:28:00.001Z

This is the final week of our Affordable Art Show and I'm pleased to say that it has been a wonderful success. This annual exhibition usually is. Everything is priced under £500 and we exhibit works by thirty or more successful Scottish artists, but this year it has been especially good. And this is especially good news in these less than abundant times.

Visitor numbers have been up and consequently so have sales. I'm so interested in what sells. Artists and galleries have long wondered whether what sells is as random as the spin of the roulette wheel, or perhaps there is a general trend that the art-loving community is favouring.

I believe that there is something for everyone, but certain factors can't help but influence peoples' buying habits in general. Constant talk in the media of purse strings naturally makes us more aware and more protective of them. But people still want to be creative, to enhance their surroundings, acquire something unique and irreplaceable, and what I have noticed recently is perhaps the more unique the better.

The gallery has been selling work that is exciting, thought-provoking and not to everyone's taste, and this makes my heart skip a beat.

I love talent expressed in all its endless forms, but I especially love it when it is fearless. We are lucky that the artists we show at Smithy Gallery are individual, bold, subtle and thoughtful. They are brave enough to express themselves for all to see - fearless.

Thank you to all the wonderful artists who have taken part in this exhibition.

No images today, you will have to use your boundless imagination! Or better still, visit the gallery to see for yourself. The exhibition continues until Sunday 26 February.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Roll on Spring!

2012-02-17T14:02:00.003Z

Am I allowed to say that Spring is in the air yet? Well it is for me! I've been immersed in the beautiful paintings that make up our next exhibition opening 4 March. New Paintings by Laura Harrison.

These beauties are bold, confident and optimistic. I've been creating an invitation brochure that is hopefully worthy of the work. It takes time working with all of the images, but it gives me a great chance to absorb every detail of the paintings, which I love.

These are three of my favourite paintings at the moment. I love the life and movement injected into these 'still' lifes, and also the seeming simplicity of these beautiful tulips and snowflake flowers.

I think they are very clever paintings, but mainly they are a feast for the heart and soul.

There has been a lot of interest in this work already. Please contact the gallery if you would like to receive a brochure.

Natalie

It Must Be Love

2012-02-14T13:14:00.000Z

Love is in the air . . . . I know, but you can choose to ignore Valentine's Day, or you can open your heart to a little loving. Be it a plate of pasta, a small kitten, or a stunning painting you just have to have!

Here are a couple of beauties gracing the walls of the gallery at the moment.

Stunning . . . .

Kevin Low

Fabulous . . . . . .

Emma Waine

Intriguing . . . .

Gordon Wilson

And oh so cute . . . . . sorry, couldn't resist!

This isn't in the gallery

We at Smithy Gallery love dogs too.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Selling Well

2012-02-10T14:28:00.002Z

They say blondes have more fun. I think this Blonde is looking slightly perturbed because she is the only painting left out of Margaretann Bennett's collection of four at The Affordable Art Show (the three that sold were brunettes. . . . just saying . . .).

As I brush back my long dark hair, I'm pondering how well most of the artists are doing at our annual Affordable Art Show. Many are selling three or more paintings out of their collections of up to six. Emma Waine (below) has only one left.

Lovely Marion Thomson (below) has sold three of her five. I'm so proud when the artists sell well, but of course in an ideal world, I want everyone to sell just as well.

As always, it's almost impossible to predict which paintings will or wont sell, but sometimes I am surprised when an artist whose work I love hasn't sold. George Grant's work is sensitive, evocative and compelling. He's been popular at Smithy Gallery for a long time, and he has given us these beautiful small works.

I am interested in George's work because it stands out as something different. The edges are curved because he paints directly onto a wooden panel shaped that way. He works on layers and layers, building up a feeling as much as a impression of the landscape.

You really do feel something when you look at them, like you've have just caught a unique moment before the light changes. This one is called Postcard From Ailsa. Over the painting, the artist transcribes an old original letter or postcard. It's sweet and romantic and just lovely.

We've still got two weeks to go though and many more paintings to sell! I wonder what will be next . . . .

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Darling Buds

2012-02-07T15:14:00.000Z

I saw buds today, no question. Either crocus or snowdrop, pushing there way upwards, defying the icy soil and reminding me that . . . . spring is on the way!

