'South Island Tomtit' Watercolor on 300 gsm Arches Hot Pressed paper size: 16" x 10", 410 mm x 255 mm © Susan Harrison-Tustain		'Stewart Island Robin' Watercolor on 300 gsm Arches Hot Pressed paper size: 12" x 7 1/2", 300 mm x 190 mm © Susan Harrison-Tustain

Stewart Island, New Zealand has a well deserved pristine, clean, green reputation. Stunningly beautiful this land feels almost prehistoric and it is not hard to imagine this is what most of New Zealand must have been like before man arrived. Almost predator-free this place has a mystical atmosphere. The bird song and wild-life as well as the native forest, Manuka scrub and wilderness is awe inspiring. An artist's mecca. It is here that I studied many of our native species including the South Island Tomtit and the Stewart Island Robin that will feature in my 2011 Recollection exhibition.

The South Island Tomtit flittered from branch to branch in a native forest area that was covered by a dense canopy of tree tops - shading the undergrowth from sunlight. A stream trickled beside the track and the almost luminous green moss covered everything in sight. Quite beautiful and almost surreal - this place was a heaven for bird-life.

Preview of the framed paintings:

We were also befriended by a gregarious Stewart Island Robin. He was our 'shadow' for about one kilometre of our tramping day. When we stopped - he stopped. He would sit nearby as I sketched - daring to draw closer and closer. My shoe lace was his ultimate target and as he tugged at it and then darted back into his perceived 'safe zone' - I was able to make quick sketches and notes for the study you see here.

My painting technique for feathers begins with underwashes of local color. I then use a dry- brush watercolor method. This is ideal for capturing the texture of feathers in watercolor. Layers of watercolor drybrush emulate the natural layering - and careful color selection and mixing help to create the feeling the viewer can reach into the painting and touch the feathers.

When painting bird studies I like to observe closely the pattern on the feathers, how they lay - one on top of the other as they protect and also repel rain. They way the texture of the feathers differs between the ruffled soft downy feathers in one area and the stronger more stiff feathers in another is always fun to observe and portray. I also note the amazing color patterns on each feather. The challenge is not to simply depict the bird - but it is to portray it's character within the paint layers. I hope you can feel something of the nature of each of these beautiful creatures.

Feel free to contact me via my contact form if you have any queries.

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Learn about my Watercolor Painting Technique in my Watercolor DVDs.

Learn about how to paint in my Free Art Lessons.

"Kaitiaki"
Mixed Media on Flax Paper
350 mm x 440 m
13 1/4" x 17 1/4"
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

A chance meeting lead me to create this painting. I met Wallace Aramoana while I was visiting Ohiwa Harbour, near Ohope Beach, New Zealand. This is a man whose impact on his community, land and the youth of the area is legendary in that corner of NZ. My painting of Wallace was created on flax paper. I wanted it to capture his connection to the land. I wanted this to be a tribute to this man of the land and a man of his people. The New Zealander. Wallace believes this land is for everyone. Meeting this Maori elder was a life-changing experience for me. I wanted to title the painting "The Orator", but his reply was "No - that would be about me - I would like it to be about all of my people - 'Kaitiaki ' (translates to Caretakers of the land. )

How perfect that title is. It also relays the respect and admiration I have for this man. To paint him is an honor for me.

Click here to visit my painting exhibition page where you can find details on the exhibition including a sneak preview of some of my exhibition oil and watercolor paintings.

