> Home > Blog  

ReCOLLections Art Blog

recollection art blog banner image with snapshot photos from blog posts

 

 

  • The Hidden Value of Art in Daily Life
    Many people believe art has little value, often overlooking that nearly everything around us stems from some form of artistic creation.
    Posted: Tuesday 15 October 2024
  • How to Achieve Stunning Results with Palette Knives
    Each palette knife is designed for specific effects, & understanding their unique differences is the key to mastering their use. Learn how here.
    Posted: Sunday 6 October 2024
  • A Spotlight on Artistic Community: Breaking Through Creative Blocks
    By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can maintain a fulfilling artistic practice that continuously evolves and flourishes.
    Posted: Sunday 21 July 2024
  • How to Be More Experimental As An Artist
    Artistic experimentation is a vital aspect of any creative journey. Let's examine several experimental techniques that can inspire and invigorate your work
    Posted: Saturday 20 July 2024
  • How to Get the Most Out of Visiting Art Galleries
    Whether you’re an emerging artist seeking inspiration or a seasoned creator, visiting art galleries can profoundly impact your creative practice. Heres why
    Posted: Saturday 20 July 2024
  • Demystifying & Celebrating Pop Art In New Zealand
    Pop Art wasn't just about sticking a comic strip on a canvas. It was a revolutionary movement that challenged the very definition of art in the 1950s and 60s. Here's what made it stand out
    Posted: Monday 27 May 2024
  • How To Understand Patents, Trademarks & Copyright Law In NZ
    Trademarks and copyright in NZ. While they both protect different aspects of creativity, understanding the distinction is crucial.
    Posted: Monday 8 April 2024
  • The Art of Commissioning: A Guide to Ordering Custom Artwork
    Commissioning art is a rewarding experience allowing you to bring your vision to life and create a piece of artwork that is truly special and meaningful to you.
    Posted: Saturday 23 March 2024
  • New Zealand Female Visual Artists
    From Frances Hodgkins to Rozi Demant, each artist adds a unique brushstroke to the canvas of New Zealand's female artistic heritage. Lets take a look at who's who.
    Posted: Sunday 4 February 2024
  • The Artful Investment: Unveiling the Allure of New Zealand Art
    art isn't just a commodity but a profound investment in the soul of a nation and the hearts of its people.
    Posted: Sunday 3 December 2023
  • Environmental Impact of Artists Paint and Microplastics: How to Help
    We'll investigate how microplastic pollution and the hazards of oil paint toxicity can affect the environment and what artists can do to help.
    Posted: Saturday 21 October 2023
  • Unique Style: The Art Of Dressing For Creativity
    Whether you're a renowned painter in New Zealand or a budding artist halfway across the globe, your attire can reveal much about your artistic persona.
    Posted: Sunday 10 September 2023
  • Landscapes to Culture: Exploring the Rich Palette of New Zealand Art
    Take a look at the vibrant and diverse world of New Zealand art, as they redefine boundaries and weave cultural identity into captivating masterpieces
    Posted: Saturday 15 July 2023
  • From Sparkly Origins to Unique Art: The Glitter Odyssey
    Enter the enchanting world of glitter art: its techniques, symbolism, and transformative power explored by artists in captivating creations
    Posted: Sunday 11 June 2023
  • Artists and Donating Artwork: What You Need to Know
    Explore the pros and cons of donating artwork to charity as an artist, balancing social impact and artistic sustainability.
    Posted: Sunday 4 June 2023
  • The World of Mixed Media Art: A Fusion of Creativity
    Check out the world of mixed media art, where creativity knows no bounds. Discover the fusion of materials, techniques, and limitless possibilities with Collette
    Posted: Thursday 11 May 2023
  • Quirky Colourful Pet Portraits by a New Zealand Artist
    Capture your pet's spirit with a personalised pet portrait by a New Zealand artist. Add a touch of warmth and joy to your home with a one-of-a-kind artwork
    Posted: Saturday 6 May 2023
  • Its the Attention to Detail that matters in Packaging
    Finishing touches like using your own personalised sticker for packaging is an inexpensive yet stylish way to do things. Check out my post on stickers
    Posted: Thursday 2 June 2022
  • How to Make Money in Art - Bread & Butter Lines
    As an artist, you often need to create a bread-and-butter line, a line of something that sells quickly, easily and often.
    Posted: Friday 22 April 2022
  • 8 tips to save our World when Youre an Artist
    Saving the earth all by yourself, seems impossible right? Here are 8 tips that you as an artist can start with to do your bit in helping save our planet
    Posted: Friday 11 March 2022
  • Commissioned Artwork Made Easy: Insider Tips for Artists
    Where do you start when doing artwork commissions? Here are some tips to make that easier
    Posted: Thursday 27 January 2022
  • Soccer or Football: A Unique New Painting
    The 'Old Ball' range is coming together nicely with this second instalment. I felt these convex canvas's by Fredrix just screamed paint a ball on them.........
    Posted: Sunday 26 December 2021
  • Behind the Mask we need to Smile more I think!
    An artwork about missing seeing smiles because.... click on the image to read more
    Posted: Tuesday 30 November 2021
  • It Started with a Kiss
    This artwork is the last of a larger piece about whats behind the mask. As we navigate covid and having to cover our faces
    Posted: Sunday 21 November 2021
  • Talent to Watch: Sensational Artwork Seen in NZ's Calendar
    Celebrate Collette's artistic success with two featured images in the 2021 New Zealand Artists Calendar. Available at Whitcoulls and select retailers.
