Last Orders for Reproductions September 30st 2010 is the final day for ordering a Barry Ross Smith reproduction! Two years ago we began producing reproductions of a very high quality with archival longevity. This has been an interesting journey for Leanne – my wife, who began running the production and distribution of the giclee prints under the name of 'Taller by Half', alongside raising our two children. We believed that there was a market for high quality reproductions that would last and give rich colour clarity. With my participation in a MFA degree program, helping with the children and the production and proofing of new prints etc. I have found it increasingly difficult to find the time to devote to my main inspiration, which is the painting of original artworks. As a result we have decided to finalize the printing of reproductions to allow time for me to go forward in my career and dedicate more time to the painting and production of original artworks. Leanne has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people through the business and is looking forward to new challenges as well as her further participation in local projects within the community. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the other business partners that have contributed to the success of Taller by Half with their professionalism and friendly ‘can do’ attitude. Alex at Image Centre in coordination with Lesley and Brendon at Lesley’s Picture Framers. We are continuing the production of the Limited Edition ranges of reproductions, as well as the greeting card range. These can be purchased directly from us or from retail outlets nationwide or send us an email and we can point you in the right direction. Kind regards, Barry Ross Smith and Leanne Watkins-Smith La Mezz Fielddays Exhibition Where: GALLERY: Audio Art Cafe. 1 Greenwood St, SH1, Hamilton When: 5 - 26th June, 2010. Time: Open Monday - Saturday 9.30 am - 4pm La Mezz Gallery in Hamilton will be showing a range of works that tie into the Fielddays at Mystery Creek. Some original artworks on display include: Fleeced, Guide, Midnight Oil and The Sheepfarmer (which will have signed limited edition reproductions available). The recent renovations at La Mezz have cleverly kept the original design of the old Video Esy building, but have transformed it into an elegant, contemporary space. This includes a mezzanine floor, where the Gallery is situated, and on the ground floor, a showroom with three purpose built demo/listening rooms for the Hi Fi enthusiast or for music lovers in general. The wonderful aroma of coffee from the cafe and the sound of people enjoying the experience fills the air. Group Exhibition Saatchi & Saatchi building, 125 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland over the weekend 22 – 23 May, 11 – 4pm Litmus, in their inaugural exhibition, presents a diverse range of art in the iconic Saatchi & Saatchi building, 125 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland over the weekend 22 – 23 May, 11 – 4pm. This group of recent and current students of the MFA programme at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design will present a selection of innovative work incorporating paintings, drawings, sculpture, electrography, video, performance work and installations. There will be wine and refreshments available (Saturday morning) as well as a chance to talk to, or purchase the artworks directly from, each artist. Saatchi & Saatchi’s brick building is an ex-wool store whose history is concealed within the wooden beams, the raw steel structures and the magnificent open atrium. The space which emanates a sophisticated and creative atmosphere is already reflected by the businesses in this character building; it will be extended further this weekend by the artists responding and interacting with these features resulting in a challenging and inspiring show. The show will encompass the work of 11 artists – Gitte Andersen, Dagmar Andres-Dahmen, Carol Fletcher, Richard Kereopa, Elsa Lye, Marie E. Potter, Monica Seo, Siliga Setoga, Barry Ross Smith, Barbara Smith and Julie Woodward. The opening is on Saturday, 22 May, 11 – 1pm, at which there will be refreshments and the on-site café Milk will be open. Shopping online We will be making some changes to the navigation of the web-pages on this site. It should prove much easier to find the images you are looking for and also to buy the print of your choice. Please let us know if the changes we have made are of benefit or not so that we may review the changes made. New Zealand on Canvas A new book features 30 New Zealand artists, 9 of my paintings are included New Zealand on Ca nvas is an exceptional collection featuring paintings by thirty of the country’s most talented contemporary artists working in oil and acrylic media. It reveals not only the diversity among them but also the rich va riety of subject matter available in this beautiful country. In his latest book, Denis Robinson has chosen more than 130 representative works, with two full spreads devoted to each artist. These include a personal commentary from the artist about their life as a painter. The captions, too, are written by the artist, offering insights into their style, technique and inspiration. The book also gives the reader a visual tour of New Zealand as it is today. The artworks, which range from mountainscapes to urban, rural and coastal scenes, reflect a living country – from its majestic panoramas to intimate details observed along