Artist ready to live 'In the Moment'

Matakana artist Hope Gibbons says she is excited about the launch of her first solo show in the South Island at Artbay Gallery on Tuesday.

The award-winning contemporary painter will present a preview of her new artworks in a collection titled "In The Moment" at the gallery within Mountaineer.

"In The Moment" showcases 25 of Ms Gibbons latest pieces which explore the materiality of paint.

Ms Gibbons aims to push the boundaries of traditional painting practices and techniques through the use of paint, rust, inks, leaf and varnish in mixed media.

Ms Gibbons has exhibited in the North Island for more than 10 years, and many of her works are held in private collections throughout the world.

She was featured in New Zealand's Favourite Artists and has appeared in lifestyle publications such as NZ Life, Leisure and Next.

Ms Gibbons told the Queenstown Times she was working on four or five pieces for the show this week.

She said Artbay had always been supportive of her work.

She described "In The Moment" as "two bodies of work running parallel. I'm traditionally known for earthy and muted works and have a following in that area, but I've taken quite a leap in doing vibrant works.

"That's refreshing for me, as I'm not so restricted in the practise."

The debut evening is by invitation only, but the collection will be open to the public from Wednesday until October 31.

Artbay Gallery owner Pauline Bianchi said she had been dealing with Ms Gibbons for more than 10 years, and she was one of her best-selling artists.

"Previously, the right venue hadn't come up for a professional exhibition for her. She was going to be the first on my list to approach for an exhibition.

"Her works appeal to most people because she has two distinctive styles. Her signature dreamscape series is subtle with calming energy and organic textures, while her more recent series uses a bright palette and has an abstract, lively and dynamic composition."