Mike Turpie Art

West Highlands of Scotland

2011-07-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

These are impressions in pastel from recent visits to Lochcarron and area in the west highlands of Scotland. Click on the image to view other related work.

APPETITE FOR ART

2011-07-03T01:16:00.000-07:00

Two of my oils currently on show at "The Meffan Gallery", Forfar

Baguettes fraiches a emporter

2011-06-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Street Cafe, Metz

2011-04-16T03:35:00.000-07:00

A mid morning view of a French street. Pastries and coffee indoors for those who have the time but bread readily available from the stall outside.

Tenements at Night, Edinburgh.

2011-03-14T05:06:00.000-07:00

This oil painting captures the colour which is around in night time scenes. It is a cosy and comforting image with many rooms illuminated giving forth a warm light. There is also a cubist element with portable units parked in the yard beside the railway line

Woodland View, Perthshire.

2011-02-28T03:41:00.000-08:00

This oil painting captures some of the fleeting light and colour effects evident in the Scottish landscape. A popular woodland walk, one of my favourite activities is a quiet stroll where only the sights and sounds of nature are present. When this is not possible it is good to reflect on the experience through art.

Walking Boots

2011-02-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

This oil pastel shows my old beat up walking boots which have traversed the Angus Glens (with me in them) over several years. I decided to "retire" them five years ago during my training stint to walk the Inca Trail. High tech summer boots were more appealing. Sorry old friends.

The Pink Towel, view from my gate.

2011-01-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

Angus Landscape, Balfour Castle

2011-01-22T03:17:00.000-08:00

This pastel was completed "plein air" just after the hay had been baled. I find the shapes of the bales make a picturesque composition and draw attention to the space in the composition. This work is in the Royal Bank of Scotland Art Collection.

French Facades in Perspective.

2010-12-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

I liked the receding buildings which are all shapes and sized and also that the street was curving round at the same time. Some dark areas enhance the vivid colours and reflected light in the shops and cafes

Stockbridge, Edinburgh

2010-12-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

This large oil on canvas is very expressionist in handling. I feel I captured a timelessness, neither day or night and transformed the architecture into a poetic statement.

This work is in the N.H.S. collection and is situated at Whitehills Hospital, Forfar, Angus.

PATISSERIE

2010-11-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

I am fascinated by buildings and in particular, the French street scene. My eye is attracted by the detail which others may miss or find insignificant, for example - cracks in the pavement, graffiti, downpipes and drains and structures which are uneven and never look quite "right". The interaction of the human figure is an important element in the composition also.

Autoportrait au kilt par Mike

2010-11-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

This self portrait will be exhibited at the Galerie Epicentre, Paris in December. The figure is posed to give a fore-shortened view as well as capturing the intricate folds and pleats of the kilt. The kilt is a male garment which is made of eight yards of cloth. Much of the involved "engineering" in its construction is hidden under the inner lining which wraps around the waist and gives it its swing and freedom of movement..
Traditionally, Scottish Highlanders are naked underneath.

This work is a vibrant colourful likeness and the media used is oil pastel on card.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158800794149113#!/GalerieEpicentre

RECENT EVENTS IN METZ

2010-11-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Metz which is in the Alsace area of France is a very beautiful city incorporating Germanic as well as French influences in the architecture. It always reminds me of Paris but on a smaller scale and it is a treat to wander the streets where pedestrians are a more obvious presence than cars.

During October there were some marches organised to oppose the rise in the pension age. Many students were involved in this as well as union members. A remarkable outcome of the strength of feeling was the closure of many of France's oil refineries. This resulted in a fuel shortage and people queuing at ther pumps.

This image portrays the march through the centre of metz.

The Yellow Sunblind

2010-10-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

My series of works in pastel continues with this frontal view of apartments and shops in a French town. The vivid yellow awning caught my eye and with its surroundings makes a striking composition. Oil pastels appeal because you can catch many of the textural and gestural qualities similar to painting but without the time consuming preparation.
Once again unusual perspectives and bold simplification is visible.

This work is for sale. Price on application.

The Square in Metz, France

2010-09-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

A carousel adorns the beautiful square in Metz. Dotted around are the usual bars and cafe's making this a haven for the visitor and the after work crowd. Rides on horses, a spaceship, hot air balloon and chic sports car are available for the children. Let your imagination run free. Plenty for the adults also.

