New 'St Andrews' painting by Jackie Gardiner

'Moonrise, St Andrews'

St Andrews is in full 'summer swing' at the moment, with lots of holiday makers from the United Kingdom, Europe, and across the world.

St Andrews is somewhere which is instantly recognisable to people from all corners of the globe, which is why we are delighted to have another beautiful oil painting of St Andrews by our regular artist Jackie Gardiner.

Jackie Gardiner has been a successful artist for 20 years now, and her work is featured in personal art collections such as The Earl of Strathmore's, Ernst and Young in Edinburgh and Karademir House. Her paintings have sold all over the world - travelling to places such as Singapore, Canada, South Africa, and of course, the UK.

Artery Gallery had been lucky enough to consistently exhibit Jackie's work for the last four years, with many keen followers regularly visiting to see her new work.

Artery Gallery, St Andrews, is open 10am - 5pm Monday - Friday, 10am - 5.30pm on Saturday, and 12 - 4pm Sunday.

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Sculpture - Stone, Steel and Glass

We have always had a an interesting collection of sculpture here at Artery Gallery and at the moment we probably have the widest selection ever, so here is a break down of just some of the sculptures we are currently exhibiting:

"The Golden Fish" by Alexandros Arabatzoglou

This stunning Golden Fish sculpture is hand carved from stone and built into a bronze frame. The techniques Alexandros uses to create his sculptures are unique only to him, which makes his work all the more special.

Alexandros comes from an art family and right from being a child, he was involved in the art of jewellery making through his father. He was designing and creating unique pieces and he was selected as one of the finest modern Greek artists by the BBC. Soon he discovered his passion for harder materials, and he started to work with bronze and different kinds of stones, clay and glass. After many years of work, he has managed to match these materials together, and create his own style in modern art. All his pieces are unique (editions of one). He has taken part in many exhibitions all around the world and many of his sculptures are in private collections.

"Horse's Head" by Whittle Design

This intricately designed steel horse head is created using individually cut and shaped steel panels.

Husband and wife team Kerry and Natalie Whittle work form a small workshop in the countryside near Plymouth.

They currently create a wide range of objects including sculpture, mirrors, wall panels, clocks and bowls from distressed steel combined with bronze. Particular interests are the creation of colours, textures and forms in metals by developing unique heating and forming techniques which are only possible through hand made production.

"Boy and Dog" by David Keenan

Working as a glass artist in Cheshire, David has also spent 8 years working on a glass artwork project in the West Indies, during which time, he developed the style of contemporary art glass that has dominated his work. David has built up a strong reputation for his glass sculpture and has in the past been commissioned to design several sculptures that have been gifted to royalty, including Her Majesty the Queen.

"Nine Walking Figures" by Frank Wilson

The nine figures are all created individually by building layers of molten steel, then each figure is welded together either by their hand or by their foot, making one singular sculpture.

Whilst in medical practice, Frank Wilson developed an interest in metal, which sprang from his work in orthopaedic surgery where very special, sophisticated steels are used to perform life-enhancing operations.

As a contrast to such high performance materials, Frank developed the use of any steel he could lay his hands on which was weldable electrically. Frank's work grew in quality and variety over many years and now his main interest is creating minimalist human relating pairs or larger groups of figures. Each piece is individually made so there are never two exactly alike. He has been making steel sculptures for over thirty years since he was a doctor in Yorkshire.

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Celebrating Our 3rd Birthday In St Andrews

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Artery Gallery in South Street, St Andrews is celebrating an exciting and enjoyable three years in the town.

There has been great excitement and enthusiasm from the many UK and overseas visitors along with tremendous loyalty and support from local people who have claimed it as their own favourite shopping “hot spot” since the opening in May 2006. The continued growth and variety of local, national and international artists has been the major factor in Artery Gallery’s development from the early beginnings of the Crieff gallery, to the expansion of the St Andrews branch, through to its award winning website, www.arteryuk.com which brings orders and artists from across the world.

2009 has started off very bright and busy thanks to Artery’s philosophy of providing art that is more affordable and accessible, with an increase in purchases of paintings which could be a result of less people moving house and instead wanting to wake up their own walls and living space with fresh, new art.

