Archives

Tauhou

Waxeye… Whiteeye… More correctly, Silvereye. So common here in New Zealand. But what I did not realise was that it was not known here before the 1830’s. It was believed to have blown in from Australia, thus the Maoris called it ‘Tauhou’ which means ‘Stranger’ or ‘New Arrival’… good name, guys! Don’t be a stranger…click […]

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Soft Falling Snow

Finally the moment had arrived. All the preparing, arranging and packing had been done. Little notes were stuck to appropriate places around the house so that birds would not be forgotten, dogs would be cared for, plants would be watered and still alive on our return. The car had been checked over for oil, water […]

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Huka Falls

This was my choice of painting destination…the amazing Huka Falls. I was excited. Arriving at the arranged time at the top lookout I got myself organised and ready. Enthusiasm was flowing. Excitement for the next two hours of en plein air painting with Trevor Dowman, an amazing mentor. “Be bold”, I told myself. I tried. […]

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En Plein Air with Trev

When you get the opportunity to paint alongside an experienced painter you grab it and that is exactly what I did when it was suggested we go and paint out on location together. How much I have to learn and here is someone who has been on the painting journey for over 35 years as […]

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Avalanche

Clever daughter had been giving me photography lessons. “Sit on the rocks and use your knees as a tripod,” she had been telling me. “You get great movement shots of the water.” It had seemed such a long way down to the ground after all our sitting in the car that I declined the offer for […]

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Whangaroa Inlet

A day trip away with my darling dearest had me relishing in the idea of en plein air painting in a new location. I was keeping an eye out for anything special that might be a good subject. And there it was… It must have been because I was paying particular attention because I have […]

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An Udder Story

Since we have been gone from New Zealand, small town New Zealand has gone through a make-over which is absolutely delightful. All these little towns doing something comical and quirky to show their particular flavour to the world. And the town of Bulls is no exception. On the road into town there is a sign […]

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If It Weren’t For Ya Gumboots…

An unexpected road trip with Jo is always going to be filled with fun and laughter. She is the Queen of Disney Princess music and her theatrical bent and gorgeous voice have you singing along before you know it…Okay, it might have been just my finger tapping on the steering wheel but I was definitely […]

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Autumn Watch

A normal morning walk with the dog was all set up to be nothing but normal until… Until I heard that quiet voice telling me to take my camera. I hesitated. The dog was already doing circles in the back of the car all eager and excited, and I had a list of things to accomplish […]

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Keeping it all together

We had taken so long to organise ourselves to get ready that I chose not to go back for my gloves…bad mistake right there! By the time we had biked into town on a dreary cold Taupo winter morning our fingers were bitter cold. So, after our jobs were done we popped into the bike […]

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