This work is a sketch in oil pastel.

Plein Air in France

2010-08-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

The latest progession in my artwork is the inspiring buildings of small town France . I find increasingly odd angles and unusual perspectives through my travels there. The southerly light softens edges and bathes the facades in wonderful reflected colour. I must return. Enjoy.

A Touch of Italian

2010-07-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

This is a view of a couple of haunts in St Stephen Street in Edinburgh. Sprio is a favourite coffee shop of mine half owned by an Italian family. It has a good ambience and serves excellent cappuccinos. A good way to set myself up after dropping my son at school and learn a little Italian.

The Laurel Gallery is a shop selling art and giftware. I happen to have some of my prints in there at the moment displayed in the browsers.

Sandy Bell's Music Pub, Edinburgh

2010-07-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

I captured this famous pub in Edinburgh on a nice summer's morning. I sometimes play my scottish smallpipes in there along with the other musicians on a Sunday afternoon.

It is great to play some soothing scottish airs along with moothie, fiddle and accordion.

Untitled

2010-07-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is a newly completed oil painting on canvas. The landscape subject includes a cubist element in the rocks and unusually positioned trees which seem to be rooted in stone.The overall composition verges on the abstract which doesn't detract from the feeling of distance and calm.

I seem to be influenced by Cezanne in this instance.

The Bailie Pub, Stockbridge

2010-07-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

My impression of a well known local bar in Edinburgh. The Bailie Pub sits at the corner of West Circus Place and St Stephen Street. On warm summer evenings it is typical to see customers sitting outside on the steps enjoying their pints. Like the Antiquary, it is situated below street level.

THE ANTIQUARY

2010-06-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

Named after a famous novel by Sir Walter Scott this Edinburgh Pub is loaded with character and atmosphere.

The Antiquary is located in St Stephen Street, Stockbridge and hosts a regular music session on a Thursday Evening from 9pm till whenever and I have played my Scottish smallpipes there along with other traditional instrumentalists and singers. It is an open session when everyone is invited to do a turn.
They also do a fine Scottish breakfast on a Sunday and that is fastly becoming a regular "haunt" of ours.

The work is oil pastel on card and it is for sale.

VIEW

2010-06-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

Some 50miles due south of Edinburgh is to be found this view in the Border country. The landscape is distinctly different to the rest of Scotland being quite undulating and sometimes similar to the low countries of Europe. Geologists have found, due to the movement of tectonic plates ,the Borders of Scotland was once part of Europe and beyond whereas the rest of Scotland was attached to North America.

This area was once volcanic and it is common to see unusual landforms, the result of ancient fortifications including hill forts.

The painting is an oil on canvas and is available.

Field

2010-05-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Once again I am attracted by trees in a simplified landscape. I think space and distance with a pause signified by the grouping of trees in the middle distance.
The composition contrasts a simplified foreground with a more complex sky.

measures 9.5in x 12.5in ( 24cm x 32cm).

This work is oil pastel on card and is available for purchase.
Please message me for more info.

The Foundry Bar

2010-05-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

A well known "watering hole". This is an old bar close to the foundry in Arbroath, Angus.I love this work as I managed to exploit the full textural qualities of the oil paint. This figurative work borders on the abstract with a great deal of feeling coming through in the brushwork. Vibrant colour shows my enthusiasm for the German Expressionists.

This work is for sale. Please message me for further details.

Disused Bus Shelter

2010-05-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

I have depicted this battered wooden structure as a comment of the run down of public transport in the rural areas.
I think this could apply anywhere as a symbol of times past but hopefully we will strive to encourage these services back as part of a "greener" economy and re-establishment of rural communities.
This work is an oil pastel on card and it is for sale.

"Lochcarron" pastel by Mike

2010-05-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

Lochcarron is a beautiful small town situated on the West coast of Scotland. Many tourists pass through it on the way to Applecross reached by a single track road of dramatic ascents and descents with spectacular views. There is also the light which is distinctly different from the East of Scotland. Many artists are based here and is a great spot to do "plein air" work (on the spot) as the impressionists worked.

