Lois Isaacs: A Lifelong Involvement in Art

Born in Wanganui as part of a very creative family Lois enjoyed frequent visits to Wanganui’s beautiful Sargeant Art Gallery when she was a youngster and these early beginnings have lead to a lifelong involvement in art.

 

After training in Dunedin as a Home Economics Teacher, Lois married and raised a family in Mosgiel.

 

Inspiration found in Dunedin's Art Gallery began feeding her creative spirit and she started painting in watercolor in her early twenties.

 

She rapidly developed a passion for Otago landform and this influenced all her work for the thirty-one years she lived there.

 

A move to the Bay of Plenty brought many changes as her work matured.

 

 

The painting in this photo is named ‘Where Eagles Fly’ and is painted in acrylic on boxed board.

 

Lois says,"It was inspired by a scene I saw in a dream I had".

 

Constant study developed her expertise with many mediums and styles.

 

Her interest in geological form grew alongside a love of life drawing from models and people on the street.  

 

The energy and passion of jazz musicians stirred Lois to produce many exciting works as a result of drawing at shows where jazz was being played.

 

Lois enjoys long road trips in the South Island that allow her to indulge in her love for that landscape.

She works with pastel, ink and acrylic.

 

Sometimes drawings and paintings are made on the bonnet of her station wagon which also provides accommodation on these art trips. The challenge of cold, wind, heat, rain and snow combines inspiring Lois to produce powerful raw pieces.

 

Paint is laid on her supports in a fluid dance-like movement as she uncovers layers of amazing landscape while coping with very demanding locations.

 

 

           

Lois has painted for well over forty years exhibiting and selling her work all over New Zealand.  She has filled many commissions over the years. One recent piece depicting people on a beach was commissioned by the Tauranga City Council and is now part of the ASB Arena Permanent Art Collection. Other works are held in private, corporate, national and international collections.  

 

She has hung many successful solo exhibitions and holds an Art Teacher’s Certificate