Raymond has been coming to Toi Ora for about 20 years, and during that time, he’s improved his technique and isn’t afraid to try new things.
What has your experience been like at Toi Ora?
I’ve learnt water colour painting from Michelle as well as sketching, guitar, and computer graphics from other tutors.
What is your creative process – how do you decide what you’re going to draw or paint?
I mainly copy things from life – I like to paint and draw what I can see as much as I can.
Is there any work you’re particularly proud of?
Yeah, I’m really proud of the Taj Mahal. It took a long time and lots of detail. (This is available for sale for $280 on our website.)
How has your art changed over time?
I used to oil paint as a boy, but Michelle has helped me a lot to improve my watercolour. I did an oil painting of a portrait of my mother and my brother from a photograph, and afterwards I lost the photograph but still had the painting to look at! I’ve also learnt how to restore images through AI technology through the multimedia class- before that, I was paying $207 a picture to restore images, and it took me years.
What’s your favourite part about painting at Toi Ora?
I like the accomplishment of finishing something. I like the feeling of looking at something and it’s good. It feels good to work hard on something. I’ve improved in my water colour painting. It’s also good that people at Toi Ora can speak to others and try not to isolate. It’s good company here
Do you have any advice for people who want to come to Toi Ora?
It’s a good opportunity to learn something
Have you ever sold any of your artwork at Toi Ora?
Yes I once had a full exhibition of my steam trains and they sold well. The Auckland Hospital also bought my painting of the Domain. It’s good to know people like what I’m doing
Joelle, Artist Liaison: Thank you Raymond, I’ve seen your determination in coming here and improving your artwork over the years. You also try out all different mediums and I think it’s a good example to others that they don’t need to box themselves into one style or one kind of class.
