Whenever I see a rainbow I stop what I’m doing to appreciate its splendour. A brief and beautiful moment in time. It is often hard to look away. Many cultures believe the rainbow is the pathway between mortals and the gods.  Sir Isaac Newton demonstrated that white light (signifying purity, or the holy spirit) is composed of all the colours of the rainbow.

This new oil painting is a biggie…140 cm x 100 cm. I’m loving the colours and also the process.

 

 

 

I was extremely fortunate at the start of this week to talk about art making  in Northland. Mark Amery from Radio New Zealand got in touch after noticing that I am originally from Wellington. Being a fellow Wellingtonian and creative person himself must have struck a chord with him. I must say it was a real pleasure and Im sure the listeners will feel inspired to visit Baylys Beach someday soon.

 

 

Thanks again Mark!

 

 

Put some colour on your wall with a splash of rainbow! The great thing about this recent rain has been breaking the dry spell, more waterfalls, and of course rainbows.

This painting was inspired by a trip over to Ocean Beach near Whangarei.

If you would like to see the painting on my website visit www.newzealandpainter.co.nz and check out the large painting section.

 

 

 

There are some exceptionally talented artists in New Zealand! I am really over the moon and very excited to feature some of my screen prints with these Kiwi creatives. Christine Rabarts has been in the art business for a very long time and knows her stuff!  Next time you have a spare moment, pop over to her website and take a look!

Click link

 

Screen prints from New Zealand artists.

Baylys Beach has a whole lot of artistic inspiration! I think thats why I choose it as a base for making art. There is a real sense of community where everyone waves and says hello and often drops in for a cuppa. I was extremely fortunate to be included in the latest “Baylys Haps” magazine where the ever talented Gary Steel did a very fine job with his writing. Thanks very much! If you find yourself near Kai Iwi Lakes make sure to drop by for a cuppa.

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…

 

eight /  Children and pets

 

 To protect my artwork from dogs or cats I make sure all of my paintings and prints are at least 3.5 feet (60 inches) off the ground. This should be above the height that a dog or cat might be tempted to rub against them. Or even worse, have a chew or a scratch! I would also be very careful not to have a painting just above a couch or a chair. Cats may want to have a cheeky scratch with their claws. The same height rule applies to young toddlers. Try your best to keep all of your art out of reach. Not only could they potentially damage the artwork, they might accidentally knock a painting off the wall and hurt themselves as well. 

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…

 

Seven/  Correct hanging

Unfortunately I have had two paintings damaged  in the past because I did not hang them properly. I used to simply rest the top lip of my work on two or three nails angled into the wall. Luckily no one was hurt, however one of the paintings was damaged. To prevent this from happening I would suggest always using the correct hook and d-ring that corresponds to the size and weight of your work. Also, where possible, always try your best to locate a wall stud. If this isn’t possible you can purchase special hardware that can be used on drywall. 

 

 

 

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…

 

Six/ Storage

 Storing  artwork correctly is your only option. Good ventilation will help limit any mould. Mould loves to destroy your lovely artwork. It is also vital that you wrap your works to protect them from dust or accidental knocks and bumps. I like to use bubble wrap with the bubbles facing away from the work. I will also use a sheet of cardboard or an old blanket to separate framed prints and paintings that are leaning against each other. It also pays to check on your stored artworks periodically just in case there is a cheeky mouse in the area or any pesky mould spores starting to show. Looking after your artworks means they will look after you! 

 

 

 

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…

 

Five /  Humid environment

One of the most common ways to destroy artwork is by displaying it in an environment with fluctuating temperatures. This will often produce condensation. Any moisture will dramatically shorten the life of paintings and prints (even if they are framed). Always display artwork in a well ventilated area, and where possible use a dehumidifier to remove extra moisture. 

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.