and socialise with fellow artists.” Annette is also a member
of Watercolour NZ and says this society has given her the
opportunity to go to many of their workshops and learn.
“I have also attended weekend safaris where being able
to paint outdoors and spend time with artists has been
valuable in stretching me outside of my comfort zone.”
Both of these organisations also provide opportunities
to exhibit, which is great for exposure and she gets very
excited when a painting sells.
Annette is currently working on a few commissions,
one of which is just about finished. She reflects that her
flower based work is seemingly the most popular. “I am
‘Frangipani’ - watercolour. 370 x 270mm.
‘White Poppy’ - watercolour. 350 x 270mm.
‘Red Poppies’ - watercolour. 300 x 300mm.very proud the Mayor of Wellington,
Celia Wade-Brown purchased
my painting ‘Red Poppies’ for
the Wellington City Council as a
reminder of Wellington’s World
War 100 ANZAC commemorations.
This was exhibited in the Splash
Watercolour NZ Exhibition, WW1 in
Watercolours.”
Starting with an idea which
may come from some of the many
photographs she has taken, Annette
works out a good composition by
sketching first, making sure to add
in the tones. “This helps me work
out where to add the lights and
darks when I work on the painting. Then I lightly draw in
the outline on watercolour paper. I may use some masking
fluid in places that I want to remain white. Then, using my
favourite Da Vinci Petit Gris squirrel brush which holds a
wash and gives me great results, I paint with the lightest
colours first. I prefer to use transparent colours initially
and may add more opaque colours in a second wash,
especially in the dark areas. I love to add the detailed
finishing touches to complete a work.”
She has learned to accept that not all paintings are
going to turn out well and doesn’t get angry or upset but
rather tries to work out where she went wrong. “All good