Morning at Fisherman's Hut, Poolburn Reservoir

Morning at Fisherman's Hut, Poolburn Reservoir, Central Otago, New Zealand
Original artwork painted with acrylic on cedar framed board
By Michelle Bellamy
1000 x 700mm
Completed 2026
Private collection - New Zealand

Available as a limited edition art print soon...

Every time artist Michelle Bellamy picks up her brush, it seems another tiny hut appears from behind a rock. While there may not be quite as many as it sometimes feels, a number of character-filled huts are scattered around this painting.
This particular fisherman's hut immediately caught Michelle's eye. Tucked remarkably close to a large schist rock, its tiny proportions and wonderfully simple construction make it an intriguing feature within the vast landscape. There is something particularly appealing about the contrast between the small, weathered structure and the monumental rocks that surround it and the smooth waters of the reservoir.
Nestled high in the rugged heart of Central Otago, Poolburn Reservoir is a landscape of striking contrasts. Vast open skies, golden tussock-covered hills, unusual schist rock formations and the deep blue waters of the reservoir combine to create a place that feels both remote and timeless.
Built in 1931 as part of an irrigation scheme for the Ida Valley, Poolburn Reservoir remains one of Central Otago's most iconic high-country locations, renowned for its dramatic scenery, fishing and rich history. Dotted around its shoreline are numerous iconic huts, nestled among the rocks and hills, each adding another layer of character to this extraordinary landscape.
This artwork captures one of these small and distinctive structures, capturing the ingenuity and enduring character of the huts that have become such a memorable part of the Poolburn landscape.