Artists & Groups

"Works In Watercolour" was established in 2014 by Russell Perry. Russell works from his home and studio which are part of the complex of buildings within the Christian community known as En Hakkore, above Ranfurly. This delightful place is both haven and inspiration, spiritually and physically, for its generous and loving Christian heart is alive and palpable, and the landscape over which it presides is a daily spectacle of sunlit glory.

Russell is still new to painting. Intelligent, articulate, but hampered considerably by a long term head injury, he came unexpectedly to painting through prayer, through a Heavenly Father who asked him to be "creative for My Glory". Does that seem a little corny? Perhaps, but it is nonetheless real: this untrained, non-artist with no experience with paint brushes unless it included large buckets of Resene, a very big brush and a few acres of weatherboard, responded to this call. He picked up some tubes of paint, a little paintbrush and some "proper" art paper. He, his friends and supporters have been staggered by the results ever since.

His paintings are a celebration. Watercolour is a unforgiving medium, usually requiring considerable development and trial to master. In Russell's case, immediately his work reflected a high degree of mastery. His strong use of colour, his capture of light, his well composed structure and understanding of how to draw the eye, and his ability to portray the essence of his subject matter have all combined to build a range of fine completed pieces.

Strangely, the most surprised and excited supporter of all is Russell himself. He is humbled and awed that he is the recipient of such an unexpected gift, one that allows him to capture and display the beauty of Creation. His art comes through a deeply held conviction that God is Creator of all, and that it is He who guides the brush in these beautiful works. Whilst Russell admits to having much to learn yet, he speaks with genuine wonder at how solutions to "tricky bits" have always come in answer to prayer. He has many stories to tell.

Russell paints only in watercolour. His work has been displayed in exhibitions in Otago and Hawke's Bay. He has a small framing business, primarily designed to frame his own work.

Interested viewers can see some of his material by visiting his studio. Please call first: original works are sold quickly and Russell does not only do work in the studio. He may need to clean the mud off his gumboots first!

• Disciplines:
• Painting

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