NZ Art | Blog | The Little Gallery
Gillie and Marc - International Sculptors
- 7 July 2023
- Faye Saunders
World renowned for their life size bronze installations in many countries around the world. Learn about the incredible work Gillie and Marc (Dogman and Rabbitwoman) are doing spreading messages of love, equality, and conservation around the world.
Why art collectors love New Zealand artist Michael Smither
- 21 November 2022
- Faye Saunders
With a career spanning some 60 years, Michael Smither’s work is highly sought after by serious art collectors. Learn why here.
New Artist - Jasmine Keir
- 19 June 2022
- Faye Saunders
We welcome Copper Artist, Jasmine Keir, to our team of artists.
Isolation challenge - No. 1
- 12 May 2020
- Sarah Holden
When New Zealand moved to Level 4 lockdown a number of our artists took the opportunity to explore their art.
Pick of the Week: With Eyes of My Heart I and II by Christine Korman
- 1 November 2018
- Sarah Holden
This week's pick is a spectactular mixed media work which demonstrates how collage techniques can create texture and evoke memories.
I See Exhibition opening: A photo essay
- 31 October 2018
- Sarah Holden
Thank you to everyone who attended our I See exhibition openings in Whangamata and Tairua. We really appreciate the support of our clients and it's always nice to catch up with the artists who attend.
In Conversation with Lisa Ormsby
- 26 September 2018
- Sarah Holden
In anticipation of seeing her new paintings for our upcoming Labour Weekend exhibition, 'I See...', we talked with Lisa Ormsby to learn more about her background and artistic practice!
Art Collecting with Belinda Wiley
- 5 September 2018
- Sarah Holden
On Saturday 1 September The Little Gallery’s clients experienced another fantastic talk as part of our Insight Series. This month Belinda Wiley shared her experience of starting an art collecting group.
Pick of the Week: 'Rocks Revisited' Series by Michael Smither
- 3 September 2018
- Sarah Holden
Following Belinda Wiley's informative talk around Art Collecting it seems fitting to feature well established artist Michael Smither and look at his dramatic new series 'Rocks Revisited'.
Pick of the Week: 'Permission to Climb' by Sharen Watson
- 26 August 2018
- Sarah Holden
This week our pick is Sharen Watson's compelling abstract piece, 'Permission to Climb'!
Belinda Wiley | Blogs | The Little Gallery
- 22 August 2018
- Jo Dalgety
Ahead of her talk at our Whangamata gallery next month, we talked with Belinda Wiley to learn more about her background and experiences as a dedicated collector of art!
Picks of the Week: 'Woven in Light' Glass Wares by Jo Tricker
- 19 August 2018
- Sarah Holden
Our picks this week are glass artist Jo Tricker's stunning handcrafted glass wares in her 'Woven in Light' series!
Picks of the Week: Father's Day Edit
- 12 August 2018
- Sarah Holden
Give dad something to remember this coming Father's Day! A selection to suit a range of tastes and budgets, you'll find something for every dad in The Little Gallery's gift edit.
Art History With Lynne Robinson | Blogs | The Little Gallery
- 8 August 2018
- Jo Dalgety
Thank you for joining us at The Little Gallery Whangamata for Lynne Robinson’s guided tour: From Raphael to Mondrian: Art History ‘with a twist’!
Picks of the Week: New Jewellery by Alison Blain
- 5 August 2018
- Sarah Holden
We were delighted to receive a new delivery of jewellery from Alison Blain - our picks this week!
Pick of the Week: 'Her' by Lyndy Wilson
- 29 July 2018
- Sarah Holden
Lyndy Wilson's portrait beauty 'Her' is this week's Pick of the Week!
Pick of the Week: 'Road to the Mountains' by Dhyana Muir
- 22 July 2018
- Sarah Holden
This week's Pick of the Week is 'Road to the Mountains' by Dhyana Muir!
Pick of the Week: 'Flax and Wild Carrot, Cooks Beach' by Jane Galloway
- 15 July 2018
- Sarah Holden
Our pick this week is Jane Galloway's breathtaking original painting, 'Flax and Wild Carrot, Cooks Beach'!
In Conversation with Lynne Robinson
- 13 July 2018
- Sarah Holden
With not long to go until her guided art history tour at our Whangamata gallery next month, we thought we would get to know our local artist Lynne Robinson!
