Welcome to Meg Maguire’s World of Colour and Expression – Where Art Tells the Story

What a night! 🎉 The Queenstown Art Show opening was an absolute blast—great crowd, inspiring conversations, and so much energy! Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support, chat, and enjoy the art. We’re here all weekend, so if you missed opening night, there’s still time to drop by and soak in some creativity. Looking forward to seeing more of you over the next few days

“Car is packed to the brim with art, and I’ve made it to Queenstown for the show! 🚗🎨 Epic 530km drive from Waiau, with a quick stop to check out my namesake. Ready and excited to get everything set up tomorrow—then straight into it! #QueenstownArtShow #ArtOnTheRoad #PackedWithArt #ExcitedForTheShow”

These images are part of my Minotaur Series, exploring the complex relationship between humanity and the environment. Each piece reflects on the myth of the Minotaur, reimagined as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and the consequences of our actions on the planet. I’ll be showcasing this series at the Queenstown Art Show, oct 25 - 28. Come see the details up close and let’s engage in this important dialogue. Queenstown Event Centre. Hope to see you there. #artscanterbury #queenstownartshow2024 #thelearningconnexion #nzartist #climwtechangeart

Exciting news! I’ll be showcasing The Oracle at the Queenstown Art Show from October 25th to 28th. This piece has been a labor of love, and I can’t wait for you to see it in person. 🖼✨ I’ll be there with exclusive deals on limited edition prints and originals just for the show! So if you’re in Queenstown, pop by and say hi! 🙌💬 #QueenstownArtShow #ArtistLife #ArtInNZ #EmergingArtist #ExclusiveArt #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion

"The countdown is on for the Queenstown Art Show, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and gratitude as I prepare my final pieces. There’s something so special about Queenstown—its energy, its beauty, and the way it brings people together. Sharing my work in such an inspiring place feels like an amazing opportunity. I’ve been working hard in the studio, putting the final touches on everything, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together at the show. It’s always a joy to meet new faces, connect with fellow artists, and share the art I’ve poured my heart into. Hope to see you there! 🎨✨ #QueenstownArtShow #EmergingArtist #ArtInNZ #StudioVibes #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion

Here's a wee preview of Watcher and Sentinel. Can't wait to showcase these at the Queenstown Art Show

Exciting news! I’m super honored to be heading to the Queenstown Art Show this October, representing The Learning Connexion where I’ve been lucky enough to grow as an artist. It’s such a great opportunity to be part of this event, with so many talented artists from all over Aotearoa showing their work. Can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on and meet everyone! If you’re around, come say hi and check out some amazing art. Hope to see you there! #QueenstownArtShow #TLC #ArtForEveryone #EmergingArtist #artscanterbury #nzfigurativeartist

A few sneaky photos from the setup for Spectrum! Thanks Trev and Bill! We’re all go, and the countdown is officially on for tomorrow night. 🎨🖼 Feeling a bit proud of what Sheelagh McHaffie and I have created together – think we’ve done pretty good! 💛 See you all at The Art Hole, 336 St Asaph St, Christchurch, tomorrow at 5:30 pm! Can’t wait to share this with you. ✨

It’s all getting very real! Just a quick reminder that the opening night of Spectrum is this Tuesday, September 24th, at 5:30 pm. Sheelagh McHaffie and I are so proud to share our work with you during Mental Health Week, exploring themes of self-acceptance and mental health. 🎨🧠 We’d love to see you at The Art Hole, 336 St Asaph St, Christchurch. It’s going to be an incredible night, and we can’t wait to connect with everyone. 💛✨ #mentalhealthweek2024 #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion #nzportrait #nzfigurativeart

Spectrum. 23rd September -29th September. Promoting an art show about self-acceptance should be easy, right? Well it’s funny how I find it easier to express myself on canvas than in words. But here I am, telling you all about it! Join Sheelagh McHaffie and me from September 23rd -28th for the Spectrum exhibition at the Art Hole, 336 Sy Asaph St. Christchurch. We’re exploring the complexities of mental health and acceptance through our evocative paintings. We’re also having a special opening night on September the 23rd at 5.30, and we would love for you to be there. Don’t forget to RSVP by September 17th! 15% of all sales will support the Together Diverse autism charity, so you can contribute to a great cause while enjoying some cool artwork. Cant wait to see you there.

