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ART that keeps giving back . . . and when you’ve checked all the posts below, take a look at the sidebar menu for more.
I’m delighted to bring you an update on Robèrt Franken’s work. If you are within reach of Wellington (NZ’s capital city) he has an exhibition currently showing at Pataka Gallery in Porirua from February 4 to 20 March 2022.
I’m also excited to be able to give you this LINK to a recent, insightful interview with Robèrt. Whether you’re an artist or simply an appreciative viewer, there are some intriguing comments from Robèrt about his philosophy and his process. It’s a good watch, with examples of his earlier and present works included.
Here are two of Robèrt’s unique glass plates…
There are new paintings in this exhibition as well as some of my favourites that I have previously posted. You’ll see a good selection on the interview I’ve given the link for above.
Spirit of Nature – Lisa Shaune Hattrick
Originally from Scotland, Lisa made her way to New Zealand via several countries including stints in Canada and Australia. Her work is unique, intuitive and powerful. Here is a small sampling of her work from my art blog. Subscribe to see more of Lisa’s visual interpretation of what she senses in Nature.
Lisa’s version of Pan is my personal favourite in Lisa’s latest collection and I have a giclee print of it on my studio wall to enjoy.
‘Out of the Fire’ (below) Lisa sees as a possible metaphor for our journey with Covid and it’s multitudinous effects on our societies and our personal mind-set.
Uniquely Different – Robèrt Franken
Born in The Hague, The Netherlands, Robèrt is a sixth generation artist in his family but even amongst them I suspect his work has always been distinctive. His art CV is long enough to cause a paper shortage. Robèrt has been based in the Wellington region for some decades, but his art can be found in discerning homes both in New Zealand and farther afield. His works are distinctive and unforgettable. Here is a small sample from over the years. Remember, if you subscribe to my monthly newsletters, you’ll see a good deal more of Robert’s unique works.
Fish, birds and writing often feature in Robèrt’s work, as we see in this textile piece.
In earlier days Robèrt did some fantastical ink drawings.
The more you look, the more you see in Robèrt Franken’s paintings, glass works, and drawings.
These days Robèrt is working on large, evocative canvases as well as glass.
A Beautifully Powerful Book
At first glance Togetherverse is a children’s book but when I watched the video I realised how much we grownups need it too.
From the Blurb: “Delving into the question of what it means to be a part of the world, Isabel and the creatures of Togetherverse celebrate the interconnectedness of our living Earth. From the little toes that help us stand tall, to the giant thunderclouds bringing rainbows to stormy afternoons – all it takes is a bit of time and curiosity to discover the world at our doorstep, and feel the beauty in our togetherverse.”
What a great present for someone we love, no matter what their age!
CLICK HERE to purchase Togetherverse by Esther Samuels-Davis.
Deliciously Inventive Paul Zawadski
Also known as ‘Artbear’, Paul paints mainly in oils on canvas or board but is also currently investigating the use of natural materials incorporating sand, earth and detritus into his work to capture the texture and spirit of the landscape. I love his depiction of trees and have one of his small painting to inspire me in my own studio.
This is just a snippet of Paul’s innovative work. He has a great website with plenty of galleries to view and music to download, so take a look at this innovative artist. Sign up to my monthly blog to get access to more great examples of Paul’s work.
The essence of who we are as individuals in relation to others and our environment, forms a strong aspect of Rob’s artistic practise. These intriguing sculptures are from the series that he calls ‘Vestige’, Rob says he wanted to explore this relationship further by creating a group; a community within the protective elements of the woods, reflecting the past inhabitants of the space.
He’s certainly succeeded and has created a thought-provoking and truly beautiful way to acknowledge the people of the past in the present. If you’ve ever had the delight and privilege of traveling though Scotland, you may have experienced, as I have, this presence in many a glen, loch and mountain.
Laura Blackwood – 2021 Nature Calendar!
Laura has created an exquisite new calendar for 2021. Based in the Scottish borders, Author and Artist Laura Blackwood has plenty of inspiration at her home and in the lovely Border’s countryside. Not only does her new calendar feature beautiful art but also references plants through the seasons. What a great pressie for those friends and relatives in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the UK and a beautiful keepsake no matter where you live.
You can purchase Laura’s delightful 2021 Nature Calendar NOW from her website.
Simon is a Scottish-based artist and art conservator and husband of Laura Blackwood.
It’s no secret that I love Simon’s work and have described it as both bold and sensitive, a combination of qualities that is almost an oxymoron in art and a rare pleasure to behold. It’s the glorious light that makes these paintings so special, light that is only truly experienced in the originals.
During the long summer lockdown in the UK, Simon set himself the task of a painting a day, using the quickness of pastel to capture the light and beauty of his garden with its meadow, trees and stream. Simon has the rare ability to get right to the essence of what he sees.