Perfect timing for the exhibition we have planned for the beginning of March. Laura Harrison is well known for her still life and landscape paintings, but she has been creating a beautiful series of flower paintings.

Her work is very much about paint, texture and colour, and flowers are a perfect subject with which to convey energy, optimism and beauty.

Laura Harrison is well known at Smithy Gallery and there has been quite a bit of demand already for images of the new paintings, so here is a taster of some of the vivid flower paintings that will be part of the exhibition.

Spring is definitely in the air with sweet peas, tulips, daisies, and colour colour colour! But there is a joyful energy about the paintings that makes them extra special.

They are even more vibrant and beautiful in person. These are all smaller paintings and judging from her sales in the current Affordable Art Show, will be snapped up early on. The brochures will be sent out soon, so please note any interest as soon as possible.

New Paintings by Laura Harrison opens 4th March.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

A Good Year

2012-02-03T16:13:00.001Z

What a start to the year it's been! I'm so pleased to say that this, our fourth annual Affordable Art Show, is doing better than ever. Since it opened last Sunday, twenty-two paintings have sold, and twenty-one pieces of sculpture and ceramic!

I like to use numbers because it shows in black and white that it's still possible to thrive in the art world. The importance of art in our lives is still being recognised, and the talent that we have in Scotland is not only being appreciated, but it's being snapped up.

So what can follow such a successful show . . . . The diary of exhibitions for the year is I think, one of the most exciting we've had. With Smithy Gallery favourites, together with well known collectible Scottish artists who haven't exhibited with us before, the diary for the year is looking more than good. Here's a sneak preview:

In March, we have a long-awaited solo exhibition by Scottish colourist Laura Harrison . . . .

In April, we are showing works by the famed Alasdair Gray in a two-person exhibition with Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE, who I think is his east coast match . . . .

In May/June we have a group exhibition of works by acclaimed artists Kirsty Wither, Christopher Wood RSW, Hazel Nagl, Kevin Low and David Schofield. This will be a stunning showcase of artistic talent from bold expression, to intricate narrative detail. A must-see!

And then we have the honour of holding a memorial exhibition for the much-loved Carlo Rossi RSW RGI, who died in 2010 at the age of eighty nine. A wonderful painter and a wonderful man.

In August a three person exhibition with David Martin RSW RGI, Sian MacQueen RSW and Charles Simpson.

In September, I'm delighted to be exhibiting new paintings by Sandy Murphy RSW RGI PAI again. This time he will be showing in a four person show with his chosen contemporaries.

I've whizzed through most of the year, and so many possible paintings have whizzed through my mind, so I should stop here before I exhaust myself with anticipation!

And I don't wish to give it all away just yet anyway, so you will just have to stay tuned!

But I think it will be a good year.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Mum's The Word

2012-01-31T16:26:00.012Z

I'm so pleased to announce that I will at last be having a solo exhibition of new paintings by Laura Harrison, opening at the beginning of March.

She is one of Scotland's best kept secrets, and I plan to change that with this exhibition.

She studied at Glasgow School of Art in the 1960s under David Donaldson, Limner to the Queen, and is a true painterly product of the Art School in what I believe to be its heyday.

Some of Scotland's greatest talent emerged at this time. The 60s were such a powerful time, when the constraints on freedom of expression were being loosened, yet the artists were still under the umbrella of focused tutelage on the foundations of painting and drawing. There were mighty talents teaching at the school at this time, and they made sure students had the privilege of both structure and the freedom to express.

Laura Harrison has been a collectable painter for years. She has shown with Smithy Gallery several times in group exhibitions and has always been one of our best sellers.

But this will be her first solo exhibition with us, and that's why I'm excited because the work needs to be seen en masse for it's strength and beauty to be fully appreciated. The new paintings are beautiful. Bold and vibrant still lifes and landscapes. It will make for a strong and exciting exhibition. Just what I like!

And yes, she is also my mum, she gave me my love of art, and is my main inspiration.

