What art lover, when travelling through the city hasn’t wondered quietly, or aloud, “What art treasures lurk behind the front doors of those houses?”

Well, wonder no more. Here we have “From Van Gogh to Vettriano – Hidden Gems From Private Collections,” Aberdeen Art Gallery’s newest exhibition, which opened last week, and it is one of the finest I’ve seen in the city.  Its curator, Jennifer Melville and her colleagues are to be congratulated not only on cultivating their relationships with the city’s more prosperous collectors, persuading them to loan their treasures for this prestigious exhibition, but also for their choice of works which they’ve brought together.

Here we have pieces from the late nineteenth century to the late twentieth, from France, Scotland and the rest of the UK, and beyond. The popular and familiar schools are well represented it is true: the  impressionists;  The Glasgow boys; the Scottish Colourists;  but the exhibition is much wider than that -  and it is that breadth of scope, mixing less-well known names with the familiar that gives this real appeal. Nor does not lack depth either: half a dozen Joan Eardleys; two excellent Stanley Spencers; three darkly-humorous  Edward Burras; three Peploes and so on.

We enter to find a  piece by Van Gogh, who lends him name to the exhibition, here represented by a chalk and pencil double portrait of 1882, and close by we see works by Monet, Pisarro amd Matisse. The curators are to be congratulated by their taking advantage of the gallery’s own holdings to show pieces beside items from the collection.

Beside these in the first room of three, we find some striking late 19th century Scottish and UK works: two fine pieces by Sir George Clausen, two striking portraits of young boys by Edward Stott and Walter Langley, a fine portrait in pastels by EA Walton, and two exceptional pictures by artists to whose works I had not been previously much exposed: Alexander Mann (The Gleaners) and  Albert Chevallier Tayler (Quiet Moments), both from 1889. The former retains a vitality which belies its age,  and in its tonality and use of colour somehow exudes a contemporary air.

Hung beside two excellent paintings by EA Hornel, one of which I believe I’ve seen before, there are two others by one of my favourite Scottish Artists – John Quinton  Pringle; one a portrait and one a pastoral scene. These are wonderful examples of his fine craft and his highly individual approach. It would have been nice to place his “Curing Station, Whalsay Shetland” of 1921, from the permanent collection next to these for comparison.

As we move to the second room of the exhibition we find a number of works by the Scottish Colourists: three  still lifes by Peploes – all of high quality – and two by JD Fergusson including a very fine small expressive french townscape, “Boulevard St Michel” (1907)  almost certainly an alla prima piece painted on a panel to fit his pochade (one example of which is to be found in the Fergusson Gallery.  In “Beach at Largo” by George L Hunter we find another small jewel of plein aire painting – with strong colours and a sense of rapidly-applied fluid strokes of paint. Finally, we find a magnificent Iona Landscape by Caddell – as fine as anything in the solo exhibition currently on in Edinburgh (until 18th March 2012).

Here, too you will find two small still life works by Georges Braque – from either end of his working life, and the splendid group portrait by Henri Matisse:” Le Lecon Du Piano” (1923) which is similar to the work “Pianist and Checker Players”  in the National Gallery of Art Washington.  “Le Lecon Du Piano”  has been on loan to Aberdeen Art Gallery for a few months, so regular visitors may already be familiar with it.

However, the four standout pieces, for me, in this room are from perhaps generally less well-known artists.

• Sir Stanley Cursiter’s “Sensation of Crossing The Street” painted in Edinburgh in 1913 in the Vorticist style, full of dynamic movement, 45 degree angles and strong patterns, is an exceptional piece which requires close and prolonged viewing to absorb the energy and dynamism of the painting.
• Mark Gertler’s “Portrait of Natalie Denny” (1928) which  is used for the exhibition’s posters the catalogue cover, is splendid portrait: sensuous, soft and rich in its depiction of the sitter and her surroundings.
• Bernard Meninsky’s “Lovers on a Beach” c.1947 is a simple pen and ink and body colour piece which uses elongated and distorted forms to depict the gentle embrace of the sailor and his lover on the foreshore. The forms are solid and their pose both tender and yet somehow sad.
• Tristram Hillier’s “December Sunset” (1946) is a small jewel  of a painting (only 16 x 25cm) depicting a tranquil landscape rendered flawlessly in oils with all the skill of a miniaturist. It hangs next to a fine tempera painting by Edward Wadsworth who was his mentor and from whom he learned his technique.

The final room of the exhibition opens with skillful drawing of 1944 by Lucien Freud, “Boy on a sofa”. While the painterly technique of later years may be absent, the scrutiny of the subject, the directness of the exchanged gazes and the capturing of the essence of  the sitter are all in evidence.

Nearby there hangs an early abstract piece by Patrick Heron, “Abstract: 1952 – August” when he was just starting out in his approach, and a striking portrait by Frank Auerbach, “Head of Helen Gillespie 1963-4″which with displays his trademark obsessive overpainting, resulting in a piece that is as much sculpture as oil painting.