See more of these beautiful impressionistic pastels on Simon’s Archives and stunning oils on his website.
Bold Art, Hidden Depth
Shera Delia’s art is colorful and often dream-like but she’s also capable of impressive political cartooning. Shera uses mixed-media and describes her influences as the psychedelic and pop art movements of the 60s and 70s. She hails from the beautiful, inspiring, Finger Lakes Region, New York.
In the main, her work draws on strong feelings for the natural world. She is curious about the nature of reality so it’s not surprising I’ve been drawn to her art and how she combines art with mediation, using what she describes as a ‘flow-of-consciousness style’.
Political commentary or Artivism also pops up in Shera Delia’s work now and then, with quite a punch!
Shera Delia’s Unseen Connections is clever, beautiful and a lovely depiction of the natural integration of everything in Nature.
Lisa Shaune Hattrick was born and raised in Scotland but has traveled extensively and lived in several countries. For some years now she has made her home in beautiful Cable Bay at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. Lisa Shaune Hattrick trained in Fine Arts at Sydney Polytechnic (Australia) but is largely self taught.
Deva at Work
Not surprisingly, I especially love Lisa’s recent depictions of Deva.
For those of you not familiar with the word, ‘Deva’ is from the Ancient Sanskrit language of India, It means “Being of Light”. Check out my pages on Deva HERE on my website to learn more about this kingdom.
Fire Deva
These beautiful works are executed in oils. If you’re a subscriber to this site, you can access more about Lisa Shaune’s art and other occupations in my newsletter pages. Lisa Shaune Hattrick is also a professional Astrologer. She does not currently run a website but you can contact her on shaunelisa@gmail.com
Nicole Russell is an award winning artist who loves painting in oil and watercolour. Her oil paintings are characteristic of the palette knife with a heavy impasto layer. By contrast, she paints with watercolours because of their transparency and fluidity.
Nicole likes to paint what she sees and loves to paint outdoors (en plein air) or, when the weather isn’t favourable, she enjoys painting still lifes in her studio. Fascinated by the light reflecting between the different objects she likes to emphasizes these light reflections in her paintings. As you can see in this delightful Acrobatic Fantail, she loves strong contrasts as well. Recently she started to focus on bringing a bit of fun into her paintings by emphasising the character of her subjects. We’re show-casing a sample of those delights here. . .
This Yoga Pukeko just makes me smile every time!
For those of you outside New Zealand, the Pukeko is our native version of the Moor Hen.
It’s a colourful bird as you can see. It doesn’t fly much, unless it’s trying to get over a fence of flee from a predator.
Yes, Nicole has prints and cards of these smile-inducing works. Here’s the Link.
Nicole’s studio is located in Ruby Bay, Tasman district, where she teaches watercolour and oil painting in small classes. Also, she teaches Painting for All Levels, an adult education class at Waimea College, Richmond. Her artwork is permanently on exhibit at Wall To Wall Art Gallery, Nelson. She is a working artist member of the Nelson Suter Art Society, president of the Art Group Nelson, and coordinates the weekly painting locations of the plein air painters in the Nelson/Tasman area.
You’ll find Nicole Russell’s Art and Classes HERE.
New Zealand – An awesome talent in stone carving and drawing. The drawing below of a little girl called Juniper is simply beautiful. Karyn does commission portraits, which would make a wonderfull gift for that special someone in your life.
I’m the proud owner of two of Karyn’s seascape prints. Standing in front of them I feel as if I’m right there on the ocean. I now also have three of Karyn’s bird prints including these goldfinches. The delightful detail surrounding the birds is entrancing. Check out Karyn Robert’s very affordable prints for yourself at: https://www.karynrobertsart.com/. Usually you’ll also find her on the FELT website but right now she’s busy building a new studio and everything is in storage. You can still contact Karyn on her social media accounts:
I love Lance Kerr’s ability to create what I think of as ‘meaningful abstracts’.
His easy style captures the essence of this beautiful Japanese face.
Lance Says – “My work deals with concepts around the emergence of integral consciousness that is forming around the globe. Conscious synergy, synthesis, and integrating energy are being explored in my art. The weave motif was created in 2002 after reading a book by Ken Wilber called “The Eye of Spirit” I had received teachings by Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche around the same time, and I started to explore Buddhist ideas in my painting. The Basic teachings of a Nagarjuna has had a profound effect on me and continues to inform my art, as I use the empty space of paper as a metaphorical device.”
New Zealand – Multi Media and multi-award winning artist – Painting, Pottery, Sculpture, Fantasy Art Dolls, Furnishings – You name it Debbie’s done it!
Debbie and I created some neat graphics to showcase her work in top US and UK doll magazines. Inspired by working together we went on to create a range of Fantasy Art Doll Faerie cards. You can see and purchase them right here on my website.
Check out more of Debbie’s prodigious talent on her website.
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