Its Father's Day this weekend and what better way to show your dad how much you love him than with a limited piece of art work or sculpture from Castle Galleries.
In conjunction with our limited edition print exhibition we will be showcasing some of Mackenzie's most impressive sculptural works of art. The largest of the pieces we will have exhibited in the gallery is 78" tall, these depict themes relating to struggle, prote
ction, responsibility and hope. 
From Saturday, 30th May we will be hosting a collection of work by internationally renowned Middlesborough born artist Mackenzie Thorpe.
Mackenzie's themes are universal. The Shepherd reflects everybody's desire to protect and provide for their loved ones with unswerving commitment. The Shepherd will go to unimaginable lengths to protect his flock. 
Govinder's Lean on Me sculpture has finally arrived in the gallery much to our excitement. I would very much recommend viewing this piece in person. The finish of the piece is beautifully sculpted; encompassing togetherness through its lines, the reflection of the two pieces make one whole symbolising unity and the reflection of ideals in a partner. A wonderful gift to yourself or another. 
Following in the success of Alexander Millar's hand painted resin sculpture 'One Man & His Dog', we are now delighted to announce it release in stainless steel. The use of steel animates Alex's much loved 'gadgie' and complements the industrial inspiration for Alex's images. This piece echoes the determination of the working class of a bygone era, the texture used all over the piece gives a weathered and sturdy impression of our 'gadgie' returning from a hard days graft with his faithful companion by his side.
Recently our very own Alexander Millar was priviledged to attend 'Brit Week', a month-long celebration in Los Angeles of the best of British art and film. Alex was the country's only artist chosen to represent our art scene at this prestigious festival. A starstruck Alex was seen to rub shoulders with celebs including Nigel Lythgoe of Pop Idol fame and Lost's Naveen Andrews.
Alex said: “It was an honour to be chosen to represent Great Britain’s artists at Britweek. My Newcastle Gadgie paintings have come to represent the ‘everyman’ transcending all boundaries, including age, country and class." (cited 'Whatsonne')
Alex donated one of his oils to charity; Malaria No More whilst over at Brit Week which sold for a whopping $10,000.
Stay tuned for more of Alex's American Adventure....
Paul Horton joined us on the 9th of May to meet some of his many collectors, thoughout the day he was kept busy signing artwork and talking about his forthcoming tour which will be his most major collection to date. 
On Saturday 9th of May Castle Galleries, Newcastle is delighted to welcome much loved artist Paul Horton to the gallery. Paul Horton is fast gaining a reputation as one of the country’s most talented and popular pastel artists today, with many of his editions selling out upon release. Sometimes described as a modern-day Lowry, he draws upon his Midlands background for inspiration and produces work that is both humourous and inventive, with his own quirky view of the world. Many of Paul's popular character's feature in this world, often in the setting of his iconic street scenes and houses. His work contains universal themes that appeal to people of all ages, in all walks of life.
I first met Paul in 2002 while he was making an appearance as part of his "Homes and Hearts" Tour. Since then paul has produced an impressive body of work including originals and limited edition prints and sculpture. Throughout his time as a published artist Paul has worked in conjunction with various charitable organisations including NSPCC, Children in Need, Acorns Childrens Hospice, MAG and most recently donating a sketch to Comic Relief.
Paul has chosen three iconic cars that have earned themselves a place in history: the Bug, the VW Campervan and the Mini, which have a retro feel and are cult icons the world over. Using a limited palette for all four pictures they instantly create a ‘WOW’ factor upon viewing and will make a dramatic impact on any wall.
‘Throw Those Curtains Wide’
Based on the song ‘One Day Like This’ by Elbow
‘Blinking in The Morning Sun’
Based on the song ‘One Day Like This’ by Elbow
I find it thoroughly refreshing when I find that artists take inspiration from such things as music or theatre, as I feel that it allows me to relate to the artist on a more personal level, it can also allow me to relate to the artwork on a more personal level, giving me a better idea of the inspiration for the piece and the inner working’s of the artist’s mind as they were creating it.