Guess who made it into NZ Life and Leisure Magazine? I’m absolutely buzzing to share a little feature about my upcoming exhibition in this month’s issue! It’s such a surreal feeling to see my art in a magazine I’ve always admired - definitely one of those “pinch me” moments. It’s a small mention, but it’s a big deal for me. Moments like these make me feel like I am really starting to make my mark in the art world. I’ll be celebrating this milestone at the upcoming “Spectrum” exhibition with the amazing Sheelage McHaffie from sept 23-29 at The Arthole, St Asaph st, Christchurch. But for now, I’m just soaking in the excitement of being in such a cool magazine!

“Putting in the hours has paid off—I’m really proud of how my Minotaur series has come together. If you’re around, pop by the Cashmere Club for the Arts Canterbury Art Show. There’s plenty of incredible work to see, today and tomorrow from 10 to 4!”

“The eyes have it.” As a figurative and portrait painter, I often find myself at odds with today’s art trends. If I were in it for the money, I’d be painting vast, dreamy landscapes, oversized blooms, or charming little birds. But my heart has always been captivated by the masterpieces of the Baroque and Renaissance periods. The day I discovered I could paint a face—and that it actually resembled a face—was a revelation. It’s in these faces, especially the eyes, that I find true expression; they are indeed the windows to the soul. Discover my work at the Arts Canterbury Art Show at the Cashmere Club, August 9th - 11th. Don’t miss this opportunity to see art that speaks to the soul.

The joys and terrors of starting a new artwork! One moment, I'm lost in the possibilities of a fresh canvas; the next, I'm staring down my unfinished Minotaur, wondering where the other horn went. But oh, the dopamine rush of new beginnings! 🎨 Join me at the Arts Canterbury Art Show at the Cashmere Club, August 9-11. Let's celebrate the beautiful chaos of creation together! #ArtsCanterbury #MinotaurSeries #ArtLife #ArtShow2024

"Thank You, Kaiapoi Art Expo! I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who visited and supported me at the Kaiapoi Art Expo. A special thank you to those who purchased my painting - your support means the world to me! Exciting news: My work will be showcased at the upcoming Arts Canterbury Art Show at The Cashmere Club in August. Stay tuned for more details! To all my followers and friends, old and new, thank you for being part of this amazing journey. Your encouragement fuels my creativity every day. Swipe to see the sold sticker on one of my pieces! It's moments like these that bring immense joy and motivation. Please visit my website www.megmaguireart.co.nz for more of my artwork and to stay updated with my latest projects. Let's continue to share our love for art! #ArtCommunity #KaiapoiArtExpo #ArtsCanterbury #SupportLocalArtists #ThankYou #ArtSales #ArtLovers #CreativeJourney #FollowYourPassion" #CreativeJourney #FollowYourPassion

All set up and ready. Kaipoi Art Expo opens tomorrow at 10. Head down to the workings Men’s Club, Kaipoi. Over 100 North Canterbury artists on show. Love to see you there.

I know it might be a bit silly and even immature of me, but I still get such a buzz when I see my work advertised. Head over to the Kaipoi Art Expo to see it in person.

Ode to the studio tools I didn't know I needed until I bought them. Age is wearing, and the years condemn –I needed glasses to do the fine details, but then I couldn’t see the paint on the pallet. Enter the magnifying glass on the clamp! The golden paint tube opener means no more using my teeth to open oil paint tubes! And a perfect scraper – I dream of being the artist who lays out just enough paint, but until then, anything to ease the pain of cleaning my pallets is a lifesaver. Here's to the little gadgets that make a big difference! #ToolLove #WorkshopWonders #DIY#artscanterbury

I’ve been busy working on a new series of oil paintings. Can’t wait to share them with you. These pieces are all about figurative stories and deep symbolism, touching on climate change. We are all in this together! Catch a sneak peak at the Kaipoi Art Expo July 6 and 7. #artinprogress #climatechange #artscanterbury #kaipoiartexpo