We all know that family can be our biggest critics, so when I say that these paintings are very, very good, you know that I mean it.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Inspiration

2012-01-27T14:04:00.000Z

I'm so pleased to say that The Affordable Art Show is going well. The lovely little paintings have been flying off the walls (well not really, I like to keep my paws on the sold paintings until the exhibition ends - well it takes me ages to hang, and they look so good together!).

When all seems to be on the negative side in the news, it's so heartening to see not only beautiful, unique works being produced by hard-working artists - something that I don't think will ever change - but also to see other people taking such enjoyment in them, and then treating themselves to something special.

Perhaps I spend too much time listening to the the news, but all I need to do is to look around the gallery, and I find myself inspired again. Today I'm loving this little head by Margaretann Bennett RSW. I love that look, it draws you in.

And this little painting by Alice McMurrough makes me smile and gives me shivers all at the same time, fabulous!

Whatever is going on in the world, it's so important to find inspiration however you find it. Creativity is such a positive force: art in all it's never ending guises. Sometimes it's all around us, sometimes we have to seek it out. This is why I think galleries are important.

I believe art can be found in many things, but you should be guaranteed it when you visit a gallery. And you may not come away with a painting, but it would be my greatest wish that you would come away with a little inspiration.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

The Opening

2012-01-24T16:02:00.001Z

You never really know how well an exhibition opening is going to go. One Private View is always a little different from the last. This makes it exciting and a little nerve-wracking!

My thinking is this: as long as the work is exceptional - check! The hanging is done as well as possible - check! And you lavish your guests with champagne, canapes, music - check, check, check! The rest is up to the atmosphere created by each and every person that comes.

And the atmosphere on Sunday was fabulous. The moment we opened at 2pm, people arrived en masse and everyone seemed to be smiling and on and on it went. Twenty-six pieces sold, canapes vanished, champagne ran dry (always a sign of an opening above and beyond my imagination. Don't worry, it won't happen again!).

It was a fabulous party and I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you to all the art-lovers who came and enjoyed the show, and of course to the artists for the beautiful and eclectic work that made for a very successful start to a very Affordable Art Show.

Here is a little celebration of some of the beautiful paintings that sold:

Emma Waine's beautiful abstract piece, Indian Details. She's our youngest artist, fearless, and very much a rising star. . . .

The inimitable Gordon Wilson - already a star! This is Bea and Bee . . . .

The newly appointed RSW, Sian MacQueen. This is Midnight Rhino, I'm a huge fan of her work and we will be having a three-person show with her later this year . . . .

Our eldest artist, the highly esteemed David Martin RSW RGI. This is Mandolin and Pears and I am always delighted that he gives me small works for our annual Affordable Art Show. He's a very busy man . . . .

Just a small taster of the many beautiful pieces that sold. Of course we have many more paintings from these and many more artists. The exhibition continues until 26th February.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Get Ready For Sunday!

2012-01-20T22:03:00.034Z

I'm almost ready for The Affordable Art Show private viewing on Sunday. As all the paintings come together on the walls, I feel like I'm holding my breath until the very last one fits, and then. . . . . I look around and it's like finishing a Rubik's cube (I only ever got two sides, so I'm using my imagination!). Suddenly, the whole gallery seems to come alive and it's a wonderful feeling.

You see, that's why the hanging of an exhibition is so important to me. When it works, it's as if the gallery has had new life breathed into it - it's entirely different, and I love the effect it has on me. It's like beautiful fresh air.

So almost one hundred paintings have been hung, from around twenty-five of Scotland's best and most interesting artists. I can't wait to see the reaction on Sunday. Ooh, here's a taster!

We have Margaretann Bennett RSW . . . .

Alice McMurrough (I'm thinking many many things, but it's Ghostbusters that springs to mind!) . . . . .

Gordon Wilson (I love this tender painting, but you have to see it in person) . . . . .

George Grant (esoteric, atmospheric, evocative, only words that begin with vowels!) . .. . .

And Kevin Low (digital painter extraordinaire, yes digital! Creativity is creativity and beauty is beauty) . . . . . .

