In conjunction with the ongoing Harmony & Hue Oil Painting Exhibition, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch held an educational session on 26th July 2025. Artist Gregorio Gary Umali conducted a live demonstration, showing participants his approach to composition and painting techniques. Nearly 30 people attended, including wire artist Leonore Ashby and Friends of Art Gallery members.
Gary, who works as an aircraft mechanical engineer, showed artistic talent from the age of three. He shared that painting itself is not difficult, but naming a finished work can be more challenging. In the past, he even invited title suggestions through a social media contest, receiving responses from around the world. One of his works, Message of Hope, was used to raise funds for the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation, turning his creativity into blessings for those in need.
Participants not only observed the artist’s painting process up close but also learned useful techniques and gained insight into the joy and meaning of artistic creation. During the Q&A session, Gary spoke about his inspiration, recalling how his mother collected works by renowned Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo, whose vivid depictions of landscapes, village life and portraits deeply influenced him. He explained that oil paints are particularly suited for longevity, citing the enduring preservation of masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, which reinforced his choice of oil painting as his primary medium.
Gary emphasized that people and experiences around him continue to inspire his art. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and colleagues for their encouragement, which gives him strength to keep moving forward. He also thanked the Temple team for providing a beautiful space that made his first solo exhibition a success.