KEITH PROCTOR, A DAILY PAINTER: ALEXANDER MILLAR

KEITH PROCTOR, A DAILY PAINTER: ALEXANDER MILLAR

Caledonian Hotel Wedding Fair

Here at Castle Galleries Newcastle we are delighted to announce that we are due to attend the forthcoming wedding fair that is due to take place at The Caledonian Hotel in Jesmond. It is due to take place Sunday 14th June between 11am and 4pm and will showcase a variety of campanies that will be on hand to make your special day more memorable. From dress fitters to florists, this wedding fair will cater for everything you could possibly need to make your wedding a day to remember.

We are delighted to be involved in this event and shall be there displaying some of the finest Limited Edition and Sculpture work that Castle Galleries Newcastle have to offer. Our trained art advisors will be on hand to explain our wedding gift lift service and talk you through the large variety of artwork we have to offer. Art is the perfect gift for any happy couple setting up home together, so why not be different and choose a truly unique and personal gift that will last a lifetime.

'The Dreamers'

by Hamish Blakely

Whether sculpture or painting be your passion, we have something to suit everyone. With works from Hamish Blakely that encompass the passion between a couple, or sculpture work from Jennine Parker that can display the tenderness between one another, we have some truly spectacular artwork that can be yours to treasure forever and become a symbol of your everlasting love.

'Two Souls'

by Jennine Parker

If you have any further questions about this forthcoming event, please feel free to contact the Caledonian Hotel directly on 0191 2817881 or if you have any further questions about any of the artwork we will be displaying, please feel free to contact the gallery on 0191 2332200 or alternately email us at newcastle@castlegalleries.com

we look forward to hearing from you.

Mackenzie Thorpe Sculpture Preview

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, protection, responsibility and hope.

Alongside these monumental pieces are small bronzes, hand painted resin and parian sculptures.

For more information please contact the gallery on 0191 233 2200 or alternatively email us at newcastle@castlegalleries.com

The exhibition begins on Saturday 30th May.

Mackenzie Thorpe Exhibition Preview

From Saturday, 30th May we will be hosting a collection of work by internationally renowned Middlesborough born artist Mackenzie Thorpe.

From humble origins Mackenzie's compulsion to produce artwork was shaped not only by his surroundings but also by his dyslexia. The confidence Mackenzie found in painting and drawing helped him to produce an extensive body of work which gained him entry into the Byam Shaw School of Art in London. After several years working with children in inner city London Mackenzie set up his own studio and gallery which for the last few years has seen him produce numerous collections that have brought him world wide recognition.

His work with children continues through his charity work and is evident throughout his many themes including his big smiley heads, symbolising the innocence of childhood and endless possibilities of childlike imagination, as we grow we lose this innocence to fear and restriction and ultimately our worlds become limited. Mackenzie explains that he uses these images to encourage us not to lose openness to new and exciting adventures.

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.

Another two of his themes originate from his own childhood growing up amongst Middlesborough's industry. The working man and factories both symbolise the strength and pride of the people of an era now lost that worked and prospered through times of hardship in order to provide for their families and our futures. He immortalises the accomplishments of these heros in the hopes that we never forget their importance in our communities.

With Mackenzie's reputation fast becomming global and his work collected by thousands he hints at the importance of never forgetting your roots, big feet often make an appearance in his work, his symbolic vow to remain grounded.

In Castle Galleries, Newcastle we are excited to highlight the amazing work that Mackenzie has done for the North East, our exhibition will incorporate works spanning his various themes and styles both in print and sculptural form.

A Look at Sculptures...

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.


Lean on Me, 8" tall, 11" wide £999

Jennine Parker continues this theme of unity with 'Two Hearts', a bronze sculpture featuring two linked hearts. This piece is a completely different offering from Jennine, one smooth bronze heart supported by one oxidised bronze heart, symbolising the unconditional offerring of love by two unique beings, a tactile and organic piece that invites the viewer to place the hearts as they so desire.


Two Hearts, 15" tall £2,500


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.

One Man & His Dog, 16" tall £999

Also expected in the gallery at the beginning of June are three new sculptures from Caroline Shotton, Alexander Millar and Peter Smith.

Please contact the gallery for further information or to place orders on any of the above.

Alexander Millar takes USA by storm

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 Visits Castle Galleries.

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.

Paul's new collection will be touring in the latter part of the year and he is due to be back with us in December. In the meantime if you would like to register your interest in attending this event please contact the gallery.

# Paul Horton Exhibition Preview

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.

The charm, wit and warmth of Paul's work is reflected in his character. I for one am always delighted to be in Paul's company and would like to invite you spend some time with us in the gallery this Saturday.

Kind Regards

Anthony

Spring into Summer

Washington Green and Castle Galleries are delighted to present to you our ‘Spring into Summer’ range which features eight brand new pieces from four of our most well know artists.

