PAINTINGS

Winter: snow on the ground and a chill in the air. What could be nicer than finding a wee hut at end of day, one with dry firewood, a door that closes out the draught, and a good stove on which to get some bacon sizzling and brew a cup of hot, sweet tea.

Outside: silence. Lots of it.

Worth the effort? For sure! Even the best hotels can’t offer such blessed luxury!

Original watercolour by Russell Perry

This mud brick wool shed sits just off Ridge Road, near Naseby, Central Otago. Though it has seen better times, it is still a thing of substance. Mud brick was a frequently used building material in this region, often made of a mixture of local clays, tussock grass for binding, and cow manure because that’s what grandpa did. The bricks were strongly made, often more so than the mortar which held them together.

Original Watercolour $950 unframed
Prints available
2018

860x625.

Original Watercolour $415 framed
Prints available
2018

This old mud-brick and timber building has withstood many years of Otago weather, a harsh and cold place in winter, dry and very hot in summer. The bricks would have been made nearby. It is one of many dilapidated buildings in this area that give testament to the hardy souls who first dared to farm here.

Original Watercolour    SOLD     
Print: $280  Framed  $155 Unframed  Image length: 420mm
Small print: $160 Framed  $85 Unframed
2018

Way down on the south east coast of New Zealand's South Island is a place called "The Catlins". It is one of this country's gems in terms of seascapes, forests, stunning vistas and abundant bird life. It is raw, vital, endlessly interesting and deeply refreshing - a delightful place to immerse in God's creation for a wee while.

One of the highlights is the low tide walk to Cathedral Cave. The sea action has worn deeply into the cliffs to form a large cave. You can walk right in, and walk out again via a second cave. You can see both as the dark areas in the line of cliffs in the painting. 

Original Watercolour       $315 framed
Prints available
2018

Dotted around the edges of New Zealand’s rich, verdant bush lie these little cottages, some no more than huts, where those who find city life to be an anathema can replenish their souls. The sun and its stately rhythm govern the pace of life. In our cities, we starve ourselves of His Creation. Some of us miss that more than others.

Original Watercolour 2017
$290  -  Framed

Round bales are an indication that heavy machinery is involved. The bales can't be shifted otherwise. Yet in the background stands what was probably a once proudly lived in farm house, built at a time when baling hay was a man's hard work and bales were much, much smaller. How quickly times change.

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

These pretty little flowers pop up from the barren ground at the first hints of rain. Some say they are the predictors of rain, some say they are the indicators that the increasing autumnal dews or the first rains have been sufficient to stimulate their growth. They are commonly called "rain" flowers. I have adjusted the name, for to me they represent in their kingly purples and regal stamens of gold, a promise of God's overarching promise and plan for this land. 

Colchicum stevenii : Steven's meadow saffron  סתוונית היורה

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

Hayovel represents a new force in the Christian world. It's message is both beautiful and simple, and though it is newly expressed, it is not a new message; it is founded in the original, recorded Word of Christian faith. It brings life to who Jesus/Yeshua was, and who He still is today. It lifts the essence of where He came from, addresses the singularity of His roots, engages in the Jewish context of covenants that preceded Him, and breathes new life into the Jesus we seek to love, understand and follow. The message is dressed in the banners of humility, integrity, honesty and a repenting heart. 

I received the image painted here after being deeply stirred by teaching heard during my time on harvest, Tommy Waller holds the flags of the nations who answered Hayovel's call to serve in 2017. Other nations have answered in the past, but only those nine nations came this year.

Do you have a heart for the Jew and for Israel? Do you want to be a participant in a ministry of relationship with the farmers of Judea and Samaria? Can you dare to stand on their hilltops - a sometimes dangerous and challenging place, an action you will likely be misunderstood and castigated for - with a heart full of Jesus, a soul bent with repentance for that which has gone before in the Christian-Jewish intercourse, a mouth disciplined to refrain from proselytising, and a spirit so alive that it bears witness to the possibility of the truth of the newest covenant of all, that of the Risen Christ.

