Each year, the Titirangi Painters group mounts an art show that always attracts admirers and buyers, writes Sharu Delilkan.
For Titirangi Painters' winter exhibition at the end of this month Ian Loretz has made a special effort to confine his collection to landscapes and seascapes of the west. The artist says
joining a tramping group about six years ago gave him a wealth of inspiration for his paintings.
"It's great because we go to places off the beaten track which I wouldn't go to on my own," he says.
More than 40 artists will exhibit their work at the popular annual show. This year, artwork by students at Green Bay High School will also be shown. A member of Titirangi Painters since its early days almost two decades ago, Loretz says of the group, "They're a very helpful bunch of people."
Gone are the days when he would paint from photos. "I have so many memories of west Auckland over the years. My paintings have a west Auckland flavour without being area specific."
After walking the Waitakeres and visitiing the beaches umpteen times he has a sizeable bank of memories to choose from. He is pleased to have 34 new oil paintings for the show.
Going against all the rules, the former night school art teacher says he no longer waits for layers of oil paint to dry. "My concept is wet into wet. I basically put plenty of paint on and see where it takes me."
His primary tool at the moment is his trusty palette knife. "It's a lot more fun using the palette knife and it leaves the paint looking fresh and alive."
Titirangi Painters' 18th Winter Exhibition, Titirangi War Memorial Hall, South Titirangi Rd, July 31 and Aug 1, 10am-4.30pm. Free entry. Contact: ph 827 2210.
