Here is a new painting in progress (early stages) that is inspired by the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and features the Little Spotted Kiwi/Kiwi pukupuku. I have spent much time in this nearly 700 hectare "ecological island” located just up the road from my studio, even before it became a sanctuary. The Waimārama sanctuary is the largest fenced sanctuary in New Zealand's South Island and the second largest in the country. It is the only sanctuary to feature mature New Zealand beech forest and is abundant in beautiful local native fauna. I have include some of my favourites in this painting, the Kawakawa, Kowaowao and more.
After many seemingly endless weeks painting in the studio and in the middle of the school holidays before the first winter snow, the perfect weather window approached. Boots, packs and gear were scattered throughout the house half packed and ready to go, however I was still only half committed. The looming dread of listening to the kids 7 & 8 fight, whinge and moan while I carried over a third of my body weight up 1100 vertical meters...
A little peek into the studio to see the last few weeks of detail work that has been going into the Lake Alexandrina painting…Progressing steadily, but the water reflection work is going to...
As the season cools and the leaves start to tinge to hues of golds and burnt orange I have been working on the Lake Alexandrina painting. This artwork has the same vibrant autumn colours pressing against...