The latest lock down hasn’t been easy for anyone…we have down it before so we can do it again!
I have been utilising the time as wisely as possible rearranging older paintings and also (my favourite part) creating more!
I absolutely love painting, it keeps me grounded, centered and connected.
Sometimes its difficult to work full time as a teacher and still stay motivated enough to paint in the evening in my studio when I get home. Its vital to keep enough energy left for my real love ( making art) .
Here is a new painting that I’ve been working on for around four months. It has lots and lots of layers. I enjoyed the process and also the finished product.
I recently went back to visit my old friend Tane Mahuta ( one of the largest, most easily accessible trees in New Zealand). It is a kauri tree and reputed to be over two thousand years old.
Because of a relatively new disease called kauri dieback , conservationists have now banned night time visits(A large gate has now been erected to prevent people from entering). I feel very lucky to have painted him at midnight about a year ago under a blazing full moon. All was quiet apart from talking to each other….and the mosquitoes trying to get me.
I feel honored and excited to take part in the 2021 Baradene art show. Running from the 21st until the 23rd of May at the college. This exhibition will be displaying some of the very best art that New Zealand has to over. I will be showing four paintings and three screen prints. Cant wait to see you there!
Oil painting by Sean Mc Donnell.
Oil painting on board of the iconic “Stent Road” surf spot in Taranaki.
A new series of colourful artwork is coming soon! These are being created with help from the amazing team at Artrite Screen Printing in Onehunga. These prints are made using archival ink onto fabriano paper. They are based on the atmospheric paintings created by Sean Mc Donnell.
Screen print at Baylys Beach.
If you have been to the Suite Gallery on Cuba Street in Wellington you will know how wonderful the artwork is. Well, luckily for Aucklanders there is a new Suite in Ponsonby. One of my personal favourites is the thoughtfully challenging work by New Zealand artist Wayne Youle. Go check it out.
Suite Gallery
I recently visited the Auckland Art Fair ( just before level 3 lockdown) What an amazing experience…so many talented artists and dedicated art galleries. The 2020 art fair was online so it was wonderful to see so many works”in the flesh” this year. Make sure you put this on your calendar for next year.
Auckland Art Fair
Kelly Street Gallery and Studio is finally ready for some art work! Located at the beautiful coastal community of Baylys Beach, two hours north west of Auckland. Watch this space for further announcements regarding new exhibitions.
Brett Graham is one of New Zealand’s most prolific young Maori artists. There are several of his new masterpieces at The Auckland Art Gallery. Intricately carved patterns mesmerise each viewer and make you wonder what will he come up with next?
I went to Sanderson Gallery in Newmarket last weekend and viewed the beautifully sculptural works by artist Ray Haydon. They look like frozen ribbons of time. They look quite delicate however they are very robust and each has a different surface texture.
Beautiful curving sculptural forms.