Woven Time with Bernie Ross
- 9 July 2018
- Sarah Holden
We review the first event of our Insight Series: 'Woven Time', a demonstration in the art of weaving by Bernie Ross!
Pick of the Week: 'Lost and Found' by Verena Tagmann
- 8 July 2018
- Sarah Holden
A treasure trove of mixed media delights, Verena Tagmann's 'Lost and Found' is this week's 'Pick of the Week'!
Picks of the Week: Handcrafted Jewellery by Meg Auth
- 1 July 2018
- Sarah Holden
This week we took some of our favourite pieces by Meg Auth for a shoot on a gorgeous morning in Tairua!
Pick of the Week: 'Boa Escalator' by Kirsty Black
- 24 June 2018
- Sarah Holden
New to our Whangamata gallery is a standout statement painting by Kirsty Black, taking this week's spot in 'Pick of the Week'!
Seven Tips for Making the Most of Smaller Spaces
- 17 June 2018
- Sarah Holden
In this post we tackle the ever-pressing issue of space, and how to decorate when you don't seem to have much of it!
Pick of the Week: 'On the Plate' by Wendy Walls
- 10 June 2018
- Sarah Holden
Wendy Walls' new still life 'On the Plate' is this week's Pick of the Week!
Celebrating 5 Years: The Little Gallery
- 7 June 2018
- Sarah Holden
This month we’re celebrating five years of The Little Gallery!! We thought we would revisit our highlights and share with you some of our most memorable stories.
Picks of the Week: Queen's Birthday Collection
- 3 June 2018
- Sarah Holden
Take a look at our top picks this long weekend: fit for a Queen!
Pick of the Week: 'Nikau Dancing with Flying Fish' by Paul Herbert
- 27 May 2018
- Sarah Holden
Paul Herbert's newest painting, 'Nikau Dancing with Flying Fish' is this week's Pick of the Week!
Pumpkin Hill Haven: The Studio of Paula McNeill
- 24 May 2018
- Sarah Holden
Take a visual tour of Paula McNeill's artist studio, nestled in the idyllic bush on Pumpkin Hill, Tairua.
Pick of the Week: 'Port Jackson Coast II' by Grant Simpson
- 20 May 2018
- Sarah Holden
This week our pick is Grant Simpson's 'Port Jackson Coast II', brand new to our Whangamata gallery!
Pick of the Week: 'Figure I + II' by Ian Webster
- 6 May 2018
- Sarah Holden
Ian Webster's stunning new hand-built pottery busts are our picks this week!
Picks of the Week: Mother's Day Edit
- 29 April 2018
- Sarah Holden
Treat mum this Mother's Day with a gorgeous, unique piece of New Zealand made artwork!
35km Road Trip: A Photo Story
- 28 April 2018
- Sarah Holden
Take a visual tour of our latest exhibition, '35km Road Trip' with photos from the opening event!
Picks of the Week: 35km Road Trip highlights
- 22 April 2018
- Sarah Holden
With 35 new works in each gallery for our exhibition '35km Road Trip', we couldn't just choose one piece of art this week!
In Conversation with Kate Hill
- 20 April 2018
- Jo Dalgety
This week we spoke with our resident printmaker, Kate Hill! Kate has been involved with our Tairua gallery for several years, as both an artist and volunteer. We talked about her background, life in the Waikato, and her approach to the medium of printmaking!
Pick of the Week: 'Foreshore Movement II' by Kate Jones Madill
- 15 April 2018
- Sarah Holden
This week our pick is 'Foreshore Movement II' by Kate Jones Madill!
Pick of the Week: 'Bush Magic' by Liz Hart
- 8 April 2018
- Sarah Holden
Our Pick of the Week this week is Liz Hart's gorgeous watercolour study, 'Bush Magic'!
In Conversation with Mardi O'Shea
- 6 April 2018
- Sarah Holden
Introducing Whangamata artist and volunteer at The Little Gallery, Mardi O'Shea! Mardi is an abstract-impressionist painter who has been living in the Coromandel since 2009. We caught up with her to learn more about her background, her approach to painting, and her experiences of working in The Little Gallery Whangamata!
Introducing 'Pick of the Week!'
- 30 March 2018
- Sarah Holden
We're excited to introduce a new weekly blog, 'Pick of the Week.' Each week we will share a new artwork and discuss what we think makes it unique!
Thank you for coming to 'Artists in Residence'!
- 17 March 2018
- Sarah Holden
Coinciding with the annual Mercury Bay Art Escape, our 'Artists in Residence' event in Tairua earlier this month was a fantastic success!
