Mike
has produced three books on his art. The first, “Textured Colour” has
sold out, there are limited copies available of "My Way - A Touch
of Red", and his latest book “Oil on Canvas” is readily available.
All three books show some of the best examples of his recent work in
both oils and watercolours. His oil paintings are bold, full of texture
and colour, sometimes delicate with amazing detail and always with a
touch of red - they are painted with knives only.
Forestry, wine and olive oil have also played an important role in Mikes
career. For over 30 years he has had forestry interests in the Marlborough
Sounds and for many years as a member of the NZ Forestry Council he
championed the cause of the small scale forest owner. In 1987 Di and
Mike Ponder purchased 35 ha of land on the outskirts of Blenheim and
planted their first olives and grapes the following year.
When
Ponder Estate was sold in 2002 Mike and Di Ponder had a national and
international reputation for their wines, and were known as pioneers
in the development of the olive oil industry in NZ. Mike’s experiences
and knowledge of the olive industry are well documented in the best-selling
"The Good Oil - growing olives in NZ" – limited supplies are
still available.
Following
the sale of Ponder Estate, Mike not yet ready for retirement, spent
two years writing a novel called “The Windsor Conspiracy”. This will
be published by Random House and available for sale in March 2007.
Today,
Mike continues to paint, albeit less profusely than in the past. Most
of the new works are posted on his website. His prints and art cards
are keenly sought after, as are the Giclees, which are only produced
in limited numbers and all hand-finished by Mike. |
