Snappy Snap Snap

Here's photographer Garry Maclennan snapping away in the gallery earlier today.

We had a really fun day and got lots and lots of new photographs for the web site and our new gallery leaflet - which I'm about to start designing.

Getting good exterior shots of the gallery is always a challenge, with the large reflective window, but we got some great ones today. Garry also took some portrait shots of us - not the easiest job in the world as we both feel rather self conscious in front of the camera but he did a great job making us smile (in fact I didn't realise how serious I look when I'm not smiling - eeek a bit scary!).

Man with a Blue Scarf

I've just finished reading Man with a Blue Scarf - On Sitting for a Portrait by Lucian Freud, written by Martin Gayford.

Joss bought the book for me as we went to Paris together last summer to see Lucian Freud's exhibition at the Pompidou Centre.

Freud is one of my favourite artists and I found this book fascinating. I loved reading about his working routines, his complete love affair with paint, his opinions on art and where he likes to go for dinner!

Martin Gayford also wrote the superb The Yellow House so I was already familiar with his excellent writing. The Man with a Blue Scarf takes you through the months that Martin spent sitting for Freud. He weaves in conversations they had and recounts the painstaking progression of the painting. It made me more enthusiastic about Lucian Freud's work than ever. I think he captures in his paintings the essence of what it means to be human. This book helps you understand the fleshy reality of his life and work. Brilliant!

Spirit Of Air - Lizzie Farey @ The City Arts Centre, Edinburgh

Just over a week ago I went to see Spirit Of Air, Inscriptions by Lizzie Farey at The City Arts Centre in Edinburgh. It is a completely uplifting exhibition.

I had such a lovely day - I met up with my cousin, her partner, and their nine week old baby. Little baby Rosa was fascinated by all the exhibitions that we took her to see.

We started at the Gallery of Modern Art and saw Alasdair Gray's paintings. We then walked through the very snowy streets of Edinburgh and went to see the three Vermeer paintings at the National Gallery of Scotland.

And finally, on to the City Arts Centre and Lizzie Farey's exhibition. My cousins had been to Lizzie's studio during Spring Fling, so they know how she worked, but they hadn't seen her latest large scale pieces. 'Aerie', as you ascend the stairs to the the exhibition, is quite beautiful and looks perfect in the space.

LIZZIE FAREY Take Flight

Lizzie making last minute adjustments before the show opened

Spirit of Air is on until the 27th of February 2011.

Dark Skies, Bright City - Amanda Simmons

New to the gallery this January, fabulous kiln formed vessels by Amanda Simmons.

The pieces are inspired by Amanda's experiences of living in London and then moving to Corsock - a remote village in Galloway. The dark night sky in Corsock couldn't be more of a contrast to the bright lights of London.

I just love the orange and black vessels, the colour seems to glow.

At this time of year it's energising to have vibrant new work coming into the gallery.

Free Postage and Packing on our Web Site

To celebrate everything getting back to normal after the holidays we're offering free Postage and Packing on all 'add to cart' items on our web site for the next 48 hours - offer ends 5pm January 6th. 

www.mcgillduncangallery.com

Cheer yourself up with some great artwork for your home or stock up on greetings cards for all your Christmas thank-you letters.