Contemporary paintings from exhibiting artists such as Derek Collins, Colin Carruthers and Jane Duckfield continue to prove popular purchases as well as newcomers Susan Lincoln and Robert Ryan amongst many others. Thought-provoking paintings from popular artists such as Steve Johnston, Andrew Baines and Scott Carruthers continue to inspire and attract collectors from far afield.

The Director of Artery says, “Despite the gloom out there, artists are producing some of the most exciting and vibrant work we have ever had. It makes for a really promising year ahead”.

Artery is constantly bringing in quality handmade art and craft, which means there is always something new. With birthdays, weddings, graduations and anniversaries all year round, there is increasing demand from people who are looking for unique handmade art gifts as opposed to high street mass-produced items. Scottish artists such as John McPhail, Ronna Elliott, Rob Mulholland, Daniel Kavanagh and Mike Hunter are all proving that Scottish craft is as strong as ever.

Handmade jewellery has continued to show great popularity in the St Andrews gallery with Artery exhibiting works from nearly 20 different designers, all very different and unique in techniques, materials and style. Wedding jewellery has also seen a huge increase this year with many St Andrews couples having their entire party bedecked in individual and memorable pieces from Artery.

Artery Gallery has become part of the fabric of St Andrews, and like the town, is full of great character, style and individuality and if the last few years have been anything to go by, it will celebrate many birthdays to come.

Artery Gallery at 43 South Street, St Andrews (01334 478221) and 22 King Street, Crieff (01764 655722).

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*New* David Keenan - Handblown Glass Sculpture

We are proud to introduce glass artist David Keenan as our latest exhibitor to Artery Gallery in St Andrews.

His sleek, slender figures are formed from hand blown glass and finished with a smooth frosting effect that gives his work a wonderful feel of contemporary elegance.

David is an international glass artist, whose work has been in numerous specialist glass exhibitions, including New York, Puerto Rico, and London. His contemporary glass artwork is held in prestigious collections all around the world.

"Ribbon Dance" - £85

Training as a glass artist at the mark studios in Cheshire, David also spent 8 years working on a glass artwork project in the West Indies, during which time, he developed the style of contemporary art glass that has dominated his work. David has been commissioned to design several sculptures that have been gifted to royalty, including Her Majesty the Queen.

Each glass sculpture is individually handmade and signed by David.

We think you will agree that his work is absolutely stunning and really does have to be seen to be fully appreciated.

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Beautiful Mixed Media Landscape Paintings from Monica Paton

Sometimes the best things really do come in small packages. These small 20cm x 20cm box paintings from Monica Paton are one of our most popular artworks we have here at Artery Gallery, so much so that they are never in the gallery for very long from the moment we put them out on display.

"The Field 4"

Monica graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in 2001 with a first class Design Degree in Printed Textiles. Her work has evolved from the inspiration and techniques she developed during her time at Art College and has involved the exploration of screen-printing onto fabric and manipulating surfaces using batik wax and dye.

The inspiration for her work is nature and the surrounding landscape and the imagery and designs she produces are drawn from the shapes and patterns found in this environment. She is particularly interested in creating designs using collage and combining this material with paint, pastel and inks.

"The Field 2"

The wild dandelions found in her garden became the source of her inspiration for the “Wish” series of paintings, using acrylic ink and paint. These paintings have in the past been created onto large box canvas, but now she has created these small versions in the same form as her popular "Field" series.

"The Wish"

The wild dandelions found in her garden became the source of her inspiration for the “Wish” series of paintings, using acrylic ink and paint. Monica is continually experimenting with different mediums and surfaces to explore their creative potential. The images are aimed at expressing a stimulating atmosphere which then captures the imagination.

Monica Paton is a wonderful artist and the expression she uses in her work shows off her personality beautifully.

And at just £70 these original paintings are a must have!

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New Andrew Baines Originals

"Escape of the Corporate Battery Hen" by Andrew Baines

We are very pleased to announce the arrival of 2 brand new original paintings by the much celebrated Australian surrealist, Andrew Baines.

In typical fashion, Andrew's work shows his usual element of humour mixed with day to day thoughts most of us undoubtedly have on our own lives, particularly when having to balance work and pleasure, or whether deciding on a career path, or even contemplating the tolls a career can have on oneself!

One thing is for sure about his paintings, a definite sense of calm can be felt when just looking at them. The soft tones and warmth within the skies provides the gentle ambience that anyone would welcome into a busy lifestyle.

