Ronda Turk

Forgotten Sliver

2012-01-24T13:33:00.002+13:00

Forgotten Silver, 610mm x 200mm. Oil on canvas.
I found most of these at garage sales, often only paying ten cents a piece. I collect them because I like them, they sit in a jar in the studio waiting to be painted.

11th of the 11th.

2011-11-14T07:55:00.003+13:00

Following on from my two Italian paintings winning 1st places at the Rotary Art Show. This story went in an Italian news paper to coincide with remembrance day.

CASSINO/ The beautiful story of "veteran" Don and artist Ronda
War stories under the Abbey shadow

Every year, on the 11th of November at 11.11 am, the Commonwealth's Countries celebrate the "Memory Day" to remember the end of WW1 in 1918. In this occasion they commemorate everybody that lost their life, soldiers and civilians and, to remember, they will stop for 2 minutes at 11.11 am.
In Cassino area we do have a strong memory about war time and this 11th of November we want to publish something about a nice contribution from a New Zealand artist, Ronda Turk. She's been part, here in Cassino, of an art exhibition organized by artist Kay De Latour Scott that has moved to Caprile di Roccasecca few years ago.
Mrs Turk neighbor in NZ is Mr Don Hutchins that was fighting in Cassino during WW2 in the XXV NZ Battalion.
He did spend 5 months in Cassino and a total of 2 years in Italy. Don was wounded in Rimini (in the Adriatic coast) but went back on the fighting once he did recover.
He is 90 years old now, he's a keen sportsman, he plays golf and bowling to keep fit.
Don wants to come back to Cassino in 2014 for the commemoration of the martyred town's liberation.
Mrs Turk was fascinated by Don's war stories and decided to come to Caprile for 2 weeks where she was "struck by lightening" from the beauty of the stone's houses. Back home in NZ she made few paintings and did participate to an Art Award where she won the first prize with a painting that represent a stone house in Caprile.
Before conclusion, a suggestion: today, 11th of November, at 11.11 am let's stop for 2 minutes as well, to honor the memory of those who perished or where lost...and let's smile because we can live in peace.
A beautiful deed would be to bring a flower to Cassino's Cemetery, to the road to S.Angelo or to one of the Commonwealth countries' cippus.
The poppy is the flower that they use in this occasion because was the only flower available in Flemish land at the end of WW1.
A suggestion is to read a beautiful poem about it: "Flanders Field" written by a Canadian officer, John Alexandre Mc Crae.

Michele Di Lonardo

My thanks to Margherita Giampietri for the translation.

ROTARY CLUB OF PARAPARAUMU NINTH ANNUAL ART SHOW 2011

2011-10-26T08:37:00.003+13:00

Labour weekend saw the ninth annual Paraparauam Rotary art show. I entered Three paintings and got two firsts. First in Stillife and a first in town scape.

un named as yet

2011-10-10T19:31:00.000+13:00

Oil on canvas

Mistletoe Bay

2011-08-15T13:19:00.003+12:00

Mistletoe Bay, oil on canvas 910 mm x 610 mm. $900 NZD

Mistletoe Bay can be found in Queen Charlotte Sound, South Island New Zealand. Follow this link for the Mistletoe Bay website.

Nanas old table and the broken Buzzy Bee.

2011-07-25T14:51:00.003+12:00

Nana's table is made of oak, the top has split and no longer sits flat. The iconic Buzzy Bee toy made in New Zealand, has seen better days. It's lost a feeler, has one broken wing and many scratches. I've painted these before, but not together. I started with a loose acrylic under painting, then added glazes of oil paint. Some progress photos can be seen on my Facebook page. The canvas measures 910mm x 610 mm.

Te Horo Cafe

2011-07-13T15:28:00.002+12:00

Te Horo is located on SH 1 about an hour north of Wellington. Often when passing I've thought I'd like to paint it one day. My painting measures 360mm x 455 mm and is oil on canvas.

The New Zealand Art Show 2011

2011-06-28T13:37:00.005+12:00

Today I selected my paintings for this show. They are as follows 'Waitarere Beach', 'Ruin in Roccasecca' & 'Stronghold' The Show runs 28-31st of July see their Official website for more details.

Matariki.

2011-06-27T10:28:00.004+12:00

My painting for this exhibition is 'Macrocarpa Overlooking Lake Horowhenua'
measuring 330 mm x 910 mm. Oil on canvas.
Matariki, Academy Galleries, Queens Wharf, Wellington.
Season runs from Sat 16th of July to Sunday 7th August 2011.

We give respect to the whenua on which we live and admiration to our mother earth, Papatuanuku. Throughout Matariki we learn about those who came before us, our history, our family, our bones. Matariki signals the time of growth, its a time of change, a time to prepare and a time of action. During Matariki we acknowledge what we have and what we have to give. Matariki celebrates the diversity of life, culture, language, spirit and people.

Indoor Outdoor Flow.

