Ian McTavish - Artist
Ocean Series
by Auckland based artist Ian McTavish
My canvas is cedar wood and recycled sheet metal. I shape art my pieces in Cedar because of the ability to sand this wood to a fine finish. I choose pieces of cedar with fine grain so my ‘canvas’ is smooth.
The heads, fins and tails are hand cut and shaped from recycled sheet metal. The sheet metal is hand polished to give a dull sheen and is either left raw or is painted. Most fins of tails have sharp points. Take care with your fingers and hands, as they are are easily hooked. My preference is Matisse and Montana acrylic colour.
My Ocean Series is inspired by the colour of the waters around the coast of New Zealand and the fish living in these waters. The blues & greens are contrasted by the red of the Snapper, the yellow of the Yellowtail Kingfish tail and the deep blue of the Bluefin Tuna. My art reflects ‘what the artist sees’ and doesn’t always represent the true colours of the fish in nature.
My Trout Series is inspired by the gin clear cold waters of the Tongariro River and Lake Taupo. Plentiful Rainbows and the elusive Browns in a pristine environment.
Email: ian@mac-art.co.nz.
Mobile 0274 834 244
Art can be purchased via www.mac-art.co.nz
Galleries - please contact me direct
Snapper
This artwork was completed in early 2022 and has been my most challenging piece ofart to date.
I was inspired by the dynamic colouring and texture of the Snapper, Hauraki Gulf’s most sought after fish. I am an avid fisherman and I noticed how each Snapper differed in colour, depending on the season and their environment.
This image was created on a 32cm long canvas of cedar wood and recycled sheet metal, with each piece being hand cut and seamlessly fitted. I use Matisse acrylic colour and then clear gloss with a protective coating. The result - the colours ‘pop’ and creating an amazing look.
A limited edition signed set of prints have been produced and are available in framed or unframed.
Yellowtail Kingfish
This artwork was completed during covid lockdown in 2020 and was inspired by the fast and powerful predatory Kingfish. Sought as prize by kiwi fishermen and tasty to eat, Kingfish growing to impressive size and weight and most are smart enough to wrap your line around a reef and bust you off.
This image of a Yellowtail Kingfish, was created on a 75cm long canvas of cedar wood and recycled sheet metal, with each piece being hand cut and seamlessly fitted. It was painted using Matisse acrylic colour. and finally with a clear gloss protective coating making the colours ‘pop’ and creating an amazing look.
A limited edition signed set of prints have been produced. These are available in framed or unframed.
Bluefin Tuna - Blue Boy
Blue Boy was completed in early 2021.
I was inspired to capture the sleek lines and colours of this impressive, powerful and intelligence fish. Built like torpedo's, with retractable fins and flush eyes – they are built for speed.
This image of a Bluefin, was created on a 75cm long canvas of cedar wood and recycled sheet metal, with each piece being hand cut and seamlessly fitted. It was painted using acrylic colour and finally with a clear gloss protective coating making the colours ‘pop’ and creating an amazing look.
A limited edition signed set of prints have been produced. Prints are available framed or unframed.
Original Artworks - I have completed 5 Bluefin Tuna. Two are available to exhibit in a gallery and are both for sale.
Barracuda Trio
These are 3 separate fish that were completed in October 2020. each is different.
I was inspired to capture the sleek lines and colours of this impressive and ferocious fish. This is a fish in my mind’s eye, as it doesn’t really exist in these vivid colours.
Barracuda pack-hunt and have vicious sharp teeth. Keep your bare feet and legs clear if you land one in your boat. They bite.
Their pack hunting nature, inspired me to create three separate art pieces, with the idea of making them a set.
Each is different in colour and texture. The artworks were created on a 67cm long canvas of cedar wood and recycled sheet metal, with each piece being hand cut and seamlessly fitted. They were painted using Matisse acrylic colour and finished with a clear gloss protective art coating, making the colours ‘pop’ and creating an amazing look. Prints are available framed or unframed.
The three originals are currently on display in a gallery. They are for sale for $1950 [for 3 pieces]