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New Works From Artery Gallery's Latest Success Story

We are pleased to announce that we have just taken in 2 new paintings from Perth based artist Scott Carruthers, exhibiting here at the gallery in St. Andrews.

"Out By My Side" - by Scott Carruthers

Scott’s paintings have attracted many admirers during his previous sell-out exhibitions at Artery Gallery, where his original style and thought provoking images have captured the imagination.

Largely inspired over the years by the art of Andy Warhol, David Hockney and LS Lowry, the biggest inspiration for his work has been his two young children.

The stories behind Scott’s paintings are based on the mix of nostalgia from his own childhood along with watching his two young kids grow up. Not necessarily making any comparisons, but being reminded of the nostalgic years and how their life today differs in these modern times, yet in some ways have some similarities to Scott’s own childhood.

Scott explains, “Each individual painting is telling its own story, however the description is only secondary to the image itself. I like to add my own thoughts behind the piece so that the viewer knows exactly what I was thinking regarding the particular painting and my reasons for it. Although this is designed to work alongside and compliment the image, I do find sometimes that the viewer has already made up their own mind anyway before they even know my written description. I am always fascinated by people’s thoughts on my work and their imaginations are understandably diverse”.

Last year Scott Carruthers signed a major publishing deal with one of the UK’s largest fine art publishers, which has resulted in numerous exhibitions of his original work and limited editions going on show across the country.

Scott adds, “It’s great to have my original work on show at Artery Gallery once again as it’s where I enjoyed my first success as an artist”.

Artery Gallery, based in both St Andrews and Crieff, has been a major supporter of contemporary artists over the years and continues to boost the profiles of up and coming artists, as well as the well established.

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New Glass Artist at Artery Gallery - Mike Hunter

Multi-award winning glass artist Mike Hunter of Selkirk, on the Scottish Borders, is the latest exhibitor at Artery Gallery in St Andrews and Crieff. Mikes work really is of the finest quality, each beautiful piece is hand crafted and intricately designed with great care and attention to detail. He has a real passion for working with glass, which shows in the quality and defines his years of experience gained from working with some of the finest glassmakers.

He began his love affair with glass as a small boy, gazing with fascination at the colourful, magical twists contained in the marbles he played with. Later, as a 17-year-old apprentice with Wedgwood Glass of Kings Lynn, Norfolk, he remembers asking the master glassblowers how the intricately designed glasses he had seen at the museums were made. None of them could tell him.

It struck him then just how many skills of the 18th century were being lost as more and more machines were introduced to glassmaking, and he determined right then to figure out how they were made and to see if he could learn the techniques himself. On many trips to the museum, without being able to pick up the glasses, he peered into the display cabinets and took notes. After seven years of trial and error at the factory during his lunch breaks, he succeeded in perfecting a technique of embedding coloured glass canes and air into the stems of glassware – a technique not used commercially since Victorian times.

Mike went on to spend 11 years with Wedgwood, training under master glassblowers from the UK, Italy, Austria, Germany and Scandinavia, and attaining the position of master glass blower and coloured animal maker.

At his studio in Selkirk, Mike produces designs with cane-working techniques, creating traditional contemporary glassware styles based on the designs of 16th and 17th century Venice and 18th century England. He created his flagship technique of “vetro”, the Italian for glass, which demonstrates the combination of his natural talent for design with the highest level of technical skill. The result is a vast array of colour in design that speaks of his unique relationship with glass; the glass on the blowing iron becomes one with Mike as, with a sense of ease and speed, the molten glass is commanded into form – his “vetro”.

Mike has received high recognition and exhibited his work throughout Scotland and England. As well as a commission for Lord and Lady Milburn of Paxton House, Berwick-on-Tweed, he was invited to provide reproduction glasses for the Hornblower series on ITV, and he designed the trophies for the Scottish Businesswomen’s Association Awards in 1998 and 1999. His beautiful creations are stocked at the most exclusive outlets: Asprey and Garrards, New York and London, Harrods of Knightsbridge, The Room in Chelsea, Wing On Hong Kong, and Cameo in Paris.

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Buy British Made!

Since the economic downtown, everyone has become more wary of their own spending, and rightly so. It’s not just Britain’s economy that has seen a slide, but the world economy as a whole has slumped.

