For Alexandra artist Marg Hamilton, her daily walks inspire her paintings.
The highly detailed acrylic and ink works on board reflect the Central Otago landscape settings she calls home.
“My current focus is on combining stylised landscape elements, with both Maori and Polynesian design motifs incorporated into the work,” says Marg, adding, “I have been introducing these types of design elements into my art for some time now and it seems to be successful. Personally, I am liking this combination a lot.”
Painting has been an important part of Marg’s life – so much so that four years ago she left the art teaching position she loved at Dunstan High School, to concentrate on her own art. Teaching did keep Marg well versed in the works and history of New Zealand art.
“Together with my students we explored many works of our New Zealand artists and there is no doubt that they have been an influence in my own art journey,” she says.
Marg has added inks and shellac to her art, for added richness, along with the application of gold and silver.
She has traditionally worked with acrylic and mixed media on board, saying, “This allows me to be quite vigorous with surface texture”.
She has found working on this exhibition a real joy, and joy is the feeling that she is hoping to give to those who visit the exhibition.
Marg would have loved to have an official opening, but this was not possible under Covid-19 conditions. The exhibition will run until March 31.