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- Peak Up There. Island Hills, Hanmer
Peak Up There. Island Hills, Hanmer
Peak Up There (Original) 2023.
Island Hills, North Canterbury (near Hanmer Springs), New Zealand.
Oil on board. Dimensions: 800mm wide x 600mm tall, plus the frame.
** Newly framed in a beautifully hand made NZ timber frame, stained dark.
The frame can be removed if you prefer a simpler profile.
INSPIRATION
When you drive the inland route between Christchurch and Nelson, there's a river valley disappearing into the alps just past the turn off to Hanmer Springs.
The peaks are quite sharp and the greens in spring are really vibrant. The greens are cool in this work given the cool, cloudy, spring day.
Actually there are many such valleys, but this one is called Island Hills. Why? I can't tell you, given it is very much in mainland country.
I saw this pointy work in my mind on the way past, and didn't stop for any reference photos, so had to get to work quickly before it faded. It's all imaginary, but hopefully gives a sense of this fairly remote North Canterbury area.
The cool greens give a sense of tranquility, the braided river references Canterbury, and the cattle peacefully grazing just add a bit of life. I deliberately connected the peaks in the right hand range, because mountains are actually connected. And the curves nicely repeat the shape of the river.
I used both glazing (thin separate layers) and impasto techniques (thick paint applied with a knife) to balance the softness in the sky, with the hard edges and texture in the foreground.
SHIPPING BEYOND NEW ZEALAND
This site is set up to send within New Zealand. My work can be sent internationally, but please use the contact page to make an enquiry re shipping cost and timeframe.
NELSON TASMAN PEOPLE - If you live in or near Nelson, NZ, save shipping costs on this work by clicking the pick-up option. The art will be safely wrapped for you. Use the contact form if you'd like to see the work first.