Feel free to contact me via my contact form if you have any queries.

~~~~~

Learn about my Watercolor Painting Technique in my Watercolor DVDs.

Learn about how to paint in my Free Art Lessons.

Great news! I have several new Youtube video clips that have only just been released.

The Video clips are posted here on my blog, but just wait a moment until they are fully loaded!

These cover:

- My journey to become a professional artist

- My magical palette - my limited palette of just 12 colors

- My brushes and paper

- My easy to make Isolating tool

- and others

Keep watching for future videos where I will show you how to create fantastic black and dark colors as well as the perfect green mixes.

There will be many others as time allows.

Click here to view some of these videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNMEllAoY-w&feature=related

Don't forget to subscribe and click "like" if you enjoy them. Youtube loves to have that feedback

Have fun!

"Back From the Brink"
Oil on Belgian Linen
size: 660 mm x 510 mm - 26"x20"
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

Time for sneak preview of another exhibition painting.

On the 'Endangered Species' list, the New Zealand takahe was thought to be extinct. In the 1948 a small number were found in the Murcheson Mountains.
Inspired by the prehistoric appearance of the large red beak and iridescent plumage, my oil painting grew from a drive to create greater awareness of this incredibly fascinating creature.

Crouched down and hidden by tussock, I was awed to see such a stunningly beautiful and large, rarely-seen bird come out of native bush into the tussock. It was a breath taking experience, not just because it is a rare bird - but also because the bird is incredibly beautiful with it's luminous opalescent blue and green plumage. I am sure I stopped breathing for a while as I didn't want to make a sound or intrude. To scare them or to influence their behaviour would have altered their demeanour. I felt privileged to be there at that instant when three (one adult and two juvenile) emerged from the bush. I lay silent, observing, sketching and studying how best to portray this bird, while trying to draw the detail and make field notes before the moment was gone.

I love my paintings to say something about the subject I am portraying. In this case this painting composition speaks of the journey of these beautiful birds which were, until recently, thought to be extinct. With the help of the Department of Conservation in Te Anau, New Zealand - these birds are slowly coming back from the brink of extinction. There are still only 280 birds in existance so they are on the endangered species list of New Zealand birds. My composition epitomizes this part of their journey as they emerge from the bush and tussock - back into the light. I wanted to depict the takahe in a natural setting, foraging, unaware that we, the viewers of the painting are observing in silence, just behind the broken fern frond.

I wanted to celebrate that we still have these stunning creatures. Help build the awareness of the takahe and to paint a tribute to them that will go on for generations to enjoy. To see these creatures was breathtaking and to capture them in oil paint and on canvas is an honour.

Please click to visit the Exhibiton page and see more
sneak previews of Susan's latest work

Learn  about my Watercolor Painting Technique in my Watercolor DVDs.

Learn about how to paint in my Free Art Lessons.

"New Zealand Takahe"
Size: 12"x14" - 305 mm x 355 mm
Watercolor on Arches hot pressed 140 lbs (300 gsm) watercolor paper
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

Our son Glen is a scientist with Dept of Conservation in Te Anau. He is in charge of the Burwood Bush breeding unit which is used to hatch and rear this very endangered native New Zealand species of  bird - the Takahe.

This bird was once thought to be extinct but in 1948 there was a small number discovered in the Murcheson Mountains near Te Anau, South Island New Zealand. Since then DOC have managed to increase the population to around 280 birds. This is the entire population of these birds so Glen and his team are dedicated to increasing the number of this bird which has the most incredibly beautiful blue and green plumage. It was a privilege to be able to sit and paint, study and sketch these amazing creatures that were on the brink of extinction.

Please click to visit the Exhibiton page and see more
sneak previews of Susan's latest work

Article in "The Weekend Sun"

There is a new article displayed on my Publications/Press page. Please click on the image to go the Publications Page.

Learn more about my Watercolor Painting Technique.

Our local newspaper called me and asked for a short interview just before Christmas. I thought I would share this here with you:

1 What are your plans for this holiday season?

A lovely relaxing time with family and friends. I love living in this region so it is a great time to make the most of the beach, walks and lots of picnics. Picnic lunch and siesta in the dappled light under our own walnut tree at home is hard to beat!

2 What was your best New Years Eve and why?

There are so many - but last New Years Eve was especially fun. Our daughter & son-in-law Shelley and Nick and granddaughter Imogen lived in an apartment at the base of The Mount. Friends joined us there for a casual dinner and then we stepped outside amongst the fun and crowds. The music, the excitement, the sea and beach - it was a magical night and it was especially fun having ‘the huge Mount party’ right on the doorstep. It was the first time I have witnessed it. Fantastic!

3 Where did you go on summer holiday as a child?

I was brought up in the Wairarapa so Riversdale and also Castlepoint Beaches were always fun places to go. But earlier than that we would take the caravan and stay at Glenburn Station on the Wairarapa Coast. Crayfishing and set-lining were always full of surprises! Mostly wet bum – no fish!

4 What's your best summer memory?

My recipe for the perfect summer celebration:

Take:

- The Mount beach or Pilot Bay

- A balmy evening, just as the sun is going down

- Fish and chips out of the paper, home made tomato sauce, bread and butter

- Add family and friends to make perfect summer memories. Unbeatable!

5 What's the worst thing about the summer holidays for you?

The end of them!

I can never get enough of the summer!

6 What album will be the sound of summer for you?

I enjoy a wide variety of music but tend to prefer something that’s quieter and more relaxing for painting to. When a bit more energy is called for I find the amazing acoustic guitar playing and fast rhythms of a couple of crazy Mexicans – Rodrigo y Gabriela to be great for getting the feet tapping. The tracks ‘Tamacun’ and ‘Diablo Rojo’ from their self-titled album are excellent examples.

7 What's the best Christmas gift you've ever received?

Our little granddaughter Imogen

8 What is or are your New Year resolution(s)?

To paint, paint, paint! One lifetime is never going to be enough to paint all that I have in my head.

9 What are you doing for New Year's Eve this year?

I love spontaneity so whatever we do, it will depend on the weather, but I know it will include friends, family and probably the beach.

10 What was the best part of 2010 for you?

All that is ‘uniquely New Zealand’ is a favourite painting subject right now so a visit to Central Otago in March gave me a chance to catch up with my son Glen and his partner Kath as well as exploring the little villages for painting subjects. The best part of any trip is meeting and chatting with strangers - the local people who bring the colour to our history. I am always awed by the welcome, ingenuity and friendliness of the New Zealanders we meet. We have met some inspirational people who have not only influenced my art but also make me proud to be a Kiwi.

Hucklebeary
Watercolor Painting
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

Richard and I send you all our very best wishes for a magical Christmas and a 2011 full of inspiration. We hope you enjoy our Hucklebeary Christmas image.

It's nearly that time again. I have a 'Festive season' newsletter in the making - but for now this is just a very quick message and some timely good news, as some of you have asked about holiday shipping times for DVDs and prints to the US.

There is still time to delight a friend or family member this year with the gift of Watercolor.

GET FREE SHIPPING FOR YOUR ORDER - Your free-shipping voucher code is: susan

We ship to the US from our US distribution company in Minnesota which means shipping within the US only takes a few days.

For UK/Europe and other countries not mentioned below, allow 10 days for shipping.

We estimate shipping time to Australia to be 6 days.

Our New Zealand orders usually take one to two days.

Getting into the festive spirit, I have decided to give you a Holiday Coupon for Free Shipping on any of our DVDs.

The voucher code to enter on the shopping cart is: susan (Valid until January 2011.)

Just enter that code into the Voucher Box during check-out. I'll be back in touch in the next week or two with my full newsletter with lots of inspiration and art related news.

But in the meantime I wish you all a wonderful lead-up to the festive season.

Susan

Your Zero-Shipping coupon: susan

Please click on the images to visit the DVD or Prints Page

Your free-shipping voucher code is: susan