Welcome to the Gallery

Imagine is set in the Suffolk village of Long Melford.
This is an attempt to record the daily trials, tribulation and pleasure of running an art gallery.

Tuesday 11 October 2016

Under Pressure



I'm getting very behind.
We are having a few "back to back" exhibitions and everything is starting to blur a little.
Of course the art is totally different each time but the magazines and printers
work on a different deadline to me.
It seems that as soon as we have held the opening of one exhibition I am being chased for images
of our next exhibition, or I remember that I only have a few days to design
the invitation for the next show, which in my mind seems so far away as I am still so involved
with the current exhibition.




In reality it should not be too much of a problem, but on occasions the artist for a forthcoming
exhibition doesn't understand how far in advance I need information and pictures.
But, of course there are exceptions.
Rob Van Hoek
Is an artist that is one of those exceptions.
In fact he was "so far ahead of the game" I found myself trying to keep up with him. 




Although he is from Holland he is very collected here in the UK and America
Over two months ago he sent me small images of his new paintings so that I could have first choice
of his paintings for his exhibition with us.
My first thought was "this is going to make it easy for me".
But no!
Because I had lots of time I dithered about "umming and ahrring"
Should I go for this one or that one?
Meanwhile his collectors were buying.
Once I understood this I became more focused and made quick decisions.

Immediately Rob sent me "Hi Resolution" pictures in case I needed them.
This gives a small insight into how professional he is.




We have been showing Robert's art for a couple of years but this was to be his first exhibition with us.
I could not be happier.
The photographs just do not do justice to the paintings that arrived,
They are beautiful yet also different to the kind of art that I would normally want to show.
I can't put my finger on the difference but in a way I find them very sculptural.




This perhaps is because after finishing painting he then scratches though the paint to reveal the canvas.
In fact the details are actually the canvas revealed beneath the layers of paint.
The finished artwork has texture plus an almost a 3D affect.
Coupled with the simple innocence of the landscapes his technique is refreshing,
Very contemporary and beautiful.




The Titles!
I confess that in the past I have read the title of his paintings but then have struggled sometimes to make the painting fit the title.
Some are obvious others not so.
Then I learned that Rob plays music while he is painting, and it is the mood and atmosphere of the music that can decide the title of the painting.
It may be the title or just a few lyrics that then become the name of the painting.

I'm sure that we can all relate to that.
The way that music can make us happy or sad or can transport us to another time
memory or place.

 


I don't really need the titles
His paintings move me and my emotions.




This coupled with his professional manner has made this an [almost] easy approach to an exhibition.
Except that it put me in front for a couple of days so I decided to paint the gallery.
Big Mistake.
I am now behind as ever.
Also, Rob will be exhibiting alongside the sculptor
Evelyne Galinski
Whose work will arrive from France on Friday night, one day before the opening.
So it seems like it will be pressure as usual up to the wire.
I couldn't work any other way.

"Under Pressure"
Now isn't that a title of a song?

3 comments:

  1. I am glad to hear what's going on even if it is trying right now. Love the paintings. They are 'happy'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Donna

      "Trying" would be an understatement.
      Plus taking into account that I there are many things that I can't talk about.
      But at least Rob's paintings are getting lots of interest and they are still not all hanging on the [freshly painted] walls, so that is a good sign.
      Other than that it is the normal stress/pressure/office work/more stress.
      That aside also a lot of pleasure.
      This evening I am sitting in the gallery catching up on mails, every now and again
      I look up and look around and think to myself, "This is lovely".
      Even more so when I find a message from you, then it amazes me that someone that far away has a connection with what I am trying to achieve.
      Thank you for responding, it does make a difference.

      Delete
  2. such beautiful work, love hearing about the details of your gallery's life

    ReplyDelete