Plein Air Painting to Watercolour journal classes: Nicole Russel Artist Journal

Plein Air Painting, 24th May 2023, “Michael’s House”, Upper Moutere

This is a new location! Let’s meet on Wednesday 24th May 2023, 10:30am (note it’s 1/2 hour later than usual!), on Michael’s property, 97 Flaxmore Road, Upper Moutere. Vicki Cowling has suggested this property because of its beautiful trees, lake, bridge, and jetty (Thank you!!). Please park on the road and make sure there are no more than 3 people on the bridges and jetty at any one time. Also, stay on the house end of the lake since the other side belongs…

Nelson Lighthouse and Naked Ladies

In February 2022 the Nelson/Tasman plein air painting group did a trip to the Nelson Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located on the Boulder Bank, a lovely spot for seabirds, but a harsh and rocky environment for any vegetation. The artists had to climb over rocks and river stones to get to the lighthouse. On arrival it was such a surprise to find a bunch of Naked Ladies at the foot of the lighthouse, in this one little sheltered area. The…

Seascape Painting with Paul Deacon

Paul Deacon is offering a one-day workshop on Seascape Painting on Saturday, 27th May 2023, 9:30am - 4pm (1 day workshop) in Ruby Bay/Mapua. You will be working on a basic seascape with great options to make the scene stormy and wild or serene and warm. Paul will also bring along some alternative printed ideas to work from if interested. If you already have a painting you wish to bring along and continue painting with then that is fine. Either…

Queens Gardens Bridge

“I wish this bridge had a name!” but Nicole could not find any reference to it. It was an overcast, almost gloomy day when she went to do a lot of drawings of the bridge. “Bridges are always interesting. Typically they are static and give a sense of direction and guidance from one area to another. This can be very comforting and restful compared to all those decisions you have to make every day. In contrast to that are the…

Photos of Plein Air Painting at Gravity Winery

On Wednesday a few of us Nelson plein air painting artists went to paint at Gravity Winery, Mahana. It was such a gloomy morning that I didn’t expect us to paint outside but here we were, three enthusiastic artists making it happen. The rain and wind held off until lunchtime. Perfect timing to go into the restaurant and have a hot cup of tea and some yummy lunch. Here are some photos:

Plein Air Painting, 10th May 2023, Branford Park, Nelson

Meet us for plein air painting on Wednesday, 10th May 2023, 10am, at Branford Park, Maitai Valley Road, Nelson. Branford Park is a peaceful wide grassy reserve surrounded by mature autumn coloured trees, on the north bank of the Maitai River. It is situated right at the beginning of the Maitai Valley, on the left, as you enter the valley. It is a dog-friendly park and has toilets. Close to the grassy areas are bushy areas, and the start of a…

Night at the Museum (Classic Cars)

Last winter, Nicole and her family enjoyed dinner at the Speight’s restaurant across from the Classic Car Museum in Nelson, New Zealand. The museum had a huge display window through which the cars could be seen from the road. In front of the window was the pond, which, during this completely wind still night, was a perfect mirror. At that evening dinner, Nicole couldn’t take her eyes from the display and here is her painting. Night at the Museum (Classic…

Plein Air Painting, 3rd May 2023, Gravity Winery, Mahana

Meet us for plein air painting on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023, 10am, at Gravity Winery, 243 Old Coach Road. Gravity Winery offers views over the vineyard and the Nelson Bay towards the Richmond hills. Currently the colours of the vineyards are changing to a stunning yellow which are offset by the blue ocean in the background. Hopefully it will still be that beautiful by Wednesday. The winery/restaurant knows that we coming and is happy for us to paint on the…

Autumn Reflections

Autumn Reflections is painted in oil on stretched canvas. The background is achieved with smooth brushstrokes and in the foreground Nicole used thick palette knife strokes. The painting was inspired by a tree located in a private property (Silvan) in Richmond, New Zealand. The Nelson/Tasman plein air painting group often visits this private property in autumn when the trees change their colour. Autumn Reflections Oil on canvas 40" x 30" Click here for more information.

Mount Arthur Through Colour

Mount Arthur Through Colour is painted with chunky oil paint on stretched canvas. The mountains in the background appear somewhat realistic while the foreground is more and more abstract, however, every area of the painting is done with more or less rough palette knife strokes. The final touch is the colourful palette knife stokes. Mount Arthur is a mountain range which can be seen from Nicole’s farm in Ruby Bay, New Zealand. This mountain range has often been an inspiration…

JOURNAL