🎓✨ Celebrating a milestone today! Thrilled to announce my graduation from The Learning Connexion. It’s been an incredible journey of creativity, growth, and learning. A huge thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. Here’s to new beginnings and endless artistic adventures! 🌟🖌️ #GraduationDay #TheLearningConnexion #ArtJourney #NewBeginnings #CreativeLife

Sneak peak into “Watcher”, part of a new series addressing climate change. Can’t wait to share more progress. #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion #climatechangeart #artprogress #nzfigurativeart

Excited to let you all know that I've been selected to participate in the Kaipoi Art Expo! 🎉 I'm honoured to be among the few non-Waimakariri resident artists in this fantastic event. Can’t wait to share my artwork with you all. Here’s a sneak peek of one of my pieces in progress. Stay tuned for more updates! #KaipoiArtExpo #ArtistLife #ArtExhibition #SneakPeek #Excited

🧵✨ Diving back into sewing after a break! There’s something special about transforming fabric and thread into something new. Excited to share this journey with you all. 🪡👗 #SewingComeback #CreativeJourney #FabricFantasy

"Thrilled to have my painting 'Drought' displayed at the Christchurch Art Show alongside other talented artists from Arts Canterbury. The Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is buzzing with creativity - come join us and show some love to our art community! 🎨✨ #ChristchurchArtShow #ArtsCanterbury #SupportLocalArtists"

At the Christchurch Art Show, Te Pae 8th to the 10th of March. “Drought”. Oil on paper. $880. Portrait of a farmer reflecting on the summers drought in Canterbury #christchurchartshow #artscanterbury #

Arts Canterbury Juried Show - Oxford Art Galley. On all month. Great art including “Flap the Magpie” by meeeeee!

Good things take time. #artscanterbury #sepiadrawings #loveyourniece

West coast road tripping with Liz Ranford.

Todays effort. There are always days when it works and days when it doesn’t. Not sure where today is going, but at least I am the studio and trying. #artscanterbury #sepiadrawing

Sometimes getting back into the swing of things takes a lot of time. Other days ………. #artscanterbury

Thoughts from Hedgehog rehab. Either Beatrix Potter had no idea about hedgehogs or Mrs Tiggy-winkle was hiding a powerful amount of poo behind that prim white apron. #hedgehog #hedgehogrescue

Bath time so traumatic, breakfast is the only thing that makes it better.

Mr Hedgehogs favourite breakfast. Dine Tender Chicken

Today I decided to paint some of my friends ……… #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion #lostsaintsofthehurunui

Din dins

Backwaters

Fishing.

Sunset over the Arabian Sea.

A nice cup of chai. Found out that tea is part of the Camilla family. I always thought it was tiny wee leaves like a tea tree. The things we learn

On the beach

Monkeys and water.

Got to love me a bit of churches!

After nearly 30 year of being friends - we both look pretty good

So, here’s the thing. I spend too much time online looking at YouTube videos, Instagram, and Pinterest, trying to teach myself new painting techniques. Then, I try to put them into practice. These things seem much easier when someone else does it. I have spent days trying to work out how to gild paper and make shellac soo I can paint over it all with oils. Also a couple of days drawing the image. Finally, I feel that I am getting somewhere with this. But I couldn’t figure out why the paint was just being weird to mix - then after I had spent hours painting, I had a good look at the tube of brunt sienna I was using. Another masterpiece destined for the bin. #artscanterbury #goldleaf #oilpainting #oilportrait

Anyone spot this in the Christchurch Star? Arts Canterbury Art Show

Wow. I met Jane in Israel, she is lovely, we chatted a lot. And now she has written this blog. Very chuffed. https://www.anart4life.com/meg-maguire/?ref=anart4life-newsletter

Our community Rooster. We have a feral rooster living down at the corner of our road. He has been there, by himself, up a willow tree for years. As long as we have lived here in Waiau. Think he is one of the best fed chooks in the region. I don’t know how many of us feed him - but there is always food dropped off each day by someone. I love our community rooster. This portrait of him will be on show at the Arts Canterbury Art Show at the Cashmere Club, Christchurch this weekend. #artscanterbury #chooksdrawing #chickendrawing

Only a week and a half to go! Head on down to the Cashmere Club 25th, 26th and 27th. Over 70 artist exhibiting.

