Introducing our Painting Tutor: Amber Emm
Where do you get your inspiration from?
From what I see every day and the beauty around us. We truly are blessed to live here.
Who is your favourite artist?
Barry Ross Smith I love his humour and colour pallet
What artist movement(s) do you feel most inspired by?
The old masters they were real pioneers and their skills were amazing, with none of the tools we have today.
Talk about your art...how do you feel you art has evolved since you first picked up a paint brush? What do you aim to do within your paintings? Are you a 'clean' painter or do you need to get your hands dirty when you paint?
I am a very precise painter with an eye for detail and a love of contrast, light and shadow. I wouldn’t say I was a tidy painter and I am definitely not a tidy homemaker, but it is all of me. I live to create and struggle sitting idle. I was trained as a traditional sign writer before computer stickers came along so have good brush skills and am very good at drawing what I see. I first started painting in water colours then moved to acrylic and then after winning an oil set from the French art shop for 2nd place in the professional section of the Easter show I decided to give them a go and haven’t looked back. Over the years I have developed that skill and with each painting I feel the drive to make it better, more photo like. That is the challenge for me. I would like to break out every now and then and do some really imaginative work but to make a living as an artist in New Zealand you have to try and keep your following. I know when I changed from boats and coastal New Zealand to painting flowers I took a big hit in sales just because no one knew who I was for a while.
My teaching has been an amazing journey and I am sure it has made me a lot better painter and given me great confidence as it truly makes you realise just how much you know. It has made me paint things that I would never have painted but in doing so I have really enjoyed it and the people I have meet and made friends with I wouldn’t change for anything. I have a blessed life and feel very lucky to be able to follow my passion with the love and support of my family.
Is there any exhibition/art event you went to recently that most impressed you and why were you impressed?
My own students’ exhibition! What impressed me was seeing them all together and knowing how far they had all come and how much courage they have shown to put their work up for display. It was a good as any exhibition in town and for a 10th of the price. People have no idea what a good deal they can get.
In your opinion, what makes good art?
That’s the best thing about art, there is no right or wrong it all comes down to if someone likes it enough and is willing to part with their money. Then to me it has value whether it is my taste or not, we are all so different.
Do you have a website?
Yes www.amberemm.vc.net.nz
What do you like most about Kumeu Arts Centre?
It is a very welcoming place, warm, light, roomy and the people who run it are awesome. They have welcomed me and helped me where ever I need it. Love it.
What would you like to change/improve in Kumeu Arts Centre?
That more people knew about the facility and used it, shame it’s so off the road as the potential with all that traffic is wasted.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
From what I see every day and the beauty around us. We truly are blessed to live here.
Who is your favourite artist?
Barry Ross Smith I love his humour and colour pallet
What artist movement(s) do you feel most inspired by?
The old masters they were real pioneers and their skills were amazing, with none of the tools we have today.
Talk about your art...how do you feel you art has evolved since you first picked up a paint brush? What do you aim to do within your paintings? Are you a 'clean' painter or do you need to get your hands dirty when you paint?
I am a very precise painter with an eye for detail and a love of contrast, light and shadow. I wouldn’t say I was a tidy painter and I am definitely not a tidy homemaker, but it is all of me. I live to create and struggle sitting idle. I was trained as a traditional sign writer before computer stickers came along so have good brush skills and am very good at drawing what I see. I first started painting in water colours then moved to acrylic and then after winning an oil set from the French art shop for 2nd place in the professional section of the Easter show I decided to give them a go and haven’t looked back. Over the years I have developed that skill and with each painting I feel the drive to make it better, more photo like. That is the challenge for me. I would like to break out every now and then and do some really imaginative work but to make a living as an artist in New Zealand you have to try and keep your following. I know when I changed from boats and coastal New Zealand to painting flowers I took a big hit in sales just because no one knew who I was for a while.
My teaching has been an amazing journey and I am sure it has made me a lot better painter and given me great confidence as it truly makes you realise just how much you know. It has made me paint things that I would never have painted but in doing so I have really enjoyed it and the people I have meet and made friends with I wouldn’t change for anything. I have a blessed life and feel very lucky to be able to follow my passion with the love and support of my family.
Is there any exhibition/art event you went to recently that most impressed you and why were you impressed?
My own students’ exhibition! What impressed me was seeing them all together and knowing how far they had all come and how much courage they have shown to put their work up for display. It was a good as any exhibition in town and for a 10th of the price. People have no idea what a good deal they can get.
In your opinion, what makes good art?
That’s the best thing about art, there is no right or wrong it all comes down to if someone likes it enough and is willing to part with their money. Then to me it has value whether it is my taste or not, we are all so different.
Do you have a website?
Yes www.amberemm.vc.net.nz
What do you like most about Kumeu Arts Centre?
It is a very welcoming place, warm, light, roomy and the people who run it are awesome. They have welcomed me and helped me where ever I need it. Love it.
What would you like to change/improve in Kumeu Arts Centre?
That more people knew about the facility and used it, shame it’s so off the road as the potential with all that traffic is wasted.