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'Azur Blue' acrylic and oil on canvas,  89 x 116 cm

Fantastic paintings and sculptures for all your loved ones

"I'm not an activist"

Read POG's gift suggestions for Christmas for your loved ones!

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF HYPERREALISM

'Wind Blown Blough' acrylic and resin on abraded aluminum, 61 x 107 cm

Dive into David Kessler's work in this Artist in Focus written by Max Feldman!

'Golden Mask 3' oil on canvas, 100 x 140 cm

In our always online world, even the most easily provable fact can be drowned out in the never-ending snarl of alternative facts and badly spelled insults rumbling on the web. When you can’t even confidently state that the world is round without risking an argument, it’s safe to say that reality isn’t what it used to be. It takes the crystalline focus of hyperrealism cuts through this seething background noise of life in the 21^st century. In the works of Ukrainian born hyperrealist Sergey Piskunov’s however, he playfully and deliberately explores the dichotomy between our exterior and interior realities; blurring them together until they are impossible to separate.

'A Bull on the Hill' oil on canvas, 50 x 80 cm

Artists have been depicting animals for millennia. Yet animals have rarely played the lead role in works of art. Horses have played the role of servant in nearly every painting they have featured in, either dragging a plough or carrying their master.

In Klimas’ paintings, the relationship between humans and animals is a constant yet indirect element. This relationship is often an interesting one.

Christmas is just around the corner so we have prepared some suggestions by Volker Kuhn that would be an amazing stocking filler! 

John Salt was one of the pioneers of the Photorealist movement which took place in the late 1960s and the only non- American one at that. Although Salt did not dwell on either the irony of finding artistic freedom by copying a photograph or on the challenge this use of the photograph was (and still is), not only to art-world prejudices but also to our concept of what an artist is or ought to be. These issues were of course still on his mind and something that him and his peers thought about during the decision-making processes at the beginning of the movement.

The camera was the perfect tool for these artists, with no agenda (visual or theoretical) it offered freedom from historic modes of realism. It allowed the artists to capture a three-dimensional reality onto a two-dimensional plane which in turn enabled the artists to create exquisitely factual and faithful renderings of the composition they sourced. These artists challenged our concept of both ‘an original’ and of originality.

Photorealism was primarily about capturing the ‘American Dream’ and although Salt was working with the same process as the other Photorealists and capturing an American way of life, his subject and approach to the genre was quite different to that of his peers. Focusing on run-down areas and beat up vehicles Salt was bringing attention to the parts of the US the rest of the Photorealists overlooked.

Since its founding in 2001, Plus One Gallery has been London’s go-to venue for Hyperrealist art, offering a wide variety of the style by leading artists.

In our present moment, in which everyday life seems increasingly surreal, hyperrealist art can feel like a welcome visual grounding. But there’s more than one way to capture reality—so whether you’re seeking simulacra street scenes or contemporary still lifes, here are five artists whose work you should know, and can currently be seen either online or by appointment. 

Hyperrealist artist and co-founder of www.hyperrealism.net, Jacques Bodin interviews Maggie Bollaert about Plus One Gallery and Hyperrealism.

Carl Laubin 'Elegos' 2002 Oil on canvas,  182 x 152 cm

For the first time in 15 years we have on the market 'Elegos' the historically important painting by gallery artist Carl Laubin. This painting depicts the aftermath of the sensless act of the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City. 9/11.

Valentine's Day is only a fortnight away and although your girlfriend/ partner/ wife has told you she isn't bothered this year and Valentine's Day is "stupid" we happen to know differently...

Here are a few romantic gift idea's from us to you, you can thank us later!

As we fast approach the winter months, we take a look at some of our top picks for cozying down in your living room with the fire burning... A little inspiration to complete your home.

We all know how interesting it can be to hear the stories behind the paintings we see hung on the wall of a gallery or in someone's home, so much context unbeknown to the viewer from a simple glance and although there can be great pleasure in the freedom of interpretation, the artist's story can often be far more interesting than you could ever have imagined. I have decided to begin a series 'The Story Behind the Painting' on our blog to allow our readers a little insight into some of the minds and works of the artists that create the painstakingly, hyperrealistic artworks we have available at Plus One Gallery.

Gallery artist Denis Ryan is to begin this series for us today with his watercolour painting 'The King of Soho - Raymond's Revue Bar'.