This does not mean though that no one has any money anymore, because employment is still high and people are still earning. What Britain needs to do now is simply look after itself.

Sir Alan Sugar was recently quoted as saying “Buy British to support the British economy”. This is not just a throw away comment to grab a headline, this is something that we should all think about doing.

There may well be some items that are unavoidable of course. For example, kids this Christmas will inevitably be after the usual computer consoles and electronics, and if you end up buying a British “Wii”, the chances are you have got the wrong thing!!

Unfortunately of course, so much stuff is made in China these days that it is very hard to find a British product, particularly in such areas as electronics and clothing.

The arts and crafts market however is a good example of where to find good quality British made products. Buying an artwork as a gift is ideal primarily because of its individuality coupled with the knowledge it has been handmade by a skilled craftsperson or artist. The receiver of such an art gift will also notice and appreciate the work and thought that has gone into finding and selecting the piece.

It’s not just a case of supporting the craftsperson as an individual business and helping to keep them in employment, but can also go someway in supporting the supplier of the artists materials, the framers, delivery and courier companies and of course the shop or gallery where you purchased it from. It’s a large circle of activity that gains the support with every purchase of a British made product.

So not only are you buying into an artwork that you can enjoy, or give to someone else to enjoy and treasure, but in your small way you are helping employment and the British economy stay as healthy as possible and regain it’s strength.


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Andrew Baines - 'Surreal Human Sculpture'

This short clip gives a brief insight into the 'Surreal Human Sculptures' by Australian contemporary artist Andrew Baines. This particular shoot was done at St Kilda beach in Melbourne, Australia.

Andrew has been creating these Human Sculptures for the last couple of years and uses them for his Surreal paintings for which he has become renowned for across Australia as well as here at Artery Gallery in Scotland.

In 2009, Andrew Baines is planning to create one of his Surreal Human Sculptures right here in St Andrews in conjunction with Artery Gallery.

We will post more information here in due course, so stay tuned and informed with the Artery Gallery News Blog!


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Still Life Oil Paintings by Bing Wang - A Contemporary 'Old Master'

("Strawberry on a White Torrent" by Bing Wang)

We have just taken in 10 brand new outstanding Still Life oil paintings from Artery Gallery regular Bing Wang.

Bing Wang explains his works:

"Recently, I have used the Still Life format as a foil for my ideas. The painting is becoming a vehicle to express a state of mood through the fusion of Minimalism and Realism. Both the process of making and the result suggested an escape from the real and sophisticated daily life.

By depicting the simplest object within the simplest composition but executed in a masterful and astonishing realistic manner, I am trying to engage the viewers into a translucent and peaceful pictorial space.

It is not easy any more to be able to be ‘traditional’ in the contemporary context. But I am still conscious of the meaning of painting tradition and its needfulness in the present to engender resistance to the libidinous flex of media images.

My researches into techniques, media and pigment of the Old Masters and the painstaking working procedure have led my works to a highly finished surface and a sense of timelessness."

With prices for Bing's original oil paintings ranging from £595 to £895, you can have a modern day masterpiece without the price tag of an old one!

Visit our website to view the new Still Life oil paintings by Bing Wang now exhibiting at Artery Gallery in St Andrews and Crieff.

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Caroline Slane - Irish Landscape Paintings

("Walking Home" by Caroline Slane)

Often known as Cal, Caroline Slane works out of her studio in Holywood, County Down. She has enjoyed much success in the Irish art community that has now extended to Scotland following a number of successful exhibitions in recent years with Artery Gallery, based in both St Andrews, Fife and Crieff, Perthshire. Her paintings, using the rarely used medium of Gouache, famously depict the small harbours and coastal cottages of Northern Ireland. She has found these landscapes of Ireland and the Western Isles a continuous source of inspiration, which is reflected in her vibrant and contemporary work.

Caroline is a relative of the late Marky Robinson who enjoyed worldwide success and acclaim, and it is to him that she attributes her artistic freedom clearly displayed in her work. He was a self-taught artist, whose artistic career spanned sixty years, although his working life led him from a merchant ship, to welding, even to boxing!