In Conversation with Verena Tagmann
- 23 February 2018
- Jo Dalgety
We chatted with our artist Verena Tagmann from Whitianga, ahead of her participation in our upcoming 'Artists in Residence' event!
Wedding Gift Guide
- 19 February 2018
- Sarah Holden
With Wedding Season in full swing we thought we would put together our guide for the perfect wedding gift!
Introducing 'Printmakers Combined': Coromandel's Newest Art Collective
- 14 February 2018
- Sarah Holden
Coromandel's newest art collective ventures into an exploration of printmaking with Patience the printing press!
Thank you for coming to our Whangamata Grand Opening!
- 22 December 2017
- Sarah Holden
Thank you to all who came to our official Grand Opening celebrating The Little Gallery Whangamata! It was a fantastic evening and we were thrilled to have such a positive response from the community.
In Conversation with Bernie Ross
- 9 December 2017
- Sarah Holden
We were delighted to chat with the warm and humble Bernie Ross, a weaver and one of The Little Gallery Whangamata's new artist volunteer team.
Christmas Gift Guide
- 27 November 2017
- Sarah Holden
Looking for a unique, thoughtful gift can be tricky at this time of year, but to make it easy we've put together our favourite pieces of New Zealand art in The Little Gallery Christmas Gift Guide!
Our Top Things to Do in Whangamata: A Visual Art Guide
- 1 November 2017
- Sarah Holden
To celebrate the opening of our new Whangamata gallery, we've put together a visual guide of our top things to do in the area!
Commissioning an Artwork at The Little Gallery in 3 Easy Steps
- 8 October 2017
- Jo Dalgety
Have you ever thought about commissioning an artwork but were just not sure how to go about the process of doing so? At The Little Gallery we offer a commission service to ensure you can always take home the perfect piece of artwork. To make the process simple for you we’ve put together this handy guide!
In Conversation with Joanne Mahoney
- 18 September 2017
- Sarah Holden
A part of The Little Gallery Tairua as both an artist and volunteer for over four years, Joanne Mahoney will soon be joining our team of volunteers at Whangamata, where she has been living since the late nineties. We caught up with her to chat about her work and the new gallery!
The Little Gallery to open in Whangamata!
- 17 September 2017
- Sarah Holden
We are excited to announce the opening of a second Little Gallery in Whangamata this coming November!
Father's Day Gift Edit
- 27 August 2017
- Sarah Holden
To make finding the perfect gift for Dad easy this Father's Day, we've put together this gift edit!
Go Figure: A Study of Five Figurative Artworks
- 19 August 2017
- Sarah Holden
Artists have always taken an interest to the endless possibilities of representation of the human figure. We study a few of the latest figurative artworks by our artists at The Little Gallery!
Testimonials
- 14 August 2017
- Sarah Holden
We asked a few of our artists what they thought about The Little Gallery. Here's how they responded!
In Conversation with Wendy Walls
- 18 July 2017
- Jo Dalgety
Our resident mixed media artist Wendy Walls chats with us about her background and love for sharing her passion for art.
What Inspires our New Zealand Landscape Artists?
- 13 June 2017
- Sarah Holden
At The Little Gallery, we are proud to represent many talented Coromandel and New Zealand artists who take their inspiration from our beautiful country. We take a closer look at some of the work by a few of our popular landscape artists here!
Angela Murray: Creative Thinking in Life and Business
- 12 May 2017
- Sarah Holden
On Wednesday evening we had the pleasure of hosting life and creative thinking coach Angela Murray at our Auckland gallery, for her first solo exhibition and talk: How Creative Thinking is guaranteed to help you succeed in life and biz.
In Conversation with Dhyana Muir
- 28 April 2017
- Sarah Holden
We had a chat with our wonderful artist Dhyana Muir to learn more about her work and art practice!
Review: 'Art and Interior Design' Talk by Donna Jones
- 7 April 2017
- Sarah Holden
Thank you to all who came to Donna Jones' talk, 'Art and Interior Design' at our Auckland gallery, despite the less than favourable weather! For those who couldn’t make it we’ve put together the main points and tips of Donna’s fantastic talk.
Artist Demonstration Evening Review II
- 22 March 2017
- Sarah Holden
On Thusday 16 March, we enjoyed another evening of artists’ demonstrations. This time we watched three distinctively different styles of art develop with Jo Dalgety, Kirsty Black and Keron Smith.
