Artists in Eden 2015

Here's a little wander through this years Artists in Eden...

I love this event, have visited several times over the last 20 years or so, and always buy a few tickets for the Stanley Palmer raffle....no luck so far! I never imagined I would join in as a participating artist. 

From the organisers: 'This coming Artists in Eden Day marks 28 years of this annual Eden Arts event, in which prominent Auckland artists are invited to work from the Essex Reserve in Mt Eden and produce a work to capture the character of Maungawhau/ Mt Eden'

It was a fun event to be part of, and really interesting to chat to everyone that stopped to talk about the works being produced. Its a rare opportunity to see loads of different artworks being created in a wide range of different media, and of course to meet some of Aucklands most well known and respected artists. Even though I enjoyed painting on the day, I was a bit sad to miss out on my usual meander amongst all the art and artists, but I had a full sheet to complete so had to get painting!

The day started off cool and drizzly, so it was a bit of a waiting game, laying down quick washes in between showers. Iots of 'Its alright for the watercolourists' comments!

As the day progressed it fined up, and warmed up, and turned into good drying weather, thank goodness!

Nice to take breaks and chat to people, and a good reminder to stop painting and step back to see how the work is coming along. 

A special visitor surprised me, and loudly exclaimed 'Gosh mum, I love your painting!". No money changed hands ( ; 

Towards the end of the day the work was hung for display, in preparation for the auction. 

Lots of stunning work, including this gorgeous peice by Rebecca Tune, and a great local scene by George Baloghy.  

A stunning compilation by Simon Williams, whose work I was first introduced to when delivering a commission of 4 paintings, when the customer showed me his latest acquisition, which was incredible. 

The two Claudias together - with some vibrant work by Claudia Pond Eyley

A glimpse of John Horners wonderful loose impressionistic street scene, a beautiful piece by Evan Woodruffe, work by Sean McCarthy and a landscape delivered from Matt Palmer. 

All pieces were auctioned at the end of the day, and off to their new homes. 

 Going, going, gone!

For more photos, see the fabulous Artsdiary photos of the event.