'Lost in Thought'
Oil Painting
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

Less than a week to go before my Recollection exhibition opening! It is very exciting. My favorite moment is when the exhibition is declared open and each marshal standing next to each painting, removes the cloak and reveals the paintings for the first time. There is always a moment of silence, then "Ahhhhhh!" Four year's work unveiled at one time. It is a magical moment.

The opening function is a beautiful event. Ross Bachelder who titles himself "The Flute Guy" is flying from Maine USA especially to play at my exhibition. You will have heard me say previously that Sir Ray Avery will be officially opening the exhibition and Jon Mayson will be MC. It will be a beautiful evening. So many people travel huge distances to visit my exhibitions so I love create an experience that won't be forgotten.

I love to hear guests say that particular paintings from previous exhibitions still remain in their memories. It is then that I know my paintings have spoken to the viewer. It is an awesome feeling. Humbling.

New Paintings are added to the exhibition gallery.

© Susan Harrison-Tustain

I hope you enjoy the new painting releases and the inspiration that compelled me to paint them.

I am still painting - trying to finish the last piece. It is a watercolor painting of two white doves sitting in a church alcove - with a stained glass window behind. I have titled it Lofty Refuge. When I have finished that piece I will post it here - but in the meantime - surprise!!!!!! here are some more new pieces you won't have seen yet. You can see a close up of these painting on my Exhibition 2011 page in the Fine Art section of this website.

For those coming to the exhibition - travel safely and I look forward to seeing you!

See you soon
Susan

"The Flute Guy"
Oil on Belgian Linen
size: 10"x12" - 255 cm x 305 cm
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

'THE FLUTE GUY'
While visiting the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, I found myself drawn by the exquisite strains of a flute being played. They lead me to a high floor above the main gallery foyer where I stood, mesmerized by the scene before me: A gentle man with shoulder-length white hair, light dancing in the lens of his glasses and passion in his eyes: 'The Flute Guy'.

He was so totally immersed in his music that he was unaware of the people around him. He swayed with his music and we watched and felt touched by the great emotion he was able to impart with his flute. I knew I needed to put all of my oil painting skills, old master's methods and techniques into creating a very special painting to celebrate this meeting. My oil painting of 'The Flute Guy' and that magical moment will be in my October 2011 'Recollection' exhibition.

A wonderful thing has come from that meeting.

I can now announce that Ross Bachelder (The Flute Guy) is coming to New Zealand to play at my exhibition! It is a great honour to have him play for us.

So it is fitting that I now release this new painting for a sneak preview. I hope you are able to join us at this exhibition and hear his sublime music. My exhibitions are rare - it has been four years since my previous show. You can see this exhibition is going to be something very special. We usually see between 3000 - 5000 visitors to my exhibition over the two days the works are on show. Many people travel from all over New Zealand, Australia and North America, so I try to make the exhibition something very special that will remain in the memories of those who visit it. With all the usual exhibition build-up, I need to back this wonderful drum roll up with some new paintings - so here is my oil painting of 'The Flute Guy'.

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

I am  thrilled to  share the news that our '2010 New Zealander of the Year', scientist, engineer and artist Ray Avery has agreed to open my October 2011 exhibition!

I am absolutely delighted that Ray has just been awarded a well- deserved knighthood in the 2011 New Year's Honours list, so he is now Sir Ray.

My exhibition will benefit Ray's international agency for change 'Medicine Mondiale'.

I am also very honoured and thrilled that our good friend Dr Jon Mayson CNZM has offered to be the MC at my exhibition! I am humbled to have these two amazing people to officiate at the opening of my October 2011 exhibition. We have a great team. It is going to be an exciting exhibition!

Ray has just released the most inspiring book I have ever read: Rebel with a Cause.

You won't be able to put it down - it is so funny, so poignant, so inspiring and so uplifting - you will want to share it with everyone! Reading this book has been life- changing for me. I have never felt that about a book before. Once read you will see why Ray is now 'Sir Ray Avery'.

You can read more about Sir Ray Avery and his incredible works and inventions for humanity as well as his book here:

http://www.medicinemondiale.org/

There is much about Jon Mayson on the internet. Jon is a highly respected businessman, CEO, Doctor, supporter of the arts and humanitarian. He also loves to paint in watercolor. An amazing and inspiring man too.

What an exciting year 2011 is going to be!

Read more details about my 2011 exhibition and see more paintings on my Exhibition Page.

After three fun workshops (3 days x 3) I am now relaxing for a day or two before painting withdrawal symptoms set in again!

Over half of the total number of students were from Australia and we also loved having Kathy from Canada aboard too! Our New Zealanders travelled from all over the country so I felt very humbled again by the demand and the response. I find artists are very like-minded and fun, kind, thoughtful people so it is always a joy to meet so many new workshop students and also welcome the return of so many friends from previous workshops.

It is rather surreal to see people using my signature brush and paint sets. They all have my signature on them so you can imagine it looked as if they all belonged to me! Just as well I had dipped the wooden end-tip of mine in nail polish before I left - or I may have picked up a few spares!!!

I saw amazing art. The students learned a huge amount about painting in watercolour as well as a great deal of information that is very generic and relates to all mediums. Color theory is and invaluable tool just as the degree of water used, tone, how to control watercolour, when to let it flow, we used all of my methods, extended them, saw how each can be applied to so many different subjects, mixing colors, lifting color, intelligent composition, observation, observation, observation and so very much more. No workshop is ever long enough is it. The subject of art is huge and I try to impart everything I know to help artists realize the huge potential of the information they receive at my workshops. I know they will now fly and I look forward to watching their journeys.

Marylka's color previewer was a great hit. Marylka took part on the first workshop so it was lovely to see her on my workshops again.

Here is Marylka's website address if you are interested in this incredibly useful tool that helps us determine what color or color mix is needed before we have to commit to a wash:

http://www.marylkaart.kwikdrawsigns.com/services.htm

I also gave a lecture to the Tauranga Art Gallery last Wednesday evening. It has been a huge week.

Thank you to all those who attended my workshops and my lecture. I do hope I was able to inspire you all reach for the stars!

Once the dust has settled and I have my home and studio back in some semblance of order - I will get back on track for my 2011 Exhibition painting. I will release a new image to the website in the next week. So do watch this space!

Susan