Skip to content

Karen Neal

Karen Neal Aotearoa Artist

SCRATCHING THE SURFACE

Karen Neal is a self-taught artist who, on leaving school, intended studying a fine arts or graphics course, but instead opted to work in the newspaper industry. She spent three years travelling to countries such as Africa, Japan, Switzerland and the UK, returning to New Zealand to work in a variety of administration and graphics roles.

It was in 2009, in her early 40’s, when Karen was stressing over a leaky home, that she picked up a pencil and drew a giraffe. A stress relief perhaps, but one that began a four year evolution, and now she is a full time artist. “I love all aspects of being an artist, it’s a dream come true to finally take it up full-time. I still pinch myself. I knew this was my passion, I finally found my niche, although it took a while to have the confidence to put myself out there and call myself an artist.”

register and subscribe

Subscribe Today

Sandra Whyte Aotearoa Artist

Sandra Whyte

 

sandra-whyte-aotearoa-artistCAPTURING MEMORIES OF LIFE

After a few life-changing events, Sandra Whyte found time on her hands and decided to try her hand at painting. She took some night classes, and discovered she had a real talent and eye for detail. In a short space of time she began selling her artwork and completing commissions. The allure of being an artist full time led her to resign from her position as a bank officer, which she had held for 28 years. She feels this is the best decision she has ever made.

Sandra has found that being largely self-taught can raise issues in the budding artists career. “Having a ‘name’ seems to take precedence above quality in the art world. This seems to become more of an issue as my career develops. I am breaking through this barrier now, thanks to opportunities created by select clients and galleries having a belief in my abilities. I have had to hang on to small achievements and push sceptics aside.”

register and subscribe

Subscribe Today

Aaron Hoskings

THE URGE TO CREATE

Aaron Hoskins has completed a large commissioned work and finds it very interesting to meet his clients’ wishes. He is creating a series of carved and painted oars that are based on his own historical Maori research on Northland, enjoying the combination of Maori and European influences and reflecting on New Zealand history.

register and subscribe

Subscribe Today

absorbed-aotearoa-artist-vicki-leeuwenburg

Vicki Leeuwenburg

vicky-leeuwenberg-aotearoa-artistA QUIET LIFE

Born in New Plymouth and now living in Ngararatunua, Whangarei, Vicki Leeuwenburg took up her passion for art once her children had left the nest. Once she had the time to focus completely she became consumed with her art. She has never really had any formal training, apart from attending Aroha Paora’s art classes for three years at Reyburn House. We asked Vicki what she loved most about being an artist.

“When I look at a painting I like, I ask myself what it is about that painting which draws me to it. For me colour is a very important component and it tends to be a very emotional thing. I love bold vibrant colours, but the combination of colours is also important.  The way the play on light is used to make contrasts between light and dark creates an impact, which also draws me to it."

register and subscribe

Subscribe Today

Back To Top
Search

You cannot copy content of this page