Age no barrier for artist

Kevin Sutton paints mainly from photographs he has taken himself and his work has been bought by collectors from throughout NZ, as well as Taiwan, Britain and the United States.

The joy of painting came late in life for Orewa artist Kevin Sutton, who will exhibit four paintings in the Under $500 Cash and Carry art and craft sale at Orewa Estuary Arts Centre, throughout December and January.

“I was introduced to art at a young age by mother, who would regularly take us to the Auckland Art Gallery,” he says. “But, at 16, I joined NZ Customs and was with them my entire working life.”

It was nearing retirement that Kevin picked up his paintbrushes after being encouraged by a colleague to “give it a go” and receiving a set of oil paints from his wife as a birthday present.

He started with a still life painted on cardboard and hasn’t looked back.

“I will never forget how amazing it felt to sell my first painting.”

Kevin works mainly in oils, and describes himself as a representational artist with a liking for fine details.

Estuary Arts Centre will be brimming from wall to floor with art of all themes, shapes and sizes during the Under $500 sale.

Centre manager Kim Boyd says there will be hundreds of original artworks from paintings and prints to ceramics and jewellery.

“By giving a piece of art this Christmas, you are not only supporting local talent and investing in our economy but giving something truly unique,” she says.

Another way to gift friends and family is with an Art Centre voucher, which is redeemable at the gift shop and for all art classes.

The Arts Centre and Café will be open all summer holiday daily from 9am to 4pm.