If this image, and the others with it, cause you to hunger in this way, answer Tommy's call. Hear, then heed, then harvest.

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

Up two hours ago. It's 6:30 and the sun is just breaking over Shiloh. The dew is heavy on the vines so we've delayed the picking for 20 minutes: all are engaged in deleafing, revealing the grapes beneath. As the colours wash the sky and sparkle on the dew drops, we feel our spirits lift to the Glory of our Creator God. It is a stunning time in the vines. Then, just when we think we can be filled no more, our hearts are lifted to new levels by glorious songs of praise rising from the violin. God is very, very present at such moments. Each of us sense we are in the courts of the King. Hallelujah! Our voices rise to the heavens as our fingers commence the harvest.

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

When you live in close community, you get to see people in all their guises. In most communities like this, it takes considerable effort to maintain a constructive and positive environment. Here's a different take: 

Each year on this hilltop deep in Israel are gathered people from many walks and experiences, nations and tongues. All have something in common though, something that overrides those differences, indeed something that blends those differences into a cohesive, functional community of united heart and rich accord. That "thing" in common is sacrificial love - a readiness to sacrifice for a loving God, a readiness to share testimony of the blessings derived from a relationship with that loving God, a readiness to put all else aside for the common purpose of serving that God on His Samarian hilltops so that HIS will may be done. The individual will becomes a secondary thing altogether.

In such an environment as this, it is easy to surrender quickly the baggage of the various worlds we come from. These either have no currency here, or they are dealt with through prayer and Godly wisdom. In a sense, they're hung out in the sun for purification and dried of all that is uncomfortable. I painted this not just because it depicts a daily aspect of busy, community, mountain top life, it depicts that we all have stuff we need to hang out on the community lines for a good dose of sun and wind. 

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

Afternoons at the harvest camp were good times to catch up on things: attending to grape stained clothing, easing out the odd thorns from under the skin, sorting out the detritus from the bunkroom floors, catching up with homeward-bound blogs - and, importantly, each day spending some time digging deeper into the Word. In a busy environment, you need a place to do this, and look, here's just the spot! A tree, with glorious shade, tables and benches to sit at, and an unbelievable sense of peace underneath its leafy boughs. Such a blessing!

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

They say an army marches on its stomach. So too do harvesters. Harvesters endure early hours, difficult terrain, hot, hot days, hard work to be done - all are made easier when fuelled by the amazing, awesome, unbelievably wonderful kitchen crews!!!! Yay!

Mr. Steve Fournier and his family, led by the indefatiguable Kirsten, matched by the laughter and energy and zaniness of all who participated: all set the tone. Food was always on time, plenty of it, great variety and good nourishment. Feeding 150 people from the confines of a converted container ain't easy, but my goodness, did these people do it well. And when the rest of us were catching much needed sleep, the kitchen lights were still burning!

Let's repeat that ovation: "THANK YOU, KITCHEN CREW!"

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

Harvester hands, harvester bodies, harvester feet, harvester hearts: many answered the call, coming from NINE nations. Each gave a lot to be here: annual leave consumed (and more!), considerable funds expended, time taken from other tasks and callings, the comforts of home a distant memory as the 4:30 rise'n'shine call came, exposure to censure and disdain for answering courageously to the unmistakable veracity of the Hayovel call. In 6 weeks of sharing such dedicated and inspiring company, I was much moved to witness deep humility, unstinting service, faith in action, and lives fill to the brim with Godly purpose. What a privilege to paint such hands as these.

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

Autumn days herald the cooler weather, the skies coloured by a Creator Artist, and a sense of urgency to attend to unfinished tasks. Soon, the rains will come. Exciting! 

