Arteries Gallery

I entered ARTeries on the wrong afternoon — they were in the middle of revising their exhibition space and all their paintings were off the walls! Oops. Nevertheless, the owner was very apologetic about it and let me have a wee browse regardless.
ARTeries, like most of the galleries in this area, showcase a large number of Scottish artists from various styles and backgrounds. There are some utterly gorgeous landscape paintings available here, not to mention some glorious portraitture. But despite the diverse range of talent on show here, what do I find myself gravitating towards at alarming speed? A massive dedication to the Scottish Wildcat, glowing away at me as if a halo of light surrounds his lovely, exquisitely painted cat face. Needless to say, I want this Power original as she painted it so well, but it came in at a cool 4 grand so I’ll have to pass.
There are a number of Howson originals available here, including some interesting if not alarmingly disturbing satirical paintings of Maggie Thatcher back in the day. As much as I admire the work that’s gone into them, I wouldn’t want her snarling, grotesquely painted features glowering at me in my house. Saying that, they are still interesting to go and have a look at.
I like Arteries — it has its roots in Scotland and an intent to showcase local talent. Because it houses original works it is costly, but definitely worth a look — the owner is very amiable and doesn’t seem to mind you having a look.

Unfortunately, Unilocal won’t let you put more than the normal number of capital letters in a business name — so it won’t let you properly appreciate the pun in the name. The actual name that this gallery goes by ARTeries. Get it? Hahaha.
Anyway, besides the slightly dodgy pun in the name — I really think that this is a great gallery. The art on the wall is attractive and varied — and they had some really lovely stand out pieces. To be honest, if anyone’s offering, I’d be pretty happy hanging just about any of the pieces in this gallery on my wall.
The staff are friendly, and didn’t mind at all that I was just having a browse. Plus, it was really warm in there — so a great way to thaw out a little after spending too long out in the cold!
Only little hitch is that this place didn’t display any prices. Which pretty much means that you can’t afford them. Ah.

Another gallery that stocks the sort of art I don’t like: things that would look god in the front room, tasteful and well executed. My taste for conceptual art does make me a tough sell.
I am always a bit confused by the obvious eroticism of many of these pictures– sexy ladies, half-​undressed in luxurious oils: I am not quite sure where these would go in the house, but the range also goes into street scenes and more polite images. If I would not buy from here, that is more a question of my taste than any problems with the shop itself. It has a reverential atmosphere and pleasant staff.