Anthony D Blake

A silver lining to recent global events has been the gift of time. As the pace of life slowed, many of us found ourselves looking anew at the art upon our walls. With travel plans on hold, we were reminded of the visual value of art. A painting has the power to transport the viewer, elevate the spirits and give us pause for reflection. A painting can make us happy, and that in itself is no simple thing.

Our New Zealand, the title of this exhibition resonates deeply, even more-so than during initial discussions with invited artists over two years ago. Through the lens of recent events, the benefits and blessings of being one with Our New Zealand have never been greater or more appreciated.

Our first exhibition of 2017 is a stella event in every sense of the word. Leading professional artists from Australasia and Europe embrace this opportunity to showcase their very best works. An exhibition of over 85 paintings with a benchmark of talent, diversity and quality.

Modern day masterpieces, traditional European oil paintings, contemporary Italian frescoes, cubism from Milano, watercolours by Sherwen and much, much more

From earliest times artists have been fascinated by the vital element of water. The water-bearer appears in the art of classical Greece and Rome signifying industry, abundance and beauty. Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci spent a life time drawing water in motion. The Impressionists, radically capturing the effects of light, gifted the world with paintings such as Renoir's Boating Party and Monet's Waterlillies.

Masters is a exhibition of works by top of the pyramid painters. What does this mean? Visualise a pyramid - the base consists of a wide, supportive foundation narrowing to an apex. In this context, the small number of artists at the top of the apex possess an extreme and admirable level of competence. In-depth knowledge, based on firm foundations, culminating in mastery. In a world awash with images of mediocrity we welcome you to a exhibition of exhilarating excellence.

In the midst of our mild southern hemisphere winter it has been a little like Christmas as paintings for this year's Winter Salon arrive at the gallery. Welcoming over sixty new works, by fifteen outstanding professional artists, is a cause celebre indeed.