The Opening of the Mercury Bay Art Escape 2017
- 6 March 2017
- Sarah Holden
A fun opening of the Mercury Bay Art Escape, celebrating it's 10th anniversary.
In Conversation with Jo Dalgety
- 27 February 2017
- Sarah Holden
We had a chat with artist Jo Dalgety on process, poetry and art communities ahead of her demonstration next month!
Artist Demonstration Evening Review
- 11 February 2017
- Sarah Holden
A fantastic evening with our artists Vjekoslav Nemesh and Gary Brooks sharing their creative processes at our Auckland gallery.
In Conversation with artist Kirsty Black
- 18 January 2017
- Sarah Holden
Kirsty Black is one of The Little Gallery's painters and artist volunteers.
The Little Gallery's relationship to the French Salon
- 18 December 2016
- Sarah Holden
At The Little Gallery we are known for hanging 'salon style' - that is, filling our walls completely with works of art, rather than the sparse hang of a few works on each wall that is the convention of many modern galleries.
The Little Gallery Christmas Gift Ideas
- 4 December 2016
- Sarah Holden
Works of art make for a thoughtful and well-appreciated gift, something to be treasured for many years to come.
Art Movements Which Shaped Our World
- 16 November 2016
- Sarah Holden
With The Little Gallery's recent move to open a second branch in Auckland we thought we would reflect on some of the other art movements which aren't limited by location but rather, they are defined by style.
What to Expect when Buying Artwork from a Gallery
- 12 October 2016
- Sarah Holden
There’s something special about gallery sold artwork and we’re not just talking the art itself!
Connectivity: A Solo Exhibition by Karla Cosford
- 26 September 2016
- Sarah Holden
This collection of oil paintings by Karla Cosford conceptualises the idea that everything in the universe is linked to you, and you to it.
Thank You for Coming to our Auckland Grand Opening!
- 14 September 2016
- Sarah Holden
We had a fantastic opening! Thank you for all your support and encouragement. It's a great space and we're very proud of what we've achieved and how far we've come.
Art Creation with Susan Dunster
- 31 August 2016
- Sarah Holden
A lovely crisp winter's day is perfect for coming inside The Little Gallery to enjoy a demonstration by local artist Susan Dunster.
Coromandel Art Gallery Opens in Auckland
- 25 August 2016
- Sarah Holden
The Little Gallery is unique in having two branches of the same gallery. We envision The Little Gallery becoming not only a talking point, but an essential must-visit destination for art lovers.
Featured Artist: Julie Whyman
- 11 August 2016
- Sarah Holden
Julie Whyman tells us about her paintings, her techniques and where she finds inspiration.
$4000 Raised for Local Kiwi Care and Rescue Group
- 27 July 2016
- Sarah Holden
What a fantastic result for this fantastic cause! It gives me great pleasure in knowing that The Little Gallery, with the support of our local artists, were able to raise $4000 for the local kiwi care and rescue group.
Coromandel Artists Support Kiwis with Silent Charity Art Auction
- 8 July 2016
- Sarah Holden
The Little Gallery is hosting a silent art auction between 9-22 July 2016 at their gallery in Tairua, featuring donated original works of art from local Coromandel artists. Proceeds from the action will be given directly to the Whenuakitie Kiwi Care Group, a local charity who work to protect the Coromandel brown kiwi and brown kiwi habitat on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Art Creation with Liz Hart
- 28 June 2016
- Sarah Holden
As the rained poured down outside, people poured inside The Little Gallery to watch impressionist artist Liz Hart demonstrate her process.
Some of Coromandel's Must-Visit Destinations
- 20 June 2016
- Sarah Holden
The Coromandel is home to The Little Gallery, which can be found in Tairua on the east coast of the peninsula. This region is also home to many great local artists who take inspiration from the beautiful scenery, while enjoying the laid back lifestyle it offers.
Art Creation with Paula McNeill
- 1 June 2016
- Sarah Holden
Despite the rain outside we still had a lovely group join us for our discussion on Art Creation, led by artist and gallery curator Paula McNeill.
How Frames Can Change a Piece of Artwork
- 14 May 2016
- Sarah Holden
Have you ever considered that there is more to frames than meets the eye? Frames are the finishing touch to a piece of artwork. They are the setting for the diamond and as such, they complete the artwork and help present it in the best possible light to the viewer.