There are so many more diverse paintings included in this exhibition. Come this Sunday, 2pm to 5pm for champagne, canapes, music and then you can see for yourself.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

The Artist

2012-01-17T21:57:00.002Z

I just saw the film The Artist at the cinema. Sometimes I think we feel we have seen it all, that we almost expect to be disappointed. Isn't is wonderful when something is even better than you expected. The attention to detail was stunning. It was sweet, funny, uplifting. And it was original.

As much as I like a little familiarity in my life, originality is what I'm looking for. I have invited the artists that I admire to exhibit in The Affordable Art Show, opening this Sunday. Around twenty-five have come to the gallery with their collections of paintings, wrapped up like secrets.

I know each artist's work well, but every so often, when I peel back the bubble wrap . . .boom! It's like a new sensation. Just fabulous, one of the best feelings! And yes, I got it with this. Kevin Low's 'The Dancer Grace Han All Done Up Like Spring'.

Captivating, beautiful, and just a little bit different from traditional painting.

Yes, this artist has just what I'm looking for.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Good News!

2012-01-13T14:24:00.002Z

I love this bit. After much organisation, the invitations for the new exhibition have gone out, and the new paintings are starting to arrive! We always vary our exhibitions throughout the year, but the first show of the year is always our Affordable Art Show.

All of my favourite artists are invited, usually around twenty-five of them, and the one stipulaton is that everything is to be under £500. Anything else goes! This leads to a fabulous collection of work, bursting with colour, variety, and of course, Scottish talent.

My heart skips a beat as each artist comes through the door with several new pieces. It's also lovely for me to catch up with everyone after the new year break. I am very lucky that all the artists I work with are people I like, many of whom I consider friends. So a lot of coffee is drunk as we discuss the new work beginning to build up around us, and of course the art world in general.

I'm pleased to say that so many of the artists I spoke to today are selling well and having a busy time, when all is portrayed as doom and gloom. It's not, so spread the word!

And come to our Affordable Art Show on 22 January to see for yourselves!

Thanks for reading

Natalie

It's Affordable!

2012-01-10T14:20:00.001Z

The best thing about this time of year is our jam-packed Affordable Art Show which kick starts every year, like a strong cup of coffee!

We invite all of our favourite artists to exhibit a selection of paintings under £500. The works tend to be smaller, and we hang 'em high, so art-lovers have a lot more to choose from!

Here's a taster from the fabulous Gordon Wilson - My Boy and The Bee - gorgeous! I love this. We will be showing several paintings by Gordon, and also Sian MacQueen RSW, Emma Waine, David Martin RSW RGI, Laura Harrison, Tracy Butler, Ronald Smith RSW RGI plus many many more wonderful Scottish artists.

It's also a great time to introduce new artists to the gallery. I have invited a couple of exciting artists and can't wait to see the reactions to their work.

The exhibition opens Sunday 22nd January with champagne and canapes for those who found they didn't indulge enough over Christmas! Please contact the gallery for an invitation.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

With Thanks

2011-12-30T15:53:00.000Z

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

Warm and Cosy

2011-12-27T23:04:00.000Z

I'm feeling delicate in more ways than one. There is such a build up to Christmas and then bam, it's all over in a haze of wrapping paper, telly, food and family. Any routines are out the window and nobody knows what day it is! And I ate too much.

I'll be back at the gallery tomorrow, Wednesday I think. People love to visit the gallery at this time. It's a lovely time to relax and enjoy art in the no man's land between Christmas and New Year.

I've had a lovely Christmas, but I'm looking forward to getting back to the beautiful paintings we have for the Winter Exhibition. These two beauties by George Grant and Gordon Wilson are just an example of the range of work we have to brighten up the winter weather.

Logs will be crackling in the wood burning stove, and all are welcome!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

It's A Wonderful Life

2011-12-23T15:01:00.000Z

Christmas can bring all sorts of different things. It can be merry, it can be stressful, it can be poignant, it can be sad. We've probably all had different experiences at this heightened time of year.

This year it's been a very happy Christmas for Smithy Gallery. The gallery has just turned six years old (don't you just hate it when a birthday clashes with Christmas!) and even through these trying times, I'm so happy to say that with each year, the gallery has gone from strength to strength.

This is to do with a dream, but mainly it's about relationships. The artists we show are not only incredibly talented, but also kind and supportive. So many art-lovers frequent the gallery regularly, always with kind remarks and positivity.

