Showing Off?

Hi everyone,

Have you ever wondered why  artists hold exhibitions?

Step back 20 something years..

Me? He’s asking me to hold an exhibition? The Wellington gallery owner blew me away with his suggestion , whenI plucked up the courage to approach him, clutching one of my watercolour landscapes. I was fully expecting him to smile politely at me and tell me I had potential, come back in a few years. Instead we were discussing dates, paintings and advertising. I staggered out of the gallery wondering what on earth I’d agreed to! Imposter syndrome kicked in big time but I knuckled down to work and soon the opening evening was upon me. 

I still remember waiting nervously at the gallery.

What if no one came and I had to eat all the dip and crackers ? What if they hated my paintings? Or laughed? And what if no one bought  anything and I had to creep off with my paintbrush hidden in my pocket?

The opening was crowded, people were incredibly supportive and most paintings sold . Phew.

Since that show  I’ve had many solo and joint exhibitions. And I’ve learned a great deal along the way.

The first thing I’ve learned is to have a body of work ready, or at least in my head , before agreeing to an exhibition. Nothing will bring on painters block faster than a deadline! 

I need to consider where the exhibition is being held so that the work is relevant . People often enjoy local but sometimes I’ve been caught out – I’ve discovered that city dwellers are often fascinated by rural life , especially mustering …

The paintings need to look good hanging together , so my framing needs to be simple and unified. And only my best work should be hanging .

I need to spend time  (and money) on promoting the show – if no one knows about it then no one will come.

And most of all, I need to enjoy spending time with people and showing them what I do. This is the most exciting part, all my months of working away and now I can see if my paintings strike a chord. It’s lovely of course, if they sell (we have bills to pay just  like anyone else!) .But for me it’s just satisfying to be able to share why I paint what I paint. Ultimately the paintings are on the gallery walls for the viewers enjoyment – and yes, I’m proud to see my  work taking people to the special places that have caught my eye. 

This is going to be a busy summer for me   as I’ve been offered three exhibtion opportunities.

First up is  “Home and Away-‘ a joint show with my friend Francie Heathfield, a very talented Nelson artist . We’d love you to join us for the opening celebration on the 5th of November if you can .

In January I’ll be guest artist at the Tapawera Visual Artists annual exhibition and also have a solo show in Hanmer Springs at the Amuri Community Art Gallery. So, lots of work and lots of talking with people about what I do!

I hope to see you at one of those , and of course Korimako will be open most days.

It’s not too late to order a 2026 calendar (see last months blog) so just let me know if you’d still like one – they’ll available for delivery early November, 

Hoping  to see you soon, Jan