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A lot has already been written about the work of artist Brian Millard who has established, over many decades, an international reputation as a leading watercolourist.
His work has featured in books and magazines and is a sell out at exhibitions here and overseas. He has received countless awards and in 1998 and 1999, his paintings were selected to represent NZ in the Asian Pacific Watercolour Exhibition in Taipei.
Brian moved to Matakatia five years ago where he paints at an easel set up in his garage. Large paintings adorn many walls in his home and more are stacked up ready for exhibition; his partner Marilyn Palmer is also an artist.
All Brian’s works begin life as an idea in a little sketchbook. He says composition is the most important thing in a successful painting and each work is developed not as an exact replica of a scene, but in a way that works visually to express a sense of place. As Brian has travelled and lived all over the world, the paintings are also a diary of places and people that mean something to him – taking the viewer on a journey from Vienna to Doubtful Sound, from rural England to The Remarkables, with scenes from Stanmore Bay, Wenderholm and Puhoi thrown in for good measure.
In a career that has also spanned writing, editing magazines and owning an advertising agency, Brian is currently focused on painting and teaching.
He has never let his hearing disability, which began 50 years ago from an unknown cause, get in the way – his only regret is that it prevents him from listening to music.
Brian’s paintings will be a highlight of the upcoming Hibiscus Hospice Art Exhibition and Sale, which takes place at Estuary Arts Centre in Western Reserve, Orewa from June 2–5.
Around 400 works are up for sale or auction from more than 75 artists. Alongside oils, acrylics, watercolours and pastels on paper, canvas and board, there will be works on oars, cork, perspex and steel. The exhibition will also feature ceramics, prints, photography, glassware and jewellery.
The event is in its 12th year and is run as a fundraiser by the hospice’s Women’s Committee.
It opens with a ticketed preview and auction on the evening of Thursday, June 1. Tickets to the preview are available from www.hibiscushospice.org.nz or by phoning 421 9180. Entry to the exhibition on other days will be by gold coin donation.
