Looking for Landscapes

Stepping back in time, masters of Landscape Art were acknowledged for their ability to show architectural and natural detail. But they were celebrated for elevating this to capture the effects of light, colour and the suggestion of movement - consider for example J.M.W Turner. Impressionism presented a new angle as the likes of Claude Monet broke with tradition. He thought in terms of light, colours, and shapes. He completed a series that explored how steam, smoke, mist and rain affected colour and visibility. Then with the Post-Impressionism movement, more intense and vibrant colours appeared, and wonderful examples of distorting form for effect. The journey of Landscape Art continued to mature and influence.

With new and different methods, and timeless inspirations from art and surrounds, modern Landscape Art can take on broad and wonderful forms. 

In placing art in our clients’ premises, we observe that a particularly appealing quality of this style is its capacity to create visual windows in our homes and offices; bringing the exterior in - you want to keep looking, and come back for more.

LOCAL ARTISTS & LANDSCAPE ART

When we think technique, Rodney Fumpston is an artist who comes to mind immediately. Fumpston is one of New Zealand’s foremost print makers. A master of the processes involved he has been expertly making prints for over 3 decades. His use of colour and concept can be flamboyant - with vivid colours against which he might offset dark solid forms. His unparalleled technical ability in the field of printmaking provides audiences the pleasure of his significant subtleties. His subject matter ranges from Pacific themes, to the intricate details of the New Zealand fern.

Shifting from symbolism to realism, John Horner’s expressive, lush art is inspired by the rugged New Zealand landscape. With a further interest in cityscapes he taps into New Zealand’s sharp light contrasts to capture natural movement on a still canvas. Horner works in oils and acrylic, sometimes including screen-printed elements. In 2003 he completed a Master of Fine arts degree with a theme of railways in New Zealand and some elements of this have come into more recent landscapes.

The late, renowned Geoff Tune skilfully shifts us back towards minimalism and signifiers. Tune achieves mention in many New Zealand art publications. A number of his paintings and drawings explore the image of Mt Eden here in Auckland “as a reference point for the continuum of symbolic elements that define our place in the cyclical continuity of time”. Tune’s approach often was to retain a fleeting memory of a dramatic scene observed, return to his studio and recreate and reduce the moment down to its barest, most formidable form.

In a similar way Richard Adams is known for his ability to lure in a vision to its merest elements in a striking manner. He is a master of colour and the feelings it can produce. Adams creates structured abstract paintings and drawings in oils and acrylics. He draws inspiration from nature, from colours, textures, shapes, surfaces and remembering these, can at a later date produce them with feeling on canvas. His recent work also employs a variety of mediums that add a textural dimension to his painting.

Toni Hartill began her art career as a painter, and then progressed into the enticing techniques of printmaking. Inspired by colour, texture, pattern and form in the natural environment she looks for beauty in unexpected places. Hartill endeavours to pull the viewer into her experiences - to look with new eyes at their own environments. Recent work explores her connection to the Northland coastline of NZ - in contemplation of time spent cruising the coast with family, retracing the trails of her grandfather A.H. Pickmere who surveyed the Northland coastline and who’s lifelong work is published as the Pickmere Atlas.

Jo Dalgety applies her individual style to the genre by exploring collage using watercolour paintings, making fresh work and fresh views of landscape – an artistic recycling. She describes her landscapes as being about people, those that lived and left. She imagines all that's buried in the land, and how it holds memories, like a skin over bones.

Sean McCarthy is another talented artist producing landscape works. He will often throw in a twist to make the viewer question what they are seeing – a touch of surrealism lifting the total effect. It might be his use of perspective, unexpected scale, or it could be objects placed into the landscape that make you question what they are and why they are there. McCarthy delivers a beautiful use of colour and expressive mark making. He has painted many of the telecommunications boxes you see around Auckland and completed a number of council murals and projects.

If the skilful style and contrasting techniques of landscape art capture your imagination, you are welcome to get in contact with us here at the Art Bureau to view more works.  The Art Bureau select art for business places, and for homes, which bring life and creativity to your inside scene. Our services include art selection, purchase and hire, and professional hanging of artworks. New works are constantly becoming available. Contact us if we can be of assistance.

Art Exhibition - Opening Night - 22nd August 2019. 6:30 - 8:30pm

LANDSCAPES & SIGNIFIERS

You are invited to attend this Exhibition that explores the different ways artists relate to the land and their environment. All are welcome for an informal Opening Night at the Art Bureau Gallery. Drop in for a quick viewing, or stay longer to enjoy the full selection of art featured.

LOCATION - Upstairs at the ART BUREAU GALLERY. 228A DOMINION ROAD. MOUNT EDEN.

Exhibition continues: 22nd Aug to 12 Sep. Normal Gallery hours 10am - 4pm weekdays, weekends by appointment.