the way. A must-have book for NZ art lovers. New Zealand on Canvas: 30 leading contemporary New Zealand artists working in oils and acrylics, by Denis Robinson. Published by New Holland Publishers in soft cover with flaps. Price $50 (plus packing and postage for overseas orders). To purchase this book, click on this link to Art Direction's webpage. Queen with moko portrait draws complaints This article appeared in the Manawatu Standard just before Christmas 2009 and began an interesting discussion A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with a traditional Maori tattoo has raised the ire of Palmerston North residents who believe the image is insulting to both Maori and the Queen. The print, at the Downtown Art & Framing store, features a young Queen Elizabeth with a moko on her chin and lips. The date of the Treaty of Waitangi signing appears in Roman numerals next to the monarch. Palmerston North Maori warden Nola Te Papa, of Tuhoe, said she was shocked when she first walked past the print on Tuesday. "I shouted: 'what an insult to the Queen'. To sell that for $500 – no way. He needs to get that wiped. "I love the Queen. People don't like her because of what's gone on in the past, but it's not her fault." Resisting the urge to kick the print, Miss Te Papa walked into the store and gave the owner a piece of her mind. "Those are only worn in Tuhoe by people in the chief's bloodline," she said. "These artists are getting too carried away with the Maori moko, that's abusive. They are just printing it anywhere." The print was a breach of tikanga (Maori custom), which could result in bad luck for family members of the Queen and the artist, Miss Te Papa said. "It doesn't matter that it's a picture because the Queen is a real person." Moxons Gemtime Jewellers employee Bev Blackwell said it was an insult to Maori culture and the Queen. "I think it's disgusting and offensive. It should be destroyed and taken away." Paeroa artist Barry Ross Smith, who created the artwork last year, said it was not intended as an attack on anyone. "It was a way to show as a country that we have self determination from England. "We actually built an entirely new race by signing the treaty, so the Queen of that new race would need a moko." Mr Smith also did a self portrait in which he has a full facial moko – a statement about the merger of two equal cultures. He said the portrait of the Queen was a celebration, and the response had been overwhelmingly positive. Mr Smith had received negative emails about the print, but they were mostly from people with separatist beliefs. Downtown Art & Framing store manager Cameron Autrobus said at least one copy of the print has been sold. "To be honest, the whole time we've had it we've only had two complaints. If you don't like it, then don't buy it." By JONATHON HOWE - Manawatu Standard for the article and comments pages click here Taller by Half at the Auckland Gift Fair 30,31st August, 1st September 2009 Taller by Half Reproductions, the company that reproduces Barry Ross Smith prints, has been invited to exhibit a selection of our giclee prints at the Auckland Gift Fair 2009. NZ Niche Greeting Cards has kindly offered their wall space for our use. The Trade Fair is designed for retailers only so that they can introduce a new range of products. It runs the 30th, 31st of August and the 1st of September. Retail companies will be aware of this yearly event (Spring Gift Fair). We will be introducing new designs and answering any questions. look for us at Stand 4068 Exhibition - 8th August 2009 The Artist's Room Gallery at Level One, 2 Dowling Street, Dunedin, is having it's 5th Birthday. To celebrate they are having a show of new works by some of New Zealand's artists. Two new works by Barry will be represented here. One of which is a laser-cut steel, hand painted in oils, line of cows. The effect of having a painting across the wall that doesn't have a determined boundary is intriguing. The 3 separate pieces may be moved over a wall to create different formats, each incorporating the wall colour into a background landscape. New Webshop at www.barryrosssmith.co.nz - May 12, 2008 The Barry Ross Smith web shop is now open for business. My wife Leanne Watkins-Smith will be managing the orders and I will be in the background focusing upon my painting and study. We will be offering high-end quality, archival reproductions. On the web you will find this type of reproduction go by various names such as giclee and prints useing archival ins. We are stating that these reproductions will last a minimum of 50 years, but they in fact may last a lot longer. The reproductions will be available in 3 options, art paper, frame mount and stretched canvas. The art paper option will need to be framed but the frame and canvas options are ready to hang. The colour saturation and image detail greatly exceeds any of the offset prints currently available in the market. We have started up with 41 new titles to get the ball rolling, depending on demand we will gradually bring in the older titles as we expand. If you have any suggestions or comments please contact us, as our aim is to bring you a quality product, which will last and be admired in your home for many years to come. To get to the new shop, simply click here. Bookends My Aunt in Whangarei had some American friends staying with her over the summer, Barbara and Dieter. They decided to pose themselves in the position of my painting 'Bookends' and have sent the result to me. .