Another artist’s original work that is exciting me greatly at the moment is that of Lawrence Coulson. He is a much more traditional landscape painter who has been using a much more experimental use of colour as of late. His dramatic use of alternative colour and light helped create the breathtaking images below. I particularly like the image ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. The drama that has been created with the contrasting use of light and darkness of the clouds reminds me of what my Mam used to say to me when an almighty thunder storm was erupting, “the gods are bowling again!!”
‘My Kingdom’
By Lawrence Coulson
‘The Greatest Show on Earth’
By Lawrence Coulson
At present we have some remarkable originals in the gallery from Paul Kenton and Hamish Blakely.
Paul has been making light work of his screwdriver again in this spectacular image ‘Dockside Overview’. His work is reminiscent of that of Jackson Pollock with his use of free flowing dribbled paint, allowing it to fall from a height and harnessing its erratic behaviour. It is definitely worth a visit to the gallery to view this piece and how a delicate flick of red paint can highlight a mammoth crane and busy street cars. I also challenge people to pick out Big Ben!
‘Dockside Overview’
By Paul Kenton
The piece which we currently have displayed from Hamish Blakely is truly one of the most stunning we have ever had in the gallery and comes with a very apt title ‘Beaucoup D’amour’. As ever Hamish has managed to capture the raw passion between these two figures so that you can almost feel the heat radiate from the canvas. Words can’t describe the beauty of this piece so I urge you all to come and see it with your own eyes and keep popping in to see which new works we will be unveiling each week.
‘Beaucoup D’Amour’
By Hamish Blakely
Watch this space for more of Sarah's Thoughts (lol)
Caroline Shotton on the other hand produces original work embellished with sequins and even earrings which can be seen cleverly reproduced in one of her latest print releases "Diamonds are for Heifers"
The night scenes featured in Lesley-Anne's work are inspired by the locations that have captured her imagination on her varied travels.
n integral part of my work. I need to hear the sounds, smell the smells, soak up the atmosphere of a particular place. I also use my camera as a back up to these experiences treating it almost as my sketchbook. When taking photographs I know exactly what I am hoping to capture in my composition. The camera also allows me to play with movement, such as passing vehicles. I then work from a series of photographs and choose certain elements from each one bringing them together in one composition."
"Nighthawks (1942) is a painting by Edward Hopper that portrays people sitting in a downtown diner late at night. It is not only Hopper's most famous painting, but also one of the most recognizable in American art." 
Our very own artist Caroline Shotton has used this as inspiration for one of her most recent limited editions 'Last Udders at the Bar'. The location has changed from 'Phillies' to the appropriately named 'Pat's', the cows sit sipping milkshakes and a subtle cow print adorns the windows nearby and the panels of the diner. This piece has been produced as a boxed canvas of 27.5" x 44" and is priced at £575, a cleverly modern tribute to Hopper's masterpiece.
Castle Galleries, Newcastle were delighted to host an exhibition of work by Peter Smith.
ess with many new collectors turning out to meet Peter and hear about the inspiration for his impossimals. 
Friday the 13th March! Eek, this date strikes fear into the hearts of many but for Anthony Dorman the reason was something much less superstitious.
His two weeks of training had consisted of evenings spent consistently glued to the exercise bike in preparation for his big day and the morning started steadily with Anthony cheerily smiling and waving at passers by. 35 miles down and the first break out of the way and the going was beginning to get a little tougher but Anthony never faltered, people came into the gallery for two reasons, to support Anthony by donating and then to poke fun at his pain.
On February 21st 2009 we hosted an exhibition of north east artists featuring the work of Alexander Millar, Jeff Rowland, Mark Grieves and Mackenzie Thorpe.
We are deeply saddened to announce that one of country's most outstanding, award winning contemporary artists - Govinder Nazran - who enjoyed enormous success around the world, tragically died on Tuesday 30 December, after suffering a seizure on Christmas Eve. 
his ground breaking collections.
