News & Events
| Life is exciting - visit this page regularly to read of upcoming events such as exhibitions, television appearances, release of new Limited Edition Reproductions,
classes, overseas trips, Gallery events, video and book releases, and magazine articles. | |
2010 Workshop Schedule Announced:
Where? - Tauranga, New Zealand. When? - October/November 2010
Click link for information: 2010 Workshop Dates and Details
December 2009 - Susan launches her latest DVD:
"Painting Watercolor My Way"
Look over Susan's shoulder as she explains in full detail everything she is
doing and why.
Click To View
Susan's latest newsletter is online:
VIEW HERE
(Previous newsletters can be found in the Archives.)
June/July 2009 -
Bend Oregon USA workshops:
Susan had great pleasure to teach two workshops in Bend Oregon.
"Bend is an amazing, quiet, high desert town in Oregon. Art in the Mountains is a professionally run workshop center. We loved our time in Oregon. The artists were passionate about painting and learning. It was such fun group - workshops always are full of fun, like-minded people. I was sad that so many missed out on securing places on my workshops. I hope to return some time in the future - when time allows.
The workshops allowed me to finally meet some of the wonderful and gifted artists who have written to me over many years. How fortunate we are that my art has brought me to know so many people who will remain very special friends.
Travelling along the Oregon coast during the week in-between the workshops, Richard and I discovered so many new painting subjects, little towns full of inspiration, coastal places, bird-life, stunning rivers and scenery. Oregon will always be a special memory for me. Especially the wonderful people we met and the experiences we savoured.
Our last six days of this trip were spent with dear friends in Seattle. We painted for two days - well into the night hours. Everywhere we found painting subjects, art supply shops and wonderful galleries.
A highlight was discovering classical music being played in a barn on a balmy Sunday afternoon in Suquamish. The bird-song and insect sounds spoke of summer days. The donkeys chewed the dry grasses and the children ran around as we lay on the grass and let the music waft through the air. A picnic under the trees with my sketch pad ready to capture that magical time - all these things make being an artist the most fulfilling thing of all. How blessed we are as artists, that it enriches every aspect of our lives and travel. We never know where it will lead us."
September/October 2008 -
An Artist's Mediterranean Odyssey Tour:
Susan and Richard lead a painting, photography, wine appreciation and sight seeing tour - overland in Provence and Italy. The finale was a magical cruise into the Agean and Adriatic: Italy, Croatia, Greek Islands and Turkey. See the tour photos here. (Newsletter November 2008)
"We painted in the ancient streets of little villages and we introduced our guests to our favourite European haunts that aren't on the usual tourist trails. Richard taught how to get the most out of our cameras as we travelled to places that have to be seen to be believed. In two wonderful afternoons, Richard demystified Red and White wine appreciation as we had two top-end tastings of fine European wines. With so many highlights, it would be impossible to choose a favourite place, but St Paul de Vence, Biot, Stressa, Lake Como, Bellagio and of course the mysteries and beckoning of Venice will always compel me to return"
"The piece de resistance was the finale: A Holland America cruise to Split, Athens, Istanbul, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Santorini, Katakolon and back to beautiful Venice.
This tour was truly magical as we were able to share everything we know and love about our favourite places in ancient Europe. It is a tour we hope to repeat in 2011."
All going well Susan and Richard plan an African painting, wine appreciation, photography and sight-seeing tour in September 2009.
April - July 2008 -
Travel and USA workshops:
Susan & Richard travelled to Canada, Italy, France and USA to discover new painting subjects, props and inspiration. Visiting art galleries, artists and simply enjoying all the amazing painting possibilities around every corner, Susan was totally immersed in every experience. She sketched and painted her way through Vancouver Island (Canada), Rome, Positano, Cinque Terre, Venice, St Paul de Vence (Provence) and Maine.
Susan taught two fun workshops on Mount Desert Island Maine on the way back to New Zealand. This has become one of Susan's favourite places in the US. She loves the rugged coastline, the relaxed uncluttered lifestyle, the kindness of the people and the atmospheric weather.