Nick Potter presents us with two exhilarating boxed canvasses this season, taking his inspiration from the sea and his love of lighthouses; whilst Paul Corfield takes us into his wonderful imaginary world away from the stresses of everyday life. John Wilson, on the other hand, amuses us with his whimsical images, leading the viewer to create their own narrative behind his pieces.

In complete contrast, Hamish Blakely has painted two stunning figurative pieces. The mood and tone of these pieces have been perfectly complimented by the use of a darker presentation, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the picture.

These pieces will brighten up your walls this spring.

To order these pieces or for further information please contact us in the first instance on 0191 2332200.

A New Style, A New Collection by Paul Kenton

Paul Kenton lends his distinctive style of painting to a whole new subject matter close to his heart - cars. Car enthusiast Paul wanted to combine his love of painting with his love of cars and create what he calls 'an old classic in an urban style'. Keeping with his characteristic ‘drip painting’ style, Paul adds an extra dimension to his new images by combining the use of spray paint.

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.

Sarah's Thoughts

Here at Castle Galleries Newcastle we strive to bring you up to date and innovative work from some of the country and the world’s leading fine artists. In this respect, we are making it our aim to bring to you some new and exciting originals from some of our leading fine artists.

At the minute I can’t seem to get enough of Derrick Fielding. It’s been a while since we had some new print releases from him but he’s been busy in the studio creating some amazing originals. It seems quite clear to me he has also been listening to one of my favourite group’s new albums, Elbow’s the ‘Seldom Seen Kid’ as he appears to be taking influence from their lyrics and song titles. This is much to my delight as I am already in possession of one of his earlier, musically influenced pieces, ‘But Soon Comes the Night’ which is based on the infamous classic, ‘Mr Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra’. I find his use of shadow and line work is integral in creating these dramatic images. We are hoping to have a number of his originals on display very soon so keep an eye out for them; I hope you find them as exciting as I do! (I also highly recommend buying the ‘Seldom Seen Kid’ by Elbow!!!)

‘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)

Up Close and Personal

Here at Castle Galleries we are often asked about the printing processes that are used on some of our artwork. Over the last few years printmaking techniques have become more advanced and ingenious. Giclee printing (pronounced zhee - clay and loosely translating as spray of ink in French) is a fine quality reproduction print.

Giclee printing is known for its deep saturated colours, minute details, subtle tints and blends resulting in a beautiful painterly finish. Giclee prints can often be hand embellished with extra layers of paint, gold leafing and a wide variety of items from the creative minds of our artists.

The limited edition work of John Myatt features stunning embellishment creating the look of the original work. Even John's "Genuine Fakes" were created ingeniously using household emulsion paint and KY Jelly to produce a technically accurate version of works by the great masters. Artists have always found clever and unusual techniques to create their work and now the publishers Washington Green are leading the way in reproducing their artists original work in new and exciting ways.

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"

For Simon Claridge's latest collection "The Diamond Dust Collection" his iconic beauties of the silver screen and popular culture have been given a sparkling treatment.

To view these ingenious pieces why not pop into the gallery and see them up close and personal.

Alexander Millar Painting Live

When Alexander Millar offered to paint in the gallery window we jumped at the chance to show off our very own North East based artist's talents. With only a few days notice we managed to bring together an impressive collection of original and limited edition work from across Alex's portfolio of styles.

Alex's model Peter 'The Gadgie' agreed to make an appearance in full flat cap and big booted apparel and together they charmed the crowd of collectors that had turned up to experience the artist's creative process.

We had a very enjoyable day chatting with many a collector, sharing their memories and stories of their own 'gadgies' be it fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles or neighbours, everyone has one.

Alex's work inspires nostalgia and humour, to view his full collection go to http://www.castlegalleries.com/ or pop into the gallery to see his 'gadgies' first hand.

New Artists Now In The Gallery

Spring has arrived and the nights are getting lighter. In keeping with the sense of new beginnings we are currently showing a selection of inspiring and fresh artwork from some of Washington Green's latest artists. From the vibrant cityscapes by Lesley-Anne Derks to the contemporary work of graffiti artist Ge Feng.

The night scenes featured in Lesley-Anne's work are inspired by the locations that have captured her imagination on her varied travels.

Rachael has formed a huge bond with Lesley-Anne's work due to the fact that they both hail from the Scottish town of Falkirk.

"I feel in order to paint these scenes you must see them first hand and travelling is an 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."

The work of Ge Feng is a truly refreshing and different to anything else in our portfolio utilising photography with stencil and graffiti techniques. Originally from China Ge now lives in England and has utilised characteristics from both cultures to create his imagery.


"Originally my photos were just a source of inspiration for artwork. Nowadays I am using the photographs more directly, blowing them up and printing them on canvas as a background for my graffiti. I enjoy the interaction between places and people. This is a major attraction of graffiti. I think of a character I would like to paint, then search out a perfect location. I photograph the location, bring it home to my studio and stencil my character in this new habitat."