    Posted: Monday 24 August 2020
  • Freeing Children from Brick Kilns slavery in Pakistan
    I like to do a bit for charity where I can and this one where I can help Free Pakistani families from debt slavery .......click on the image to read about the exhibition and how you can help too
    Posted: Sunday 17 June 2018
  • The Best  of 100 Dresses: A Vibrant Art Exhibition
    An eclectic range of mixed media artworks along with 100 watercolour pieces. Inspired by the book 'The 100 Dresses' which has an anti bullying message.
    Posted: Friday 27 April 2018
  • One Size Fits All Exhibition & Competition 2018
    The One Size Fits All Show 2018 is all set to go, so get out your brushes, canvas, cameras etc and get creating
    Posted: Friday 19 January 2018
  • How to make a Crinoline Petticoat
    1950's Swing dresses look so much better with big fluffy petticoats and although I have a few I thought I'd give it a go to make my own, here's how I did it
    Posted: Monday 17 February 2014
  • Miss Retro Motorama
    Not one to brag, well ok i have to brag, I won Miss Retro Motorama 2014 so heres the photos for you.......
    Posted: Sunday 9 February 2014
  • Beads of Courage Charity Art Auction
    Mary Lou is a favourite wooden bead toy from New Zealand. The perfect painting to donate to this Charity Art Auction
    Posted: Monday 14 October 2013
  • Caricatures my little hobby on the side
    Caricatures by Collette, well what can we say? New Zealand contemporary artist
    Posted: Sunday 31 March 2013
  • Four Seasons in one day! How do you feel about New Zealand weather?
    A little bit about NZ weather from my point of view.......click on image for more
    Posted: Friday 6 April 2012
  • Navigating the Art Gallery World: Insights from an Experienced Gallery Owner
    Insights from an experienced gallery owner: Challenges, selection process, and working with galleries. Essential guidance for artists.
    Posted: Monday 28 February 2011
  • The Recap of My 2010 Dot Project: Revisited
    2010 Blog Review – what did I end up talking about? I had planned to write something every day about art
    Posted: Friday 31 December 2010
  • How Signing Artwork Adds Value and Authenticity
    One of the top questions artists ask is how and where and should I sign my paintings? There is no real simple answer but it is something you should do
    Posted: Thursday 30 December 2010
  • How bout a Kiwi Christmas
    Christmas time in New Zealand doesn’t have anything to do snow and sleigh bells,
    Posted: Saturday 25 December 2010
  • Yeah Na! The art of Kiwi Slang
    Every society has its unique linguistic code, and New Zealand, with its rich cultural tapestry, is no exception. Let's take a journey and uncover Kiwi slang
    Posted: Monday 13 December 2010
  • Are Knots an art form?
    what is a knot and how are knots an art form? From celtic to trinity theres many different types
    Posted: Sunday 28 November 2010
  • Empower Reworking of Art: A Closer Look at Paintings
    When and why you should rework an artwork. it's ok to do says NZ artist Collette Fergus
    Posted: Friday 15 October 2010
  • Artists Trading Cards or ATCs for new Zealand Artists
    I only recently heard about these miniature works of art and what they are about. The concept is to create trading cards to swap with other artists that are a uniform size as
    2 ½” x ....click on image for more
    Posted: Monday 27 September 2010
  • Did someone say Champagne Cork Chairs? Its a competitive market! Really!
    If you ever needed a good excuse to open a bottle of champagne, here’s an excellent one: to take part in the annual........
    Posted: Friday 17 September 2010
  • Entering Art Competitions
    Artists should make an effort to enter art competitions for several reasons. The pressure of deadlines, the prestige of winning and the opportunity to get exposure
    Posted: Friday 10 September 2010
  • Break Free from Procrastination: Unlock Your Artistic Brilliance
    Here are some practical tips to help you Conquer Procrastination and Unleash Your Creative Potential by NZ artist Collette
    Posted: Thursday 26 August 2010
  • The Best 6 Tips for Painting Clouds
    Capturing the essence of clouds in landscape artworks is a skill that can elevate a painting to new heights. Check out my tips
    Posted: Monday 23 August 2010
  • From Death to Beauty: The Obsession with Skulls in Art
    Skulls and Crossbones, what does this mean symbolically? The skull and crossbones is a symbol consisting of a human skull and two bones as in long bones which are crossed together under the skull. It is generally used as a ......click on image for more
    Posted: Sunday 22 August 2010
  • 18 Tips on How to Save Money as an Artist
    Starving artist no more with these 18 Frugal Hacks to Unleash Your Inner Monet (Without Breaking the Bank). As anyone who is self-employed knows; there are ups and downs with income and work especially for artists. How can you save money as an artist?
    Posted: Monday 16 August 2010
  • 10 Perfect Gift Ideas for the Artist in Your Life
    Looking for gift ideas for artists? Check out our list of 10 perfect gifts for artists of all skill levels, from sketchbooks to art classes
    Posted: Sunday 15 August 2010
  • Dr Sketchys in Hamilton, a pre Birthday treat for me!
    What is Dr Sketchy’s? Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art school is the world's premier alternative drawing movement. Artists draw glamorous underground performers for prizes
    Posted: Friday 13 August 2010
  • Pecha Kucha, what is it?
    Last night I attended my first Pecha Kucha Night, held here in Hamilton. I dragged my darling hubby along and he too enjoyed the interesting speakers and the quick fire talks that didn’t drag on like your usual speeches tend to.....click on image for more
    Posted: Tuesday 10 August 2010
  • Whats so Great About The Eye of Ra?
    The Eye of Ra or Horus (as its really called) is a powerful symbol of protection
    Posted: Monday 9 August 2010
  • National Contemporary Art Awards
    It was surprising to see a smaller turnout for the awards this year, especially after all the fuss that went down in 2009.
    Posted: Saturday 7 August 2010
  • Infamous paintings.....why paint them?
