Graham Crow: Let's Lighten Up

His formal art education was undertaken at the University of Canberra as well as further studies at the Waikato Society of Arts in printmaking.

Graham is a professional artist working in a formal non-objective abstract style.

He is often inspired by the natural environment and by the different weather conditions the seasons bring.

His work has been exhibited at the Tauranga Art Gallery and he is one of the local artists whose work is featured at the TECT Arena.

Graham Crow in his studio.

Graham’s latest show 'Lighten Up' is an exhibition of his small abstract paintings and will be held at Tauranga’s Gallery 59 on 9th Avenue.

The works are fully realised studies on canvas or board that have been painted over the last 12 months.

These paintings, some of which are multi-panelled are an exploration for a new series of large works.

Tauranga’s Gallery 59 will attempt to recreate Graham’s home studio at the gallery and people can come and meet Graham, talk about his work and see smaller studies for major pieces.

He will also have retrospective work previously held in his personal collection on display.

In August 2011 Gallery 59's Lynette Fisher and Don Banks hosted art workshops by well-known Mount Maungauni artist Rob Mc Gregor at the gallery.

These proved very popular and I'm sure the Graham Crow 'in gallery studio' concept will be equally successful.

I'm always supportive of people in our art community who are prepared to put in the effort and to give things a go. 

A Graham Crow abstract.

The work pictured is a good example of Graham's highly regarded abstract painting.

These works invite the viewer to explore the depth and the colours that make up a finished surface.

They are about the texture and surface of a painting and it is clearly evident that Graham enjoys the medium of paint and the process involved with each work.

The surfaces are built up of approximately 20 layers of individual colours, which create the final finish.

This process may take months as different combinations are experimented with until the desired effect is achieved.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the artist and to see these stunning works.

Graham’s Gallery 59 show will begin on July 2 and will run until the 14^th July.

For more information contact Gallery 59’s Lynette Fisher at gallery59@prestigeframing.co.nz

by Pete Morris (July 2012).

Pete Morris is an occasional painter and an art lover. He is a freelance writer with a particular interest in promoting the visual arts in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.