The Coromind crew visits Allan Beaver’s studio in Coromandel Town on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Allan produces landscapes in oils, portraits in pastels, and freehand pencil sketches. His wife Loes creates handcrafts, knitting and tapestry.
The tidy garden and the warmth of spring remind us how lucky we are to live in a place that inspires us effortlessly. Allan, now 94, greets us with quiet confidence. “Have a look around,” he says. We do, and we’re instantly taken by his skill and attention to detail.
Allan’s journey with art began at school, where he enjoyed drawing but never imagined it would become such an important part of his later life. It wasn’t until he retired that painting turned from pastime to passion. “As a hobby,” he says simply. Yet through that humble beginning, he has inspired others to pick up a brush: friends, family, and visitors to his Pagitt Street studio.
Known for his realistic detail and love of the outdoors, Allan’s art captures the beauty of nature, including iconic Aotearoa New Zealand landscapes, wildlife, and the ever-changing colours of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Animals, in particular, have become a favourite subject. He has painted many commissioned portraits of family pets, each one full of character and life. “With pastels, I can get finer details and brighter colours,” he says.
Years spent deer stalking, pig hunting, and fishing have sharpened his appreciation for nature’s forms and tones. “The scenery of our lovely peninsula keeps me up to date with colours,” he adds.
A member of the Coromandel Art Group and PANZ (Pastel Artists of New Zealand), Allan, together with a friend, founded the Pastel Artists of Coromandel. He continues to learn, create, and share his work. His studio remains open to the public, a quiet space where art, nature and kindness meet.
If you want more information about Allan’s work, email him at: alaoesbv@gmail.com
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