2011-05-16T14:36:00.003+12:00

Indoor Outdoor Flow, 1010 mm x 760 mm. oil on museum quality stretched canvas.
The Idea for this came from the catch phrase that real estate agents use.

Another progress photo

2011-05-11T14:23:00.001+12:00

Today I worked mostly on the grass.

Indoor outdoor flow.

2011-05-10T18:45:00.002+12:00

Two more progress photos for Indoor Outdoor Flow.

Indoor outdoor flow.

2011-05-09T17:11:00.003+12:00

I had the name before I started the painting; this sometimes happens and can be fun to paint something to fit. The term 'Indoor outdoor flow' is a catch phrase used by realestate agents. I start with a drawing on paper, then on the canvas using thin acrylic paint, place the shadows. This will be the only acrylic paint I use on this one.

The original art sale 2011

2011-05-06T13:50:00.013+12:00

The Original Art Sale, 13th - 15th May at the Telstra Clear Events Centre. Auckland. Click Here to go to the website.

I have 4 painting in this years show.

Mangaweka Gallery.

2011-04-09T18:34:00.006+12:00

Found in the beautiful Rangitikei District is Mangaweka. Here is the Mangaweka Gallery & Homestay. It's been the perfect autumn day. Breathtakingly beautiful contryside, the leaves are turning gold whilst the fields are a vivid green & the sky the deepest blue. I think the Rangitiki district is the best kept secret. Below are a few of photos I took today at Mangaweka. www.freewebs.com/mangawekagallery here you can find a selection of my paintings.

Solo 31 at Academy Galleries

2011-03-29T14:09:00.005+13:00

Solo 31, Everything Italian, a body of work painted on my return from an exhibition trip to Italy. On now at Academy Galleries.

Solo 31 opened on Friday, we had a good crowd of people enjoying the Art and wine. This was my first Solo at Academy Galleries, its been a great experience I hope it's not to long before I do it again.

The show runs until the 10th of April. Academy Galleries 1 Queens Wharf, Wellington.

Solo 31

2011-03-04T16:49:00.002+13:00

Only 21 more days till the opening of Solo 31 at Academy Galleries, 1 Queens Wharf, Wellington. Here's all the details on the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts website.

I've completed 12 paintings with 'Everything Italian' as the theme.

The build up is getting exciting.

Art in the park.

2011-02-14T13:40:00.004+13:00

We had a beautiful day on Sunday. It started off drizzling but soon turned into a scorching summers day. Devonshire teas were served by the Art society, with yummy looking homemade scones. Live Jazz music fulled the air most of the day, while people relaxed in the shade under the trees eating ice cream and strawberries. I'm looking forward to next years event.

Facebook page

2011-01-24T10:28:00.002+13:00

I have created a Facebook page. Here I hope to connect with more people, I'd love for you to join me there. Click on the link on the top right and if I've done it all correctly it should take you straight there.

Jazz & Art in the Park

2011-01-16T13:29:00.003+13:00

Two of the paintings completed for Jazz & Art in the Park.
Hokio Beach NZ oil on canvas 1520 mm x 550 mm.

Coca Cola, oil on canvas 650 mm x 780 mm.

'Jazz & Art in the Park' will be on Feb 13th 2011, 10am to 4pm. Bath Street, Levin. Hosted by Horowhenua Art Society, exhibitions at Thompson House, Levin Pottery Club also model railway exhibit on Cambridge Street, Levin. All day music, devonshire cream teas, lot's of stalls from artists.

I will be sharing a stall with local artist Susan Knapp. If you're about come and introduce yourself.

The Annual Academy Christmas Show

2010-12-12T07:55:00.002+13:00

On now until the 24th December, at Academy Galleries, 1 Queens Wharf, Wellington.

Olive grove.

2010-11-20T08:50:00.001+13:00

Inspired by the olive groves in Italy. Acrylic on canvas.

Everything Italian

2010-11-01T12:29:00.006+13:00

Since returning from the Legato exhibition trip in Italy, everything I have painted has been Italian! I've not blogged much. So I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at what I'm painting. This is painting number six, in the series. These will be in Solo 31, at The New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts in March 2011.

Caprile, Frosinone is a historic village a short walk from where I stayed. This is just one of the picturesque scenes to be found there. Around every corner beautiful weathered stone buildings abound, with narrow, steep alleyways scatted with terracotta pots.

I have put the beginnings of the painting in a slide show for you. I tend to work very loosely with the paint, then 'tighten' and tidy up the composition as it progresses. I will post another slide show as the painting progresses.

ATCs

2010-10-12T15:25:00.002+13:00

My first few ATC (Artists Trading Cards.) These will be swapped with other artists for their trading cards. Each one is unique & original & cannot be sold. ATC have become global. This website has all the info you could possibly want on ATC

Canterbury Earthquake Charity Auction.

2010-09-15T08:14:00.004+12:00

This auction, is my little contribution to the relief effort after the earthquakes in the Canterbury region of New Zealand.

