Downstairs

27 July – 8 August

'THE TWO BRUSHKATEERS... BREAKING OUT!' - Christine Parnell & Gail Davidson

CHRISTINE PARNELL:

"My inquisitive nature has led me on an interesting art journey, first using acrylics to paint more realistic subjects, then into an investigation of the vagaries of watercolour and its mercurial ways. These days I see-saw between more representational watercolour and abstract mixed media work. It very much depends on my mood!

Our beautiful landscape and the vibrant port and inner harbour of Napier give me inspiration for my artwork. I work intuitively, getting great enjoyment from watching a painting take on a life of its own as part of the process.

I have exhibited at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts, ArtX, Humanity Painters annual exhibitions and CAN in Napier and was a founding member of Viva Gallery in Napier.  My work can also be viewed via my website www.christineparnell.co.nz."

GAIL DAVIDSON:

"Hi to you all. I am a Napier based artist with stories to be told often using bold acrylic paints on canvas. I frame many of my own paintings. As well I have greeting cards of my work.

I am inspired by life happening around me where my somewhat warped sense of humour can change an everyday happening to a subtly or more often vastly altered occurrence on the canvas. With tongue in cheek I like to reflect the humorous side of life with the occasional irreverent touch. I am as far from being a realistic painter as the sun is from the moon with my characters finding their shape to suit the theme.

I have been painting for more than 15 years initially with Humanity Painters as well as invitation only and local exhibitions plus solo shows.  This includes the Harcourts Artex exhibition 2022 and 2023.  For more than 10 years myself and another Napier based artist have exhibited under the mantle of 'The Two Brushketeers' at local galleries.

I have also been in galleries and Affordable Art shows around NZ. My paintings hang in many homes throughout NZ and overseas including Australia, Europe and the UK."