Alec Galloway hosts new exhibition at Crow Cottage Arts

Alec Galloway is launching a new exhibition at Crow Cottage Arts in Kempock Street in Gourock on Saturday evening to shine a light on four talented artists' work.

Three other artists - Paul Murray, Janet Forry and Rosemary Beaton - will showcase their work alongside Alec's own pieces in the 'Wintering Wonderland' show.

Alec said: "The title for the exhibition comes from a book by Katherine May which has become strangely appropriate - 'Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times'.

"We want to bring some colour as the light drops. People can come in and experience that feeling through this vibrant collection."

Alec Galloway is hosting the exhibition of work by himself and three other artists. (Image: George Munro) Alec said that he knows the artists really well and it was a chance to bring all their work together.

He said: "We know Paul and Rosemary. Paul has recently retired as a teacher at Inverclyde Academy and both he and Rosie have down a lot of work this year.

"A lot of new work has been created to bring all of us together under the wintering theme."

The artwork is a combination of different styles and different materials to reflect each artist's interests.

Alec explained: "It's a mix. Paul uses mixed media and collage, and Janet's work is more traditional winter landscapes, capturing the winter light.

"Rosemary has spent time in Spain and the Western Isles so her latest work reflects this, while my work is seascapes of the Clyde, Argyll and the hills.

Former Inverclyde Academy art teacher Paul Murray is among the artists whose work is going on show at the new exhibition. (Image: Duncan Bryceland) "We're bringing like-minded people, and the artistic community together, all the artists will be there and there will also be jewellery Heather Dowds."

Alec organised a similar exhibition of work by himself, Rosemary and Paul at the Crow Cottage gallery last year.

Rosemary is a past winner of the National Portrait Award and was commissioned to paint a portrait of renowned journalist and broadcaster Sir Robin Day OBE for the National Portrait Gallery.

Paul, who was born and raised in Greenock, retired from his post as principal teacher of art at Inverclyde Academy earlier this year, bringing to an end a 40-year spell in the classroom.

READ MORE: Inspirational Inverclyde art teacher retires after 40 years in the classroom

Janet, who lives in Busby but has a daughter in Greenock, attended the Edinburgh School of Art alongside Alec in the pair's student days.

She is also no stranger to Crow Cottage, having taken part in a pop-up collaboration alongside Heather Dowds, Nicola Young, Catriona Ried, Mik Grant and Linda Ross last year.

All the artists will be at the launch event which runs from 6pm until 8pm on Saturday.

The exhibition will run until the New Year.