Burkes Pass artist’s work in exhibition

A new exhibition entitled Purely Pastel has opened at the Aigantighe Art Gallery with 87 artworks by the members of Pastel Artists of New Zealand, including 15 works by Canterbury artists.

One of the artists represented in the exhibition is Julie Greig, who lives in the historic village of Burkes Pass in the Mackenzie Country.

Greig was encouraged by her father, George Greig, to begin drawing at a young age, using charcoal and soft pastels.

Since then Greig has continued to explore a variety of media, finding the infinite possibilities of making art enthralling.

Greig states: ‘‘The subjects I paint are real and often commonplace.

‘‘I chose these subjects based on my personal response to them in order to share a moment or a pose – to remind us in our busy lives that there is simple beauty to be found all around us when we take the time to pause and really see.

‘‘Painting is all about learning to see.’’

In 2016, Greig was elected a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA).

Then, in the following year, she was awarded the status of Master Pastellist by Pastel Artists of NZ (MPANZ) in recognition of her work.

The exhibition Purely Pastel continues at the Aigantighe Art Gallery until April 22.