In February 2022 the Nelson/Tasman plein air painting group did a trip to the Nelson Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located on the Boulder Bank, a lovely spot for seabirds, but a harsh and rocky environment for any vegetation. The artists had to climb over rocks and river stones to get to the lighthouse. On arrival it was such a surprise to find a bunch of Naked Ladies at the foot of the lighthouse, in this one little sheltered area. The…
“I wish this bridge had a name!” but Nicole could not find any reference to it. It was an overcast, almost gloomy day when she went to do a lot of drawings of the bridge. “Bridges are always interesting. Typically they are static and give a sense of direction and guidance from one area to another. This can be very comforting and restful compared to all those decisions you have to make every day. In contrast to that are the…
Last winter, Nicole and her family enjoyed dinner at the Speight’s restaurant across from the Classic Car Museum in Nelson, New Zealand. The museum had a huge display window through which the cars could be seen from the road. In front of the window was the pond, which, during this completely wind still night, was a perfect mirror. At that evening dinner, Nicole couldn’t take her eyes from the display and here is her painting. Night at the Museum (Classic…
Autumn Reflections is painted in oil on stretched canvas. The background is achieved with smooth brushstrokes and in the foreground Nicole used thick palette knife strokes. The painting was inspired by a tree located in a private property (Silvan) in Richmond, New Zealand. The Nelson/Tasman plein air painting group often visits this private property in autumn when the trees change their colour. Autumn Reflections Oil on canvas 40" x 30" Click here for more information.
Mount Arthur Through Colour is painted with chunky oil paint on stretched canvas. The mountains in the background appear somewhat realistic while the foreground is more and more abstract, however, every area of the painting is done with more or less rough palette knife strokes. The final touch is the colourful palette knife stokes. Mount Arthur is a mountain range which can be seen from Nicole’s farm in Ruby Bay, New Zealand. This mountain range has often been an inspiration…
My paintings "Nelson Lighthouse and Naked Ladies", "Bridge at Queens Gardens" and "Tulips" are currently on display at Gravity Gallery, 243 Old Coach Road, Mahana/Tasman. Gravity Gallery and Gravity Winery and Cellar Doors are a great destination for a short trip with fantastic food in a delightful location.
About a year ago, in February 2022 the plein air painting group did a tour to the Nelson Lighthouse. The ferry “Waka-to-n-fro” took us to the Boulder Bank, which is the location of the lighthouse and can be described as a desolate collection of rocky substrate. After an unsteady walk up the bank on river rocks and gravel we were surprised to find all those Naked Ladies (Amaryllis Belladonna) growing around the lighthouse. The flowers found a sheltered area in…
The Nelson Lighthouse is one of the icons on the Boulder Bank in the Nelson Harbour. This painting was painted on location (en plein air) and in great company which makes it even more special. We were a small group of enthusiastic watercolour journaling artists who booked the Nelson Ferry to the Nelson Lighthouse. Apart from lots of giggles I remember the incredible bird life, the rocky ground, the beautiful sunshine and a great historic building.
Guess how many cards are ready to go to Art in the Park? I don't actually know the final number myself but the amount I folded and packed last night was roughly 200. If you can't come to Art in the Park you can still purchase cards through my website www.nicolerussellart.com (click here), on Felt, or at Wall to Wall Art Gallery, Nelson or Gravity Gallery, Mahana. Wall To Wall Art Gallery, 112 Bridge Street, Nelson Gravity Gallery, 243 Old…