This is a view along the main street. The building in the foreground is the Dental Surgery as well as the home of our dear friends, Sigga and Jan (the local dentist).

This pastel on board was completed in between rain showers when the sun shone brilliantly casting its golden glow.

1914 - 1918

2010-05-01T02:20:00.000-07:00

This oil pastel on card was completed about a week ago. It is a homage to my great uncles who died in the great war. They were twin brothers who lied about their ages (aged 16yrs) not uncommon at the time.

They were in engaged in trench warfare in France and found their kilts sodden with rain and mud. They removed their kilts to dry on the barbed wire because the pleats of the kilt when wet cut into the back of the legs very badly.

It was at this point they came under fire from the Germans and both died. I think a kilt hanging on a barbed wire fence is an appropriate memorial to this sad experience.

The Louvre

2010-04-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Musee Louvre is a must see while in Paris but it is good to focus on a small number of works. Some fine gems of paintings lurk in some of the less populated areas of corridor I fine the sculpture the easiest to view of all mainly because located on plinths they are usually above the heads of most tourists.

Avoid the route which guides you to La Giaconda (Mona Lisa). She can be approached from the gallery behind if you are clever enough to understand the gallery map.

Even if you think Leonardo's masterpiece is over-hyped you must view the multitudes of tourists capturing her on cameraphone as you can see here.

Paris in the Spring

2010-04-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

Had a great few days in this beautiful city. It seems unfair that they have so much great art. My favourite museum was Musee d'Orsay with an extensive collection of impressionism and related work.
I do love Degas and his pastelwork. There is a boldness and excitement which comes straight from the heart - an outcome perhaps of rebellion against the establishment and working with a relatively new medium.
Van Gogh's "Church at Auvers" stood out as another gem to meditate over.

I combined my visit with attendance at "The Big Bang Art Project" to which I had submitted some pastels, one of which I have included here.

Exploring the lesser known areas and talking art over a glass of wine in Montmartre takes some beating.

Big Brother Auditions

2010-02-07T07:15:00.001-08:00

I attended the Big Brother auditions in Glasgow last week since I quite fancied the experience of becoming a housemate for the last ever show. Found myself lining up with a skater in nappies, a stripper, and various other outrageous hopefuls.

The experience involved several bonding games including head, shoulders, knees and toes, hokey cokey, secret detective and 21 (not blackjack). We formed into teams of ten and took on the opposition.

One game involved lying on the floor AND passing a football with your feet to the feet of the next person and so on. A bit revealing if you were wearing a kilt like myself.

There followed the process of pairing up and introducing a fellow team member through describing an an unusual incident that they have experienced. My partner had been a circus clown and found herself trapped in a phone box with elephants rubbing their rear ends up against the glass. The glass then began to crack.

Well it all made for a very memorable experience and now I must wait for that telephone call from BB, fingers crossed.

Piper in Antartica

2010-01-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

The more I research Antartica the more I want to visit. I would love to play my pipes there also although it may be more of a lark than reality depending on the time of year.
I discovered temperatures in Scotland at minus 28 degrees c. which is colder than the South Pole during January so there is hope.

The piper portrayed in this photo is Gilbert Kerr who was on the Scottish William Bruce Expedition before Scott got there.
The Kerrs are traditionally left handed so Gilbert may be an exception to the rule since he holds his pipes on the left shoulder as usual - interesting.

2009 has been a busy year

2009-12-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

A Residency in Ireland, Plinth Piping and an Edinburgh Festival Fringe exhibition have been a few of the milestones reached this year. As we wind up 2009 Scotland is experiencing some of the coldest temperatures on record. At the same time it is giving us the chance to be entertained visually by snowy landscapes and take part in wintry activities such as building a snowman, sledging and avoiding slipping on Edinburgh's icy pavements.
To find out more follow the link to our blog. Mike, Linda and Magnus.

http://midwinter2009.blogspot.com/

My end of year work

2009-12-29T14:21:00.000-08:00

Bringing to a conclusion around ten canvases which I have been working on throughout the year. The theme is New Mexico and California developed from sketches and photographic references when I visited the U.S. two years ago.

