Blog Archives

23/8/2024 0 Comments

I don't paint photorealistic

I recently painted my fourth kereru (below). This blog post shows the progression. I don't have a set style (or at least I don't think so). Photorealism is an art style, painting or drawing with a lot of detail to look like a photograph. I don't paint photorealistic (or is that photorealistically?) In this blog post, I will try to explain why.

Also, it doesn't really matter what one paints, to make a progression with subjects less frequently painted. Every painting is a learning experience. I like to paint a variety of subjects. I now specialise with acrylics but I have had previous small group tuition in traditional oil painting.

'Water Brings Life' (2024)

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15/8/2024 0 Comments

Voice of Courage

I recently went on a long bus trip to visit my sister. During the trip, I received a notification with some feedback about the speech I did at a hearing, to decision-makers about arts grants.

I actually have two Soar Purpose blogs so sometimes it's hard to decide whether to write a blog post here (more arts focussed) or at the other blog (broader creative expression and mental health). Although they overlap.

I had a very rough day with my mental health, so have been in hibernation in my room (hardly emerged). Very burnt out currently with a lot of recent triggers (PTSD).

Fantail Rose

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1/8/2024 0 Comments

NZ Amateur Photography Awards 2024

In addition to being a semi-professional artist, I am also a hobby photographer. I take the reference pics for my paintings. This year, when I decided to go from hobby to semi-professional with my art, I invested in a camera which is more suited to make fine art prints from my original paintings. Also, more suited to dim lighting conditions.

I entered three photos into the 2024 NZ Amateur Photography Awards, NZAPA, (run by the NZIPP - New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography).