| Mairangi Arts Centre

Brian Millard

Creative Background:

Brian Millard is one of New Zealands leading watercolourists. He has an international reputation as a master of this challenging medium. He teaches and exhibits throughout the world. Most recently he represented New Zealand at the the aclaimed Salon de L’Aquarelle at Saint- Laurent sur Gorre, France. His work is held in the Thai Royal Collection and in private and corporate collections world wide.’ He has won numerous awards amongst them The Rai Hammond award for watercolour. The KG Frazer Art Award and awards from ‘The Australian Artist’ and ‘The International Artist’ magazines.

He is represented by major galleries at home and overseas. His work has recently been featured in ‘ New Zealand in Watercolour ‘ and ‘New Zealands Favourite Artists’ edited by Denis Robinson. Brian lives in Otago where he and his partner, the watercolourist Marilyn Palmer have their gallery and studios. Brian has taught at MAC since its inception and served for several years as a board member.

Teaching Philosophy:

I have taught art for more than thirty years and during this time I have reached a few conclusions. I believe most people given the correct attitude and enough time are capable of becoming capable artists. The degree to which they excel is determined by the amount of practice they are able to do and the ability to withstand a degree of initial frustration or failure. These things go with the territory and could be likened to learning to play the piano. Learning the scales is the only way to progress. Painting like all art forms is a matter of learning the basic skills and then building on your strengths. There is no magic bullet, no medium ‘easier’ than another. Sheer stubbornness and a determination not to be beaten, to start all over again until something works, are qualities a successful artist needs in abundance. The ability draw to is also a help.

I have distilled my own thinking and experience of watercolour into simple terms. I believe I can pass on what I have discovered to others, hopefully cut a few corners and have a little fun as well.