Jack @ 75: The Art of Jack Register QSM

Taylor-Jensen Fine Arts salutes local art legend Jack Register on the occasion of his 75th birthday by hosting Jack @ 75: The Art of Jack Register QSM. The artist will be present and the public is cordially invited to meet Jack and to share a piece of his birthday cake in celebration of this milestone in Jack’s life.

Works in watercolour and oil will adorn the walls of the gallery’s changing exhibition space in this acknowledgement of ‘a life in art’ which for the last forty years has been spent capturing the essence of New Zealand with an emphasis on the Manawatu, a region that has continued to be Register’s home since his birth here in 1936. Tradesman, bandsman, teacher, traveller, yachtsman, boy scout, husband, father, friend, observer of nature, cancer survivor and 75 years young on Anzac Day 2011!

Jack @ 75 showcases recent work which includes views of the Manawatu gorge, the Rangitikei cliffs, Mt. Ruapehu, our West coast beaches, South Island scenes and a few flowers thrown in for good measure.

“This exhibition,” Jack explains,” incorporates several styles of painting that I enjoy. In my work I try not to be mannered – I just allow the medium to follow its own rules and I follow behind always looking for something new and original to place in the work.

“I have celebrated many years of painting, often including an annual exhibition. And each exhibition is always different to the one before. This year is no exception and I am sure this exhibition in my 75th year is one not to be missed.”

Jack Register was born and raised in Palmerston North; “Art ran in my blood, so to speak, and from an early age my father taught me how to see things with an ‘artist’s eye’”. During his teenage years Register attended Palmerston North Technical College. On leaving school, Jack completed a Painter and Decorator’s Apprenticeship and not long after passing his trade certificate, Register became self-employed. “About 1970 I was drawn to the easel and began to paint the Manawatu landscape with an emphasis on the Gorge, the ranges and the rivers of this region. I educated myself at home using the resources of the library; digesting a regular diet of books on a variety of subjects. I graduated naturally to an ever-increasing ‘feast’ of art books, gallery visits and weekend art courses and workshops.

“Finally the urge to paint ‘art’ instead of houses could no longer be ignored! Although in my early thirties and with a young family I began to take art more seriously. Many nights and weekends were spent experimenting with watercolour, pen and wash and oil paint. ‘Mistakes’ proved to be invaluable to the learning process often producing exciting rather than disappointing results. My hobby soon began paying for itself, which encouraged me to build my own studio and spend more time on art. Within a few years I had exhibited my work both locally and nationally. ‘Art’ had become a passion to share with others! Between1980 and1990, I taught art at Queen Elizabeth College (Palmerston North) through its continuing education programme.

“In 1988 I made the decision to become a full-time artist and I have never looked back. Although a late starter as a professional artist, I have a lifetime of art experience. I specialise in contemporary art as it allows me the freedom of expression to paint what excites me, what I feel. Painting on site (‘plein air’) enables me to use all my senses to capture the essence of the landscape as my brush touches canvas. The connection I feel with the land and for New Zealand is, I believe, evident in my paintings.”

Jack Register received his QSM – Queen's Service Medal – in the 2008 New Year's Honours List for his services to Art and Music.

Event listed by Stuart Schwartz

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