Salt water colours

An Eastern Beach artist always has his eye on potential subjects when he's boating, writes Sharu Delilkan.
Early morning walks on Eastern Beach have allowed Merv Appleton to view the area in many different guises.
But while he has intimate knowledge of the beach, he admits two of his paintings in the annual Bucklands Beach Yacht Club Exhibition are the first of his paintings to feature Eastern Beach.
"It's amazing when the first rays come across Waiheke," he says. "Colour and atmosphere inspire me when I paint landscapes and seascapes."
A former club commodore, Appleton will be among about 60 North Island artists exhibiting an average of four pieces each at the exhibition.
Proceeds will assist the development of Junior Centreboard, the club's youth sailing academy, which supports coaching and tuition to more than 400 students a year.
Appleton is the show's co-organiser and says he has always had an affinity for the water and seafaring, coming from a long line of seamen.
"I always have a camera with me when I'm on the water and when something like the colour of a boat jumps out at me, I like making a record of it.
"My paintings are a combination of photos I've taken as well as memories which I use as parts of a jigsaw to compose my pieces - which I'd like to think come from the heart."
A signwriter all his working life, Appleton says he likes changing things around and creating his own compositions.
"I moved away from copying when I left the signwriting industry," says the 64-year-old. "I basically like putting my own stamp on my works."
The Bucklands Beach Yacht Club Exhibition, Ara Tai, Half Moon Bay, Manukau, until Nov 7, 9am-7pm. Entry free. Contact: Bruce Martin, ph 534 3046.