Please share this post, and help me raise funds for a worthwhile cause.
Painting auction on Trade Me

Mangaweka Gallery

2010-09-05T14:28:00.008+12:00

Mangaweka Gallery is located on SH 1 New Zealand. It's home is a brightly painted yellow Church.

In this post are images of some of my paintings available at the gallery.

Beware the low flying DC3 aeroplane right alongside SH1, this is the DC3 Cafe and painted by Richard Aslett based on his telecom telephone book winning artwork. Here they make the yummiest toasted cheese sandwiches.

For more local Mangaweka places to visit and things to do visit http://www.mangaweka.co.nz/ or http://www.rangitikei.com/

'Stronghold' oil on canvas.

2010-08-09T11:16:00.003+12:00

'Stronghold' oil on canvas. 9150mm x 610 mm.

OSFA

2010-07-21T13:33:00.005+12:00

Memories of Italy 1,2 & 3. (in no particular order) Numerous washes of Artists Acrylic paint went on over many days to create the texture and depth needed.

'One Size Fits All' Is an exhibition/competition held at Thornton Gallery in Hamilton New Zealand.

6th August to 3rd of September.

All paintings are 10"x10" or 25 cm x 25 cm.

I sent my entries by courier yesterday. The winner is chosen by public vote over the course of the exhibition. If your in the area, pop along and make your vote count!

Pre Studies

2010-07-06T08:49:00.002+12:00

These are the three pre studies I have listed on Trade Me. The auction link is in the previous post, it closes tonight.

Trade Me Auction

2010-06-29T21:03:00.002+12:00

Here's a link to a Trade Me auction. These are a small group of pre studies for a future body of work. Trade Me/Ronda Turk

Legato Exhibition

2010-06-23T11:31:00.002+12:00

During the Legato Exhibition all the Artists that went were interviewed by Nicola Blackmore. Here is my interview. I dislike being in front off the camera so I was very nervous.
Ronda Turk interviewed by Nicola Blackmore

Living Halls Exhibition

2010-06-15T12:01:00.001+12:00

This Saturday is the opening of the Living Halls project. The Exhibition will start at the Govett-Brewster Gallery in New Plymouth and run untill 5th of September. I was selected to paint the Foxton War Memorial Hall. Living Halls Project

'Hommage to Dali' Acrylic on canvas.

2010-05-03T13:26:00.003+12:00

'Hommage to Dali' is my take on Dali's famous painting' The persistence of Memory' Dalis painting measured 240 mm x 330 mm. People seem to imagine it to have been much bigger than this.

I have put New Zealands iconic Rangitoto Island into the background, removed the ants and placed the Weta in the foreground. And arranged a few more things as I painted.

2010-04-29T13:08:00.000+12:00

A Windy Day at Foxton Beach

2010-03-25T11:59:00.004+13:00

Acrylic on canvas, 760 mm w x 250 mm h

I'd been waiting for the sky to clear so I could take a trip to Foxton Beach to gather some pictures as reference material for a new painting. It was very windy, but clear, the water was surprisingly warm for March. I was the only one there aside from some workers clearing windblown sand from the carpark. As I was leaving someone turned up walking 3 little Jack Russels, they ran so fast! or maybe that was the wind blowing them down the beach!

Legato Paintings

2010-03-15T16:42:00.003+13:00

Both paintings are yet unnamed, I have misplaced the scrap of paper I was jotting name ideas down on, I will find it later!
The exhibition has been named Legato and I will be traveling to Italy along with other selected New Zealand artists for it. The exhibition is taking place in a town called Cassino, Cassino was destroyed during the long battle of Montie Cassino in WW2. Legato is a way to promote Peace through Remembrance.
Peace Door at the Abby, 760mm h x 500mm w, Acrylic on canvas. This is a double snapshot in time, the right is after the Abby Bombing the left the rebuild. I have purposely let the rubble encroach over to the right. Just as memories still stay with us after we have rebuilt lives & buildings after war.

6010 mm h x 9020 mm w, Acrylic on Linen. The Doves are to signify peace. I have put them in the destroyed buildings in place of flying ammunition.

Horowhenua Chronicle

2010-03-02T18:53:00.002+13:00

Page 1 & 2 of the Horowhenua Chronicle.

Bajidoo Bangles

2010-02-10T08:11:00.005+13:00

The opportunity to be a Featured Bajidoo Artist was available to artists all around the world. Only 7 artists will be selected for the first half of the year including.

Chavah Kinloch, Sophia Elise, Rachael Inch, Sharlene Schmidt, Ronda Turk, Rosie Harper and Lauryne Hart have been selected as feature artists 2010 to have their original artwork made into beautiful and inspiring Bajidoo bangles.