Having taught at Mount Desert Island (Arcadia Workshop Center) in the Fall of the previous year - Susan was very keen to return in 2008 to experience Spring on Mount Desert Island. It was everything she had hoped for and more.
Susan particularly enjoyed visiting Andrew Wyeth's stomping ground.
"Andrew Wyeth captures the raw truth of this wonderfully real place. His work and this state will stay vividly in my memory for as long as I live."
"What an amazing, diverse and compelling place Maine is. If I wasn't so passionate about New Zealand - I could easily settle and live in Maine."
If you have a chance to visit Maine - Mount Desert Island is a "must-see"! Don't forget your paints and brushes!
NEXT Magazine - A Special Report for Breast Cancer Awareness:
"Real Life Realism" A very personal insight into Susan's life and philosophy. CLICK HERE to view the article. (170k pdf)
2007 Exhibition Preview.
Welcome to a sneak preview of Susan's upcoming 2007 Exhibition.
(Times and venue to be announced.)

Workshops announced!
Susan has announced her upcoming artist workshops to take place in New Zealand and USA. Click
HERE for information.
In the News ..
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Bay of Plenty Times - newspaper article by Christine Cloughley: "She paints with gentleness, elegance and grace. But don't call her paintings pretty. Susan Harrison Tustain couldn't bear to paint just pretty paintings. Her work requires a reason for their existence, she says."
... continued (186k image) |
2003 EXHIBITION!!!!:
It's been four years since Susan's last major exhibition of works for sale. Susan's retrospective two years ago was a great success. But the time has now come to announce details of her much-awaited 2003 exhibition titled:
"Painted Verse"
"I like to think of my work as poetry - visual poetry - "my truth". Our world is constantly changing and yet we find it is the same 'special things' that touch our souls year after year. These are the little things that make sense of our world. For me, portraying the ephemeral beauty of nature suspended in time is a tribute to nature, to the past and to the future".
This exhibition will feature a number of floral paintings, still-life paintings, character studies, bird studies and nude studies.
These paintings will be exhibited at the Compass Community Village Tauranga. Due to the large numbers of visitors attending Susan's two-day exhibitions we envisage this larger venue should reduce the need for the long queues as seen in previous years. But should there happen to be a short delay in entering the exhibition, there is plenty of verandered space from the weather. The village has plenty of flat street parking.
This exhibition will be something to remember. With all of the fine 'touches' that Susan loves to have at her exhibitions: the paintings, the graceful music and the magnificent floral bouquets - all combine to create the magical atmosphere you will have come to expect from Susan's exhibitions. You will find it will be an experience you will not want to forget.
"Painted Verse"
Exhibition of recent work by Susan Harrison-Tustain
Venue: Compass Community Village
Seventeenth Avenue West
TAURANGA, New Zealand
Date: Saturday and Sunday 1st & 2nd November 2003
Time: 10.30am - 5pm both days
Admission: No charge.
Susan will be in attendance both days
If you would like your name on the invitation list or if you have any queries,
please contact us here.
New Video:
So many of you who have Susan's first video have asked for more.
So, for those who want to see how Susan works, to see how she uses her brushes,
how much water she uses and how all of these things relate to many different
subjects as well as flowers, this video is for you. The first in a new series
specifically filmed to give answers to the most frequently asked questions in
Susan's workshops, "Susan Harrison-Tustain's One-on-One Watercolor Workshop
Series - Watercolor Breakthroughs" focus's on the 'traps for young players'
that we all experience. Backgrounds are one of the stumbling blocks. Watch as Susan
de-mystifies backgrounds - see how three different background studies alter the
atmosphere of a subject. Follow through as Susan shows you how she creates a three
dimensional 'presence' using four elements to establish form. You'll find a
demonstration of a lily study where you can see Susan's unique painting process.
There is something in this video for everyone - from beginner to experienced artist.
Click here to find out more.
Susan in the news:
Taiwanese Magazine:
An article about Susan, her paintings and her home featured in the December
issue of 'Deco' magazine, one of Taiwan's leading decor publications. Susan's home also
featured on the cover of the November's issue.
