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Richard and Diana Moore don’t subscribe to that common art enthusiast’s excuse; “I’d love to paint and draw, but I just don’t have the talent”.

To them, artistic expression is a skill that can be learned.  Their motto of ‘no talent required’ has been a draw card for many students who lack confidence and faith in their own abilities.

The Moores believe anyone can master the basics of good drawing – all it takes is a step by step explanation of the fundamentals, taught in a clear and measured way.

This popular Art Holiday in the Hokianga, will take place at the beach in the gorgeous setting of the Hokianga Copthorne Hotel & Resort.  What better place to combine relaxation and inspired art?

The Moores, who have taught over 2,000 adults and children, say they haven’t had a single student who hasn’t improved 100 per cent.  They point out that many art classes today can be intimidating – students are expected to draw or paint straight onto canvas or paper, using only their imagination, without  any references or any understanding of the basics of form and composition.

The secret of Richard and Dianas approach is starting with reality as a reference point.  Their philosophy is a simple one – they believe that once a student can master realism, they can master any style.  They also encourage the use of photographs, where the three-dimensional world has already been reduced to two dimensions and captured within the boundaries of the photographic frame.  This is a technique commonly used by experienced artists and it simplifies the process of translating what we see into the language of composition, perspective, line and form.  Drawing from reality also builds the pathways from the left side of the brain to the right or ‘artistic’ side of the brain. Drawings are always done freehand.  They don’t use grids or tracing as they say this doesn’t help develop an artist who wants the freedom to do whatever they want, whenever they want.

Richard and Diana have been teaching locally in the Northland area through Artschoolnz for the past 12 years.  They normally take small classes at the Kiwi North Grounds in Whangarei and private group lessons at Cherry Park in Kerikeri.  As a husband and wife team, the Moores offer complementary approaches to art teaching.  Richard, who was born with a natural talent, brings more than 30 years of professional art experience to share with the students; and Diana, who has learned to draw from scratch, brings empathy to those just starting out. Together they have formulated a system that works.

The Moores maintain that one of the great pleasures they get from teaching art is the number of students who come away from their first lessons surprised at what they have achieved; as well as excited about the future possibilities of their freshly discovered abilities.  They say the joy students feel after completing a picture is incredible.  It is fantastic for self esteem; the skills stay with them; and it is also something they can do anywhere and anytime.

Hokianga harbour remains a relatively untouched land of contrasts, from lush kauri forests, sun-burnt sand dunes and calm harbour waters to surf breaks on the sandbar and its own subtropical microclimate - a haven with a special beauty and spirit of its own. 

 Art Holiday details can be found at www.artschoolnz.com – or email artschoolnz@xtra.co.nz            Telephone  09 431 8383 for further information.