Going with the Flow is a new exhibition of paintings by Prudence Davis at Matawhero Art Gallery. Photo / Kim Parkinson
Going with the Flow is a new exhibition of paintings by Prudence Davis at Matawhero Art Gallery. Photo / Kim Parkinson
A new exhibition by East Coast artist Pru Davis is inspired by the landscape she lives on and the ocean she likes to explore.
Coming from a family of artists, Davis feels she has big shoes to fill.
A direct descendant of Kennett Watkins, known for his landscape paintingsdating back to the late 1800s and early 20th century, Davis’s mum Lois Davis (nee Watkins) was also an artist.
“It can be a bit intimidating, but I see this exhibition as my last shot – an opportunity to share my gift,” she said.
Brought up in Motu, Davis was always surrounded by art.
At 63, Davis retired from teaching art to secondary school students on the East Coast. Since then she has been able to concentrate on her own art practice.
“My oil paintings are all about energy, light and movement. I am especially obsessed with depicting water.
“I love that the sea is never static and never predictable. This seems to me to symbolise life itself, which also presents us with challenges and the unexpected.”
The ocean is central to Pru Davis's new exhibition titled Going with the Flow. “I love that the sea is never static and never predictable." Photo / Kim Parkinson
Her art has evolved over the years.
“I think I’ve got better at painting water, but it’s taken years of practice.”
Art has always provided her with a living. In France, when she was on her OE, she used to set up her easel on the pavement and draw people’s portraits.
“I also used to do little paintings of scenery and sell them to tourists.”
In 2023, she had an exhibition at Tairāwhiti Museum called Landscapes, but she prefers the relaxed atmosphere and intimate setting of the Matawhero Art Gallery.
Davis paints from photographs and will sometimes do a rough sketch before beginning a painting.
“I usually paint furiously on a new canvas for a couple of hours and then go back and layer it up. I often have several paintings on the go to allow time for the paint to dry.”