I had always hoped to have a gallery that people felt happy in. A warm, calm but stimulating place to be. My dream came true.

I'll be taking a few days off over the festive period (opening times are on the website). I'll maybe do a little bit of relaxing, but mainly dreaming. No harm in reaching for the stars!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Christmas Crackers

2011-12-20T15:22:00.001Z

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

Beautiful Scotland

2011-12-16T18:44:00.000Z

The choice of Christmas card by Scotland's First Minister has recently been unveiled. Oh the pressure. He must have had a whole team working on this! I know I have terrible trouble choosing between a happy Rudolph full of festive fun, or a contemplative snow scene filled with an optimistic warm glow.

It is an intriguing choice because this piece of work is by Alasdair Gray, and it is multi-layered. This is hardly surprising coming from the brush of one of Scotland's most celebrated artists, writers and thinkers.

The painting is entitled Bella Caledonia, but the character of Bella first appeared in one of Alasdair Gray's novels, Poor Things. As he explains, “The original is lost long ago, but I have painted different versions of Bella. I changed the hat to a Glengarry and put a tartan plaid over her shoulder. The character is a strong woman with an enquiring mind and a sense of social justice, the qualities we would like Scotland to have also.”

This explains the First Minister's choice, but there is much more to Bella's character than that.

Poor Things has been described as a postmodern revision of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, with Bella Baxter as the central character, that of the monster. Having met her demise, she then becomes the centre of a love triangle, brought back to life with the brain of an infant . . . . I love Alasdair Gray - I so want to read this book now!

It has to be noted that the beautiful Bella is deliberately illustrated in a pose similar to that other genius's painting, the Mona Lisa. Just a Christmas card?

I think it's fabulous that like all great art, there is so much more to this work than immediately meets the eye.

Many deserving charities will benefit from the cards and the auction of the painting, and I think that the more appreciation of Alasdair Gray there is, the better. We Scots are not ones to toot our own horns, we do tend to keep quiet about great talent. He is an untrumpeted Scottish National Treasure!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Hidden Treasures

2011-12-13T15:08:00.002Z

I love discovering something wonderful that I wasn't looking for. Plans are all well and good, but there is nothing like turning a corner and seeing something unexpectedly beautiful or exciting. Isn't this what we remember most?

The gallery houses exhibitions of paintings, my first love. Having been a painter myself, I can't tell you how much I admire the boldness, skill and unbridled talent of the many different painters working in Scotland today. I am so lucky to have met so many of them, and to be able to showcase their work on the gallery walls.

Many visitors come to the gallery because they have been invited, or they don't want to miss the exhibition that's currently showing. It may be it a solo exhibition, a three person, or a large mixed show like the Winter exhibition on at the moment. But as they slowly walk round and take in the paintings, I see their eye being caught by small treasures that they weren't expecting to see.

How can any animal lover not notice this little Siamese . . . .

. . . . or this proud pooch?!

And anyone who likes to pour their milk in style in the morning, can't help but have their head turned by these beautifully crafted hand painted jugs! And if they like those, they will also love this fabulous ceramic platter.

The gleam in the jewellery cabinet always draws people in for a closer look. And many people leave happy with a surprise present for themselves or for another.

My first love is painting, but I'm happy to say there are treasures everywhere, if we just care to look in different directions.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

We're Not in Kansas Anymore . . . .

2011-12-09T14:32:00.000Z

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

Spoiled For Choice!

2011-12-06T13:34:00.003Z

Jeweller Sarah Anderson has been working hard to add more sparkle to the gallery with a new collection for Christmas. A graduate of Glasgow School of Art and a versatile jeweller, she works mainly in Sterling silver and freshwater pearl, creating intricately beautiful, yet affordable pieces.

I absolutely love the silver jewellery. Each piece is made up of tiny links, expertly chained together to create very different finishes. The Queens Link is big and bold (I have one of these) . . . . .

The Byzantine Link is small, shiny and delicate, like spun sugar (I have both of these) . . . . .

And the Flatmail Link extravagantly caresses the skin like a delicate chain mail (a Christmas present to myself this year I think!) . . . . .