It seems appropriate that the work reproduced features a forest scene with snow, a view I discovered on the road from Santa Fe to Taos during April one year. We are presently enjoying snow during this festive period in Scotland.

The light in New Mexico has similarities to Scotland but the colours are also highly contrasting.

Best wishes for 2010.

Mike

Mike's Plinthian Pipes

2009-08-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

I did my bagpiping on the vacant plinth in Trafalgar Square and found it to be a very rewarding experience. Many people stopped to enjoy the music and seemed intrigued that I was just there as myself providing some entertainment. No fancy dress or stripping exploits just me with my pipes dressed in my kilt and trying my best.

The height took a few minutes to get used to as it is about 8 metres high but after a while it was a breeze. My reeds rose to the occasion and altogether my one hour spot flew by. Thanks Antony Gormley for dreaming up the idea. I am now one of 2400 and part of your public art project.
To view a recording of the event click on the link

California Road Trip

2009-08-06T03:59:00.000-07:00

Mono Lake is such a precious spot not far from Yosemite. These gigantic Tufas or mineral deposits rise from the lake suggesting something from another planet. Although almost alien to look at they are also totally human in their organic qualities.

U.S. Roadtrip

2009-07-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

Coming to the end of an eventful road trip through California and Nevada. The massive scale of the beautiful scenery especially around Yosemite is stirring the religious side in me. Maybe it is because we become more aware of how tiny we are as humans and defer more to nature. Also an awareness of some larger force. Hope to be posting a few pics soon

Work in Progress

2009-07-12T09:35:00.001-07:00

This is a thoughtful period when I am taking a break from painting to concentrate on my piping. My next major art project is at the planning stage and will see me working "plein air" again if possible. Taking off for the States next week to absorb the wonderful scenery of Northern California and Nevada that will be inspiring enough. In the meantime here is a link to my ramblings and also an earlier studio work from my New Mexico series.http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=455037512

Mike talks about turning Plinthian

2009-07-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=60045659

I am a Plinther

2009-07-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

I succeeded in getting selected to perform on the vacant fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. My time slot is from 7am till 8am on Tuesday 11th August. I will be playing the Highland Bagpipes and hope to include some pibroch. It is the ancient music of the Scottish Highlanders and some of the movements evoke the sweet sounds of nature like a gentle wind or the passage of water over stones in a Highland burn. The poetry and emotion will resonate through the traffic and rush hour sounds of London as the city slowly wakes up.

The Plinth

2009-06-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

My London visit went well with soaring temperatures into the mid 80s
I did get to Trafalgar Square and viewed where the public will be competing with the statues as from July 6th. Maybe even I if I am successful in the August draw. It looks like a major bit of constuction is underway as you can see.
Visited Tate Britain and viewed an exhibition highlighting the similarities between Rothko and Turner's later work. The colour and abstract qualities are close in a way. Also enjoyed looking at the Monet's and Van Gogh's in the National Gallery especially after my recent forays painting on the spot (plein air).
My usual visit to the theatre took in "A Little Night Music" which is a stunning new production. The set in the second act was very austrian secessionist inspired. It reminded me of one of my trees paintings. London is very busy at this time especially with Wimbledon but always worth a visit.

plein air

2009-06-21T02:21:00.000-07:00

I loved getting back to painting "plein air" that is on the spot as the impressionists did. Nothing beats getting that immediate effect

canvases in transition

2009-06-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Towards Ballinskelligs 6am

2009-06-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

I would climb down from my half loft and get my easel, palette, brushes etc out the door and would usually put paint to canvas before morning coffee.
Must get off that caffeine.

YouTube - Reel Scot plays a slow air

2009-06-15T05:08:00.000-07:00

YouTube - Reel Scot plays a slow air

Paintings and Drawings

2009-06-15T04:21:00.000-07:00

Six oil paintings on canvas and several charcoal sketches was the outcome of my stay at Cill Rialaig. I just had to step out of my door and set up my easel to capture the wonderful colours and atmosphere of this very "human" coastal view.

2009-06-15T04:13:00.000-07:00

I have returned from the beautiful coastline of Co Kerry after two weeks of plein air painting. I was selected to follow a residency at the post famine village of Cill Rialaig which has been restored into artists studios/living space. It is known as the "artists village" locally.