A Trip to the Picture Framers: 18th November 24
And some exhibition news.
Hello, how are you doing? I’ve been out of sorts for a few days and have been waiting to be struck down with Covid, after spending several hours with someone who tested positive. I started to feel unwell on Thursday, but so far, I’ve tested negative. It’s probably just a common or garden cold and I’m actually feeling a lot better than I was, apart from being tired with a head full of cotton wool. Sniffle, sniffle.
A couple of days earlier I had a message from Leith Framing Studio to say that the two paintings I left with them were ready to be collected. Although I’ve done some basic framing, and my partner has also been kind enough to make frames for me in the past, it’s the first time I’ve had any paintings professionally framed. Framing doesn’t come cheap, and I was anxious about spending the money, but I couldn’t be any happier with the results. The frames give them more solidity, and bring out all the colours and textures, as well as the obvious benefit of making them easy to hang on the wall.
I will add them to my online shop in the next update on 2nd December, but feel free to contact me for more details if you’re interested, before then.
I also had window mounts made for two small cat paintings I did earlier in the year. They, and another cat piece will be included in the small affordable art section of the Society of Scottish Artists 126th annual exhibition, taking place soon at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh. This is an area of the exhibition where 30 cm x 30 cm artworks (or smaller works on 30 x 30 cm mounting board) are displayed in racks, a bit like albums used to be in record shops. All members of the SSA can display up to three pieces at no cost and it’s a great place for art collectors on a budget to pick up something special at a reasonable price. Sadly, the pieces I submitted to the main exhibition didn’t make the grade this time around, but with nearly 2000 entries I don’t feel too bad about it. There's always next time!
The exhibition is on from November 23rd to 11th December, with free entry to all on Mondays, and £6 at other times.
After handing in my three cats, I wandered across the road and up the hill on to Frederick Street and took this picture of the RSA building. This imposing neoclassical building sits on the south side of Princes Street beside its neighbour The National Gallery of Scotland. Both were built by William Henry Playfair, the architect behind a surprising number of notable buildings in the city.
Also pictured is the post box, painted gold in honour of world champion cyclist and 7 times Olympic medallist, Chris Hoy.
It was a flying visit into town. Standing at the bus stop with two minutes to wait the air was crisp and skies were blue, with only a few wispy white clouds. The bus arrived, I took my seat, and before we’d even started to move, I heard faint gasps of disbelief from my fellow passengers as a light fluffy flurry of snow began to fall. It must have lasted less than two minutes but it’s proof that winter is coming. Wrap up warm out there!
Three more things
If you’re interested in Edinburgh history, you might enjoy this BBC film from the early 1970s, presented by Valerie Singleton. Don’t be put off by the tuneless bagpipes at the start, there’s fantastic old footage, and interviews with some brilliant characters!
Megan Chapman, abstract artist writes with heartfelt honestly about what it means to be an artist – a lot there I relate to.
Look at these gorgeous geometric vases handmade by ceramic artist Jo Walker – they would all look fabulous on my sideboard!
Another great post - thanks so much for the kind mention too. Your framed works look amazing! I am glad you are feeling a wee bit better. Looking forward to pawing (see what I did there) through your works at the SSA exhibition at the RSA. :)