Marky acquainted himself first hand with ‘The School of Paris’, and European modernism - in particular, expressionism and cubism, which influenced his style and take on still life and landscapes. Often his work was met with critical indifference or distaste. In 1942, Marky sold a painting to Ulster Academy of arts for five pounds sterling, and he grew to be one of Ireland’s most popular artists, with his work selling at a value of up to £22,000 at auction today.

Markys influence can be clearly seen in Caroline’s work, as he was her first experience with art. It seems he not only taught her his methods of composition and style, but passed on an inherent talent and artistic ability.

Her original paintings can be found in collections not only throughout Ireland but also in Europe and the USA, and her new exhibiting works at Artery Gallery in Scotland have already gained huge popularity once again.

Log on to the Artery Gallery website at www.arteryuk.com to view more works by Caroline Slane.

Scottish Landscape Paintings

("Northern Skies" by Martin Devine)

Scottish artist Martin Devine has launched his latest exhibition of work at Artery Gallery in both St Andrews and Crieff.

Martin, original from Edinburgh and now based in nearby Linlithgow, employs colour theory, varying the use of tone and differing brush strokes to present a contemporary image of the Scottish landscape, aiming to change the perception of the landscape seen by the viewer.

Martin explains, “I originally discovered an artistic ability in portraiture and wildlife, moving onto landscapes which have now become my recognized field in a distinctive style”.

Inspired by minimalism, spare with detail, encouraging a regard for simplicity, the strengths of his watercolour paintings lie in the boldness of the colours he uses, perfectly outlined with Indian ink.

His paintings have proved a huge success in his short time with Artery Gallery, selling out all of his previous exhibitions.

The work of Martin Devine can be viewed online at www.arteryuk.com or by visiting Artery Gallery in St Andrews and Crieff

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Wedding Gift Registration Service at Artery Gallery

You can now register your wedding gift list at Artery Gallery.

Our wedding gift registration service offers you the opportunity to commemorate your wedding day with a list of gift ideas for your friends and family to choose from.

Anything from clocks, to paintings and wall hangings are available, giving you the inspiration and opportunity to build your own collection of unique, original artwork.

When registering your wedding or civil partnership, you receive a catalogue of ideas and suggestions from us, which you can also add your own choices to. When you have chosen all the gifts you hope for, we will complete your registration by adding you and your partner-to-be to our website – with a web-page of your very own. This will include photographs, dimensions and prices of all the items you choose, with a secure, online purchasing function. Your friends and family will be able to browse the pages of your gift list before deciding on their purchase.

Friends and family can even combine their finances to purchase a larger item such as a painting. Paintings can be reserved for your list by paying a small deposit of 20%.

Create you own unique wedding gift list today here at Artery Gallery.

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Portraying Essence and Emotion - Paintings by Steve Johnston

("Rainy Day" by Steve Johnston)

Here at Artery Gallery, we are proud to introduce the paintings from renowned artist Steve Johnston.

Born in Glasgow in 1956, Steve grew up in Dumfries before attending Art College in Carlisle. Whilst in his second year, he opted for a change of medium preferring photography to painting. Upon graduating, he moved to London to work as a freelance photographer working for magazines such as Vogue and I-D. His work was published in various books and magazines and was included in the 'Lives' exhibition at the Haward Gallery, London.

In 1991, when photography no longer became inspirational for him, he started painting seriously again concentrating once again on the medium that he had originally embraced. He says, “It was then that something clicked and I have not looked back since……painting is my life.”

He is always drawn to figures that create a great shape. Details such as ‘how’ someone is standing or ‘what’ they are doing come into play afterwards. It is the graphic shape of the ‘body mass’ that inspires the first ideas. Certain images can unlock powerful emotions which are separate from what the actual content of the picture could create if focused on in more detail.

He adds, "I approach my 'backgrounds' very much as an abstract painter - colours, composition etc are chosen instinctively rather than being pre-planned. Certain images can unlock powerful emotions which can be separate from the actual content of the picture....the aim is to portray and essences and emotion rather than a precise person or specific location.'

Steve always takes the shape of his figures from photographs, generally using side or back views to create a more anonymous character. For this same reason he prefers minimal backgrounds. Using a mixture of oil and acrylic on the same canvas, he likes to experiment and play with colour to draw as much emotional response from the image as possible. The backgrounds are always in acrylic, whilst the figures are always in oil. This is so the oil figure can be worked on in a way that will make it stand out from the background.

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