A highly beneficial appraisal session lead by Robin Purllant was held in the art room on Tuesday July 28th at 1pm. Members learnt about Robin’s art background as an art director and his achievements for creativity and art over the years.

During the appraisal, Robin gave many constructive comments such as creating strong colour for foregrounds with more details to bring the foreground forward, compared to lighter, softened, more abstract backgrounds for distance. He emphasized the importance of accurate drawing for objects and people and making focal areas crisper in detail. He also mentioned how the best reference when painting is from real life as one can see the reference from all angles as a 3D image, not a 2D image as in a photo.

Useful tips he gave included;

Using washes i.e. thin paint to soften edges and push colour back.

Create variety in bushes, sea foam and clouds for more interest e.g. clouds can be softened lower to the horizon vs stronger colour higher up.

Paint flicked from a toothbrush can be used effectively to create sand texture.

Any surface can be painted on as long as the base is prepared correctly.

Robin then displayed and discussed three of his portrait paintings which focus on the personality and environment of the person. He finds this a welcome move away from the formal portrait commissions he painted in the past. He also displayed his stunning artwork Arawata Bill based on the gold prospector and his life.

Robin generously offered to appraise any members’ artwork in the future. Members may email him photos of their artworks for feedback.

Ruth Kenyon-Slade - Competitions Coordinator

The April Art Expo marked a successful return to our former venue at the Tauranga Boys’ College Gymnasium, providing a spacious and familiar setting for both artists and visitors. The Art Expo showcased the work of 91 exhibiting artists, including 13 first-time exhibitors,

highlighting the continued growth and diversity of the Society’s creative community.

Alongside the 537 original artworks, 11 artists displayed Fine Art Prints and 12 artists displayed Cards, offering visitors a wide range of affordable and collectible pieces. An additional feature of the exhibition was the inclusion of 18 oversized artworks, which created

strong visual impact throughout the venue and added to the overall gallery experience. The Art Expo also featured a display of artworks created by the Tauranga Floral Art Group. Their arrangements added another artistic dimension to the exhibition and were well received by

the visitors.

The Expo officially opened with a well-attended Gala Night, bringing together artists, members, and invited guests to celebrate the exhibition launch. Guest speaker Sonia Korohina, Director of the Tauranga Art Gallery, shared insights into the importance of supporting local arts communities and acknowledged the strength of artistic talent represented within the exhibition.

Over the four-day event, the Expo welcomed 2,400+ visitors, reflecting strong community interest and engagement. The exhibition once again proved to be a valuable platform for artists to connect with the public, showcase and sell their work, and to contribute to the vibrant arts culture of Tauranga.

The People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Gordon Harris Art and Graphic Store, attracted enthusiastic participation from visitors. The winner was Ruth Kenyon-Slade for her artwork Fun Run, with runner-up Melody Downie for Velvet Moonlight. These awards reflected strong public appreciation for the quality and creativity displayed throughout the Expo.

Our Autumn Competitions were held on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, with an impressive 141 artworks entered across 11 categories by 45 talented artists. It was wonderful to see several new members taking part and even winning awards.

Judge Nick Eggleston began the morning by sharing three of his own artworks, giving members a glimpse into his illustrative acrylic painting style. He judged the entries with efficiency and clarity, allowing awards to be ready for presentation by 11am.

While judging took place, members enjoyed tea in the art room and an engaging talk from photographer Nick Clegg, who spoke about creating strong reference photos and photographing artwork effectively.

The Beauty of Nature category proved the most popular with 23 entries, followed by the Landscape category with 20. Special congratulations go to new members Marian Kroeze, who received four awards including three trophies, and Andy Davies, who earned three merit awards.

The Competition Team extends heartfelt thanks to all members who assisted with setting up and packing down, as well as those who offered help on the day. Your support made the event run smoothly. - Ruth Kenyon‑Slade and the Competition Team