Come along and see this show. 70 odd artist - including your truly. #thelearningconnexion

Daddy daughter moment

Cat!!!!! Small annoying creatures, that bring joy, happiness and sometimes mice. #artscanterbury #catdrawing #thelearningconnexion

Evolution of an bird drawing #artscanterbury #birddrawing #ravendrawing

Since returning, I have been trying to get some time in the studio.  Today was the day.   But what to draw?    I have been thinking about a beautiful American lady I met on my travels.  Sue makes the most exquisite quilts.  We were chatting about what we had seen on our travels that most inspired our creativity.  She showed me some beautiful images of mosaic floors for her next masterpiece.   What inspired me?  All the cats I saw lording over these awe-inspiring historical places.  So this is for Sue.  And a special thank you to all those who feed and care for even those who wish to remain wild. #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion #suedierks

I found Helen of Troy. And yes, I think she is worth sailing a thousand ship for!

Storks. I think this guys are my spiritual birds

Cats of Ephesus #intrepidtravel

This is how to do a thermal pool. Bathing among the remains of a 2000 year old temple in 36 degree water. Hanmer springs eat your heart out. #nothanmersprings #cleopatraspoolpamukkale

This is much more my thing. Ebru - The art form of marbling is defined by the creation of colorful patterns through the sprinkling and brushing of color on a pan of water with oil. The patterns are then transferred to paper with beautiful creations that are different every time.

Trying to keep my creativity rolling while on holiday - but found that pottery is not my forte

Up and away. Cappadocia . (And no, I didn’t even think about getting in one!)

Haggai Sophia. Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern. Istanbul

Baptism Sight, Jordan.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The main attraction. Petra! Still one of the most amazing sights I have been to. Plus I made it to the Monastery - 12 years older and a lot less fit than last time!

Little Petra, Jordan

Karak, Jordan

Dead Sea, Jordan

Jerash, Jordan

Jaffa. Cool arty community. I could live here

Caesarea

Nazareth

Bethlehem. Odd place where religion and oppression collide

Can’t remember the name of this Greek Orthodox Church, but it was lovely. On the Sea of Galilee

Church of the beatitudes

Sea of Galilee

Dome of the Rock.

City of David. Playing in the tunnels. Water and drainage

Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Jerusalem

Forts and Medinas. Tunisia

I love a good Roman ruin! Tunisia

The stunning mosaics of Tunisia.

Channeling my inner Gertrude Bell. Kairouan, Tunisia

Cafe Berber, TOZEUR Tunisia. This has to be the best cafe in Tunisia. Great coffee, great atmosphere #cafeberber

Mint tea with almonds!

The remains of the Great Harbour of Carthage. Somewhat smaller than I imagined. But still Carthage!

First day wandering around Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia.

And it’s a wrap. Short and sweet first solo exhibition done. Thank you again to everyone who came to see my show. And a huge thank you to all my new collectors out there that scooped up a drawing and made the show a success. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to spend my days making art and pretend it’s a real job! Your support means the world to me. So thanks, I will see you all next time. #thelearningconnexion #artscanterbury #theartscentrechristchurch #soloexhibition

Thanks to the team for helping set up the exhibition. There is alway way more work than I think, and I couldn’t have done this without them. (And the that my team all flew in from Australia for the event!) “The Watchers” on at the Arts Centre, Christchurch till the 2nd of April

3 of the 4 of us. Opening night of “The Watchers”. My sister Kate and I video calling my brother Peter in Western Australia.

This is the reality of 2 days before an art exhibition. Not a lot of art, but a lot of admin. #caffeine and cortisol #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion

Stencil day. This is the day I dread the most. Cutting the stencil - mindless boredom. And it’s guaranteed that if something can go wrong it will! Come to the exhibition, Christchurch Arts Centre 28th March - 2nd April to see if I have managed to fix it up! #soloexhibition #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion

16 days to go. Exhibition starts on the 28th of March. #soloexhibition #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion #theartscentrechristchurch #pumanawagallery

The evolution of a painting. Cutting it close to the wire. Not finished yet and it’s only days to go. “The Watchers” The arts centre, Christchurch 28th March #artscanterbury #thelearningconnexion #soloexhibition