Exciting too is to prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles. Late on this afternoon, the truck carrying building materials for our succah arrived at camp. Young men came running from all directions to hasten the unloading. Tomorrow, we would build. During the Feast, we would move our lives into these temporary dwellings, reminding ourselves that the only permanence in our lives is that very same Creator who painted the skies for us.

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

Pomegranates, beautifully crafted bread, local wines, good company and rich blessing in word and prayer and the bounty of seasonal foods: of such things are a Godly feast made great.  Lord, how rich it is to sit at such a table with You, deep in the heartlands of Israel.

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Prints available upon request

On this mountain top in Samaria is decanted a heady wine, a vintage of trust and hope and with a bouquet of a new and vibrant future. Though the language of harvester and vintner are working through the understanding and definition of those terms, each understands that on THIS mountaintop stride God's mountain men, trustworthy, honest, walking their talk with integrity and purpose. They are characterised by a belief in God the Almighty, a belief in His Word, a belief that miracle and prophecy are available for all eyes to see, all ears to hear, and for all hearts to be made whole.

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Print Available Upon request

This painting depicts the remains of the stand of a believer. On this barren, windswept, rugged Samarian hilltop, a pioneering heart came, saw opportunity, stood in belief, and built! Though it is now deserted, nearby stands the community that grew from this stand. God is moving in these mountains. 

Original Watercolour - Gifted

Print Available upon request

Israel's mountain tops: the land is difficult, but not so difficult as the political environment. The sentry post is but a symbol of the building blocks of defensive walls, walls that require sacrifice, determination, humility, persistence, courage and faith, all cemented by an unalienable, historical, God-spoken belief that Israel is God's Chosen Land, held for the return of His Chosen People. I was blessed to see and experience these mountains and those walls, and my paintbrush was engaged to honour the heart of these pioneers.

Original Watercolour

Prints Available on request

On the mountaintops of Samaria, prophecy is unfolding right now. I had a chance to witness, to participate, to paint and to grow. Here, amongst rock and thorn, grow some of the world's finest wine grapes. 

Original Watercolour   710x525 (image)  
For Sale: Framed: $2400 Unframed: $2175

Prints available
Contact the artist.

Standing on Elon Moreh is a wonderful experience. From here you have a grand view of a number of Biblical landscapes, including the route taken by the Israelites returning from Egypt all those centuries ago. History lies in every direction.

The view portrayed here looks out over the city of Shechem (Nablus today): in the sunlight to the right lies the Mount of Curses; under the dark shroud of cloud to the left - out of sight - lies the Mount of Blessing. 

And the answer to the question, "Who walks on Elon Moreh?" I'll leave that for you to ponder. Perhaps the answer you come to will stir you as much as the answer I have received. 

Original Watercolour         $325 framed
2017

Naseby is a wonderfully restful little village, nestled under the hills on the northern side of the Maniototo Plains in Otago, New Zealand. Occasional cyclists wend their way there and ... rest, I suppose. Enjoy a quiet walk around "town" or sample a milkshake made by the lovely Marilyn on one of those old fashioned green milk shake machines. Naseby is one of those places that gets under your skin: you keep wanting to go back to see if such genuine peace and quiet is real. 

This sketch, rather loosely based on Naseby's main street, became a completed work rather by accident. I had tried some experimentation with alcohol pushing the paint - it didn't work! Not sure why. I sort of made the decision to dismiss the piece but I never got around to taking it off the board. With a few minutes spare here and there, a little more got added - and added - and yesterday I thought "Why not push it through to completion". I did, and whilst it has some good bits and not so good bits, it does present a nice work for the wall. 

Original Watercolour - Gifted
2017

Prints Available

Just Joey rose in full bloom, afire in the sunlight.

Original Watercolour - SOLD
2017

Prints available

NZ Fantail in belligerent pose

Original Watercolour     517 x 400     $375 (framed)
2017

Prints available

St Bathans Lake, Central Otago, once the site of extensive sluice mining. Wonderful site for photography and painting.

