Small but perfectly formed

This self-taught artist favours simplicity in her paintings. Sharu Delilkan finds out more.
Caren Thompson may not enjoy the pressures of preparing for an exhibition but she's excited about her debut at Howick's Monterey Art Gallery.
The Eastern Beach painter, renowned for depicting the relationships between mothers and their children, is showing eight of her canvases.
The group exhibition of small works for small spaces, features a number of artists, among them Renee Boyd, Paul Deacon, Philina den Dulk, Nick Fedaeff, Kerryn Fisk, Beverley Froat, Graeme Godbaz, Joy Surathep, Philip Waterhouse and Suzanne Wiggins.
Thompson's pieces include Boys on a Rock, which is based on a photo she took, On the Back Porch, inspired by a magazine cutting, and Sunshine Through the Trees.
Although she paints from photographs, the full-time artist says she believes in simplifying what people give her, "concentrating more on the form than the detail''.
While Thompson is comfortable working in both acrylics and oils, she prefers the latter.
"I like it because I can pile on the paint very thickly and I love the vibrant colours and the amazing texture.''
The largely self-taught painter says she felt after three art classes it would be better to go on an artistic journey of self-discovery rather than to be taught how to paint.
"It seemed easier. I didn't know the rules, so I did what I wanted to, like I didn't know about layering colours but realised I was doing it anyway, naturally.''
Downsize - Great Art for Small Spaces, Monterey Art Gallery, 5 Cook St, Howick, until Aug 27. Ph 532 9022 or see www.montereyartgallery.co.nz