The exhibition opened last Thursday, Andorran press flooded the space whilst gallery director Maggie Bollaert discussed the evolution of Hyperrealism over the past decade with Debora Ribas of the Museu del Tabac. Maggie then gave a tour of the exhibition which spans four levels of the old Tabacco factory, three rooms dedicated to the three main groups of painting style as well as sculptures on the mezzanine and three large paintings in the entrance hall.

The exhibition has been a great success thus far and we continue to receieve positive feedback from the Museum. This must- see show will run until 30th September so if you have the opportunity to visit Andorra don't miss viewing the best in Hyperrealism today.

More images to follow!

Mother's Day is just around the corner and we have some lovely paintings which would make excellent gifts. Have a scroll down and see if anything takes your fancy.

 A look around Plus One Gallery’s annual group show – the best way to see in the new year!

https://www.plusonegallery.com/photorealism-from-the-1960s/

“There are so many visions of reality as people interpret stimuli in so many ways, and this, in the case of painting, produces a multitude of different results, all equally valid. There is no one reality, only our interpretation of it.”

- Javier Banegas

"Light in my work is meant to seem transitory like a story that takes a few moments to tell then fades into memory. Watching these tales of light flicker and come together to build something so beautiful and subtle is the reason I paint and seeing the life grow from it continues to feed my desire to understand and relate it.”

- Tom Betts

Last night we had the private view for gallery artist Javier Banegas' solo show 'Colour Notion'. It was a lovely bright and warm night which was perfect in this cold weather and it was wonderful to see lots of new faces!

As we approach Christmas we wanted to give you a rundown of our top picks for November; including Tom Martin’s new sculpture ‘The Time is Now IV’ which features his iconic money roses and broken vase suspended in time. We also have two great exhibitions coming up. Starting with Javier Banegas’ solo show opening with a private view on the 7^th November.

In December we have a solo show by Volker Kuhn, showcasing his wonderful, eclectic and humours mini scenes. Don’t miss your chance to get your Christmas presents early, as they make great gifts!

We hope to see you at the gallery soon!

“My interest in books goes beyond their content, I collect them, I pile them up, I photograph them, I paint them, I even invent them… In fact, it is the whole book itself – its essence – that I love. I consider this object to be exceedingly meaningful.”

-          Paul Beliveau

YOUNG-SUNG KIM

Young-sung Kim’s breath taking still life paintings have been featured on the Mail Online and they are impressing everyone as much as they did us, when he first walked into the gallery two years ago. 

As we approach the end of summer we wanted to take a look at all the exciting events coming up this Autumn, alongside some of our favourite picks for the colder months. We will be showcasing artists that capture the mood and light of this time and offer events to see you right through to Christmas!

‘Surface Shimmer’ Acrylic on abraded aluminium on wood, 112 x 162.5 cm

Quick Review

Born: 1950, Park Ridge, New Jersey, USA.
Studied: 1975, M.F.A, The San Francisco Art Institute.  1972, Outstanding Graduate in Studio Art, Arizona State University.
Work: David Kessler’s paintings are exquisitely paradoxical, the flat painted surface being contrasted against the striking illusion of depth and space.

'Underground Distortion' acrylic on canvas, 107 x 107 cm

'Composition in Primary Colours' Oil on panel, 55 x 198 cm

Quick Review

Born: 1974, Madrid Spain 
Studied:  1998, Bachelor of Fine Arts - University of Madrid 

Work: Banegas produces close-up still life depictions of items that have been altered by the presence of humans. Working mainly with oil on board or canvas, Banegas produces some of the most spectacular hyper-realistic paintings, while still giving his viewers room for personal interpretation. 
Selected publications: 2008 ‘The Railroad in Art. Printmaking in the XIX – XXI Centuries’, edited by: Spanish Railroad Foundation 2007 ‘Train in the Spanish Painting’, edited by: Rene, Communication, Branding and Advertising Direction.

Artist in Focus: Francois Chartier

Quick Review

BORN: 1950, Montreal, Canada.

LIVES: Montreal, Canada.

WORK: Chartier started out working for a sign company that introduced him to using airbrush in the early 70s. During this role, he became familiar with typography, photography, illustration and print. He then went on to become an art director and illustrator in magazine publishing and advertising, working for such well-established Canadian agencies as Vickers & Benson (now Arnold Worldwide Canada) and creating the visual concept for Cirque du Soleil’s “Quidam” and “O” in Las Vegas. After 30 years in the advertising world, in 2000, he started to paint full time.

With his solo show in full swing, we take a look at what influences his practice and why painting the places he has been is so important to him.

A quick round up of our Summer picks to welcome in the weather!