In 2000 Bajidoo Bangles became henna inspired works of art. Their Hand Painted Bajidoo Bangles are among the most unique forms of artistic expression available anywhere in the world, each one is individually hand crafted. In order to create bangles from artwork the Bajidoo designers go through a process of redesign and adaptation and then apply the new design to wooden bangles. They are often very detailed and further embellished with crystals or other

Visit http://www.bajidoo.com/shop/index.php click on featured artists.

The Tui Brewery

2010-02-09T17:03:00.005+13:00

1000 x 800 mm, oil on canvas.

Tui HQ Tui Brewery, State Highway 2, Mangatainoka

Cassino Exhibition Project

2010-02-02T11:47:00.003+13:00

I have been invited to take part in a commemorative Exhibition in Italy to mark the Battle of Cassino WW2. The theme of the exhibition is Peace and Remembrance. This exhibition will be hosted by the Cassino Comune and the venue is the Biblioteca Comunale, Pietro Malatesta. 15 – 29 May 2010. I'm very much looking forward to this exhibition and can't wait to start painting for it this week.

Kay de Lautour Scott is the organiser and curator. Below is the background To Cassino Exhibition Project By Kay.

Here, in tourist destination Italy, I live in a country that was destroyed. The battle front stayed in this area for 5 months. It is unthinkable how the people suffered and still do live with this history in their daily lives. I see museums showing the military side of things, the strategies, the equipment, but it is the photos and stories of emotional pain and suffering that touch me most.

I work as a volunteer with visiting veterans groups, with memorial museums and as a battlefield tour guide. Many veterans share their stories, and all say sorrowfully that we must never let such events happen again. To share time with these old soldiers, and then see what is happening still all over the world, leaves me feeling that I must try to do something, however insignificant it might seem.

I see curating an exhibition with peace and commemoration as a theme as a way of passing on the message from the veterans that I meet, that war must end. I also see it as a great opportunity for NZ artists to exhibit in Italy. I appreciate that side of it as I had a similar chance in 2005, but more important to me is keeping the peace message alive.

We see Anzac Day parades growing in strength. I believe the time is right for artists to reinforce the peace messages coming from the soldiers who fought in this battle. I think that artists have a responsibility to reflect what is happening in society, and in fact they do that whether they are conscious of it or not. The immeasurable, unrecorded history is that of the returned soldiers, the waiting families and the changed lives in far away New Zealand.

How far did the events in Europe ripple through our culture, contributing to the society we have now? What effect did the trauma of battle have on the young men returning home to families who could not begin to understand what they had been through? What was the effect of the waiting, the pain of loss, on the families that remained behind? If giving artists this opportunity gets them talking to their family and friends then I think that the movement towards peace has already become stronger, and this movement will be recorded in their future works.

If we all do a tiny part in a move towards international peace we must eventually reach a tipping point where we can change nations and governments. One British veteran talks about "pax in spinus" (peace from thorns) and I see that as being appropriate here. If we let this continue, never learning, then there is no sense in sending soldiers out believing that they are contributing to peace. While I believe that no war ever brought real peace, we can't ignore what has happened either. Peace comes from a different place, but war history and commemoration is a place where we can start to talk about peace.

Cassino was completely destroyed and is recognised as a martyr city. It has a lasting place in New Zealand history, so where better place is there to call NZ artists together to work for peace? It is my hope that these artists will continue to learn more about what happened here, and in other places, and continue to produce works and form friendships that further the work of peace movements throughout the world.

Coal & Wood

2010-01-15T14:47:00.003+13:00

I've just finished this painting of a Coal & Wood shed I found in Mangaweka. Acrylic on Canvas, measuring 710 x 560 mm.
I've earmarked this for the Academy Gallery's next exhibition in February.

Foxton Beach

2009-12-03T10:51:00.001+13:00

Oil on canvas, 500 mm x 350 mm x 20 mm.

Foxton Beach

2009-12-02T12:22:00.004+13:00

My painting of Foxton Beach, incomplete. A mornings work so far, it measures 500 x 350 x 20 mm is oil on canvas. It really just needs the finishing touches.

Mixing it up

2009-12-01T14:15:00.004+13:00

I painted this tree last week, Oil on canvas, 405 x 200mm. Spring has been a struggle we've had what seems like nonstop rain. My Roses are rotting before they even open.
I'm making canvases again, boring but satisfying. I like the quality and feel of a hand made canvas. When things dry out I'll get the gesso on.
Sorry I've been a bit random with how often I blog, a bit like the paintings I'm doing at the moment! I've had an order for five paintings of 'mixed subjects' from a gallery, this suites me just fine as I've been 'mixing it up' Lot's lately. Thought I'd do a beach scape next. Foxton Beach I think...... check back soon

Day four - Finished

2009-10-23T09:29:00.002+13:00

Finished! and as promised I'll walk you through my thought process and the symbolism.

Starting in the top right, with the Tree and clock from Dalis painting 'The persistence of memory' I find Dalis work intriguing, his landscapes are vast despite the small size of his paintings. They also seem barren, there is a feeling of death in many. I have tried to capture this here.