    Every now and then a painting surfaces that has been created by someone considered evil or infamous in some manner, the first time I ever heard of one was in a book about Hitler who the world knows as.....
    Posted: Friday 30 July 2010
  • 40 Reasons to Meltdown at Your Exhibition Opening Night!
    Exhibition openings can go wrong, but don't worry! Here's some fun advice to make you feel better if things don't go according to plan
    Posted: Tuesday 27 July 2010
  • The Forgotten Skill of Felting and Needle Felting
    Recently I mentioned that I’d had a go at needle felting and that I’m keen to try actual felting as it looks lie an interesting craft
    Posted: Monday 26 July 2010
  • What's Better? Compare Crowns And Tantalizing Tiaras
    Whats the difference between a crown and a Tiara, an artists musings on the style of headwear often worn by Queens and brides
    Posted: Sunday 25 July 2010
  • Artists getting Crafty
    Its no secret that I like to do crafts along with my art, it’s that need to create or see how to create new things. It’s also......
    Posted: Saturday 24 July 2010
  • The Fascinating Art of Lace
    No two ways about it, I love Lace, I like to wear it and I like to paint it, in fact it often appears in my artwork.
    Posted: Friday 23 July 2010
  • When you need more than one pair of hands......
    Being an Octopus
    We all talk about needing more than two hands to get all the work done that we need to do each day. I know I certainly could do with a few more, what with.......
    Posted: Tuesday 20 July 2010
  • Art Quotes and Sayings
    Artists' quotes, whether living or deceased, provide us with a glimpse into their minds, struggles, and triumphs. These words carry the weight of their experiences, the passion for their craft, and the beauty they saw in the world around them.
    Posted: Monday 19 July 2010
  • Fairfield Bridge has artistic Merit
    Fairfield Bridge is an iconic landmark in central Hamilton. Artists focus on it when painting or photographing scenery in the city, meaning I have seen.......click on image for more
    Posted: Saturday 17 July 2010
  • The Debate over Changing the New Zealand Flag
    Every now and then the debate comes up as to whether or not we should change our national flag here in New Zealand.
    Posted: Thursday 15 July 2010
  • 7 Tips on how to Design Colouring Books
    Want to know how to design colouring books? you have come to the right place.......
    Posted: Monday 12 July 2010
  • 7 Reasons why Art Galleries might reject your Artwork
    Most artists presume they get rejected from a gallery because their artwork isn’t good enough, but it’s not always the case.
    Posted: Wednesday 30 June 2010
  • Trends in Art: why you should aim to be Unique
    We have all seen it, the way some artists tend to paint similar things when they’re hot and the buying public are snapping them up. The ‘Rangitoto and toi toi’ paintings common on trademe.co.nz, or the .....
    Posted: Tuesday 29 June 2010
  • A cold day in hell, well not really….its Hamilton and I like it like that!
    What do you do on a cold winters day in Hamilton if you’re an artist? You catch up with friends and do a studio session with them, maybe have a few .....click on image for more
    Posted: Sunday 27 June 2010
  • What About Poppies: Powerful, Passionate, and Perilous Beauty
    All species of poppies are attractive and most are cultivated as ornamental plants. A few species have other uses, principally as sources of drugs and foods. The opium poppy fir instance is so widely used, for ........
    Posted: Saturday 26 June 2010
  • Branding for Artists: Advice on Recognition and Amplifying Impact
    Branding is a strategic process that involves creating a distinct identity and reputation for a product, service, or, in the case of artists, their artwork
    Posted: Thursday 24 June 2010
  • Lets Talk about Weird Colours Just Because We Can!
    Arsenic is a colour believe it or not and there we were thinking it was just a poison, so today’s blog entry is about some of those colours that we wouldn’t normally have on our palette or we may have mixed by accident and never had any idea what they were called. Some of you will know as.....
    Posted: Wednesday 23 June 2010 , 1 Comments
  • Tips on How to Take Photos of Your Artwork
    The painting today is a ‘red eye’ as in red eye deduction but that’s not one of my tips as we’re not working with people for this, it’s about ....
    Posted: Tuesday 22 June 2010
  • Caveman Art the prehistoric stuff
    No doubt you would have studied some of the history of cave man art when at school, I certainly did. Most of it we don’t remember, but some of the images still stick in my mind, especially the....
    Posted: Friday 18 June 2010
  • Artists: How to be Organised in Spite of Yourself
    Some days Im simply stuck on what to say, I still have around half a year to write things for this blog, but hey at least I can celebrate making it to that half way mark!

    What do you write about when your desk is piled with papers and you know you have to get your.......
    Posted: Thursday 17 June 2010
  • What Is The Colour Burgundy Or Claret, Colours Or Wines?
    Claret vs Burgundy… are we talking about the colour or the wines? Discover the fascinating world of burgundy colour and its diverse meanings.
    Posted: Monday 14 June 2010
  • Ikebana: the Art of Japanese floral arranging
    I have a book in my bookcase called ‘A Guide to Japanese Flower Arranging’ and I’m about to embark on creating some of the designs as I think they’re so simple and stunning looking. Im not sure how....
    Posted: Saturday 12 June 2010
  • Fingernails and the art of painting them
    Long nails have always been a part of my life. I like many others see them as glamorous and lady-like especially when painted up beautifully. When I was......click on image for more
    Posted: Wednesday 9 June 2010
  • Revealing The Culinary Canvas: A Journey Beyond Great Taste
    From transforming raw ingredients into culinary masterpieces to the intricate art of plating, the world of cooking remains a captivating exploration of creativity and innovation.
