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Milly’s on Main 07 864 7464
236 Main Road in Tairua
KAYLA 07 868 9063
522 Pollen Street in Thames
PAULA RYAN
See our website and facebook for more new arrivals
Our cover painting by Jeanne-Marie Cantereau of the
rascally Tui bird is half of a diptych, ‘NZ Personalities’,
that won second place in watercolours at the 2015
Franklin Arts Festival. Joining the Tui in this two-painting
set was the Kereru, or wood pigeon, pictured below.
It has been a delight to know Jeanne-Marie over the
years and we have appreciated her various contributions
to Coromandel Lifeincluding paintings of the majestic
hillside Thames War Memorial and the Burke Street Wharf.
Although this talented artist is pleased to have won
several art awards recently, she says, “It is the icing on
the cake; I really paint and exhibit only for the pleasure of
painting – the pleasure of creating something new!”
Jeanne-Marie hails from France where she worked at
the Grenoble University located near the north-western
region of Italy. “While there, I had the good fortune to
attend night classes at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and
take plein air (painting in open air) workshops in the
French Alps. From these, the plein airpainting became
my favourite way to paint.”
In 2002, Jeanne-Marie left France, to settle in Thames.
“Coming from a big city to Thames was a big change, the
best for me. I love the Coromandel, a very inspiring and
beautiful place. I feel very lucky to live here, and have
wonderful close and supportive friends who helped me
in my new life.”
In 2007, she started to paint again, published an illustrated book – French
Cooking in New Zealand, and became increasingly active in the local art scene.
In 2012, Jeanne-Marie created the Parawai watercolour group. “I still lead the
group, and we meet every Wednesday in the Parawai Church Hall.”
For years, Jeanne-Marie has worked with the Thames Society of Arts gallery
as curator, committee member and volunteer. “This has been a pleasant way to
meet other artists and the public – and also perfect to display my watercolours.”
This past year, she and husband Peter moved to a home near the shore at
historic Tararu where she has opened her own studio/gallery. “Living close to the
water allows me to enjoy daily walks on the beach where I can observe bird life,
and admire and paint the different colours of the sea and the sky.”
Why watercolour, rather than the more forgiving oils or acrylic? “What I love
in watercolour is its transparency, the fact we can treat all the subjects from
abstract to realistic in different ways. Every watercolour is an adventure which
can be either fantastic ... or finish in the bin!”
Jeanne-Marie encourages visitors at the studio at 102 Robert Street in Thames.
Besides exhibiting her paintings, she offers monthly workshops and personal
tuitions. Look for the red sign board at the corner of Tararu Road. “If you do not
see the ‘open’ sign, I may be on the beach or painting plein air. Give me a call.”
Also view her paintings at The Little Gallery of Fine Arts in Tairua
and the Thames Society of Arts on the SH25 coastal road
3km north of Thames. Contact her on 021 023 827 23 or
online at
Jeanne-Marie Cantereau
Cover Artist