Get the Latest News!

Subscribe to receive studio updates, when a new article is published, notifications for new print releases and the occasional giveaway.
News

Sefton Bivvy perched above the Hooker Valley

August 01, 2023

Sefton Bivvy perched above the Hooker Valley
The views from Sefton Bivouac, the oldest hut in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park are spectacular. The bivvy is perched on a ledge with panoramic views down the Hooker Valley and across to the Sealy Range with the cold crumbing ice cliffs of Te Waewae Glacier sitting right behind. The main shadowed range in this painting is the majestic Kirikirikatata/Mt Cook Range that sits between the Hooker Lake and the Tasman Lake with the Burnett Mountains as a backdrop behind this ridge-line.
The Aroarokaehe Range above Sefton Bivvy seems to frequently attract the clouds, and these can close in and hang low around the bivvy (1635m above sea level) obscuring the wonderful views. It took patience and a few trips up the mountain to have the chance to enjoy the grandeur of the area.
Although completely exposed the bivvy has survived the elements very well, and still sits on its original site, having hosted many generations of climbers over the years. It was repaired once from snow damage the year after it was built and the bright orange paint job was spruced up in 2019.

Love this scene? Available as a limited edition print here.
Detail of the artwork:

Also in News

NZ artist Michelle Bellamy painting a Mole Tops tarn scene in the Nelson Lakes National Park.
Mole Tops Tarn painting progress

October 02, 2025

The Mole Tops Tarn painting is steadily progressing, I am currently alternating layering in the thick luminescent highlights and the detail strands of tussocks. Can't really rush this process...

Continue Reading

Detail in the St Arnaud painting
Detail in the St Arnaud painting

September 18, 2025

A closer look at some of the details in the St Arnaud Ridge painting that are starting to take shape. I'm starting to gain the luminosity in the tussocks alternating thick, sticky paint and intricate tussock strands. It's a bit demoralizing as you...

Continue Reading

St Arnaud Ridge
St Arnaud Ridge

September 16, 2025

Still steadily working away on the St Arnaud Tarn painting. I've finished the tarn, put a lot of work into the background mountain (Raglan) range. The light beams have been a challenge while retaining some detail - more...

Continue Reading