Below is a sphere with a ladder, this is an image from one of my earlier paintings, it came from a dream and the clouds to the right represent this. Climbing the ladder are ants, often found in Dalis work, ants clean up after the dead (natures janitors)

The NZ iconic Buzzy Bee is an insect that has appeared in some of my paintings, the Bee is a symbol of life and the cycle of pollination, fruit...

The vast roots need fertile ground, and the hand reaching toward the water, symbolises the need for water and light.

Above this is a tree bearing fruit, it grows in fertile ground.

The Eye ball is part of a group of spheres that appeared in an earlier painting of mine. I turned the 2nd one into an eye to symbolise the wonder of life, the third is for fun and enjoyment, it's coloured blue for water.

The Horizon is made up of puzzle pieces, this is the theme and style of recent works I've done. Life is reliant on connections to everything around it.

Finally, if this painting is not your 'cup of tea' I have provided an EXIT in the bottom left, if you can find the door handle.

Day 3

2009-10-22T14:29:00.001+13:00

Almost finished, tomorrow I shall complete it and give a full explanation on my thought process and the symbolism.

Today's progress

2009-10-21T12:25:00.002+13:00

Another mornings work, I can't wait untill tomorrow to continue. For now I have much less interesting things to do.

Latest work in progress

2009-10-20T12:51:00.003+13:00

I've been exploring Salvador Dalis work lately. My early painting were a bit like his but always much larger. In this painting I'm combining some of his work and mine. I will post pictures of the painting here as it progresses.
760 x 1010 mm, oil on canvas, untitled at this stage.

Emphasis on Small

2009-10-19T09:45:00.003+13:00

New Zealand Academy of Fine Art ' Emphasis on Small' Exhibition.

EXHIBITION SEASON: 24th October - 15th November

http://www.nzafa.com/web/emphasis-small

My painting 'Shades of Blue' is in this exhibition, Oil paint, Joss paper & Resin on canvas.

Pascall

2009-09-28T16:04:00.001+13:00

A Mini Canvas, Acrylic.

Tribute to Dali

2009-09-01T17:19:00.001+12:00

'Handimans Dream'

2009-08-04T21:47:00.001+12:00

Currently in the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts winter exhibition.

2009-07-11T10:33:00.002+12:00

This is the finished painting I'd posted about a few posts down, I realised I had not put the completed image up for you to see. It's now on it's way to Wellington for the Academy of Fine Arts, Winter Exhibition, where hopefully it will be accepted. I will know in 10 days or so.

Excitement builds as Artwork makes primetime TV.

2009-07-01T08:53:00.004+12:00

Campbell Live from TV 3 will be there to film the unveiling and auction, of the secret Artwork 'Ngatahi' . Thursday, 7pm TV 3

Sixty one members of the New Zealand Art Guild have joined together to create this large Artwork. With 100% of the funds raised from the sale being donated to the Mental Health Foundation.

See my contribution to this Artwork in the post below.

Secret Artwork Raises Cash for Mental Health Foundation

2009-06-18T15:53:00.002+12:00

Artists from the NZ Art Guild have created an artwork that will be kept secret until it's auctioned on July 2nd. They have once again joined forces to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) through a charity auction which coincides with the Art Guild's 5th birthday.
The extraordinary collaborative project titled “Ngatahi” will be auctioned, along with other pieces of art kindly donated by top Kiwi artists. Ngatahi is a unique artwork, which consists of 64 individual artworks by 61 artists from all over NZ. The theme of the artwork is Together – our land, our people, our culture.
When all of the individual artworks are combined they will create an overall image and the artwork measures 1.3m x 1.3m. The complete image of the collaborative artwork is kept secret, even from those participating in it, until the unveiling of the artwork just prior to the opening night of the NZ Art Guild annual exhibition "Out of the Blue", which runs for the month of July.

Above is my contribution to the collaborative project titled 'Ngatahi' The boat in the image is called 'Leanda' and was my grandparents boat, they lived in Picton and would often take people out on her.

OSFA

2009-06-16T12:44:00.001+12:00

play of light

2009-06-11T13:45:00.003+12:00

This is the the very early stages of my next painting. It was the play of light on the window, and the fact it had been boarded up that attracted me to it. I assume not to keep out the light but rather unwanted 'guests'.

So far it's just a very simple acrylic under painting. Layers of oil paint will add the detail later.

Rain

2009-06-04T13:45:00.003+12:00

I seem to paint stormy sky's this time of the year. As an artist I definitely respond to whats around me. This unfinished and untitled work is of a view I know like the back of my hand, the view from my old studio, and I miss it! But there will be new views in the future, nothing really stays the same. I see in my local paper that the paddock in the foreground is to be auctioned on the 10th of this month. So what will become of this view then?

My new but makeshift studio is nice and sunny today, it catches the sun from about 12 noon, so I find myself painting later rather than straight after breakfast. I hope its sunny tomorrow then I might get to finish this one.

"A Balanced Diet!'

