2010 Collection Simply Stunning.

The selection process is complete. The Giclee printer is running furiously. Ivan's signing hand is getting sore.

The 2010 Collection sees the introduction of the Legacy Series. Each year Ivan will be choosing a group of paintings to feature as the part the Legacy Series. These will follow on from Series One, Series Two, and the 2009 Collection. These collectively, along with the 2010 Collection and future selections, will be known as the Legacy Series. The Legacy Series will continue to be the backbone of the Lonely Dog collection.

The 2010 Collection is simply stunning - as the headline says! Ivan's work just gets better and better. I know you are all itching to see them, and see them you will! We are currently putting the final touches on a series of exhibitions to launch these outstanding new works in each of the galleries. Don't fill your diaries too full in February is all I can say!

We'll be in touch with dates and venues shortly. Stay tuned!

We have a winner!

We have a winner!!

Ivan had a lot of fun judging the competition. I've included part of his note so you can see his thoughts, and see if he mentions yours! Thanks to all those who gave such creative ideas. What fun! Here is Ivan's note....

Guys,Wow, I'm really impressed at how much people are into this competition. Most people have got a good grasp of the LD world.So... The winner???

"The Janitor" after hours cleaning port Alveridges Planetarium exhibit. NUTS!!!!! Love it.

This is from Meg Witchalls

It was hard to choose from some great ideas. I loved a lot of them. I enjoyed getting acquainted with Fluer another Feline from Tolleston and also meeting the Seawolves Ice Hockey team.

I have returned Amy's (10) little picture and included a little sketch and note for her as she went to a lot of effort.

Win Marmalade Mountain Open Edition. "Picture This" Promotion.

Ivan has often said that his best Lonely Dog ideas come from real life - seeing something that sets off a rapid fire chain of images in his mind.

Playing with this idea we suddenly thought it would be great fun to invite Lonely Dog fans to contribute to the world of Lonely Dog, by giving us their ideas for a new Lonely Dog painting.

Ivan will select the winner, and maybe, just maybe, even paint the picture! Now wouldn't that be something! Your idea as a part of the awesome world of Lonely Dog. So here is the opportunity to get that picture into reality - that event, that occasion that you think will enhance the world of Lonely Dog.

The winner be given a Large Open Edition of Marmalade Mountain - valued at $870. And you never know, you might get the pleasure of seeing your idea painted by Ivan.

So how do you do this? Simple. Study the website to get the world fully in your minds eye. (Or check out the art in one of the galleries). Pop into one of the four galleries, and on the entry form provided, write, sketch - or both - your idea. It is that easy. Entry forms are only available at the galleries - locations are on the website. The competition is open to New Zealand residents only and terms and conditions are on the entry form.

Happy thinking and dreaming. We are looking forward to seeing what you come up with! Can't wait.

What's up with Ivan Clarke?

After enjoying the opening days at the new Lonely Dog gallery in Auckland I went on to enjoy our usual three week winter escape Maui-style. My early love of windsurfing took me there years back. We've been returning as a family ever since. Remember this is where the early roots of Alveridge have grown from.

A subconscious influence from the rustic North-Shore sugar-cane mills and the up-country cattle country of Makawao towards to 13000 ft summit of Haleakula.

This along with my Kiwi roots helps percolate the fantasy world of Alveridge that lies embedded in my imagination.

2009 has been a busy year for the team at Lonely Dog. As many know the earlier than expected media announcement in Variety magazine about the Warners deal along with news about our publishing contract with London based Grove-Atlantic started a ground-swell of international exposure and interest in the world of Lonely Dog that we were not expecting.

Graham Burt (Lonely Dog Ltd. CEO) along with Garry Phipps (behind the scenes CFO) and Leanne and my Gallery team have done a spectacular job dealing with a thousand enquiries and demands that have come our way guarding my headspace and valuable time to keep me freed up to "create" which is essential to this project.

As there are now more galleries representing my Lonely Dog art now, I would encourage those that make purchases through those galleries to stay dealing with the same sales consultant and gallery for the long term. If you are interested in purchasing further works they will look after you.

As we pride ourselves in keeping detailed art provenance records and edition numbers set aside for existing clients to offer them "first look", the sales consultant that originally dealt with you and that gallery that will look after you.

Graham Burt has been busy "tooing-and-froing" from LA. A more recent adventure could headline the ongoing adventures of "A Kiwi goes to Hollywood". Part of the tale would be about a jet-lagged Mr Burt attempting to drive his over-sized SUV the wrong way up an LA freeway, and quick to react, rectifying the situation in true Kiwi style by using the SUV capabilities of jumping the median onto the "correct path".

Later the same day he became aware he was the ONLY vehicle on the freeway heading his direction. Something was wrong? The sound of helicopters overhead soon concerned him. Graham without knowing it had got onto the freeway that led to the final resting place of Michael Jackson. This part of the freeway had been closed to the public as the helicopters and procession carrying Michael Jackson’s casket travelled in the same direction as Mr. Burt headed towards Warner Brother Studios in Burbank Hollywood.

Some people wonder where I get my on-going inspiration for this fantasy world when it's all around us everywhere!

I am currently engaged in creating an exciting new body of artworks and paintings.

I've also enjoyed being involved in LD movie development tests and ideas with WB which is an exciting new experience for me.

Attached is a sketch of Maui-based, Hound Killett, my long-time friend and Art dealer of over 30 years. Yes he can be seen as a local identity riding a scooter just like that along Front Street most days.

All the best,

Ivan.

Lonely Dog In Mooloolaba - free coffee!

Brent and Claire Torrance, owners of Gallery Beneath, Mooloolaba make a mighty fine cup of coffee. You'll find them, and their new friend Lonely Dog, ready with a brew in the Sirrocco Plaza right in the heart of the town. (Head off down the Plaza away from the beach and the gallery is on the right hand side at the end. See address and map details below.)

Giclees, Bronzes, Books - the world of Lonely Dog - they will be only to happy to introduce you to to all things Lonely Dog.

Check out their website too - www.gallerybeneath.com.au

Phone +61 (07) 5444 7775

Sirocco Plaza, Mooloolaba (First Ave steps)

Email: claire@gallerybeneath.com.au

How to Find/Contact the Auckland Gallery.

We have had hundreds and hundreds of people through the gallery in a little over a week! However, we have been remiss in not telling you how to find it! Here are the details..

The gallery is on the corner of Customs St and Commerce St. (Next to Nood and in front of Smith.) This is one block east from Queen St on Customs St. Opening hours and address details are below...

Mon - Fri 10.00 - 6.00

Sat - Sun 11.00 - 4.00

Lonely Dog Gallery

20 Customs Street East

Britomart

Downtown Auckland

(09) 550-7170

lonelydogauckland@hotmail.com

Pictures From the Lonely Dog Auckland Opening.