To read leading NZ author Jack Lasenby's speech It Touches Us, delivered at the opening of this exhibition on the 13th of January, click here.

This summer The Academy celebrates the work of one of New Zealand’s most important watercolourists, Brian Carmody. Lifetime member and former President, Carmody has contributed a great deal to New Zealand painting and played a significant role in the history of the Academy. Working as a watercolourist since 1948, Carmody also has years of teaching under his belt.

 A recent trip to France has provided inspiration for one group of works, on show and views of the Wellington Harbour and coastline another. Other places such as the waters of Golden Bay, Wanganui and the big sky of Takaka Valley also make an appearance. A small group of still lifes also feature.

Brian Carmody, Harbour from Roseneath, watercolour, $1,275. Dimensions: 460mm x 340mm (image size); 690mm x 580mm (frame size).

Brian Carmody, Molesworth, watercolour, $975. Dimensions: 730mm x 530mm (image size); 970mm x 790mm (frame size).

After working in oils, acrylics and screen printing, Carmody has always returned to watercolour. He describes it as a medium that takes a lifetime to master: it is an ‘engrossing and often infuriating paint.’ For him, watercolour has the ability to stimulate the imagination, to challenge the artist by flowing in unexpected ways. He takes particular pleasure in watching a work evolve, taking the time to let the paint’s special effects materialise as it dries, before moving on to the next stage. Learning never stops, even when he is teaching; watercolour remains a refreshing medium.

‘I paint what I enjoy looking at and the way it makes me feel, in the most satisfying way I can.’

Although he works from sketches, Carmody does not slavishly try to reproduce nature. He is more concerned with the feeling and spirit of a place. In fact, capturing the essence of his experience in each place takes reflection, and is reliant on his medium. So, if you are a fan of Brian Carmody’s work, you will be rewarded by a group of works that will be as much a tribute to watercolour as it is to this senior artist.

For sales enquiries, please call Jodie Dalgleish on (64 4) 499 8807.