    Posted: Tuesday 8 June 2010
  • Monarch Butterflies: A Symphony of Nature's Beauty
    Many New Zealanders grew up with swan plants in their gardens, witnessing the captivating life cycle of these incredible creatures. Monarch butterflies.
    Posted: Monday 7 June 2010
  • The Unique Art of the Humble Button
    Buttons have always fascinated me, I remember as a child sifting through the mountain of buttons my mother had in her sewing desk, there were....click on image for more
    Posted: Sunday 6 June 2010
  • Ill Paint you a Rainbow
    There is an art to "painting a rainbow" or finding beauty in unexpected places. From art to acts of service, learn how to brighten your spirits and bring others joy even on the darkest days.
    Posted: Friday 4 June 2010
  • What is special about Pencils? Dry Media in art.
    The ability to sketch and draw is a cornerstone of creating art. While most of us are acquainted with the basic principles of lead pencils like 2B, 4B, 6B, and 9B, the knowledge continues beyond there.
    Posted: Thursday 3 June 2010
  • My obsession with Cocktails
    Since the 1980s I have been infatuated with the flashy cocktail. It wasn’t about the alcohol content although it did appear to be sophisticated as an adults drink and the ‘mocktails’ given to us as kids was just.....
    Posted: Tuesday 1 June 2010
  • Introducing the Art of Tattooing
    A tattoo is a marking made by inserting dark, indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment mainly for decorative reasons. Tattooing has been practiced for....
    Posted: Thursday 27 May 2010
  • A Spotlight on the Art of Pottery
    My favourite pottery is made by a local contemporary potter called Tammy Kuypers, her work is quite diverse and always unique in that it is so unusual you wont find anything else quite like it. Tammy’s work is.....click on image for more
    Posted: Tuesday 25 May 2010
  • Eyesight and your Artwork
    One thing I fear as an artist is loosing my eyesight. I woke up today with terribly bloodshot eyes caused from a makeup allergy and although it
    Posted: Monday 24 May 2010
  • Spectacular Cake Decorating: Make It An Art Form
    I would literally break into a sweat thinking about creating a cake for my children’s birthdays, as being an artist everyone expected me to be really clever at it and I simply wasn’t!
    Posted: Saturday 22 May 2010
  • Cartoons cartooning, caricatures and so on
    The word cartoon has various meanings, based on several very different forms of visual art and illustration. The original meaning was in fine art, where cartoon meant a.....
    Posted: Friday 21 May 2010
  • I Paint what I see: a poem about Diego Rivera
    I Paint What I See. "What do you paint when you paint a wall?" A poem by Diego Rivera
    Posted: Thursday 20 May 2010
  • Explaining Paper Mache
    Want to know about the artistry of paper mache? Learn techniques, tips, and inspiring ideas for your next masterpiece
    Posted: Wednesday 19 May 2010
  • Magical Mosaics this is the Art of Old to New
    I must confess Im not a huge fan of mosaics although some artists who work in this medium do impress me.
    Posted: Tuesday 18 May 2010
  • Is Your Art Case Drowning in Chaos? Tips You Need to Know
    Discover how to organise your mobile art case efficiently and unleash your creativity with a curated selection of essential supplies
    Posted: Monday 17 May 2010
  • Op Art Revealed: the Hypnotic Magic of Visual Deception
    Op Art exists to fool the eye. Op compositions create a sort of visual tension, in the viewer's mind, that gives works the illusion of movement
    Posted: Sunday 16 May 2010
  • The Best Poem about Art
    I came across this poem about art and what it would be like to live life without it. I thought it was lovely and wanted to share it with you.......
    Posted: Saturday 15 May 2010
  • The Gloriousness of Gold: Unleashing its Luxury and Passion
    Whether used sparingly as an accent or lavishly as the primary colour in your artwork, gold can bring a sense of depth and dimension to any piece of art.
    Posted: Thursday 13 May 2010
  • Knitting, yes its an art too! A bit about Yarn Bombing and knitting
    I can’t knit, there I’ve said it! My Gran tried to teach me but she gave up after I created a........
    Posted: Wednesday 12 May 2010
  • How to Use Stencils in Art: Screen-printing to Graffiti
    A stencil is a template used to draw or paint identical things like letters, numbers, symbols, shapes, or patterns every time it is used. You may have also heard of it called pochoir the term used in....click on image for more
    Posted: Tuesday 11 May 2010
  • From Brush to Blog: Unraveling the Secrets of Artist Musings
    Well I obviously know a bit about weblogs because I write one but I’m no expert For me this is a way to work on my fledgling writing skills as one day I ...
    Posted: Monday 10 May 2010
  • How to Deal with Post Exhibition Blues
    Got you there, Im fortunate enough to not suffer such things, as I like to look on the bright side of life as much as possible, it also helps to not have unrealistic expectations
    Posted: Sunday 9 May 2010
  • The Remarkable Art of Spiderwebs
    Did you know that the artistry of spiderwebs has inspired countless human creations, from architectural designs to artistic endeavours.
    Posted: Saturday 8 May 2010
  • Stunning Silver: The Best Metallic Colour with Class and Glamour
    Silver is a metallic shade that resembles gray, the visual sensation usually associated with the metal silver is its metallic shine
    Posted: Thursday 6 May 2010
  • Painting a straight line: Simplified
    Years ago I did some training in ticket-writing; an art that is quickly disappearing due to computer generated signage that is quicker and tidier and can be reproduced in multiplies by the click of a button. Because of the repetitive nature of.....
    Posted: Wednesday 5 May 2010
  • The Revealing Art of Scratch-boarding: What is it?
    I received an email recently advertising the materials for a technique called scratch-boarding. I had never heard of it before but was fascinated by the accompanying images and thought, hey I might.....
