| Mairangi Arts Centre

Ted Sherwen

Creative Background:

Ted Sherwen is one of New Zealand’s top watercolourists. Ted's career began as an apprentice Lithographic Artist for a large publisher in his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland. This gave him a solid foundation in the Graphic Arts and an awareness of colour and design. After emigrating to NZ in 1974 hecontinued his studies, this time under Californian Rex Brandt, where he learnt 'Easel Painting'. His technique consists of any one of three overlapping styles in order to keep both options and mind open. He also varies his palette selection for the same reason. Ted is a respected, long serving tutor at Mairangi Arts Centre with a wealth of knowledge as both a tutor and an international artist.

Teaching Philosophy:

There has never been a time when I have not drawn, being encouraged by my father who maintained a constant supply of paper.

In Scotland I was fortunate to gain an apprenticeship with a large publisher as a Lithographic Artist in Glasgow. This gave me a solid foundation of training in the Graphic Arts, creating a critical awareness of colour and design.

I attended the Glasgow College of Printing under Gordon Huntly, the Head of Design at Glasgow School of art for 3 years.

On coming to New Zealand with my family in late 1974 I went to California to study ‘Easel Painting’ with the Californian Rex Brandt, N.A., A.W.S. on an ongoing basis through 1978-1989. With Rex I benefited immensely from his generosity and interest.

I paint in any one of three overlapping styles to keep my options and mind open and vary palette selection for the same reason.