Art Appreciation
- 2 May 2016
- Sarah Holden
Last Thursday we had a very insightful and informative talk around art appreciation and how to read a painting. One of the main points was around the ability to appreciate a piece of art, even if you don’t like it.
Art as a Focal Point in Your Interior
- 11 April 2016
- Sarah Holden
If you are anything like me it can be difficult to decide where to hang a piece of art in your home and what the magic formula is to ensure that it looks great.
Mercury Bay Art Escape: My Studio Tour
- 21 March 2016
- Sarah Holden
My girlfriend and I went to check out some of the studios open during the Mercury Bar Art Escape which is a self drive tour around the beautiful coastal area of Mercury Bay.
Impressive Art Escape Open Studio Tour Launch
- 13 March 2016
- Sarah Holden
The launch of the Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studio Tour at Hot Waves Café in Hot Water Beach.
'Uncanny Nature' with Carole Shepheard
- 7 March 2016
- Sarah Holden
Uncanny: seemingly supernatural, mysterious Nature: 1. thing’s essential qualities 2. kind, sort, class 3. inherent impulses determining character or action ... about Carole's current exhibition 'Uncanny Nature'...
Art and its Place in Interior Design
- 26 February 2016
- Sarah Holden
What comes first - the art or the interior design? Read on to find out!
Mercury Bay Art Escape Artist in Residence: Carole Shepheard
- 17 February 2016
- Sarah Holden
Last year Dr Carole Shepheard was the guest speaker at the opening of the Mercury Bay Art Escape – this year she is going to be one of the artists you can visit on the tour!
New Artist: Introducing Kirsty Nixon!
- 4 June 2015
- Sarah Holden
When I first met Kirsty Nixon we clicked straight away – which isn’t a surprise when you consider that we met through a mutual friend.
Two Years On... Look what we've achieved!
- 27 May 2015
- Sarah Holden
Like a wave off the beautiful ocean beach in Tairua it has hit me that it is coming up to the anniversary of buying The Little Gallery of Fine Arts in Tairua. Two years on and it is still as exciting as when I first bought the gallery and saw so much potential in it. As a business I continue to see the potential and I still get excited about the next steps and seeing the positive results of what
Carole Shepheard's Opening Speech
- 11 March 2015
- Sarah Holden
Carole Shepherd has been kind enough to share the speech she gave at the opening of the Mercury Bay Art Escape on Friday 6 March 2015. It was very relevant to the artists and the Bay’s community feel and was well received by everyone.
Paula McNeill's Story
- 27 February 2015
- Sarah Holden
We spoke with our curator and artist Paula McNeill about her painting, what inspires her and the importance of being creative!
Just Imagine: What Inspires Julie Whyman?
- 2 December 2014
- Sarah Holden
Questions and Answers with our artist Julie Whyman.
The Workshops of Peter Griffen
- 9 November 2014
- Sarah Holden
A few spaces are available… Tairua artist Paula McNeill is organising another series of art classes by renowned Australian artist PETER GRIFFEN and because of last minute cancellations there are a few spare places in 2 of the 2-day sessions.
The Collector's Collection: Warwick Henderson's Feedback
- 27 October 2014
- Sarah Holden
Summer has arrived in the Coromandel and certainly north of the central plateau. The sweet scent of wisteria proudly hang off the pergolas of a bach in Tairua, strands of jasmine peek from unstained fence palings in Whitianga, and the spicy fragrance of some ground hugging freesias in Port Road, Whangamata, confirm the welcome reality.
Laughter: The Artist's Best Medicine
- 14 October 2014
- Sarah Holden
Julie Cameron and Tina Carey started off winning art prizes at high school together forming a friendship that has lasted the test of time. After leaving school art was put aside while life took over until finally it was time to pick up the paintbrushes again and enjoy the Hikuai Art Group.
A Chat with Artist Joanne Mahoney
- 12 October 2014
- Sarah Holden
Questions and answers with our artist Joanne Mahoney.
A Chat with Artist Jane Galloway
- 15 June 2014
- Sarah Holden
One of our most respected and talented artists, Jane Galloway, took the time to tell us about her art and what it means to live by your art. Her diverse style ranges from contemporary print designs to detailed watercolour work and there is no denying her professionalism, continually striving for perfection and building on her skills.
A Chat with Tairua Artist Liz Hart
- 19 March 2014
- Sarah Holden
Liz is a watercolourist and a print maker - etchings and monoprints. She also dabbles in water-based oils and acrylics.