    Posted: Tuesday 4 May 2010
  • Decoupage another Art Technique
    Decoupage is the art of decorating objects, art or furniture by gluing coloured paper cut-outs onto them along with special paint effects, the addition of gold leaf and other mixed...
    Posted: Friday 30 April 2010
  • Caffeinated Canvases: Unleashing the Magic of Coffee and Latte Art
    Coffee is a beverage that I adore; in fact you can almost guarantee that when I am writing these posts, I will have a ...click on image for more
    Posted: Thursday 29 April 2010
  • The Fascinating World of Chinese Style Painting
    For centuries Chinese painting has fascinated westerners for its unique qualities and style. The simplicity and controlled elegance are key features to this style of art
    Posted: Wednesday 28 April 2010
  • A Day in the life of one crazy artist....oh thats me!
    I got a bit stuck today with something to say and I did promise the Arts Council I'd talk about what I do on some ordinary artist days, so what did I do today then?

    Well I have a solo show coming up so today has been about......
    Posted: Monday 26 April 2010
  • What is Symbolism in Art
    Symbols have always played an important role in art from the very earliest of times. They often represent an idea or quality, for example blackbirds
    Posted: Sunday 25 April 2010
  • In the World of Artists Mannequins
    We have all seen them, the wooden creatures with movable joints that contort in all directions. I actually have....click on image for more
    Posted: Saturday 24 April 2010
  • What's So Interesting About Egg Tempura?
    Learn about egg tempera, a durable and versatile painting medium. How to make your own, and techniques for achieving vibrant, luminous finishes.
    Posted: Friday 23 April 2010
  • Winter
    Winter is our coldest season; it comes between autumn and spring. In a lot of artworks it is portrayed as white and snowy, especially in .......
    Posted: Thursday 22 April 2010
  • Artists, listen to what others tell you.........
    Learning about art has been a long road for me. I never profess to be an intellectual and I unfortunately I wasn’t in the position to do an arts degree early on, so what I do know has been either.......
    Posted: Monday 19 April 2010
  • 50 Powerful Shades Of Grey? The Thrilling Colours In Art
    Did you know that the human eye can distinguish about 500 shades of gray. It stands for everything between black and white.
    Posted: Friday 16 April 2010
  • Revealing the Genius: Leonardo da Vinci's 'Vitruvian Man
    Explore Leonardo da Vinci's iconic 'Vitruvian Man' and his pioneering study of human anatomy. Discover the genius behind the artist and scientist.
    Posted: Wednesday 14 April 2010
  • The Best of Black: The Mysterious and Luxurious Shade
    Whether you mix it yourself or use pre-mixed black, this "colour" is one that every artist should embrace in their creative journey.
    Posted: Tuesday 13 April 2010
  • The Wonderful World of Botanical Art
    Flowers have always held a fascination with artists to paint. Whether because of their temporary nature being made immortal on canvas or simply for ...
    Posted: Sunday 11 April 2010
  • The Warmth of Beautiful Brown: Earthy Tones from Buff to Bronze
    Brown is a tertiary colour; it is a mix of the three subtractive primary colours, red, blue and yellow. Brown exists as a colour perception only in the presence of a brighter colour contrast like....click on image for more
    Posted: Saturday 10 April 2010
  • The Best Ideas To Sell Your Photography As Art
    Learn how to succeed as an NZ artist, selling photography in New Zealand. From pricing tips to online platforms, unlock the secrets for better photography sales
    Posted: Wednesday 7 April 2010
  • Exploring Form and Concept in the World of Sculpture
    Sculpture is defined as three-dimensional artwork and is created by shaping or combining materials, usually stone, clay, ceramic, metal, glass, wood, or even.....click on image for more
    Posted: Monday 5 April 2010
  • Live Theatre, a performing art
    Back in the 1980’s (My heyday or teen years!) I enjoyed doing little theatre. It was and probably still is a highly competitive world and as I didn’t care to
    Posted: Sunday 4 April 2010
  • Boy The Movie: A Must See New Zealand Classic Movie
    I live New Zealand movies and am a staunch supporter of them, hungrily hunting out NZ movies on our hiring system Fatso.com and ordering every single one regardless of what...click on image for more
    Posted: Saturday 3 April 2010
  • Whiter Shade of Pale: Exploring the Simplicity of White
    The debate on black and white being colours is huge, yesterday I focused on black so naturally I need to talk about white also
    Posted: Thursday 1 April 2010
  • What are Faberge Eggs and What are they Made From?
    What are faberge eggs and what are they made from? Heres a short story that explains some history.
    Posted: Thursday 1 April 2010
  • 5 Ways to Choose the Best Titles for Your Paintings
    Choosing the right title for an artwork can make the difference between a person purchasing the artwork or not.
    Posted: Wednesday 31 March 2010
  • A Brush with History: Journeying Along the Captivating Art Timeline
    Take a look at a condensed but captivating journey through art history's timeline, to see what happened and when.
    Posted: Tuesday 30 March 2010
  • Balloons Over Waikato
    There are not a lot of big events that happen in Hamilton, but one that does every year is the Balloons over Waikato where hot air balloon enthusiasts from all over....
    Posted: Friday 26 March 2010
  • Whats so Powerful about The Scream by Edvard Munch?
    Said to be one of Edvard Munch’s most important and famous paintings, it’s not widely known that there are actually four versions of....
    Posted: Thursday 25 March 2010
  • Interesting Statistics on Art And Other Fun Facts
    What percentage of artists are left-handed?
    Although the population in general are more right handed, in comparison there is......
    Posted: Wednesday 24 March 2010
  • What is this Foot Painting Thing huh?
    Once upon a time I ran an artist online chat group. It was a place for artists to come to and talk about art stuff mainly and to....
