Molesworth & St James

Molesworth & St James area inspires Michelle because it feels wild, remote and full of stories. Old fence lines climbing ridges at 1,500 metres hint at the effort and ambition of those who worked this harsh country, while the rugged mountains, vast tussock and high-country tarns provide endless inspiration. Time spent exploring these places has brought unforgettable moments, biking across frozen tundra at dawn, watching the full moon set over snowy hills and seeing mist rise from frozen tarns. Walking over a ridge and approaching three stags dueling on a sun-bathed ridge with a backdrop of big, snowy, distant mountain peaks. It is these experiences, along with the changing light, weather and rugged character of the landscape, that Michelle wants to capture in her paintings - not simply how Molesworth & St James looks which varies so much seasons to season, but the sense of solitude, adventure and wildness it evokes.

Painting of a mountain tarn at Lake Tennyson on the border of the St James and Molesworth by artist Michelle Bellamy.

Winter Tarn at Lake Tennyson, St James Conservation Area

This artwork captures a sun-warmed tarn just after the ice has melted, surrounded by the varied alpine flora and tussocks unique to this area. Crystal Peak, part of the Crimea Range at 2,020 metres, rises proudly in the background, with a slice of Lake Tennyson and the snowy St James Range visible beyond near Clarence Pass. Due to the scale of this painting, Michelle is working in ultra-fine detail, carefully painting every tussock and small element of the landscape to capture the texture, colour and character of this scene.

Island Gully Hut, The Molesworth

Nestled near the headwaters of the Wairau River, Island Gully Hut sits above the wide river flats with uninterrupted views towards the rugged Turk Range. Located within Molesworth Station, this remote hut and its spectacular surroundings hold many special memories for Michelle. She first travelled through the area as a child with her family, later returning on two wheels while competing in the Rainbow Rage mountain bike races, and continues to explore the region today.

The Molesworth, Crimea Range, Timms

The location of this painting is particularly special to Michelle. The distant mountain range catching the winter evening sun is Fowlers Pass, giving a clue to where this remote fence line sits. Michelle walked this ridgeline until dark before camping on the mountainside below, watching the evening light change and intensify with every passing minute. It was this combination of isolation, rugged terrain and rich winter light that inspired the painting.