New Zealand circuit - On the way to Abel Tasman National Park area - Motueka - Day 8 - The 5th of March 2019 (late afternoon and evening)

As we were approaching the Abel Tasman National park area we stopped to have an overview  of the landscape which was stunning. We had been looking forward to this part of the circuit but more so then, as it really looked promising.

 

We were lodged at the Garden Motel in Motueka, where I got to share a twobedroom unit with two other trip companions. The site looked very pelasant  with a small swimming pool right in front of our cottage. We decided to gather around it in the evening, particularly because the grill was next to it and some of our male companions had decided to be in charge of grilling the meat (it was ladies's day off, as we sat watching them).

 

Before going to sleep I decided to photograph some of the local jewellery made out of paua shell and bone I had bought in the last two days.

 

New Zealand circuit - On the way to Nelson - Pelorus Bridge scenic reserve - Nelson Suter Art Gallery in the Queens Gardens - Day 8 - The 5th of March 2019 (morning and early afternoon)

We set off to explore the Pelorus river and the Pelorus bridge scenic reserve by doing a fairly small track in which we covered the rich stretch of riverplain forest, the river bank and the supended bridge, having stopped briefly at a small café not too far from it before driving towards Nelson.

Upon reaching Nelson we stopped at the Queens gardens, so as to sit and have a picnic-type of lunch. Believed to have trees dating back to the 1850s the gardens were particularly beautiful, as we strolled around looking for a place that would accommodate us all. Lindy suggested we go across the Suter Art Gallery whilst she got things prepared and I am glad we had that opportunity because not only was it a very active space, said to be among the oldest of the genre but also because there was an interesting temporary exhibition of Alan Pearson on.

Self portrait at the easel, London - Oil on board (1983)

 

According to Julie Catchpole  although Pearson painted many portraits he rarely depicted himself in the "artist at the easel mode", once he was apparently more concerned with expressing the metaphysical and emotional side of him.

 

 

Alison II, Italy  (left) - oil on canvas (1980). Portrait of Annique (right)- oil on canvas (2007/2009).

 

 

 

 

Jeniffer waiting - Oil on canvas (1995).

Portrait of Nigel confronting the future - Oil on canvas (1987).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nellie aged 11 steps out - Oil on canvas (1996-1997).

The artist's daughter appears to be about to embark on a new phase of her life transitioning from a child to a teenager.

 

 

 

 

Herne Bay couple - Oil on hardboard (1978).

It is an image of unease once Ann seems unhappilly disconnected.

 

 

 

After lunch we still had time to stroll for a short while around the city centre having briefly stopped at the Christ Church Cathedral and the fomer workers' cottages built between 1863 and 1867 in the historic South Street precinct.