    Posted: Tuesday 23 March 2010
  • Master the Art of Visual Thinking: The Right Brain Advantage
    What do we know about the concept of right brain and left brain thinking and how it affects your art?
    Posted: Monday 22 March 2010
  • Working with animals…why would ya!?!
    Working with animals in art can be rewarding as well as frustrating. Heres some tips and tricks for your animal portrait painting by nz artist Collette
    Posted: Sunday 21 March 2010
  • Kids Art Work, What Happened To Yours?
    I have quite a few pieces of both my daughter’s artwork around the house, it brings back many happy memories of days painting or drawing together
    Posted: Thursday 18 March 2010
  • What are Glass Paints and How to Use Them
    Tips on how to use glass paint, by Hamilton NZ artist Collette Fergus. Its more versatile than you think
    Posted: Wednesday 17 March 2010
  • Trademark vs. Copyright: How to Safeguard Your Artistic World
    Discover the distinction between trademarks and copyrights in the art world. Explore how trademarks protect branding elements, and copyrights safeguard creative works
    Posted: Tuesday 16 March 2010
  • Round Paintings: Why are they suddenly so popular?
    I’ve noticed a trend in more round paintings these days, the last group exhibition I went to had four different artists work on round canvas’s with each one being quite impressive in how they artist’s worked the shape of the canvas into the theme of the artwork.

    It wasn’t that long ago that round canvases were hard to come by; needing specialist framing for the stretched canvases or.....click on image for more
    Posted: Monday 15 March 2010
  • Yin Yang, so what is it?
    what is Yin Yang? It comes from Chinese culture and represents the two opposite principles in nature. Yin Yang means black vs. white, day vs. night, good vs. evil
    Posted: Sunday 14 March 2010
  • Glorious Green: The Awesome Yet Envious Colour of Emeralds
    Explore the meaning of green in art, culture, and nature. Discover the symbolism of this vibrant colour in Collette's insightful article
    Posted: Saturday 13 March 2010
  • An Apple a day.......
    Unleash your artistic spirit and conquer self-doubt with a captivating tale of apple paintings. A journey of growth, passion, and triumph.
    Posted: Friday 12 March 2010
  • Sip, Create, Inspire: Home Winemaking as an Artistic Adventure
    Tap into your artistic spirit with winemaking. Dive into the world of flavours, blends, and labels adorned with your art with NZ artist Collette
    Posted: Tuesday 9 March 2010
  • Ideas On What Makes A Perfect Artists Studio Space
    Artists studios like office spaces are as diverse as the people who work in them. There is no hard and fast rule as to how they should be laid out or what....click on image for more
    Posted: Monday 8 March 2010
  • Exploring the Sensational World of Surrealism
    Take a look at the captivating realm of Surrealism, where imagination defies reality and embraces the mysterious world of oddities and dreams in art
    Posted: Sunday 7 March 2010
  • Andy Warhol, famous for being famous?
    Andy Warhol aka Andrew Warhola was the main figure of the Pop art movement as well as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His main claim to fame was...
    Posted: Sunday 7 March 2010
  • Advice: Varnish or not to Varnish Your Artwork?
    Artists ask me this question more often than any other when talking about techniques in artwork. What is varnish, what does it do and why do we use it?
    Posted: Saturday 6 March 2010
  • Beyond Modern: This is the World of Contemporary Art
    Contemporary means 'present day', or reasonably close. Contemporary art is art produced....
    Posted: Thursday 4 March 2010
  • Autumn is my favourite season...weird I know but
    Autumn is the transition from warm summer months to the cold weather of winter, and its related status as the season of the primary harvest, has dominated its themes and popular
    Posted: Wednesday 3 March 2010
  • Reclaimed Fashion in a 1950s Style Shirt Dress Refashion
    This mens business shirt refashion is probably one of my favourite revamps so far. Have a look and let me know what you think......
    Posted: Wednesday 3 March 2010
  • The Unique Art of Jewellery Making
    Jewellery, the art of creating items in gold or silver or other metals as well as many other materials for adornment and beautification is an interesting and.....
    Posted: Tuesday 2 March 2010
  • How Long should it take to finish a painting?
    This is such a personal thing and can be summed up in “How long is a piece of string” its pretty much impossible to put a time on such things. Like the Mainland ad, all good things take time......
    Posted: Monday 1 March 2010
  • Beautiful Blue: The depth of Sea to the Sky and Beyond
    Blue, one of the three primary colours, is unique in the colour spectrum. From Sky to Sea to feeling the blues, learn more about the colour here
    Posted: Sunday 28 February 2010
  • Compare New Zealand Art Awards List for Artists
    Take a look into the world of artistic excellence with this list of Art Awards that are open exclusively to New Zealand artists.
    Posted: Thursday 25 February 2010
  • Introducing The Value Of Murphys Law And Art
    This commonly expressed sentiment means "If anything can go wrong, it will." Many problems, failures, and annoyances are attributed to Murphy's Law, but most people do not know......
    Posted: Tuesday 23 February 2010
  • My Secrets to Using Gold Leaf in Art
    Gold or silver leaf isn’t just for gilding things like mirrors, you can use it in your paintings too, just check out Gustav Klimt’s work where he used ......
    Posted: Monday 22 February 2010
  • Tips on How to Use Crackle Mediums with NZ Artist Collette
    Discover different methods and techniques for achieving this weathered, antique look in your artwork.
