Kathy E Watson
Gardens of the Waikato
After a day painting in the studio, I go for a wander round the garden and maybe a flower or plant catches my eye. I return to my studio and use the paint left on my palette, together with a palette knife and small canvas to capture the beauty of my 'find' on these 6in x 6in small canvases.
This spontaneous approach determines the freshness of the work, which is then refined over the next few days. There are always several on the go at once.
This spontaneous approach determines the freshness of the work, which is then refined over the next few days. There are always several on the go at once.
This next large painting is of a favourite corner of my half acre garden. As the sun moves across the sky on a sunny day, the plants and flowers take on different patterns and hues. I am always amazed at the vibrance of the yellows and greens in the setting sun's rays.
'When Shadows Lengthen'
1500mm x 850mm,
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
Available
'When Shadows Lengthen'
1500mm x 850mm,
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
Available
Hamilton Gardens in the Waikato region of New Zealand is truly world class and unique. I feel very privileged to live near enough to visit frequently. There are eighteen different choreographed gardens, all depicting a different culture, historical time and botanical significance together with woodland paths, lake and many other delights.
I endeavour to capture the essence of these wonderful places in my paintings though do find it a real challenge!
One of the gardens - 'The English Garden, Hamilton Gardens' Acrylic on Stretched Canvas, 760mm x 600mm, Available
I endeavour to capture the essence of these wonderful places in my paintings though do find it a real challenge!
One of the gardens - 'The English Garden, Hamilton Gardens' Acrylic on Stretched Canvas, 760mm x 600mm, Available
The painting below was for a Matariki exhibition in Cambridge NZ, and inspired by the Te Parapara display in Hamilton Gardens. It took my breath away when I visited the first time and drew me in spiritually and visually. The pataka and the pattern of kumera planting told of the long history of cultivation in Kirikiriroa - images I have attempted to capture in this mixed media tondo work - together with the Matariki star cluster.
'Matariki - New Beginnings' uses various acrylic media, ti kouka leaves in depicting the pataka, Japanese gampi paper and gold leaf on a 700mm diameter stretched canvas. Available
'Matariki - New Beginnings' uses various acrylic media, ti kouka leaves in depicting the pataka, Japanese gampi paper and gold leaf on a 700mm diameter stretched canvas. Available
