ITI Articles

It used to be pretty easy to spot Autumn McGrail’s distinctive paintings at The Learning Connexion's exhibitions when she was a student. More often than not, they had red dots underneath them - such was the level of interest in her work back then. Nothing has changed – Autumn’s work is still flying off the walls, only now her art is displayed on the walls of her own gallery.

After leaving TLC back in 2004, Autumn returned to her home town of Wanganui and opened a gallery/boutique with her mother, who creates unique hand-made clothing. “‘Phaedra’ is the gallery’s name – a very dark but extremely beautiful little gem in the heart of the city,” she says. “We first opened at the start of the year and things were very slow to start with. But now it’s crazy!”

Autumn’s artwork is selling steadily and her mother’s fashion range is in high demand. “I think our shop is so original and ‘out there’, especially for Wanganui,” Autumn says. “Every second person who walks in says it’s just what Wanganui needed.”

Autumn is exploring other sales avenues for her works. “Last year I was selling paintings on TradeMe, which was giving me a sweet little profit. Then last year I had my first go at the Affordable Art Show in Wellington, which went really well. This year I entered again and still can’t quite believe that I sold my first major work for $2,800.00! In total, I sold well over $5,000.00! I totally recommend that everyone should give it a try.”

Eager to network, Autumn has been involved with the Wanganui Open Studios, along with her father who is also a painter. “I’ve been attending for the last two years and it’s forced me to learn to communicate my art to others, as well as meet other artists who share their thoughts, feelings and handy creative hints,” she says.

Autumn has been putting her experience to good use and is constantly considering new marketing opportunities. “I have a piece in the Sargeant Gallery at the moment and I’ve had good coverage in the local newspapers,” she adds. “The next step is to “globalise” and set up my own website.”

Autumn is a great believer in determination and a positive attitude. “I believe that anything is possible if you put your heart and soul into it,” she says. Given her track record, she’s clearly onto something.