Awesome August

Cold nights but the most stunning days, day after day here at the beach, and it’s winter. I feel very blessed to live in such a gorgeous landscape. It feeds my soul.

My project this month was to practice my drawing and the best way to do this is using a blind contour method.

Blind contour is an exercise whereby you draw an object, using one continuous line without ever looking at your paper. It was made popular by a New York art teacher, Kimon Nicolaides, in the 1920’s and 30’s .

It’s hilarious! So my subject was easily obtained. The mirror in the bathroom was large and I was comfortable sitting on the lid of the toilet and looking closely as my pen and eye moved together. It’s kind of like meditation where the mind is quiet and slows down. You are in the moment.

If you are concerned about the end product needing to be perfect, or beautiful, then don’t try this as it’s never going to happen.

Anybody can do this exercise. You just need a paper and pen/ pencil. It’s fun to sit opposite someone and you draw each other. Or draw what’s on your table/ bench…Give it a go and send me a photo on my email pam.lines@xtra.co.nz

Remember it’s about Wabi Sabi. The power of imperfection.

I am currently putting work together for the Tauranga Arts Society Spring competition.

A morning where works are displayed, judged and prizes awarded. Quite a stressful time for artists, but all over by 12.30 and you take your work home again.

This painting and others for the sections on abstract , contemporary and watercolour . Like any competition, it is all about the personal preference of the judges.

Currently I have a work displayed online for Watercolour New Zealand winter competition. All of the entries are on their website http://www.watercolournewzealand.nz and you can participate by voting in the people’s choice award.

There are some amazing artworks displayed and all of them watercolour. Take a look and vote for the painting that moves you most. Remember wabi sabi!

My next exhibition will be Franklin Arts in Pukekohe next month.

Franklin arts will be held from Saturday 12th September until Saturday 26th September. If you are in the south Auckland area during this time pop into the Centre in Pukekohe by the library and next to the Memorial hall. The exhibition is called Frankley Small. Check it out.

I’m very sad to say goodbye to Jane at the Matakana gallery in Katikati. It’s hard out there being a retail space in the art world. I wish Jane all the best for her next adventure.

I still have work here at the Waihi Beach gallery in Katikati and at the Imprint Gallery at the Historic Village in Tauranga. If you are looking for art, my studio is always able to be open by appointment as well.

Thank you for your continued support. Have a great month of August.

Ka kite. Pamela