About Us - Ted Sherwen

Creative Background

There has never been a time when I have not drawn, being encouraged by my father who maintained a constant supply of paper.
In Scotland I was fortunate to gain an apprenticeship with a large publisher as a Lithographic Artist in Glasgow. This gave me a solid foundation of training in the Graphic Arts, creating a critical awareness of colour and design.
I attended the Glasgow College of Printing under Gordon Huntly, the Head of Design at Glasgow School of art for 3 years.
On coming to New Zealand with my family in late 1974 I went to California to study ‘Easel Painting’ with the Californian Rex Brandt, N.A., A.W.S. on an ongoing basis through 1978-1989. With Rex I benefited immensely from his generosity and interest.
I paint in any one of three overlapping styles to keep my options and mind open and vary palette selection for the same reason.

Teaching Philosophy

“I teach Fine Arts Painting using transparent watercolour in plain English with excellent demonstrations, preceding practical painting by students. Classes are user friendly, students are taught on an individual basis, adapting lessons to suit their needs, aims and abilities.”

Our Vision

Mairangi Arts Centre is a strong, community based visual arts education centre supporting and encouraging local/regional and culturally diverse communities to experience and enjoy a diverse range of visual arts practices, exhibitions and education programmes.

Our Purpose

To provide a supportive, nurturing and encouraging environment at Mairangi Arts Centre that fosters community access to and participation in the visual arts by offering a strong and purposeful education and exhibition programme that meets the learning and presentation needs of the community.