NZ Art Show - Wellington - THIS WEEKEND

Yay - my favourite annual event is about to happen - the NZ Art Show (used to be called the Affordable Art Show) this weekend, at TSB Arena in Wellington. I have been going annually for about 5 years now, and a lot of my paintings and sculpture at home and in my office have been purchased there (yes - another weakness - that, and buying chairs). The beauty of this show is that you often get to meet the artist, and in many cases, you are getting their work at the start of their careers, so you can still afford it!. Many of the original exhibitors have gained massive public attention due to their exposure at this art show.

New Town by Sue Lund - (not such a great photo, sorry).

My theory in buying original art is that I have to love it. Simple. 'Investment' doesn't enter into it - but is a possible bonus. I have a very eclectic collection. I learnt many years ago to go with instinct, NOT because someone else does or does not like it (husband), or because it might be a popular artist etc. Art is very, very personal! You don't have to justify why you like a certain piece. You just do!!

Sue Lund with an early abstract (my very first of her works), shown outside The Learning
Connexion buildings that Sue has been painting for the last few years. Should be put on the
tourist trail in my opinion.......

Island Bay - Sue Lund again, bought in 2013. Fantastic contrast to her usual explosion of colour.

These are just some of the art works I have bought from the Art Show in the past - and most of these artists are showing again this year - in fact, 2 of them (Catherine Roberts and Rebecca Phillips) have pieces featuring in the Signature Piece Awards, as Sue Lund did last year.  If you get the chance, do get to Wellington on Fri/Sat/Sun to have a look for yourself.

'Our Glory' by Rebecca Phillips. 2013

Detail of 'Our Glory'

Di Conway's gorgeous, generously built ladies! Di works in bronze, too. 2013 Art Show

How could you not love this face?

Detail of Marc Hill's 2011 water lily painting. I fell in love with this as I had just come back from a trip to Europe where I had seen Monet's Water lily series in real life for the first time. This oil painting takes me straight back to Musee D-Orsay every time. The colours are so intense. 

 I also have others I fail to recall the names of, from earlier years. These are just some I had photos of already. Make sure you have plenty of time to look around (without children or husbands....), and go back a few hours later, as the artists replenish the walls as their art sells, so there is often completely new work up on the walls within a few hours of your first visit. If you do go, I would love to hear what you think of it!! Please make a comment below. Rx