Last Udders at the Bar!!

"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."

(citedWikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nighthawks)

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.

Peter Smith Artist Appearance 14th March

Castle Galleries, Newcastle were delighted to host an exhibition of work by Peter Smith.

We welcomed Peter and his wife Jayne on the day with a beautiful collection of limited edition and original work. Peter brought with him a sneak preview of his new sculpture 'My First Love' which is available now to pre-order from the gallery.

The day was success with many new collectors turning out to meet Peter and hear about the inspiration for his impossimals.

We would like to thank Peter & Jayne for staying with us longer than expected on the day and we know that all of our collectors enjoyed the opportunity to meet this intreguing artist and were over the moon to leave with their chosen pieces so beautifully personally dedicated.

Anthony's Doing Something Funny For Money!!

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.

89 miles on an exercise bike, in our halogen lit gallery window, in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne. It would be tough, it would need determination and stamina, by the end of the day it would smell.

The only thing spurring him on was the desire to raise oodles of cash for Red Nose Day, such a worthy cause.

By the time the day came along Anthony had raised over £300 via http://www.myrednoseday.com/

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.

With 20 miles to go Anthony began to smell pretty bad and his knees were taking a battering. He had been cycling solidly for approximately 5 hours and although he would only cycle for another hour or so to complete his mission each mile felt like a million. It was all the more sweeter to finish knowing that through friends of the gallery along with artists and staff from Castle Galleries and Washington Green, a whopping £554.40 was raised both through the website and on the day.

Anthony would like to thank everyone who helped him through not only the much important donations but also motivation and support.

North East Exhibition

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.

From working class "Gadgies" and romantic cityscapes to images based around music and love these artists use the North East within their work both obviously and subtly drawing from their heritage to create an fusion of timelessness and evocation of nostalgia.

We had on display some fabulous works from all of the artists including original oils - "Serenade" and "Imagine" - both published works by Mark.

We have a number of new published limited editions new this spring from Alex, Jeff, Mark & Mackenzie. Check the website for information or call us on 0191 233 2200.

Govinder Nazran 1964 - 2008 January 2009

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.

Govinder's striking, naïve portrayal of the feline and canine form, married with strong oriental overtones, and rich texturing and layering, won him thousands of fans across the globe.

As Glyn Washington, managing director for Washington Green Fine Art Publishing, said: "2009 would have been our tenth anniversary of working with Govinder. It was a decade in which we enjoyed the most amazing and creative art from one of the most talented, gentle and innovative artists we have ever had the pleasure of working with. Ironically we were planning a major event during 2009 to celebrate this wonderful ten year collaboration. It has been said that 'It is often the brightest star that burns for the shortest time'... never has a truer word been spoken."

In 2004 Govinder became the 'Best Selling Published Artist' in the industry's Fine Art Trade Guild Awards and he enjoyed two sell-out tours in Japan where his work was highly revered. During his prolific ten years with Washington Green his work has been collected and admired by thousands of fans from all walks of life, including many well-known collectors world-wide. Unusually Govinder possessed the vision of both artist and creative director, as he innovated and developed the ideas for his ground breaking collections.

A naturally warm and witty man of enormous integrity, Govinder's shyness made it challenging for him to articulate his thoughts verbally. "My true personality reveals itself through my paintings," he once said. His cats and dogs reached far deeper than a cute, naïve cliché of a 'four legged friend' with many of his paintings dedicated to the fight between good and evil.

"I leave it to the individual to look at my paintings and choose what they would like to see, innocence or malevolence - the 'good' or the 'evil'. Above all else I am, and always will be, an eternal optimist. Optimism is one of the greatest gifts we possess and my paintings are from my soul."

Govinder often described his wife Sarah and daughter Eden as his "greatest inspiration" and his most "honest critics".

He will be sadly missed by all at Washington Green and no doubt by all who appreciated and loved his work the world over.

NYC here we come!!

On 2nd January 2009 Anthony and Rachael travelled to New York to catch the end of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

We made it our mission to take in the wonderful sights that our cityscape artists Neil Dawson and Paul Kenton have previously imortalised in print.

The first is Manhattan Morning by Paul Kenton. The photograph above left is the image as seen in the flesh on Washington Street in Brooklyn, and right Paul's representation.

Neil Dawson's painting of the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock is a stupendous view, the best in Manhattan. A 360 degree wonderment of NYC. As the sun sets this observation deck gives the best view of everything that the city has to offer especially its most renowned building. Our photograph is slightly blurry and although the time of day we went up gave beautifully hued images around the island, not quite what Neil has depicted in NYC Dreaming.

Our trip was amazing, we brought some fabulous snapshots back and in doing so have managed to supply these artists with some briliant photographs to work from, Neil in particular has liked what we've done and has requested use of some of our images, who knows, our own photos may one day be imortalised in print.

...watch this space!!