Desiree McLaggan – Artist
I am a self-taught artist living in rural Waikato. Realism is my main love, focusing on painting the beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes, coastlines and Flora and Fauna. I also like to use abstract styles and incorporate impasto techniques in some of my paintings which results in unique and different artworks. I work mainly with oil on stretched canvas or board. I also produce porcelain and ceramic sculptures.
I have come back to painting after a few years of dedicated time to my family.
I am largely influenced by my physical surroundings and paint what I see in everyday life and what I love around me.
Through my art, my desire is for the viewer to share in my experience of the natural beauty of New Zealand.
Adoring New Zealand colours, especially the bright and vivid New Zealand summer colors of nature. I use strong, bright and vibrant colors which prove to be a winner in my artworks.
I have been working as a Graphic Designer and as a painter. In 2005 I started to exhibit in group exhibitions and art events. In 2007 I was approached by various galleries, such as ‘Artport Gallery’ at Auckland Airport, ‘Art of this World’ in Devonport, ‘Artworks at the Hilton’ in Auckland to showcase my work where my paintings sold continuously. I then approached galleries, such as ‘Monterey Gallery’ in Howick, ‘Thornton Gallery’ in Hamilton, ‘Mandarin Tree Gallery’ in Gordonton etc where my work was exhibited and sold. My career as a full-time artist commenced, moving away from working as a Graphic Designer.
I have been chosen to exhibit in various art competitions and have been chosen as a finalist and have won numerous awards, such as Walker and Hall Waiheke Art Award, Whanganui National Art Award, ‘Franklin Arts Festival and Exhibition’, ‘National Exhibition’ at the Napier Municipal Theatre, etc.
I have also been commissioned to paint paintings for Jason Placemats, which produced place mats, coasters, mugs and trays etc.
I also commissioned paintings for ‘New Zealand Nature’ who then produced greeting and Christmas cards.
I paint and work from my studio at home, where I also bake and decorate cakes e.g. wedding cakes, birthday cakes and cakes for special events. My artwork can also be viewed at my Gallery at home.
Desiree McLaggan
NHDip.Graphic Design Degree: Graphic Design, Fine Art and Photography
Media Arts Degree – Honors: Painting and Illustration