Glenys Ballantyne: painter

As long as I can remember I’ve dabbled and experimented – drawing, painting, rug-making, embroidery, cross stitch, making and dressing porcelain dolls but it was always in a kind of distracted way. I spent a number of years as a film and sound editor with TVNZ in Wellington and Auckland  – loved it all – news, current affairs, sport and especially drama. Sadly, I had to retire because of the demands of a young family and running a business with my hubby.

A desire to paint kept niggling away at me. I joined an art group in Mt Eden, Auckland and instantly felt as though I’d “come home”.  Our art group held regular exhibitions and my paintings sold successfully. Over the years I attended various workshops - oils, acrylic, watercolour, mixed media – it was such fun and I soaked it all up.​

​9 years ago I returned to Whangarei  and I’m once again loving  the beautiful scenery that this area has to offer.  When we kids were growing up in the Waikato, our Mum, who’d been raised on a farm in Parua Bay, used to talk endlessly to us of “The Heads” and Parua Bay .  It sounded like such a magical place and I couldn’t wait to find out first hand. We are so fortunate to now have it all on our doorstep. 

​ Last year I joined the Reyburn House Wednesday painters and also the “Firebirds” pottery group. I also recently renewed my love of oils by joining a wonderful painting class taken by Janice Clifton Wykes at the Reyburn House studio.  I once again feel as though I’ve “come home”.