    Posted: Sunday 21 February 2010
  • From Fear to Creativity: How to Overcome Blank Canvas Paralysis
    Facing a blank canvas can be daunting. "Blank canvas syndrome" is the feeling of being overwhelmed or intimidated by a blank canvas or sheet of paper. In this article, we explore the causes of this syndrome and offer tips for overcoming it, including embracing the imperfection of the creative pro
    Posted: Saturday 20 February 2010
  • What Do We Know About The Art of the Geisha
    In the streets of modern Japanese cities amongst the dark suits and strict corporate dress codes, it is still possible to see reminders of ancient tradition - unusual women in bright kimonos with white powder wax on faces and traditional sculptured hairdos.
    Posted: Thursday 18 February 2010
  • Is Letter Writing an Art Form?
    Snail mail, love letters, correspondence, paper and envelopes with ink on them; whatever you call letters or even what you may think of them
    Posted: Tuesday 16 February 2010
  • Hand Painting or how to paint hands
    I could go two ways with this, we could talk about painting hands or paintings on hands so to get the latter out of our systems here is a link to some really cool paintings that....click on image for more
    Posted: Sunday 14 February 2010
  • And then there is Realism
    Realism is a type of art that shows things exactly as they appear in 'real' life. It began in the 18th century, but the greatest Realist era was in the mid-19th century. Most Realists were from France, but there were some famous.......
    Posted: Saturday 13 February 2010
  • Blazing with Energy: Embracing the Fiery Spirit of the Color Orange
    Orange is one of the most vibrant colours there is. It's a combination of red and yellow and appears between these two colours on the colour spectrum
    Posted: Thursday 11 February 2010
  • The Art of Seeing: Explore the Revolutionary Style of Impressionism
    Impressionism emerged as an avant-garde art movement in France around 1870, here are some tips on how you can paint in this style too
    Posted: Tuesday 9 February 2010
  • How to write an Artists Resume CV or Statement
    I get asked a lot about what the difference is between a resume, a bio and an artist’s statement. A resume is pretty much like a job resume where you have contact details, your history as in exhibitions, education etc and.....click on image for more
    Posted: Monday 8 February 2010
  • Unlocking the Secrets of Cubism: Where Reality Meets Abstraction
    Unveiling the revolutionary world of Cubism, its pioneers, techniques, and enduring legacy. Take a look at the captivating artistry and multi-dimensional perspectives
    Posted: Sunday 7 February 2010
  • Crafting Your Artistic Voice: Nurturing a Unique Style
    Do you want to find and develop your unique artistic style? Explore the balance between personal expression and market demands in the art world with Collette
    Posted: Saturday 6 February 2010
  • The Fascinating World of Abstraction Art
    The world of abstraction demands artistic discipline, knowledge, expertise in painting techniques, and a profound understanding of art's formal aspects.
    Posted: Friday 5 February 2010
  • What is Sun Painting and How To Do It?
    Sun Painting or Heliographic Art as its technically called is a process where transparent fabric paints are applied to fabric (100% cotton is the best.) and while the paint is still wet, objects like stencils, leafs, feathers etc are placed onto the wet fabric. You then place it in the sun and when it dries, the outlines of the objects are transferred to the fabric.....click on image for more
    Posted: Thursday 4 February 2010
  • Shades of Purple: A Trip into the World of Royalty
    Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm primary colour (Red) and strong primary cool colour (Blue) it has both warm and cool properties.
    Posted: Wednesday 3 February 2010
  • Who is Pablo Picasso
    What do I know of Mr Picasso? Well I'm not going to give you a tiresome rundown on the man’s history, there are many websites and books that can give you that sort of information.....
    Posted: Tuesday 2 February 2010 , 1 Comments
  • Where do you get your Inspiration?
    I’ve been working on some new techniques at the moment. They are most likely tried and trusted methods of other artists and been done before in one form or another, but they are new to me anyway.......click on image for more
    Posted: Monday 1 February 2010
  • Lets talk about Perspective in Art
    Perspective is quite a complex subject so Ill try to not confuse you with too much information.

    It’s important to get perspective right when paintings or drawing as an.....click on image for more
    Posted: Sunday 31 January 2010
  • Most Famous Art Paintings of New Zealand
    Uncover the iconic New Zealand paintings that have left a lasting impact. From humour to heritage, explore the diverse artistic landscape of my country
    Posted: Saturday 30 January 2010 , 2 Comments
  • How to Select the Right Artist Easel for Your Masterpieces
    There are two common designs for easels, tripod and H-frame but it doesnt end there. Which one will suit you best and why?
    Posted: Friday 29 January 2010
  • 12 Practical Tips: How to Deal with Artist's Block
    When I get artist’s block, I put my brushes down and do something entirely different for a while. Taking the focus off my art takes away the stress even with........
    Posted: Thursday 28 January 2010
  • In the Pink: Celebrating Valentines Passionate Colour
    Think candyfloss and cupcakes, Barbie, Flamingos' and well lets not get carried away here. Pink can be a serious colour too. Read on to learn more about this fascinating colour.
    Posted: Wednesday 27 January 2010
  • Oil, Acrylic or Watercolour, What Is The Best Paint?
    Are you confused as to what type of paint you should be working with? Read my blog on artist paints and see if I can answer some of those burning questions........
    Posted: Tuesday 26 January 2010
  • List of some of the most famous paintings in the World
    Some of the most famous paintings in the world have been made by the greatest painters of all times. I acknowledge their mastery and skill and admire all these works, from the Mona Lisa to the melting clocks of Dali...