2009-05-26T12:39:00.003+12:00

The idea for this one came to me while waiting to be served at the supermarket. Oil on canvas, 254 x 254 mm.

New Website

2009-05-20T09:46:00.002+12:00

I've been putting together a website, it's like a catalogue of paintings. All tho it's not even close to complete it's a start. The thought of cataloging everything is a daunting task but I'll chip away at it.

There were no computers when I went to school and I've never taken a course in computing, so I just dive in and learn as I go.

I've put a link to the site in the right hand column. Have a browse around and please sign my guest book while your there.

2009-05-13T08:24:00.002+12:00

I finished this yesterday.
It's very wet here, I awoke to heavy rain this morning. The weather can influence what I paint so I wonder what it will inspire today.
The studio is nice and cozy on days like this, I have lot's of chores to do in there today, it's a bit of a mess so will need a tidy too. I need to get more paint so will hit the art supplies shops sometime soon so will make a list of what I need.

I hate cleaning brushes but it's a task I must do and should not put it off any longer.....

On the Easel

2009-05-03T09:34:00.004+12:00

I'm working on an abstract landscape at the moment, the theme is environmental and my depiction of how everything is interconnected.

I'm also creating a new website, this will be more of a catalogue of my work, organised into subject and style. A link will be here soon.

Academy Galleries Summer Exhibition

2009-03-05T12:48:00.003+13:00

Today the submission slip for my two paintings into the Academy's Summer Exhibition landed in my letter box, oh joy! they were both accepted. I always await notification eagerly.

The Exhibition runs from Saturday 14 th March through to Sunday the 5 th of April.

Academy Galleries
1 Queens Wharf
Wellington.

China Tea Cups

2009-02-05T10:02:00.000+13:00

250mm x 250mm, oil on canvas.

Music

2009-02-04T16:29:00.002+13:00

I did a little painting today but was suffering from a sore hand......it's a long story......anyway I decided to take a break and go to Palmerston North for a support glove.

Ricchary (means'wake up') was playing in Broadway, beautiful haunting music, (Indian American pan flute) I brought a CD because I like to play music while painting.

http://www.ricchary.com/

I'll be back behind the easel tomorrow listening to my new CD.......

Todays lot

2009-02-03T12:24:00.005+13:00

I've continued with the cups & saucers as far as I can go, now I need to wait till the paint is a little drier to do the next step.

I have some boring studio chores to do for the rest of the day......sigh

Painting up a storm

2009-02-02T13:55:00.002+13:00

Primary school started back today so I spent an uninterrupted day in the studio:)

I enjoyed painting the last Chinese cup and saucer so much that I've started another.

I also completed a painting for myself......it was such fun I can't wait for tomorrows painting session.

Monkey Bay New Years Day

2009-01-16T22:11:00.003+13:00

Here's just one of the images I've captured over the Christmas holls. I don't know the people but it looks like they're having fun!

I've always enjoyed dabbling in photography, it's nice to step out from behind the easel and take photos.

The past year

2008-12-09T15:58:00.002+13:00

I've just updated the list of galleries and exhibitions I've been involved with for 2008, despite the fact the year has flown by and I've been so busy with stuff outside the studio looking back I'm happy with the list. I'm still waiting on word about the Spring Exhibition at the Academy, so hope to add that to the list.
Sadly Vito Rosa closed down & The Empire Gallery will be doing the same in the New Year. I guess it's just a sign of the economic times.

2008.
Vito Rosa, Te Horo, Kapiti Coast.
.NZ Academy of Fine Arts, Summer Exhibition.
.NZ Art Guild Exhibition, "Reach Out", Auckland's BMC.
.TOSA, Auckland.
.NZ Affordable Art Show, Wellington.
.NZ Academy of Fine Arts, Autumn Exhibition.
.NZ Academy of Fine Arts Winter Exhibition.
.The Empire Gallery, Cambridge.

The full list is further down the blog on the right.

New Website

2008-12-05T14:54:00.002+13:00

Next week I hope to get a new website loaded up. I'll put a link in as soon as it's all up and running.......so don't go far ;)

Painting Stainless Steel

2008-12-02T13:22:00.003+13:00

Today I started on the stainless steel. First I block in the colours and shapes......

Then I blend them a little.......

I drag a dry brush over the wet paint to give it that 'out of focus look' that the reflections have. I then re do the highlights and darker shadows and sharpen up anything I think needs it. when it's a little drier it will benefit from making the highlights stronger.

Lemon

2008-12-01T12:40:00.002+13:00

I started this today, Theres a lemon tree in my 'new' place so it seemed the perfect thing to paint. This is the first time I've worked with oils in the new studio and after about an hour I was feeling sick. It turns out the ventilation's not good enough so I put the fan on. I should have done this first! Tomorrow is a new day and I shall put the fan on first......before I get the turps & linseed oil out!

I've been tagged

2008-11-26T10:49:00.002+13:00

By Artist Sophia Ellis the manager of the NZ Art Guild and a fellow artist.