Tauranga - Photographs by Bob Tulloch:
Susan feels honoured to feature in Bob Tulloch's new book portraying the
character of Tauranga and it's people.
"I have attempted to identify the character of the Tauranga region, the
visitor attractions, how we live, how we work, how we play, the landscape, the
cityscape, something of the history, the structures and especially the people".- Bob
Tulloch. A magnificent book! Available through Tulloch Photography, No 1 The Strand,
Tauranga, New Zealand. bobtulloch@xtra.co.nz
Splash 8:
Susan's painting 'Jonquilles Pour Ma Mere' has been chosen to feature in
Splash 8 - a book featuring a compilation of the worlds artists. (North Light
Books, Cincinnati).
Competition Finalist:
Susan's painting 'Awakening' was a finalist out of over 13,000 entries in 'the
American Artist Magazine's annual art competition.
Rediscovery of Paynes Grey Bluish:
Recently I rediscovered an old favorite - Paynes Grey Bluish is an amazing
pigment. Ideal for backgrounds as it gives a wonderful depth of natural color
allowing underwashes and suggested details to influence the final washes of this
magical color.
Upcoming Video:
Susan will be filming another video in her "One-on-One" series. This time it will be
especially for beginners or for those who wish to recap on the things they may have
overlooked or forgotten. This video should be available by November 2003. Let us know if
you would like to be notified.
Splash 6 and Splash 7 - The Magic of Texture and a Celebration of Light

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Susan's paintings are featured in Splash 6 (The Magic of Texture) and Splash 7 (A Celebration of Light
). Inspiring books! Great additions to your library. Click the links above (or the book images) for more details.
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Video complete!: December 2001 - The video companion to Susan's best selling book is now available. Titled "Glorious Garden Flowers in Watercolor - Part 1 - Understanding the Essential Techniques", Susan's first video shows you all the techniques she uses to achieve the astonishing depth and beauty of her florals. CLICK HERE for more details.
Palette Update: April 2001 - Click HERE for Susan's latest color discoveries.
Report: November 2000 -
Retrospective Exhibition: "...Until Now".
My retrospective exhibition was enjoyed by approx. 3000 visitors over the two
days of the showing. It was a joy for me to see so many of my paintings that I
hadn't seen for some time. It was like the return of old friends.
Including the Giclee prints, we had 36 paintings with diversely different subject
matter from flowers, bird studies, still-life, insect studies, nudes, character
studies and a much commented upon abstract!
The Brauchli Family Trio serenaded us with several instruments including the
renaissance harp, the violin, hammer dulcimer, recorders and guitar. Their music was
magical and created the most wonderful atmosphere as our visitors enjoyed the chance
to see paintings that may not been seen again in public, for some time.
November 2000 -
Retrospective: "...Until Now".
- When:11th and 12th November
- Where: Compass Community Village,
Seventeenth Ave, Tauranga, New Zealand
- Time: 10.30 - 5pm both days
A walk through time, this much awaited exhibition is a retrospective. These
paintings have been brought together from many private collections including the
artists own collection, for you to view at your leisure. A number of these fine
works have never before been seen by the general public and in most cases these
works will not be seen again.
This will also be the official New Zealand release of the much awaited eleven
Giclee Fine Art reproductions of Susan's most recent work.
There will only be one original painting for sale - on the secondary market.
October 2000 -
Often seen on the cover of The New Zealand Gardener Magazine,
Susan's work will feature in an article telling the story behind her latest
television appearance ("Kev Can Do", screened 26th August, Television One 7 - 7.30
pm. N.Z. time). A very touching story which Susan feels honoured to have taken part
in.
September 2000 - Release of eight Giclee Fine Art Limited Edition
Reproductions of
Susan Latest work. Check out the 'print' page for details.
26th August 2000 - Television New Zealand. 'Kev Can Do' Television One.
Around 7pm
NZ time. Tune in to enjoy a very touching story featuring Susan's art. The story
is embargoed but I can assure you you will captivated by the story.
20th August 2000 - Trip to California to proof Giclee Fine Art Limited Edition
Reproductions. These will be available on Susan's return after 10th
September 2000.
Check out the 'print' page for details.
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