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Flying High - Aviation at Terrace Downs

Monday 25 August 2014, 8:09AM

By Selwyn Creative Network

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Dogfight over Southern Alps
Dogfight over Southern Alps Credit: Selwyn Creative Network

“Flying High” - Aviation at Terrace Downs

In New Zealand we have some incredibly talented people, many of them going completely undiscovered as they go about their everyday lives just doing what they do. It’s not often that you come across these hidden gems; however we have discovered just that person who lives right here in Selwyn.

Michael Osborne, lives in West Melton now - after farming a property in Glenroy for 17 years with his wife Marcia and daughter Jessica.

Most people in the area know Michael as a farmer and businessman, but not everyone will know about his extensive background in aviation and the incredible art that he produces.

Michael’s story is that of a hardworking kiwi bloke that has funded his passion for flying through the sale of his artworks.

Michael was taught art by Geoff Hughes at high school, which continued on for many years after. He then completed courses at Otago Polytechnic and University with the vision of being a full time artist. When the time came to make a decision on his future career Michael put a lot of consideration into his art. At the time his family farmed in the otago area and Michael was a key asset to that farming practice so after a lot of thought he made the decision be a sheep farmer, as well as continue with his flying training - with the ultimate aim of attaining his commercial pilot licence.

While he was completing his flight training he started painting aircraft paintings for the other pilots. What started out as being the odd artwork here and there for topdressing pilots, later turned into a series of aircraft that he had flown, like Spitfires, Hurricanes, and Mustangs. Michael has created scenes of ‘Warbirds in Action’ over New Zealand, and has completed many commissioned works for ex RNZAF Aircrew. Ultimately this had led to him produce over 300 artworks over the span of about 40 years.

Michael had his first solo exhibition in 1976, followed by 2 other exhibitions in the 1980’s but these were of a range of his works and never entirely made up of aircraft paintings, until a few years ago, when he took 12 large oil paintings to the Wanaka Air show. This was a pivotal point in his career and marked the beginning in a new era for his aviation paintings. Many of his works remain in private collections, not available to the public, however we are very fortunate to announce that Michael’s new works will be shown as a collection and available to the public in a special exhibition at Terrace Downs Resort titled “Flying High” in September this year.

 

“I’m very excited about this exhibition - these works make you fall in love with planes even if it’s a subject that wouldn't normally interest you. The way that Michael gets the light to reflect off the wings of the aircraft, or the way he paints the stunning New Zealand landscape backgrounds, really give you a sense of actually being in the cockpit flying yourself. He takes an old subject matter and restores it to its former glory in a modern way. I personally know Michael and always find myself being drawn into the excitement of his work and the intelligence of his conversations. If you have not met Michael, I absolutely encourage you to come and speak with him and meet him personally at his opening of his exhibition. I welcome everyone to come along and share this unique exhibition with us.” – Rachael Inch, Arts Director

The exhibition opening is to be held on Friday 19th September at 6:30 to be seated by 7pm. The buffet is priced at $35 pp and includes complimentary beverage on arrival.
Bookings for the opening are essential. The exhibition is free to attend and will run from the 19th September till the 29th October during resort opening hours (please check the Terrace Downs website for changes in opening hours). The works will be available to purchase from the resort and online at www.terracedownsart.vc.net.nz
Please contact The Arts Director for any enquiries 021 1229317 or rachael.inch@terracedowns.co.nz

Terrace Downs Art
Coleridge Road, Windwhistle

P: 021 1229317

E: rachael.inch@terracedowns.co.nz

W: http://www.terrracedownsart.vc.net.nz/

FB: facebook.com/TerraceDownsArt