February 2011
Hello Everyone,
Thank you to everyone for your concern for us in the wake of the horrific earthquake that has devastated New Zealand’s second largest city. Your messages from all over the world have been very much appreciated.
We live half way down the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Christchurch is half way down the East Coast of the South Island so we did not feel the quake. But our hearts and thoughts go out to all of those affected.
We cannot begin to comprehend the devastation and difficulties you are having to deal with this, the second major quake – as well as the numerous aftershocks you have endured since last first the big quake in September. We hope and trust that you and your families are all safe and have not suffered too much damage.
We know there will be much to cope with in the weeks and months ahead. At these times it is heartening that your plight has touched people all over the world and our prayers and good wishes are with you all.
Newsletter
Many people have been awaiting my latest newsletter which I had put it on hold for a few days. Then realized this is an ideal way to reach so many to thank you all for your messages, thoughts and good wishes and to also pass those on to those affected by the devastating earthquake. It is a lovely notion that we are all united and supportive no matter where we live in the world. Thank you to you all.
For those interested – here is the newsletter I had been about to send out two days ago:
SusanArt Newsletter February 2011
February already! Time to send out a quick roundup of news:
- Sir Ray Avery to officially open Susan’s 2011 exhibition
- Ross Bachelder (The Flute Guy, Boston, USA) to play at Susan’s 2011 exhibition
- Sneak preview of two new exhibition paintings
- Free shipping on DVD offer
- SusanArt Blog – learn how Susan uses her brushes to give her soft painting transitions.
Sir Ray Avery to officially open Susan’s Recollection Exhibition October 2011.
I feel so very honored that Sir Ray Avery has very kindly accepted my invitation to officially open my October 2011 exhibition. New Zealander of the Year in 2010, Sir Ray is an inspirational man in every sense of the word. His tireless work for humanity is incredibly admirable and so very far-reaching.
Sir Ray is a scientist, entrepreneur and inventor whose innovations have benefited millions in the developing world. He is also a wonderful artist, although he has hung up his brushes for the time being as he feels the strong pull to continue to dedicate his time to his family and giving a voice and better life to millions. In 2003 he established Medicine Mondiale, an independent development agency and charity. It creates low cost sustainable solutions that combat global poverty and health issues of the most vulnerable and neglected societies.
If you enjoy reading, his book ‘Rebel with a Cause’ is one you will not be able to put down. A review describes it as follows:
“Today a successful businessman, scientist, entrepreneur, inventor and humanitarian, Ray Avery shares, for the first time, his own heartbreaking childhood and inspirational story of one man’s determination to change the world in this candid and often laugh-out-loud funny memoir.”
Here is the website of Sir Ray’s charity and book ($16 from each sale goes to Medicine Mondiale): http://www.medicinemondiale.org
And click here for a recent newspaper article written about Ray
Previously I have not had an entry fee to my exhibitions. At my October exhibition I have decided it would be appropriate to have a gold coin donation entry fee, with the proceeds going to Medicine Mondiale.
I am also very humbled and honored that Dr Jon Mayson has offered to be Master of Ceremonies at this exhibition. Jon is also a man who has my huge admiration for all he does for New Zealand and the arts.
Recollection Exhibition (October 2011)
I have a story to share:
Ross Bachelder ‘The Flute Guy’ was playing at the Boston Museum when Richard and I were there three years ago. I was captivated by his magical playing as well as the lighting and atmosphere. I stopped and listened and of course being an artist – I watched as the light danced across his face, reflected in his glasses and caught the musical passion in his eyes.
I had to paint him! We chatted for a while and have since been in contact discussing how fantastic it would be for him to play his flute at my exhibition. It is now that I can announce that Ross will be traveling to New Zealand to play at my exhibition in October.
The painting that followed this wonderful meeting will also be released at the exhibition.
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.
Below is a sneak preview of this oil painting:
Two new paintings released
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!
I am very excited about the pieces I have been working on since 2007 so you are the first to see this sneak preview of my latest work:
‘The Flute Guy’
Click image to enlarge
‘Ophir Renaissance – Reflection on the Past’
Click image to enlarge
You can see the previews of the paintings I have previously released and exhibition information here: http://www.susanart.com/blog/exhibition-2011
Special offer on DVDs
We are currently offering free shipping on sales of all three DVDs no matter where in the world you live (three x 2-disc sets). This will give you 11 ½ hours of invaluable tuition on six discs. All delivered to your door with no shipping charges.
Master strokes with Susan’s Brush techniques
I have recently uploaded an article I have written about how I use my brushes. You will be surprised to know I do not stroke – I ‘dab’. All will be revealed in my new blog posts.
Scroll down the blog and you will find informative articles I have written to give a wealth of information for you the artist and/or lover of fine art.
Next newsletter
Richard’s much promised article on ‘photography for the artist’ will feature in a future newsletter. He was hoping to have it completed earlier, but has recently undergone some surgery. I’m pleased to report that he has bounced back from that. So watch this space in my next newsletter!
Lots to ponder here so I will leave you with all of the above and wish you all joy in art.
Once again – our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the Christchurch earthquake.
Susan & Richard
