Artist’s Statement: This month’s featured artist: Jill McGregor
Inspiration for my paintings comes from my love of the Auckland beaches that were such a memorable part of my childhood.
I love the natural beauty and I try to capture this in my work.
I have always had an interest in art history.
I have been fortunate to travel to overseas countries.
Seeing the masters’ art works up close has given me an appreciation of how talented they were, especially given the materials available to them at the time.
To see how the paintings have lasted, the size, the detailed brush work and the intensity of colours was amazing.
I did art as one of my subjects at secondary school and then, for my first job, I worked for a photographer, hand colouring portrait photos.
While my children were growing up finding time for art was not possible. Then about 8 years ago I started painting again.
Soon after this I went to an art exhibition at Carmel College and met Amber Emm who was there painting as a resident artist.
I was impressed by her paintings so joined her classes. Amber has encouraged me to look for and add detail as well as teaching me many painting techniques.
These have assisted me to give my paintings the wow factor and bringing them alive. I started painting in acrylics, but now prefer to work in oils.
My work would probably be described as photo realistic and I enjoy adding detail to my work.
My early works were of flaxes, especially flax flowers.
Most of my recent works have come from photographs of places that I have visited, predominantly beach and water scenes, as well as portraits of my grandchildren.
I have also completed some special requests from friends for paintings of something that means something special to them, and this has given me great pleasure.
I have sold paintings, some decorate the walls at home, and others have been given away to wider family and friends, as gifts for a special occasion, and relating to a special place or event to them.
The Kumeu Arts Centre is a great location and I love the way they are promoting the arts within the community.
It is well organised and it is great to see all of the improvements that have been made over the last few years.
I have enjoyed the opportunities that they have provided for me to exhibit my paintings.
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Inspiration for my paintings comes from my love of the Auckland beaches that were such a memorable part of my childhood.
I love the natural beauty and I try to capture this in my work.
I have always had an interest in art history.
I have been fortunate to travel to overseas countries.
Seeing the masters’ art works up close has given me an appreciation of how talented they were, especially given the materials available to them at the time.
To see how the paintings have lasted, the size, the detailed brush work and the intensity of colours was amazing.
I did art as one of my subjects at secondary school and then, for my first job, I worked for a photographer, hand colouring portrait photos.
While my children were growing up finding time for art was not possible. Then about 8 years ago I started painting again.
Soon after this I went to an art exhibition at Carmel College and met Amber Emm who was there painting as a resident artist.
I was impressed by her paintings so joined her classes. Amber has encouraged me to look for and add detail as well as teaching me many painting techniques.
These have assisted me to give my paintings the wow factor and bringing them alive. I started painting in acrylics, but now prefer to work in oils.
My work would probably be described as photo realistic and I enjoy adding detail to my work.
My early works were of flaxes, especially flax flowers.
Most of my recent works have come from photographs of places that I have visited, predominantly beach and water scenes, as well as portraits of my grandchildren.
I have also completed some special requests from friends for paintings of something that means something special to them, and this has given me great pleasure.
I have sold paintings, some decorate the walls at home, and others have been given away to wider family and friends, as gifts for a special occasion, and relating to a special place or event to them.
The Kumeu Arts Centre is a great location and I love the way they are promoting the arts within the community.
It is well organised and it is great to see all of the improvements that have been made over the last few years.
I have enjoyed the opportunities that they have provided for me to exhibit my paintings.
Back