Sophias blog http://www.sophiaelise-artist.blogspot.com/

Now I've been tagged I must list six random things about me, here goes.....

1) I often start new projects then end up with to many unfinished things on the go at once.

2) I hate the wind but enjoy walking in gentle rain.

3) I became a Grandmother at 39 years of age!

4) Dislike tidying up - so work in a messy studio most of the time.

5) I'm a music junkie and often listen to my ipod in bed.

6) The builder says I own far to many power tools for a woman.

It's now my turn to tag

Donna Steel http://donnasteelartist.blogspot.com/

Deanna Gracie http://deannagracie.wordpress.com/

Denita Tizard http://denitatizard.blogspot.com/

Mark Godwin http://pictureitponderitpaintit.blogspot.com/

Melissa Muirhead http://www.melissamuirhead.blogspot.com/

Moira Marshall http://www.moiramarshall.co.nz/

The rules:
1. Link to the person or persons who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up

DREAM

2008-11-18T13:58:00.001+13:00

760 mm x 250 mm Acrylic on canvas.

2008-11-01T21:32:00.003+13:00

I think it may be a few more weeks before I post here again due to a family bereavement.

People do not die for us immediately, but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive. It is as though they were traveling abroad. ~Marcel Proust

Getting back into it.....

2008-10-17T08:47:00.002+13:00

......yesterday I poured resin over parts of Mikey's painting, I wanted the red to stand out. It's come up really well, I'm pleased with it. I will be varnishing the rest with a matt varnish. Mikey's painting is a conceptual work, not a style I do often, it's making a refreshing change. There is an image of the painting in an earlier post, I will post a fresh one here when I've finished it.

The new studio is starting to feel like 'My' space now I have my things in. I put a blind in the west facing window so I now control the light and how it comes in. This also might stop me from looking out to the garden I'm creating, as it's a major pull I have to fight.

Relocation

2008-09-30T07:25:00.004+13:00

I'm in the middle of relocating my studio at the moment, painting has taken a back seat for the next couple of weeks while I paint the walls and settle into the new space.

A different outlook from the studio window will bring new inspiration. I look forward to seeing what flows from my paintbrush next.

Bye for now......remember to pop back in a couple of weeks!

I'm still thinking of a name for this one........

2008-09-11T09:57:00.002+12:00

Acrylic on canvas
760 x 380 mm

A bit more progress

2008-09-08T10:19:00.002+12:00

It felt like I'd only been in the studio 20 min or so but when I looked at my watch it had been nearly 2 hours!. I love painting reflections so time flew. This is my first attempt at painting gold leaf. The dragon was fun, I struggled a little until I used a Chinese style brush, this should have been an obvious choice of brush to use!
The table cloth will be the next bit to do, at this point I've just put it in very roughly.

2008-09-02T10:35:00.001+12:00

Another layer of colour and tone have been added. Adding lot's of layers gives depth to the paint. I've blocked in the tablecloth with a mid tone.

Chinese tea cup

2008-09-02T10:28:00.003+12:00

My oil paints have been packed away in prep for a shift so I'm doing this painting with acrylics. I'm enjoying the fast drying time of acrylic. First I've done a thin wash of tonal value with subtle colour for the background.

Stealing time for the Studio

2008-08-26T13:53:00.002+12:00

I'm in the middle of moving house so time to paint is limited, I have managed to steal a little time from the packing to do this painting of a daffodil.
A large bunch have been growing at the top of the drive They are like a ray of sunshine in a very wet winter. Today I've poured resin over the finished painting. Doing this makes a painting perfect for hanging in the kitchen, they can handle a little steam and are easy to wipe clean if need be.

Happy First Birthday Blog!

2008-08-18T11:32:00.002+12:00

Today is the 1st birthday of this blog. I started it not really knowing much about blogging, I've muddled through and learnt lot's. Had visitors from all around the world and I hope I've helped in a small way to put NZ art on the world map.

Google Earth, 610 mmx 910 mm.

2008-08-15T09:31:00.005+12:00

Inspiration comes from some unexpected places sometimes. I'd been looking through Google Earth and couldn't help but notice the patterns and colours of some exotic places. For this painting I've used thin metallic paper called Joss Paper, over the top I painted patterns and colours that remained in my memory after exploring Google Earth. I look forward to getting a gloss coat on it in 6 months time as this will bring out the colour even more.

Academy Galleries Winter Exhibition

2008-08-04T09:12:00.002+12:00

The NZ Academy of Fine Arts Winter exhibition runs from Saturday 9 - Sunday 31 August
Academy Galleries, 1 Queens Wharf.

Guest Artists are Barry Brickell And Nigel Brown.

I have 2 paintings in this exhibition, One is a Foxton Fizz Themed painting and the other is a mixed Media conceptual work.

Reach Out

2008-07-29T10:47:00.002+12:00

Remember the 'Reach out' auction closes tonight at 8pm. See the link to the right...