Also worthy of attention are the portrait of Craigie Aitchison by Michael Andrews (1964-8), to me much more captivating than the work on display by Aitchison himself,  and the pastel portrait “Marynka Smoking”  (1980) by RB Kitaj.

However the room is dominated by the work of three artists:

•  Joan Eardley, is represented by half-dozen works, all of which are of high standard, but none more so than “Andrew With A Comic” (1955) and “Children in a Backstreet Glasgow” (1959) which with its dominant red hues shines out amongst the darker, gloomier representations of Glasgow street life.
• Peter Howson’s “The last Supper” (1999) towers above all other works, by its physical size alone. Like many of Howson’s works it demonstrates both humour and grotesque qualities. Originally painted as a commission for the National Portrait Gallery, it depicts Jeremy Isaacs as the central  ‘Jesus’ figure surrounded by twelve disciples. The work was rejected and bought by an Aberdeen collector. I recall its display in the Carby Art Gallery in Aberdeen shortly after its purchase, amongst a large group of works by Howson.
• Lastly, “The Singing Butler” by Jack Vettriano (1992) concludes the exhibition, and gives the exhibition its title.  Vettriano’s work splits the opinions of art lovers like no other.  That he has enjoyed such commercial success has, I feel, shown how loved his work is by the general public yet has made him an outsider to the art establishment.  While I would not say that I am a fan of his work, I do appreciate the skill in his figurative painting, and his original approach and view of the world he paints.

In conclusion this is an exhibition not to be missed. It offers a unique insight into the private collections of Aberdeen’s collectors which, as far as I know, is unparalleled in recent years. If I could spirit one away to hang on my own walls which would it be? I think it would have to be the Cursiter for its originality, and freshness, or perhaps one of the smallest pictures – the Fergusson “Boulevard St Michel” as a perfect example of both plein aire painting and that artist’s economy of approach in capturing a street scene.

That Aberdeen Art Gallery attracted 6,000 visitors to this in its first week is a great achievement and can only serve to heighten art appreciation (and buying) in the North East.

(c) Ian Watt

Feb 2011

 The exhibition runs to 14th April 2012

Forecourt Art Group, Aberdeen’s longest-established art society, have had their plans for their biggest-ever exhibition scuppered by the Academy Shopping Centre‘s refusal to honour their booking.

Earlier this year the committee and members of Forecourt Art Group were elated when they found out that they’d secured partial funding from Aberdeen City Council to run an exhibition of works by their members and invited guests.

After some research they hit on using a vacant shopping unit in the Academy Shopping Centre as a city centre location for the show. After negotiations with Apardion Management Limited, who run the centre, their written booking was accepted. Apardion’s representative confirmed to the group in several telephone conversations that it had been granted the use of the unit for a week in November.

Ian Watt, President of Forecourt said, “The members were excited. 31 of them signed up to take part – which is the most anyone can remember exhibiting at a single show – and they were all busy painting new pictures, and preparing and framing their works to go on sale. We also had contacted potential guest artists – professionals who were keen to support the group and show their works with us. We anticipated there being over 200 works on display during the week.”

Then the group received the devastating news that their booking was not to be honoured. Just five weeks before they were due to move in, Apardion contacted the club to say that landlords of the shopping centre had negotiated a five year lease on three units in the centre and that short term leases, even those previously confirmed, were not to be honoured.

“This was a bombshell. Not only did we outlay money for insurance (which Academy insisted be in place before we submitted the booking form) but we spent hundreds of pounds on refurbishing our exhibition stands” said Ian Watt. “We feel let down by The Academy’s actions. Morally, this was a terrible way to act. We’ve invoiced them for our outlays – and if they don’t pay up we may have to take legal action. Meantime we also have to move and on look for an alternative exhibition space.”

Now the group are left looking again for a premises in which to exhibit. While they’d like that to happen this year, they accept that it may be the spring before they can mount a new show. By that point they’ll have missed the Christmas market that they were targeting with their exhibition.

Can you help? Do you know of a high street shop unit that the club could use? If so please contact Forecourt Art Group via their website: http://www.forecourt.org.uk/contact

The dates for our Summer exhibition 2011 have been announced.  The exhibition will be held at the Peterculter Heritage Hall.

Map

The Forecourt Art Group is a not for profit organisation which organises exhibitions throughout the year for artists living and working in the North East of Scotland.

The Exhibition will showcase original works by a wide variety of artists, including  new members who have not exhibited with is at Peterculter before.

All artwork is available for sale and to take away at the time of purchase. Artists replace sold works on a daily basis, so the exhibition always provides new work throughout the month.

Framed Originals, Unframed Originals, Prints and Art Cards will all be available at a range of prices to suit every pocket..

PETERCULTER HERITAGE HALL

Map

Opening Night: Saturday 30th October 2010

Cheese & Wine Open Evening – 7pm-9pm (Free Admission)

The Exhibition will then be open as follows

Opening Hours

Sunday 31st October,  Saturday 6th November,  and Sunday 7th November 2010  from 11am-6pm.

