How not to destroy your artwork 4/ 8

Because a lot of art is so very amazing ( and precious) I thought an 8 part series on how not to destroy your artwork would be appreciated. If you would like all 8 pieces of advice on a PDF all you need to do is click www.newzealandpainter.co.nz  and subscribe. I will email them out to you…and a free gift too.

 

Ok here we go…

 

Four /  transporting art correctly

There are just as many wrong ways to transport artwork as there are correct ways. It is best to always do it the right way the first time! When transporting art a short distance from a gallery to your home it is still important to protect your investment. For this job I often use an old blanket (or a large towel). Make sure to wrap the blanket around all four sides of the work and completely cover both the front and back. This method can also be used for framed prints. Try your best to lay the work flat in your car. For longer distances I always cover them with bubble wrap (bubbles facing away from the work). When transporting overseas I use bubble wrap and also custom-made cardboard. You can then add strong tape to make sure none of the cardboard flaps come loose. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How not to destroy your artwork 3/ 8

Because a lot of art is so very amazing ( and precious) I thought an 8 part series on how not to destroy your artwork would be appreciated. If you would like all 8 pieces of advice on a PDF all you need to do is click www.newzealandpainter.co.nz  and subscribe. I will email them out to you…and a free gift too.

 

Ok here we go…

 

three /  cleaning

Over time, fine dust particles will attach themselves to your painted surface. What I do is carefully, and slowly, wipe the surface with a soft cotton cloth (one that won’t leave any small cotton balls!) For glass I use a non-abrasive, streak free glass cleaner with good quality paper towels. Make sure when you are cleaning any piece of artwork you are very careful! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How not to destroy your artwork 2/ 8

Because a lot of art is so very amazing ( and precious) I thought an 8 part series on how not to destroy your artwork would be appreciated. If you would like all 8 pieces of advice on a PDF all you need to do is click www.newzealandpainter.co.nz  and subscribe. I will email them out to you…and a free gift too.

 

Ok here we go…

 

two /  hands

Our hands produce an oily substance called sebum which helps protect and hydrate our skin. However, over time, handling prints or paintings will leave an oil residue on your artwork. This oil can then penetrate the surface and destroy the complex fibres underneath. The best way to avoid this is by limiting contact with the surface of your art as much as possible. When moving a painting, always hold from the back or the sides. You can also wear cotton gloves to limit any damage.

 

A Sean Mc Donnell original painting

 

 

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How not to destroy your artwork 1/ 8

Because a lot of art is so very amazing ( and precious) I thought an 8 part series on how not to destroy your artwork would be appreciated. If you would like all 8 pieces of advice on a PDF all you need to do is click www.newzealandpainter.co.nz  and subscribe. I will email them out to you…and a free gift too.

 

Ok here we go…

 

one /  sunlight

One of the quickest ways to destroy your lovely artwork is to subject it to direct sunlight.   

A small amount of diffused sunlight is fine, however direct sunlight will dramatically fade and yellow any works on paper, and also potentially crack any oil and acrylic paintings. 

Prevention is the best option. Wherever possible, display your artwork in places that don’t have direct sunlight. If some sunlight cannot be helped, use UV protected glass on your prints, and varnish with UV protectant for your paintings.

A Sean Mc Donnell original painting

 

 

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Art road trip through Te Ika a Maui !

What an incredible past week this has been! I had the privilege of travelling over two thousand kilometres to visit a number of amazing art galleries in the North Island of New Zealand.Leaving my home at Baylys Beach I started the trip in the Coromandel. The Peninsula is full of amazing scenery where lots of talented artists choose to call this area their home ( I can see why!)  After the Coromandel I headed down to Tauranga and got to meet some of the cool staff at the pop up Tauranga Art Gallery . Apparently the older space will be due to reopen early next year , hopefully! Next on the art road trip was Taupo where I popped into the amazing ZeaYou Gallery. If you havent been before make sure to stop in next time you are there!  Then onto New Zealand’s coolest little coffee capital, Whanganui. There are lots of great murals to view too. Next stop was my favourite city beside the sea, New Plymouth. The White Sail Gallery is full of amazing paintings and ceramic artworks.  Finally a dip into Raglan for a surf before heading back north again. Next time you are on a wee NZ roady, make sure to keep a look out for a local  art gallery, you never know what you might find!

 

 

 

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Handmade woodblock prints

 

One of the things I love about  printing is that you get your hands dirty! Plus if you are not careful it can be a little dangerous. I like to begin my printing process with an idea in mind. For these two prints I came up with the outline of a leaf from the New Zealand Kawa Kawa shrub. I then made up my own designs on the inside to loosely represent the leaf patterns.  The Kawa Kawa has heart shaped leaves and several of them can be mixed with hot water ( and a little honey) to make a deliciously refreshing tea. The second print is a representation of one of my favourite summer flowers, the sunflower. I took a photo of one that I grew in my garden and then made a pencil sketch of this onto bare wood. I then carved out the flower using a sharp wood cutting tool. The sunflower is only limited to 10 ( I have 4 left) and uses black and red acrylic ink onto white paper.

 

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Spring Art show at Baylys Beach

Baylys Beach art.

What a fantastic art exhibition held at Kelly Street Gallery this weekend. The stunning oil paintings, ceramic artwork and kauri artworks were very well received.

One of the great things about Baylys Beach is the vibrant art community. The Spring show had a wonderful group of artists and art enthusiasts. Make sure to visit Sean Mc Donnell and friends next

time you are heading to the Kaipara.

 

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Northland art exhibition

If you are travelling up north and want to visit a great art show, this is the thing for you! Kelly Street Gallery at Baylys Beach is showcasing a number of artworks from an all star cast of northern artists. Sean Mc Donnell will be exhibiting a number of new oil paintings while Olivia Garelja is showing off her dynamic acrylic works. Andy Wallam has a number of enticing ceramic artworks and Chris Mc Comb will be exhibiting his 40 thousand year old swamp Kauri bowls.  The Spring show opens 530pm Thursday 21st of September and runs until Sunday the 23rd. See you at the art fair!

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Baradene Art Show

Only a few days until the annual Baradene Art show! This legendary event showcases over 750 works from more than 130 contemporary NZ artists, both established and emerging.

This coming  Saturday and Sunday at Baradene College from 10am until 4pm. See you there!

For more information check :     www.baradeneartshow.co.nz

 

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Art interview with arts_x_artists

 

I recently had the honour and pleasure of taking part in the London based arts_x_artists with the founder Stan.

When you have time please have a listen here: https://www.instagram.com/nzpainter/

The interview is also on you tube:  youtube.com/watch?v=sWi8FSquBv0&t=161s

 

In the Interview I answer these thought provoking questions.

(1))

What’s your background?

How does this impact how you see the world and create art?

Did your upbringing prompt a specific reference point within your work? Is your work informed by certain concepts or themes from your childhood, background, socio-economic status, and where you lived or were raised?

(2)

Who are your biggest influences

(3)

What are you focussing on right now

(4)

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?

(5)

What advice would you give to your younger self?

(6)

Have you ever tried any unconventional mediums or techniques?

(7)

Do you listen to music or have any other type of background noise while you work, or do you prefer complete silence?

(8)

What’s the best reaction someone has had to your artwork?

(9)

What do you hope people take away from your artwork?

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