    Posted: Monday 25 January 2010
  • The most Famous Painting in the World
    I don’t buy into the secret smile stuff, though, in fact, I can't even see what the fuss is about, so why you ask, do I like the Mona Lisa so much
    Posted: Sunday 24 January 2010
  • Behind the Curtain: The Truth About Vanity Galleries and Publications
    Along with many other artists I know, I get emails by the dozen from both vanity galleries and book publishers wanting to exhibit or publish my work. Most of these vanity galleries and publishers.....click on image for more
    Posted: Saturday 23 January 2010
  • Pricing Your Artwork: Finding Value in Creativity
    Some artists have a clear idea of what price they want for their work, some are realistic, some are insanely greedy and the rest end up under-pricing their artwork
    Posted: Friday 22 January 2010
  • From Scam to Sale: Exposing the Injustice of Mass Produced Art
    I found this article http://www.stuff.co.nz/s/QPRe on the net yesterday and have to admit I was highly surprised that it’s still going on, all this ripping off of innocent people, and in my own city
    Posted: Thursday 21 January 2010
  • Teal Temptation: A Love Affair Between Blue and Green
    Ask any artist what they consider is Teal and you will get different answers, just like when you ask them about what they think constitutes beige.
    Posted: Wednesday 20 January 2010
  • What type of paintings sell best in New Zealand
    Trying to find that perfect topic, size or colour fro hey your art to sell is like hunting for a needle in a haystack but this may help a little
    Posted: Tuesday 19 January 2010
  • The Fascinating Tale Of Boozehag: From Bar Banter To The Best Icon
    This is Boozehag, from its bar origins to a beloved artistic icon. Uncover the challenges, misconceptions, and continued demand for this whimsical character
    Posted: Monday 18 January 2010
  • How to package your artwork
    When you send work around the country or overseas, it pays to wrap it well as no matter how careful you may be with your art, not all couriers have the same respect or care for it......click on image for more
    Posted: Sunday 17 January 2010
  • Beginners Guide to Choosing the Best Art Mediums
    I often teach a night school class for students who may wish to learn more about the use of paint mediums. So here are a few tips on mediums...
    Posted: Saturday 16 January 2010
  • Canvas Choices: Exploring the Unique Relationship Between Paint and Surface
    The type of canvas you use will depend on the type of paint you use.....cotton duck is used for acrylic painting, while linen and cotton duck is used for oil. ......
    Posted: Friday 15 January 2010
  • The Provocative: $12 Million Stuffed Shark By Don Thompson
    In 2009 a pile of Rubbish won the National Contemporary Art Awards here in Hamilton New Zealand. It created a furore like no other. We are used to the outrage and shock from the public each year over the winning pieces and that’s exactly what the people who run it want…controversy and people talking about it. Well this time I somehow got embroiled in it....click on image for more
    Posted: Thursday 14 January 2010
  • Tax Tips: Advice for Artists
    Yes I know that figures and money matters are boring for us artists but when you're a working artist you need to look at keeping accurate records and making sure you are taking care of your tax obligations. Here are some of my tips and advice for organising your records......
    Posted: Wednesday 13 January 2010
  • When things Run SMOOTHLY
    Today’s artwork is smooth and shiny. I used the Golden Clear Tar Gel for this effect, its simple to use; you pour it on where you want it to be and wait for it to set. The effect is like that of a bubble, with a raised glassy surface.However Im not going to talk so much about the .....
    Posted: Tuesday 12 January 2010
  • The Spectacular Spectrum: A Deeper Dive Into Colour Mixing
    A basic understanding of colour theory and the colour wheel is like having a secret toolkit for every artist, unlocking endless possibilities in your work.
    Posted: Monday 11 January 2010
  • Rich as Red: Exploring its Many Fiery Shades
    Red is my favourite colour, both in my life generally as well as in my art. It’s a colour that can have two distinctly different meanings
    Posted: Sunday 10 January 2010
  • Art as a Career Choice in New Zealand
    Some say that it isn’t a realistic career choice, yet the myth of the “starving artist” stereotype is still very much alive and kicking
    Posted: Saturday 9 January 2010
  • The Artist's Way, a Must Read book for Artists
    When I teach an art class or mentor any other artists, I always advocate that they read this book. I usually also ask my art students to do the artists pages at the beginning of class if we have enough.....
    Posted: Friday 8 January 2010
  • Beginners Guide to Choosing the Best Brush for Artists
    NZ artist Collette shares brush selection & care tips for your art. Expert insights for all artists
    Posted: Thursday 7 January 2010
  • Yellow: The Happy Glowing Hue That Makes Warmth, and Inspiration
    Yellow is not merely a standalone hue; it's a versatile collaborator in the world of colour alchemy. Lets look at what yellow is as a colour for painting
    Posted: Wednesday 6 January 2010
  • Why Its Important to do Research for your Art Ideas
    Research is important to me as I like to know the history behind things, why they are what they are and their significance to the project I might be working on.......
    Posted: Tuesday 5 January 2010
  • What you need to Know about Art Copyright Issues
    An artwork must possess an essential characteristic of being 'original,' meaning that it originates from the artist and is not derived from another individual's work
    Posted: Monday 4 January 2010
  • Yayoi Kusam's Dotty Exhibition - Wellington
    Mistress of Dots, Yayoi Kusama has an exhibition “Mirrored Years’ on at The City Art Gallery in Wellington, so with this project in mind, I set off on the overlander train both to enjoy the scenic tour on the way and to see the exhibition.
    Posted: Sunday 3 January 2010
  • How to deal with Galleries as an Artist
    Things I think you should know about dealing with art galleries as an artist and a gallery worker.......
    Posted: Saturday 2 January 2010
  • Unveiling the Artistic Odyssey: A Painting A Day
    The day has come where I have to dig deep and become disciplined with my writing and painting for the next 365 days.
    Posted: Friday 1 January 2010
  • Christmas Trees
    The tradition of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas started in Germany in the 16th century but the history of Christmas trees goes way back further than that.
    Posted: Tuesday 1 December 2009

Don't forget to take a look at more of New Zealand contemporary artist's work in Collette's Online Galleries