Saturday 13th November, Sunday 14th November, Saturday 20th November, Sunday  21st November and Saturday 27th November 2010  from 2pm-4pm.

The Forecourt Art Group is a not for profit organisation which organises exhibitions

throughout the year for artists living and working in the North East of Scotland.

The Exhibition will showcase Original Works by 14 artists, including three new members who have not exhibited with is at Peterculter before.

All artwork is available for sale and to take away at the time of purchase. Artists replace sold works on a daily

basis, so the exhibition always provides new work throughout the month.

Framed Originals, Unframed Originals, Prints and Art Cards will all be available

Forecourt’s summer exhibition is now in its final week. But there is still time to grab some great pieces.

It runs from 10am to 4.30pm daily until Saturday 7th August at the Underpass Gallery, Broad Street Aberdeen.

We have over a dozen artists showing both framed and unframed works in Watercolour, Oils, Acrylics, Pen and Ink and Mixed  Media.

All works purchased can be uplifted immediately and these are replaced with fresh pieces, meaning that the exhibition is constantly refreshed.

If you are travelling by car please note that from 2nd August there are restrictions on the Broad Street / Gallowgate / Kirkgate junction.

15 April 2010
Forecourt Fundraising Art Show at RGC
Pupils on the Charities Committee at Robert Gordon’s College have organised an Art Show this weekend, in aid of The ARCHIE Foundation.  The show, entitled ‘Forecourt and Friends’ will feature the work of local artists who are members of Forecourt, as well as paintings by several prominent local professional artists, including Gordonian Eric Auld.

The event will be held in the MacRobert Hall at Gordon’s, Schoolhill, and will be launched with a private view evening on Friday 16 April for around 100 invited guests including the artists.  It will then be open to the public, free of charge, from 10 – 5 on Saturday 17 April, and 10 – 4 on Sunday 18 April.  Over 160 pieces of framed art from around 40 artists will be on show, ranging in price from £25 to £750.

Kenneth Watt (age 15), a member of the Charities Committee at RGC said: “After meeting Peter Hutchison and hearing about the work The ARCHIE Foundation does at the hospital we felt inspired to put on an event to help raise money.  We thought of various options and decided to do something a bit different that would hopefully reach people outside the Gordon’s community.  20% of all sales will go to ARCHIE and we hope that this and catalogue sales will raise a good amount for the hospital.”

Mr Hugh Ouston, Head of College said: “It is great to see Gordon’s getting involved with such a worthy charity.  Last year the College raised over £20,000 for various charities and this is all down to the commitment shown by the pupils on the Charities Committee and the generosity of all who attend the events and donate.  I am sure that this will be another successful event.”

Mr Peter Hutchison, Community Fundraising Manager for The ARCHIE Foundation said: “I am delighted that the charity committee of Robert Gordon’s have taken on this event in aid of The ARCHIE Foundation. They are a very well organised group and I am sure the ‘Forecourt and Friends’ event will be a fantastic success”

PETERCULTER HERITAGE HALL – Map

Opening Night: Friday 2nd April

Cheese & Wine Open Evening – 7pm-9pm (Free Admission)

The Exhibition will then be open for the public during the month of April

Opening Hours

Fridays: 12pm- 6pm Daily

Saturdays & Sundays: 11am- 6pm Daily (with Teas & Homebaking from 2pm-4pm)

Note one exception -  Saturday 17th (which will be open 1pm-6pm)

The Forecourt Art Group is a not for profit organisation which organises exhibitions
throughout the year for artists living and working in the North East of Scotland.

The Exhibition will showcase Original Works by 19 artists. All artwork is available for
sale and to take away at the time of purchase. Artists replace sold works on a daily
basis, so the exhibition always provides new work throughout the month.

Framed Originals, Unframed Originals, Prints and Art Cards will all be available

There is still time to catch the last day of the McMillan Affordable Art show which is on at RGU Faculty of Health Building, Garthdee, Aberdeen  on Fri 11th, Sat 12th, and Sun 13th.

Opening times 1000am -1600hrs

Works from £35 to £450.

The Forecourt Art Group and Tornadee are very happy to present the first Open Exhibition at The Tornadee Community. The group has been displaying work for the pleasure of the residents and their families for a year in the main nursing home.

The Exhibition is open to all and refreshments will be provided. A percentage of all sales is donated to the Tornadee Comfort Fund.

Tornadee Nursing Home
Thursday 3rd December 2009
7-9pm

Map:-

View Tornadee in a larger map

Three further weekends have been added to our winter show.

The exhibition, which  will be open on Saturdays  and Sundays  from 2PM to  4 PM will end on Sunday 13th of December.

The show features and sold works by 24 Locals Artists in watercolours, oils, acrylic, pastel,  pen & ink, with a wide variety of framed and unframed works, all of which are replaced when sold,  so artwork will change on an ongoing basis.

Map:
View Peterculter Heritage Hall in a larger map