June ‘24

It seems ages since my last post and I guess a month is ages. Thank you for following my blog and comments are always welcome.

Such an inspiring place to paint or just enjoy the scenery and the autumn colours. We will have to go back in spring to see the gardens in a different season.

The Tauranga Urban Sketchers also had autumn views when we went to McLaren falls.

Two quick watercolour sketches before the rain came down.

One of my favourite NZ artists is Max Gimblett, a practicing Buddhist, who brings a feeling of both peace and energy to his world renown art works. As a tribute to Max, and a bit of fun, I had a session in the studio, splashing paynes grey watercolour on paper.

Talking of Buddhism, I found this little print in the Op Shop this month. It’s an original print of the Buddhist goddess of Compassion and Mercy, Guan Yin. ( I Googled that.) She was sitting on the shelf so I paid my $2 for her beauty and the ugly frame. I did a search on the artist, D.Garrett, who is an Amsterdam artist. This piece is 1/200 from 1990. I painted up the frame and she sits on our bookcase. I was so happy with my found treasure.

Have you ever found a treasure in an Op Shop or Charity store? Love to hear your story of what that was. Sometimes you see treasures in an Op Shop that really make you feel uncomfortable. Like when recently at an Op Shop in a town nearby I noticed some bags that had just been brought in for display. On top was a lovely watercolour painting and when I looked closer it was a Pam Lines original! I bought it off the top of the bag before it had time to sit on a shelf. Although it’s nice to support these shops I also have to support those of you who collect my work and having it in an Op Shop would devalue everyone’s investment. So, if like this person you are moving on, renovating or just tired of your Pam Lines original, please get in touch and I will take the painting back and either give a credit towards your next piece or donate to a charity of your choice.

In March while down south on holiday I was asked if I would do a commission for my cousin. I told her “I hate commissions!” To tell the truth I only hate them when I have very specific criteria like the book cover art I was asked to do that included a waterfall into a well with 2 girls collecting water and their Korean village behind. Also on the back to have a pair of red sparkling slippers ( cos her favourite story when she was young was ‘ The Wizard of Oz’). She insisted on giving me a deposit so I went away and did some paintings. Not really my thing but I gave it a go. 6 weeks later we met up and she hated my work. Said it wasn’t what she had asked for at all. I was gutted! She gave me some money took the paintings and left.

Robyn was completely the opposite though. “ Love your work so just do what you feel Pam. No time frame, just whenever…” The subject of the 2 works were discussed, I took photos of the area and left.

One day this month I was painting in the studio and felt the urge to give them a go.

June is a busy month where we will be celebrating the wedding of our daughter, and a bit of a holiday as well. Hopefully catch up with my mentor Liz in Tauranga and enjoy lots of sketching and painting.

See you all next month. Ka kite ano.

Pamela