POST EXHIBITION INFO

Thought it time to post an update on the happenings of the APRIL 2008 exhibit. This one proved to be rather an interesting and challenging one in all aspects! Interesting because of the "new' visitors to the exhibition- an exciting happening in the development/growth of these exhibits. Challenging(as always) because to hang the art co-hesively, giving due attention and credit to each piece is no easy feat!! Hopefully the photos posted here will give some sort of indication...................


The exhibition was blessed with glorious weather! This meant that there was no need to put the blinds down on the verandah - which made more light available (okay except for the one evening when we had load shedding- thanks to my Dad for the generator!!) and the 'feel' more open and airy!





It's always a welcoming site to see people coming in; but even more gratifying is the look of pleasure and surprise on their faces when they see the quality of the work available - and for that - a great big thank you to all the artists!!






As sales go - which is after all, one of the reasons why we have the exhibition - I would have liked to have seen more of the art sell ( I'm sure that I'm not alone in my thinking here...) but am not unhappy with the overall outcome ie 13 pieces sold over a 3 day period!



What was encouraging is that the blog helped to sell several of the pieces and after the exhibition, I happened to speak to a few people who had not been able to make it to the exhibit; but had in fact gone onto the site to look at what was going to be shown.





In particular, a comment made to me was that it helped 'nervous' art buyers to get an idea of who the artist was, their background and to see their works collectively............an overall impression was created.



I view this as extremely positive feedback and look forward to future art /exhibition run-up posts!!




This post would not be complete without congratulations given to those artists who sold, namely

Ann Maree Harrington;
Trish Lang;
Sharon Goulding;
Shena MacDonald and
Jean Scott



Something I've come to realise, after due consideration to comments made/general feedback is that the Smart Art Exhibitions are still in a season of growth


- it's an exciting time with many ideas/suggestions to be considered which I hope will give way to an even more successful exhibition the next time (which is due to run towards the end of July).

Artist Highlight: Marlene Dickerson, La Lucia-KZN

Marlene is one of the most fascinating artists around - with such a varied range of subject matter, one would expect to see a favourite(subject) emerging which would overshadow the rest, not so - these photos are testimony to that - totally different in style and composition - yet equal in application & quality of stroke, colour, light and shadow - inspiring!!

As inspiring is Marlene's humble and tenacious approach to her work - the best of what she can give....is what you get!

The two paintings shown here (Township and Trout Waters) are not on exhibit; although they are available - photos of the work to be exhibited were not available at the time of the post

To be exhibited - Seascape, Drakensburg, Sunflowers and a set (2) of Herero Women

Artist Highlight :Lynda Anderson,Durban North -KZN

Disarming charm and style are displayed in Lyndas' oil paintings.

Particularly in the painting of the Cape Flower Seller, where she has captured the very essence of her subject!!

These paintings will be on exhibit. Another oil, not shown here "Blue Gloves" - a nude - somewhat cheeky in style, will also be shown.

Artist Highlight: Trish Lang, Ballito-KZN

It's so exciting having Trish's on again!
- Inspired drama & romantic flair....
-That's how I view her work - have a look
at the posted photo's - You're sure to
agree!!..her choice of subject matter
is further proof of this - see the painting:
the "Jewess - after J H Sandler"




I asked Trish why she paints - "......because I like it!!....and I like to try different things!!"..........I think that sums up her paintings...different/interesting/..........anything but boring!!

Artist Highlight: June Burgess, Durban North-KZN

June's gentle and quiet nature is evident in the style
and approach she adopts in her paintings...



The photos shown here,are of paintings which will be on exhibit - they
express all that June feels about painting:



"I just love it!!.......I just don't think of anything else when I paint - it takes me into another space!!"

Maureen Swanepoel, Durban North-KZN

Maureen's paintings embue her colourful, feisty personality
- though she mainly paints still life florals and fruit, they're
full of bold, strong strokes of colour ............as are her easels!!
She does however, embrace a gentleness and softness when
called for - as the photos shown here, demonstrate

Maureen had this to say" I started painting after I retired at age 55 and I find it much more fulfilling than any other career!!"

Ann Maree Harrington, Queensburgh -KZN

Ann Maree's paintings are as brimful of smiles as she is!! Depth, warmth and all things wonderful in nature - captured with such careful detail,

rampant colour and a style that draws your full attention!!
She is an art teacher - teaching children (from the young age of 2 who are encouraged to explore and discover various mediums )and adults. Ann Maree's involvement in the realm of art is extensive and I think it well worth mentioning that she is the sister of one of our top South African artists, Anton Benzon




Ann Maree tells us about her life - her world of art " Art and creativity rules my life! It's a joy I want to share - the quirky, the beautiful , light & colour. Not only should I share my joy; but I want everyone, especially the children, to learn to love & express their own creativity...."