There are other finishes too, all in bracelets, necklaces and earrings. She likes each piece to be versatile, so she does a beautiful range of charms in silver and stone and crystal that can be attached.

Her freshwater pearl work is exquisitely matched with silver adornments. Leaf twists or hearts, or a curled silver leaf encasing another pearl. She also incorporates Swarovski crystal work.

All Sarah's work is beautifully presented in black velvet and satin-lined boxes. An affordable extravagance!

Oops, now all my girlfriends know what they will be getting for Christmas!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

The Graduate

2011-12-02T22:36:00.002Z

I recently found myself exploring the hallowed halls of Glasgow School of Art. The richness of the wooden panels, the MacIntosh detailing, the sour sweet smell of oils. I found myself being transported back through through the decades, when so many of Scotland's great and good would have soaked up this atmosphere . . . John Byrne, Liz Lochhead, Robbie Coltrane, Peter Capaldi, Alasdair Gray. Just a few of the many talented and creative types amongst the art school's famous alumni.

It is a special place, and you can sense the creative weight of it when you enter through its beautiful doors. As they swing shut, it's as if you have left the grey of Glasgow's streets far, far behind and entered quite a different world.

It seems the talent in Scotland is burgeoning out of all of it's art schools. A more recent graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College is Felix Daly, and we are pleased to be showing two of his striking works in the current Winter Exhibition. Although I am told that the emphasis has changed in many art schools from a traditional grounding in drawing and paining, to a broader more conceptual one, I am excited to see this neglected grounding being so exquisitely expressed in Felix's work.

This kind of bold figurative expression is seen less and less. It makes the work all the more arresting, almost daring. And the large scale of the works, almost life-size, make them impossible to ignore.

I look forward to seeing what the younger graduate achieves. Maybe he will follow in the footsteps of Scotland's outstanding talents. Watch this space!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Comfort and Joy

2011-11-29T15:06:00.000Z

I've been desperately trying to hold onto Autumn, but I think it might be time to let it go. . . . but look, I have this to console me, the Winter Exhibition is now open!

The gallery is filled with paintings, ceramics and jewellery by over twenty-five brilliant artists. And it's a delight to see such vibrancy and beauty during this cold, grey, and today, completely soaking time of year.

Okay, it's winter, who am I kidding! But people have been streaming through the Smithy doors today to see the show. And such lovely customers they are. I have a bad cold and have even lost my voice, but they don't seem to mind me communicating through sign language. Maybe it's better that way . . . . Some have even taken pity on me and are buying early Christmas presents to cheer me up. Possibly not the main reason, but it has cheered me up!

What has also cheered me up is the beautiful new work that is surrounding me. Look at the stunning figurative painting above by newcomer to Smithy Gallery, Felix Daly. It is truly beautiful, and I can't wait to see what this young artist does next.

I have many more beautiful works to share with you, but today Felix's painting is my favourite, it's so calming and comforting. Much more to come though!

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

The Big Day

2011-11-25T19:42:00.002Z

I'm tired, but I'm happy.

I'm really pleased to say that I have just finished hanging a new exhibition. The Winter exhibition. It's really the Christmas exhibition, but I think that lovely word sometimes has a 'come and buy something or else!' tone about it, when the gallery is more about 'come and enjoy, relax, peruse . . . . . '

' . . . . . and then buy, because you simply can't live without that beautiful unique piece of art that will enhance your home and your life forever!'

I love, love, love hanging exhibitions. It's like a huge puzzle that I have to solve, fitting all of these glorious works into the gallery, ensuring each and every one of them shines out, whilst creating a beautiful and balanced space.

The atmosphere in the gallery is very important to me. I guess it's like my home, except the artists that I like and respect have entrusted me to take care of, and show off their hard work and talent. It's very important to me that their work is showcased properly.

So I hope I've done a good job. I guess I shall find out when the exhibition opens this Sunday. Ooh, did I mention it's the gallery's birthday that day?! Six years old! A baby really. Well, a handful that's talking back! And it is. It's full of life, some surprises and lots of treats.

So please come to the show this Sunday. I would love to see you there. Birthday cards and presents are all welcome . . . . !

Thanks for reading!

Natalie