Put yourself in the picture for Christmas
You can be in Garry’s amazing town centre landscape
27.10.2018 A Paisley artist is asking Buddies to dig out their scarves and gloves to put themselves in a Christmas picture with his lat e s t painting.
Garry Byars, who owns the Sunshine Gallery in Paisley, has become wellknown for his impressive scenic paintings of his hometown and for offering people the chance to be immortalised in them.
His most recent artwork of Barshaw Park is an impressive 30-inch by 40inch painting and features 164 real people, 20 Paisley businesses and famous characters including Paolo Nutini, Gerry Rafferty and artist John Byrne.
And with Christmas approaching, Garry has been inspired to do another painting, this time a wintry scene of Paisley Abbey and the town hall.
He said: “My vision is Paisley Abbey and town hall at Christmas time, with a beautiful light and a deep blue sky and reflecting Christmas lights in the water looking over the River Cart to Dunn Square and the Cenotaph – all covered in snow.
“The background of this artwork will be to a high standard, with lots of Paisley characters having fun and lots of activities such as hot food being cooked, snowmen, choirs, Santa Claus, even a personalized stage – and much more.
“In the background, I plan to use a bit of artistic license where I will include County Square, the River Cart and Bridge, the Cenotaph, St Mirin Brae, the Methodist Church, and other famous Paisley landmarks.”
Garry thinks it will take about a year for him to finish the piece and it should be ready for October 2019.
He hopes to have around 200 people and 50 businesses included in the painting.
He said: “The idea came about after chatting with Elaine Templeton from Taste Buds Cafe and many other people at Sma’ Shot Day back in July.
“This gave me the inspiration to start this new artwork.
“Already three other businesses have booked their place including Paisley.Is, MoonGemz Baby and VIP Lounge as well as six people – and a cat called Frodo.”
Garry charges a small fee for people and businesses to be included in the painting which covers his costs and plans to sell the painting to raise money for charity.
Prices range from £2 to £50 for characters and £55 to £150 for businesses.
Garry will start to pencil the background of the painting at his Sunshine Gallery in level 2 of the Paisley Centre soon.
All are welcome to go and view it and sign up to take part.