September 8, 2005
MEDIA RELEASE – ATTN CHIEF REPORTER/ARTS EDITOR
Richard Ponder Retrospective Exhibition and New Books
Painter Richard Ponder celebrates his 60th birthday with a retrospective exhibition in Eastbourne, Wellington this
month.
Probably best-known for his brilliant palette knife colours and richly textured city and seascapes, Richard says this
exhibition is a ‘one-off’ because it features works from his early days right through to his most recent paintings.
The exhibition runs Saturday September 17 to October 3 and will be held at the artist’s Rona Gallery, in Eastbourne.
Richard’s works reveal a three-decade journey through life, landscapes and a passion for painting.
Not one to be labelled, his scope has evolved radically over the years. From simple impressionist to complex
expressionist, his work tends to buck trends.
“If anyone asks then I’ll tell them ‘I paint’ and that is it. I just take my palette knife or If I like it, it goes in
the shop or on the wall. If I don’t, I start again,” he says.
To celebrate 35 years of painting – as well as his 60th – the Ponder family also introduces two new books this month
featuring the artist’s work and that of various New Zealand poets, including daughter Alicia Ponder. They are:
Caught on Canvas – Richard Ponder’s Wellington Painted Days – Addresses and Occasions to Remember
Some works in the retrospective exhibition can be viewed on line at www.art-gallery-nz.com and will be for sale.
Limited edition prints featured in the new books will also be available.
“I love painting, gutsy painting so that colour, composition and strength grabs you.”
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New Richard & Alicia Ponder books due for release Sept 2005
Caught on Canvas Richard Ponder’s Wellington
Painted Days Addresses and Occasions to Remember
RRP $39.95 each
Caught on Canvas – Richard Ponder’s Wellington
Written by Alicia & Richard Ponder Also includes poetry by Dame Fiona Kidman, Alicia Ponder, Peter Friend, Tim Jones and others
This stunning book on Wellington and its surrounding areas is illustrated by Richard Ponder’s art works. Poetry and
writings on Wellington compliment the paintings.
Painted Days – Addresses and Occasions to Remember
Richard, Alicia and Leaine have created more than just a book of days. Richard’s paintings are used as a backdrop for a
very handy address and occasion book.
This book is divided into five main areas.
· Birthday (Stones & Flowers) and Anniversaries (Traditional & Contemporary)
·Address book
· Special Occasion section / Book of Days
· Family Tree
· Notes section with poems and writings for inspiration
These beautiful books have been designed by Leaine Devine
Rona Gallery will also be releasing a selection of Limited Edition prints from images used in both books.
ENDS