Influenced by Robert Burns

Image via Wikipedia

Robert Burns was born into a farming family in Ayrshire in 1759. He died in Dumfries when he was only 37. But, in that short time he had taken the Scottish literary world by storm, by writing some of Scotland’s most famous songs and poems.

On the anniversary of his death, 25th January 1796, Scots all over the world celebrate with a special meal called a Burns Supper consisting of Haggis, Neeps (Turnip or Swede) and Tatties (Potatoes), this celebration supper can invariably be washed down with Ale or a nip of Whiskey !

Famous writings by Burns include Selkirk Grace, Auld Lang Syne, Green Go the Rashes, Highland Mary, To a Mouse, Tam O’Shanter, A Man’s a Man for A’That and Ae Fond Kiss.

Ae Fond Kiss Giclee Art Print
by Sheila Tandy

Sheila Tandy, inspired by the work of Margaret MacDonald MacKintosh, created panels depicting Robert Burns, songs and lovers. At Bay Attic we have these fantastic images, taken from the original piece of art, available as giclee art prints.

New from Peter McDermott and Top Drawer 2012

We have some wonderful new art by Peter McDermott featuring Hadrian’s Wall, Buttermere – The Lakes, Stonehenge, the Seven Sisters and more !

A Bit About The Artist.

Peter entered the West Surrey College of Art & Design at the age of 15, becoming the college’s youngest student. After 5 years formal training, and following a period of 18 years spent in London where he rose to the position of Creative Director within a highly respected agency, Peter felt led to change direction, return to the country of his father, and pursue his first love, watercolours.

Now based on the Isle of Skye with his family, Peter has been painting professionally for just over 9 years, and in that time he has enjoyed successful exhibitions throughout Scotland. Now exhibiting from Easter to October at his gallery in Aird, Sleat. Peter’s work is represented in many private collections around the world.

With Doricmor (our sister company) we took these striking images to Top Drawer Trade Fare in London and they were a hit there too, so why not add some colour to your, home or office with a 1930′s stylised art print by Peter McDermott.

Bay Attic | McDermott Watercolours | Posters and Art Prints

Thank You

We would like to say a very big Thank you to all our new and returning customers, blog readers, and Facebook “Likers”, who continually visit our online gallery, post to our blogs and talk to us online or over the telephone. Thank You for your continued support and feedback.

As always we will be keeping you up-to-date with all that’s going on at Bay Attic throughout 2012, and we look forward to showcasing and supplying new work from our artists as quality Art prints, Giclee prints, Gifts and Greeting Cards.

The Art of Chocolate

"How much did you spend on Chocolate ?" He asked.

If you love chocolate, when does it become an obsession ? If you only buy it at Christmastime – does that still count as an obsession ?

Recently, I spent a fortune (according to family) on chocolate, alcoholic infused nibbles and chocolate filled crackers.

Innocently, I thought nothing of spending an amount of money on these items, as they are not everyday nibbles, but a one-off indulgence. Unfortunately, family members thought I had reached a chocolate crisis in my life.

I have to admit, I am rather partial to a good beverage and a square of chocolate as an accompaniment. So, why not share a magical and smooth velvet moment with others ?

What constitutes a good chocolate ?

No doubt there will be chocolatiers and connoisseurs who can tell me what makes chocolate, chocolate, but as far as I’m concerned a chocolate bar that’s got at least 60% chocolate is a good starting point, before we even reach the quality of the beans, and anything with a higher chocolate content, you wouldn’t eat a lot of because it tastes too rich.

When did I last buy Chocolate ?

Okay, there is usually some form of chocolate in the shopping basket, but not the good stuff. So, yes, I have purchased chocolate more frequently than once a year – but not the good stuff !

Confession or Denial ?

OMG, reading this back I am astounded by my chocolate thought process, I am beginning to worry – am I indeed a chocoholic ? Perhaps I hide my addiction by sharing it with others ?

Self diagnosis – I am not a chocoholic, if I were a chocoholic I would eat all the chocolate I bought in one sitting, not wrap and gift to others !

Why I am not a chocoholic !

1. I have never bought a box of chocolates for the sole purpose as an accompaniment to a Movie.
2. I don’t like Hot Chocolate at bed-time or any other time
3. I like to give chocolate to others !

What has this post got to do with art I hear you ask ?

Some art you love and it makes you go weak at the knees, so does chocolate !

Now that’s it’s December

 

Christmas Posting Dates

It’s snow joke !

I hear many a sigh today because it has begun to snow ! Our location on the West coast of Scotland is idyllic, but we are in a rather hilly area, and the littlest dusting of snow can cause major disruption to transport around here.

This morning, we gingerly drove around Greenock, taking an alternative route due to our convenient route being closed, not because of snow but because of building work.

To be honest, a few delays and disruption – I classed as being a lucky escape compared to the builders and surveyors, in high visibility jackets, I saw working outside in the cold and sleet snow, behind the “Road Closed” signs and bollards this morning.

So, its snow joke (sorry I had to say it !) that my post today reflects the weather, as I listen to the radio, while I am working I may add, the forecast is for more snow.

Why does everyone get so annoyed with the weather, it’s that time of year. Other countries have much more snow than us and they are prepared for it, so get used to it people – prepare for the weather and if you can work from home do so – if necessary. If you need to travel, be sensible !

The weather isn’t all bad. Many of our artists have used the snowy weather as their inspiration. So, why not take a look and see what Paul Cooklin, Clare Mackie, John Bathgate and Colin Robertson have made of the wintery weather !

Bay Attic | Art | Christmas | Snow Art

A Gift for Hogmanay

I know Christmas is just around the corner, and we are posting about the New Year, but sometimes we get so excited here at Bay Attic, that it’s just great to share !

Traditionally in Scotland when it’s the New Year, you visit family and friends not only for a party but also, after the bells strike midnight, you would visit another household to “first foot” them. Being the first person to enter their house for the New Year, a gift would be given or if you were really lucky your visitor may suit the requirement of being tall, dark and handsome and bestow a New Year kiss – but if this wasn’t the case – the gift would usually be a piece of coal or bun or whisky.

Today, these gifts may not be to everyone’s tastes, so at Bay Attic we have some delightful Scottish themed illustrated mugs, ideal as a “first foot” gift – and perhaps even better if a wee dram is in it when gifted !

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Clare Mackie Art | Mackie Mugs | Scottish Themed Gifts