About
Introducing our September FEATURED ARTIST - Brett Pettit
Name
Brett Pettit
Age
54
Where are you based?
I am based in the small township of Dunsandel to the south of Christchurch.
What medium(s) do you work in?
The first ten years of painting I was using acrylics. In those days I was doing lots of airbrush work and occasionally painting murals which both lend themselves to acrylics. Eventually I tried oils and fell in love. The subtleties, translucence, vibrance, impasto qualities and working times etc.
How would you describe your creative practice in your own words?
I get out and observe the wild South Island. I take lots of references on my phone (frustrate my children who are often waiting). If I look at the images too soon, I often don't appreciate them enough to paint. I then usually crop, cut and paste and then paint.
Which artist has inspired you the most, and why?
Robert Bateman has always stood out to me. His wildlife art is depicted accurately, with reverence and not too sentimental. And I find his compositions interesting, often hinting at his abstract beginnings.
What does being part of the Arts Canterbury community mean to you?
For most of my life I have been insulated from the wider artistic community. I am self taught and tended to avoid exhibitions. This has changed since returning to painting a couple of years ago. I have really enjoyed connecting with fellow artists at exhibitions. I have only been a member of Arts Canterbury for a short while but I have been very impressed with the organisation and support.
What are you hoping to achieve creatively this year?
Continuing to improve. Continuing to work towards capturing in paint the awe that the wild provokes in me is an ongoing aspirational goal I always have.
Tell us about one artwork you're especially proud of, what makes it meaningful to you?
The first artwork that comes to mind is a recent one. It was a large 'Above and Below' depiction of a pod of Orca with a rugged Fiordland coast in the background. It was not an easy piece. I wrestled with it and was happy with the outcome. I followed my own intuition and not the 'market' and it sold reasonably quickly in spite.
Is there a place in Canterbury or New Zealand that inspires your work?
I have not lived in Kaikoura for 25 years but I still regard it home. The diversity of land and seascapes is a natural wonder.
Are you an early bird or a night owl in the studio?
Definitely a night owl!
Which season inspires you the most, and why?
I can't think of a preference for inspiration but I do look forward to summer.
Learn More about Brett's practice!
Website: www.bmpettit.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bmpettitartist
Instagram: @bmpettitart
