Artist: Zandra Green - HILLCREST

Ever since I met Zandra, some 4 years ago, I've been drawn to the creative spirit within her that pursues new avenues with insight and dedication........Though not exhibiting on this exhibition, I thought it prudent to put her talents 'out there' by way of this blog and in so doing....entice her to showcase some of her pieces, be they paintings and/or quilting, on the next one. None of the work shown here is for sale...however, commissions are taken on request.....as in the pastel shown above, done for a friend, of 'Bijou' - the poodle.

Zandra's proficiency in arts and crafts has been an exciting journey that started at at early age. Her grandmother taught her to sew, knit , crochet and make felt toys as a little girl. At a later stage, Zandra became involved in quilting and making fabric banners for various churches. She found working with fabric,beads, sequins and paint extremely satisfying, which led her onto taking a course (in the 90's) entitled ' Drawing for Quilters", run by Sally Scott.

This opened up a whole new world and Zandra was hooked!!

The journey continued when Rita Wilkes, friend and well known art teacher in Westville, encouraged her to paint in watercolour and acrylics.

Under Rita's guidance and encouragement , Zandra furthered her knowledge of drawing,painting and art in general by continually practising, reading books and watching art related videos....the journey continues.....

Artist: Nora Lemmon - Durban

Nora's fabulous acrylic abstracts, Trimelbach I & II, fit the bill for the Out of the Box theme to a tee!!!

Large paintings (760mm x 1015mm) on stretchers with painted frames - they're sure to make a statement at the exhibition!!

To add to the interest factor of these 2 pieces, is the source of Nora's inspiration:

In 2007 we stayed in a small village in Switzerland called Muren. Close by was this magnificent waterfall called Trimelbach which has carved these interesting holes and tunnels through the rockface and runs off the mountain just below Schilthorn and near Grimmelwald and drops something like one kilometre to the valley below. We were taken to one of the viewing sights by lift which is inside the rockface and the power and noise of the falls is an unbelievable experience. The rock formations created these amazing abstract folds that triggered my inspiration for the paintings.

Of course, Nora's photographic skills make for good viewing too!!!...

Artist: Jeannette Edwards - Durban North

Ever consistent, not one to be daunted by the challenge to think outside of the box, Jeannette has submitted the above oil, entitled "Freedom" (750mm x 600mm) as her theme piece. She has this to say about it:

The Horses in the Desert is called "Freedom - Living on the Edge." It was originally just Freedom, but after reading your motivation about animals living "on the edge" of the herd, and thus putting themselves at risk, I thought Living on the Edge fitted these wild horses. I took lots of dune photos in Dubai, and they are red in the evenings, but this painting could be Namibia where the Wild Horses are, or in the Mid East with Arabian horses................

The other two pieces submitted: the pastel above "Out the Cherry Box'' - (290mm x 330mm) a framed work which won second prize at an in-house North Coast Art Group competition.... and the oil on board below " Out the Window" (400mm x 210mm framed)

Artist: Syd Sellars- Prestondale, Umhlanga

It's not often that one sets out with the next exhibition theme in mind viz ' Out of the Box' and approached by an artist whose work fits the bill albeit unknowingly........such is the work of Syd Sellars!! .....see Bronze Lady (above) -oil on board - 540mm x 390mm

Syd's portfolio makes for interesting reading:
Syd runs his own graphic design and advertising studio, namely Syd Sellars Design,
and has been in business for the past 25 years.
Syd does oil paintings in his spare time and has recently joined the North Coast Art
Group.
His years of experience in graphic design are very evident in many of the paintings,
together with his love of blending colours, as well as the different subjects and varying
techniques show the versatility of the artist, who has never received any formal training.
Highlights to date, as regards his oil paintings:
* An oil painting of the Rotary Centennial Rose - which was propagated especially for
the occasion, in February 2005. The painting was presented to the Rotary International
President, Glen Estess at the African Centennial celebration in Johannesburg, and is
currently displayed at the Rotary museum in Evanston, Illinois, USA.
* Has sold paintings to people living in Mauritius, Ireland & San Diego in USA.
Syd was born in Durban KwaZulu-Natal, and educated at Northlands Boys High in
Durban North. He is married to Laura, has two daughters and two grandchildren.
Syd is a member of the Rotary Club of Umhlanga and has been recognised as a Paul
Harris Fellow.

Golden Nude - oil on board - 700mm x 440mm...an incredible play of light and shadow on a form of beautiful proportions................


Reflections - oil on canvas - 1m x 700mm

Thanksgiving - oil on canvas - 910mm x 610mm ....a painting that has managed to capture and present the very tangible emotions of 'Thanksgiving'