Dannevirke: Painter shares top tips and techniques

Janet Last, president of the Dannevirke Art Society learns more about depth and the colour wheel from Dannevirke's award-winning artist Chris Bone, with Ann Berry at back. Photo / Christine McKay

It was a red-letter day at the Dannevirke Art Society last Saturday during the group's open day.

Well-known Dannevirke artist Chris Bone was on hand to explain his painting methods to members of the public and fellow artists keen to learn more about his award-winning style.

"This is the first time Chris has been in here, he normally paints at home, so this is something of a red-letter day," society president Janet Last said.

Mr Bone said he preferred to paint at his studio at home with his stereo on while he painted.

FINER DETAIL: Mavis Easton puts the finishing touches to her beach scene artwork ready for an exhibition in Napier. Mrs Easton has eight entries in the annual exhibition in Dannevirke and an impressionist entry in the Rosebowl.

About to begin a new canvas, the biggest he'd ever tackled, Mr Bone was happy to extol the virtues of working with a colour wheel to the other artists.

"If I want to paint a green tree, I'd have orange underneath to give it depth," he said.

"And if you want to paint a blue sky, first paint pink underneath, that gives you the dimension."

The oil base takes three to four days to "go off," before he can begin his work over the top and the canvas he was beginning on Saturday would take six months to complete, but he will have eight works in the society's annual exhibition which opens on Friday night at the new A&P Showgrounds hall.

Society president Janet Last said 35 artists would exhibit 270 paintings, with the theme for this year's Dannevirke News Rosebowl competition, Anything Goes. Mavis Easton will have eight paintings in the exhibition, with another, an impressionist work, entered in the competition.

"I'm currently working on a beach scene for an exhibition in Napier," she said.

This year Alan Bramley has donated an original painting to be won in a lucky number draw on opening night.

The Dannevirke Art Society's annual exhibition is open from Friday, October 10, through to Sunday, October 19.