"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

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.