Virginia Watson, Artist.

Where to see my work in real life:
 - Wall to Wall Art Gallery, 112 Bridge Street, Nelson.
 - Purpose Gallery, Iwa Road, Mapua
 - M'Kee Gallery in the Suter
 - Art Group Nelson events (Art in the Park, Nelson)
 - My studio, by arrangement (use contact page)
 - Placed in the home, by arrangement (use contact page)

About
Based in Nelson, New Zealand, I mostly paint two styles ...

Birds on Beaches & Mudflats

Observing coastlines and inlets up close by bike, I love the rhythm of the mud flats, tides, and the fabulous leggy birds.

Many of the world's migratory and wading birds are now rare or endangered, because of urban development and degradation of the coastal habitat. 

My paintings allude to the fragility of coastal habitats, but they're fun and colorful and observant of quirky birdy behaviors. My drive to paint these characters comes from a place of wanting to preserve and protect them.

New Zealand Landscapes

A born and bred South Island Kiwi, I've been surrounded by dramatic, peaky landscapes all my life. Now I paint them.

My paintings are all places I love, and have usually cycled through. I enjoy the mind game of imagining places in a fresh new way.

Art Journey
I learned to paint as an adult NCEA student in 2004, and for years dabbled on and off between family, projects, and work.

In 2018 I left an executive job and a board of directors position, for more freedom and adventure.

I started painting my adventures, then exhibiting work at art events, then a gallery and website. Now it's my actual job, and I love every minute of it.