Page 2 in the Horowhenua Mail

2008-07-25T10:02:00.001+12:00

In Memory of Mikey Cooper

2008-07-22T15:24:00.002+12:00

This painting is to auctioned off with all proceeds going to help Firefighter Linda Johnstone (Mikeys Mum) Compete in the World Firefighting Stair Climb Challenge in Seattle next year.
Linda will be off to climb the 1311 stairs of the Columbia Tower on the 4th of March 2009.
Dates for the fundraiser are yet to be set.

'Receding Tide'...second - For Sale

2008-07-17T08:05:00.003+12:00

'Receding Tide'(Foxton Beach) 1600 x 470 mm

oil on canvas, varnished.

heavy pine frame and 12 oz cotton duck.

$150 see (note below)

I did this one a couple of years ago now and it's been hanging on the wall in my hallway. The reason I've never sold it is because it's painted on a canvas that is a 'second'. It measures a huge 1600 x 470 mm and is heavy. As much as I'd like to I cannot keep such large works!

If you are interested in purchasing this painting contact me by email or phone 027 567 9998.

I have one other (slightly damaged) I will post here later!

Shades of Blue

2008-07-09T15:06:00.002+12:00

Shades of blue is another in my latest conceptual series. I plan to pour Resin over this one but that will have to wait at least 6 months coz it's painted with oil paint and need this time to dry.

Reach Out

2008-07-03T10:05:00.002+12:00

The NZ Art Guilds collaborative project was unveiled on Tuesday night at the Bruce Mason Centre. 88 artists have contributed to this large work. It will be listed on Trade Me at 8pm Saturday 19 July. 20% of the sale proceeds will be going to the Mental Health Foundation for more information click on the link below.
http://www.nzartguild.co.nz/reachout.htm

The New Zealand Affordable Art Show.

2008-06-25T11:28:00.002+12:00

Yes it's time again for this show. This year it's from the 31st July to 3rd August. The NZ Academy of Fine Art usually have their winter show on at the same time. I always like to pop over to see this too. Then I go down to Te Papa for more art overload, this is a great day out!
I have 3 paintings at the affordable art show and hope to have 2 paintings at the Academy.
Visit www.affordableart.co.nz for all the times and location.

A rainy cold Sunday

2008-06-22T16:06:00.003+12:00

It seems winter has arrived, we have had such mild weather till now so I'm not complaining.
Sorry my website seems to be down at the moment. I have no idea why. I've noticed Lot's of other art related websites down too, so there is a big problem somewhere.
Lazy rainy Sundays are a great time to surf the net it's a pity so many sites are down today.

'Many Prayers'

2008-06-17T08:49:00.002+12:00

'Many Prayers' Acrylic, Joss paper & shellac, 250mm high x 760mm wide.
Joss is sometimes called Japanese Prayer Paper.

TOAS

2008-06-10T16:27:00.000+12:00

Oil on Canvas. 560 mmx 710 mm

2008-06-06T14:15:00.000+12:00

I have no name yet for this one.

Nanas Old Oak Table

2008-06-04T12:07:00.002+12:00

The painting I'm working on at the moment is of an old oak table of my Nana's. It's not finished yet. At times I've felt like throwing this one out the window, it's been a bit of a battle. Maybe it's just me!!! I'm glad I've persevered with it because I think it's starting to come together now.

NZ Art Guild 2008 Collaborative Project

2008-05-28T08:28:00.002+12:00

'Reach Out'

88 artists have contributed to 'Reach Out' by creating one small individual artwork. We were provided with a small wooden panel and given a theme to paint to. The theme this year is 'On your mind' and interpretation of this was entirely up to the artists.

When all of these individual artworks are combined they create an overall image and a stunning one of a kind artwork measuring 1.3m x 1.5m. The overall image of the collaborative artwork is kept secret, even from those participating in it, until the unveiling of the artwork on the opening night of the NZ Art Guild annual exhibition.

NZAG Annual Exhibition

63 artists form around NZ are showcasing their fantastic diverse artworks at the NZ Art Guild annual exhibition - 'Make it Memorable'. All welcome to attend, free entry, wine and cheese provided.

'Make it Memorable'
Opening night:
Tuesday 1st July 2008 at 6:30pm
Venue:
Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna Beach, Auckland
Date:
July 1st - 30th 2008
Open:
Monday to Friday 9 - 5 & Saturday 10 - 4

'Dry Ginger Ale'

2008-05-26T14:58:00.000+12:00

Acrylic & oil on canvas, 710 x 560 mm

Cold Nights & Beautful Days

2008-05-22T18:53:00.003+12:00

The cooler weather brings the fog and the beautiful day that follows once the sun has burnt it all away. The image is the view I awake to these lovely autumn mornings.....I'm so lucky. I took this photo from my garden just before the sun came over the Tararuas (click for a larger view) I've joined 4 images together to get this panorama view.