With Tom Martin's solo exhibition 'Perpetual Motion' in full swing, we want to take a moment to look at what influences his practice.

Last night was the opening of Tom Martin's solo exhibition, 'Perpetual Motion'.

Thank you to everyone that joined us, it was a great evening, enjoyed by all.

Martin's exhibition is now open to the public and will run until 10th June, 2017,  we hope to see you there.

Castellanos started his career as the official copyist at the Prado Museum in Madrid, a city he continues to live and work in today. Whilst working at the museum he gained the opportunity to learn from some of the great masters, citing Velazquez, Goya and Ruben as his main influences. As well as painting commissioned portraits, Castellanos paints landscapes (often in portrait) centred around a key focal point whether that is a tree or figure. Despite this, Castellanos doesn’t see himself as a thematic painter, instead taking inspiration from day to day life around him. He says of his work: “when you’re painting you forget everything, it is the previous moments that differ from each other”.

With his beautiful use of light and horizons again part of the wonderful mix here at Plus One Gallery, we take a look at the influences and training that make Steve Whitehead's paintings so captivating.

'Looking for the Sun', 52.5 x 63.5cm, Watercolour on paper

Over the past 30 years Angus McEwan has become entranced by the materiality of his medium as well as his subject. He enjoys exploring textures and surfaces with watercolour and has grown fond of anything which is transient in our environment.

The fugitive nature of life, and in fact of all things, means everything is constantly in a state of flux and McEwan aims to capture those moments through his paintings.

"The more aged, decrepit or falling apart my subject matter is, the more important it is to capturing those never to be repeated moments lost in time."

- Angus McEwan

'Frankfurter', 51 x 51 cm, 2015, Acrylic on gessoed board with gold leaf

'Water Cooler Cup', 25 x 25 cm, 2016, Acrylic on canvas with gold leaf

Cynthia Poole was born in Zimbabwe, originally trained as an architect. She has a PhD in Architectural History and Theory from the University of Westminster (London) and worked for various architectural practices, including Richard Rogers, Nicholas Grimshaw and Norman Foster Associates as well as becoming a digital graphic artist for architectural visualisations before returning to painting.

'Place Setting 2' Acrylic on gessoed board with gold leaf, 91 x 91 cm

Cynthia Poole was born in Zimbabwe, originally trained as an architect. She has a PhD in Architectural History and Theory from the University of Westminster (London) and worked for various architectural practices, including Richard Rogers, Nicholas Grimshaw and Norman Foster Associates as well as becoming a digital graphic artist for architectural visualisations before returning to painting.

Last night was the opening of Cynthia Poole's solo exhibition, 'Gold Pieces & other Explorations'

Thank you to everyone that joined us, it was a great evening, enjoyed by all.

Poole's exhibition is now open to the public and will run until 15th April, 2017,  we hope to see you there.

'Greenwich Village Cinema' Acrylic on paper, 40 x 61 cm

His career began in advertising and film animation.  Successfully combining both, Denis Ryan worked on award-winning films as well as numerous TV and film commercials.

Ryan has a strong emotional attachment to the city and the recurrent motifs in many of his paintings reflect this, particularly his recent series of neon signs.  He deliberately rejects obvious beauty to search out the essence of ordinary objects and scenes to create richly coloured luminous paintings devoid of human presence, full of possibility and radiant light.

'On Location' Oil on linen, 105 x 160 cm

David Finnigan an artist currently based in the U.K. His paintings are the result of his reaction to some of the ephemera and the momentary that we all experience. Finnigan wants all the work he creates; sketches, studies and paintings, to be poetic, maybe dissonant even, beautiful and occasionally challenging. He aims to remain brutally aware of the power that painting can have.

What better way to celebrate the change in season than with our top Spring selection, brighten up your home this month!

Simon Hennessey has been represented by Plus One Gallery since 2002. His paintings continue to develop down new and interesting paths, primarily focusing on the human figure (mainly eyes) and reflection.

Our 2017 Winter Show is now officially open. The private view was fun, full of familier faces and lots of new ones. 

Whilst the show is on, we will be having a programme of interviews with some of the artist in the show. Check back here every Wednesday for updates!

Throughout the Winter Show we will be focusing on the works and practices of some of our gallery artists featured in the exhibition

This week we look at the work of David Wheeler, a Yorkshire man whose love of Italy is evident in his work.

Our Winter Show proramme continues with an interview with JKB Fletcher.

This week it is the work of well the travelled JKB Fletcher; who brings a sense of place and time into is work.  

