Artful Achievements: Bernadette Ballantyne's Path to Award-Winning Artwork and Portrait Commissioning Tips

Tasman Art Awards Triumph

The Tasman National Art Awards, a highly anticipated event in the New Zealand art scene, saw over 350 artworks vying for recognition. Out of this impressive array of talent, only 125 pieces were chosen for exhibition and a further 8 awarded prizes. Bernadette's artwork inspired by her son Max and a jar of Marmite, titled "Kiwi Kid" stood out for its exceptional narrative and heartwarming portrayal. Her work was not just an image but a story captured on canvas, making it a deserving recipient of one of the four merit awards presented at the event.

I thinking the love for the ‘Dali’ marmite moustache and the relatable moment for parents of catching a child eating straight from the jar of Marmite struck a chord with the judges.

Bernadette Ballantyne - Artist

The Tasman Art Awards, invites artists from all over New Zealand to participate. This open platform allows for the showcasing of diverse talents and creative expressions, making it a thrilling arena for artists like Bernadette to display their work.

Six Top Tips for Commissioning a Portrait

The process to commissioning a portrait with Bernadette is straightforward as she does not require individual sittings with her subject, just a high quality photograph.  

And, whether you are contemplating a portrait, either for yourself or as a cherished gift, Bernadette shares the following valuable tips to consider during the process of commissioning a portrait: 

Choose High-Quality Photos: Select clear, well-lit photos that capture the essence of your subject. For people portraits, focus on sharp, in-focus images to achieve the best likeness. It is preferably to have a few photos to choose from. 

Budget Considerations: Have a budget in mind when inquiring about portrait commissions. Bernadette offers competitive pricing, but it's helpful to know your spending range.

Lead Time: Plan ahead, especially during busy seasons like Christmas. Bernadette's turnaround time typically ranges from four to eight weeks, so allow sufficient lead time for your portrait to be completed.

Frame It: Consider framing your portrait to protect it and enhance its visual appeal. Bernadette offers framing services to simplify the process.

Explore Mediums: Be open to different artistic mediums. Bernadette's mastery of soft pastels adds depth and character to her portraits, creating a unique visual experience.

Capture Memories: Think about the story you want to tell with your portrait. Bernadette specialises in capturing special moments and memories that go beyond a simple photograph.

Bespoke Pastel Portraits for Xmas or Special Occasion Gifts

While Bernadette's win at the Tasman Art Awards showcases her talent, it also emphasises the importance of commission portraits as unique and meaningful gifts. 

I have a mixture of clients contacting me wanting portraits commissioned for themselves, but also as a really thoughtful custom made present. A portrait is really special as it captures the essence of a loved one or a cherished pet at a particular moment in time. 

Bernadette Ballantyne - Artist

Bernadette's expertise in portrait art extends beyond the boundaries of traditional commissions. She offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and requirement.

• Mini Portraits: Perfect for single pets or head-and-shoulder portraits, these mini masterpieces make ideal gifts or memorials.
• People Portraits: Beyond pets, Bernadette also creates stunning people portraits, offering a unique way to celebrate loved ones and create lasting memories.
• Memorial Pieces: Capture the timeless beauty of your pet or a beloved family member in a way that photographs can't. Memorial portraits provide solace and a lasting memory.
• Fast Turnaround: Bernadette's turnaround time for commissions typically ranges from four to eight weeks. However, if you need your portrait urgently, she can usually accommodate your request.
• Bespoke Pricing: Berny offers competitive pricing for larger portraits, ensuring you get the most value for your investment.
• Framing Options: Worried about protecting your pastel portrait? Berny offers framing services to ensure your artwork remains in pristine condition.

Pet Calendars: A Year of Cherished Memories

In addition to her portrait commissions, Bernadette offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your beloved pets through her pet calendars. The calendars feature winning portraits from her monthly competitions throughout the year. Each month, you can enjoy a stunning pet portrait, making it a perfect gift for pet lovers or a special treat for yourself. Pre-orders for the calendars are available on Bernadette's website.

Bernadette’s Artistic Journey via Whitianga

Art has been an integral part of Bernadette's life since childhood. She’s always been an ‘arty girl’, and reminisces about her early days, where, as a primary school student she had a ‘couple of pieces’ exhibited in local galleries. Her creative roots trace back to her parents, with her mother being a potter and her father a versatile handyman.

After completing her art degree with a focus on painting, Bernadette initially embarked on a career in education, training as a teacher and spending a couple of years teaching in Whitianga. However, her wanderlust eventually led her to travel overseas. Upon her return, she found herself back in Whitianga, where she would spend another five years of her life. During her time teaching in the local community, Bernadette also offered after-school art classes, becoming a source of inspiration for budding artists. She actively participated in the Mercury Bay Art Escape, an event that played a pivotal role in rekindling her passion for art. Reflecting on this period, Bernadette fondly remarked, "Mercury Bay was the start of my art resurgence."

Moving to the Waikato, her art journey took a turn when she became a mother. The need for a more flexible medium than acrylic painting led her to explore pencil drawing, watercolours, and eventually soft pastels. Soft pastels have offered her a level of detail and texture that brings portraits to life, capturing not just the physical appearance but also the emotions and character of the subject. The evolution of art supplies and technology has made this medium even more accessible and expressive.These pastels have now become her primary medium, allowing her to create exquisite, lifelike portraits that capture the essence of her subjects.

Learn More About Bernadette Ballantyne

To contact Bernadette, or to learn more about her Pet and People Portraits click on the link below.