Championing local artists

Championing local artists

Emerging artists will join well known local painter and art tutor Nick Eggleston for a group show at Jennian Homes Tauranga opening this week.

“We’re delighted to be able to support the Tauranga art community by hosting this exhibition of watercolours by local painters,” say owners Mike and Vicky Warren.

Visitors to the exhibition can expect a riot of colour and themes inspired by Bay of Plenty living, including picture-perfect still lifes, fab florals and marvelous marine scenes.

A professional artist for more than 20 years, Yorkshire-born Nick has established a successful following since relocating from the Channel Islands to the Bay of Plenty in 2006. His vibrant, illustrative paintings combine watercolour and gouache to capture the beauty of the New Zealand coastline and wildlife – many with an appealing element of whimsy.

The rest of the exhibitors are students in Nick’s advanced watercolour class, some bravely putting their pieces up for public inspection for the first time. “They’re doing fantastic work,” says Nick. “It’s a great opportunity for them to exhibit their paintings, and a great opportunity for the people of Tauranga to buy some affordable art – perhaps even get a head start on the Christmas shopping.”

And if they leave with a fresh perspective on watercolour, all the better. Although grounded in traditional techniques, Nick’s part of a growing movement of artists bringing watercolour painting into the present day by developing layering and glazing techniques to produce more vivid, colourful work.

The alchemy between pigment, paper and water is one Nick’s happy to share with the wide range of people who explore their creativity through weekly art classes in his Judea Road studio.

“Nick teaches us lots of little tips and tricks,” says Edna Evans, who started out with a drawing class two years ago and is still going strong. “I like learning, but this is the one thing I haven’t wanted to give up.”

Julia Milne failed School C art, but is giving it another go in Nick’s classes. “The way he teaches is great,” she says. “There’s not a hint of judgement. I think people suffer from fear – it’s the biggest barrier to self expression. But it’s so comfortable here, you can let go of that inhibition. It’s a lovely experience beyond just the painting.”

The exhibition will be open to the public from Wednesday 10 November to Sunday 21 November, in the Jennian show home at 180 Fifteenth Ave, Tauranga.

ENDS

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