We would like to invite you to the private view of our annual Winter Show.

We look forward to seeing you there. 

CARL LAUBIN - ‘A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY’ SOLO EXHIBITION AT PLUS ONE GALLERY FROM 23RD NOVEMBER 2016 TO 10TH DECEMBER 2016

NEW WORK FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING PAINTER OF CAPRICCI (ARCHITECTURAL FANTASY PAINTINGS)

HE TRAVELS FROM 19TH TO EARLY 20TH CENTURIES, INSPIRED BY NEOCLASSICAL LEO VON KLENZE AND MODERNIST LE CORBUSIER

A Sentimental Journey, painter Carl Laubin’s latest show, sees him venture beyond his favoured traditionalist architecture into early modernism

During his solo exhibition 'A Sentimental Journey', we catch up with Carl Laubin to discuss the inspiration behind his complex and highly technical paintings and how he became an artist specialising in pristine architectual renderings of buildings.

Laubin's current exhibition portrays his research and the passion he holds for the architecture, paintings and drawings of Leo von Klenze; Laubin's latest Capricci is on show at the gallery as part of 'A Sentimental Journey' until 16th Decemeber. Included in the exhibition are paintings  of a hypothetical project Léon Krier was working on based on Le Corbusier’s 1925 Pessac housing “revisioned”.  The three main paintings are based on one of Léon’s sketches who has replanned the neighbourhood in Pessac.

On Tuesday evening friends, colleagues, clients and artists came from far and wide to join us for the opening of Carl Laubin's solo exhibition, 'A Sentimental Journey'. The show contains 57 artworks made up of drawings and oil paintings dedicated to the work of architects Leo von Klenze and Le Corbusier. 

Private view for Carl Laubin's solo show is only 4 days away! Don't miss it: Tuesday 22nd 6pm - 8pm

Christmas is fast approaching, so Plus One Gallery wanted to share with you our top November picks!

Last Tuesday we held the opening of Elena Molinari's solo exhibition 'The Alchemy of the Everyday' the evening unveiled her latest still life paintings which were very well received by all. The event was a great success! 

During here solo exhibition 'The Alchemy of the Everyday', we catch up with Molinari to discuss the inspiration behind her exquisite paintings.

Born in Montevideo, Elena Molinari is best known for her still life paintings of fruit and vegetables, often placed in fruit bowls or alongside glass vases and silk cloths. Molinari works mostly with oil on canvas and is also renowned for her glossy, highly finished paintings of crumpled coca-cola cans. Since 1996, she has lived and worked in Spain, working as an Arts Professor at the University of Madrid. She has enjoyed success beyond Spain, both in her native Uruguay and in galleries across the world. 

Thank you to everyone that came to the private view of Elena Molianri's solo show on Tuesday.

We want to welcome everyone to see this beautiful show which will run till the 19th November.

There is pleanty of time to make the journey south of the river, so there is no excuse to miss it!

Not long now until the private view for Elena Molinari : The Alchemy of the Everyday.

Don't miss it!

Tuesday 25th October 6pm - 8pm

Tom Martin's body of work rebels against the use of photography in hyperrealism and is instead more representative of a more considered version of reality. By playing with colour and scale, Martin produces images that are perceived to be real but cannot exist photographically.  We catch up with Martin and discuss why he prefers to distance his creative process from the restraints of a digital camera.

Plus One Gallery is delighted to announce the forthcoming solo show by gallery artist Elena Molinari. ‘The Alchemy of the Everyday’ will showcase her latest still life paintings which continue to explore new textures. 

Private view Tuesday 25th October 6 – 8pm

26th October – 12th November 2016

For centuries, the American dream has attracted people from all over the world, lured by the promise of a better way of life. However, as history has progressed, faith in the American dream has diminished, tainted by the scepticism and doubt of modern society. Many artists have been inspired by the American dream. Some interpret optimism, hope and patriotism in their work, while others portray the dream as an unattainable illusion.

We have now settled into our new home at Battersea Reach and with the Opening Show a success, we are getting ready for the cosiest time of the year. It has been an exciting year so far and it doesn't look to be slowing down with some fabulous new works. As well as solo shows for Elena Molinari and Carl Laubin and not forgetting our annual Winter Show in February.

On Tuesday evening friends, colleagues, clients and artists came from far and wide to join in the celebration of our relocation to Battersea Reach. The group show contains almost 100 artworks from 45 different artists, with a rich variety of styles and genres gracing the walls of Plus One Gallery.