Original Watercolour      767 x 325     $400 (framed)
2017

SOLD

Prints Available

Nurses Hostel and Flats at the old sanatorium hospital. View NE across Maniototo Plains of Otago NZ.

Original Watercolour     615 x482     $525  (framed)
2016

Prints available

Summer route north out of Otago, NZ. A place of golden tussock and starkly striated rock.

Original Watercolour     648 x 385     $375(framed)
2016

Prints available

Zantedeschia aethiopica - Arum lily, an alluring beauty often found in the shadows of old gardens and woods.

Original Watercolour       890 x 685       $1250  (framed)
2016

Prints available

This beautiful, strong woman stands with hope and determination in the face of tragedy. The title comes from her spoken words: "Instead of choosing to hate, I choose life." 
Displayed prominently in Selah Gallery, comment is often made that she draws the viewer into immediate and intimate conversation, such is the strength of this portrait. To date it stands as the artist's only portrait, painted at the instigation - and powerful persuasion - of the Holy Spirit. 

Original Watercolour       850 x 670      $1150  (framed)
2016

Prints available

Mountain range north side of Maniototo Valley, Otago. It comes alive when frosted with snow on its tops and when the sunlight bathes the tussock slopes.

Original Watercolour  360 x 310     $160     Framed
2016

With a multitude of buildings in view, the roof tops were always going to offer a chance for some painting fun. And so it proved.

SOLD

Original watercolour    568 x 372    SOLD
(fine art prints available)
2016

This is a somewhat unusual sight for the Maniototo region of North Otago: a wet, green landscape. Yet is captures the region perfectly, drawing the viewer's eye through the gate, across the valley below and into the distant hills of the Rock and Pillar Range. It is a commanding piece.

Original Watercolour - Gifted
2016
(Prints available)
 

Shoreline remnant off Hawke's Bay coast, NZ. It catches the last of the afternoon light every day, displaying its whitewashed face beautifully. That same late light brings playful light to the breaking waves and the surf sweeping over the rocks in the foreground.

Original Watercolour       522 x 406      $385  (framed)
2016

Prints available

Twilight over this man-made lake, Otago, NZ. Fishing huts (and other structures!) are scattered around the lake margins. This place is stark and beautiful, filled with deafening silences and stunning light.

Watercolour - SOLD
2016

COMMISSION:
This image of two strong kauri fusing into one, growing out of a nurturing, loving environment, was used as the Wedding Guest Register for one of my children's wedding.  - it worked brilliantly. Guests signed their names in the darker areas of bush using metallic ink pens. Framed, it now furnishes the family home as a beautiful reminder of the wedding and those who attended.

Such paintings will always be original. 

If you have an interest in commissioning a painting for a special occasion, do call. 
Pricing begins at $750.

Original Watercolour      633 x 872     $1100  SOLD
2016

Prints available

Autumnal fogs, looking north across the Maniototo Valley, Otago. The viewer is drawn across the breadth of this spectacular region of New Zealand, engaging the eye at each of the bands of countryside lifted above the fog. There is much to see here, one of the favourites of our gallery visitors.

Original Watercolour   -   SOLD
2015

Prints available

A stately, if somewhat dilapidated, 1913 McCormack Deering Tractor - a roadside gem found near Lauder on SH85, Otago, NZ.

Original Watercolour     865 x 642      $750  (framed)
2016

Naseby swimming pond, Otago, NZ, on an unusually chilly day that glassed the water and drove all swimmers to a warmer pursuit.

Prints - 3 sizes

For the story of the light in this painting, click here.

Original Watercolour    On Loan     ($575 - NFS)  (framed)
2015
Please contact the artist if you are interested in purchasing the original of this painting.

Hebron House, En Hakkore, Maniototo, Otago. When the leaves are distant memories and wind driven snow is testing the thickest of socks, there is always a warm welcome at this lovely home.

Prints available. 

Original Watercolour - SOLD
2015

North side of Maniototo Valley, Otago, NZ, on a winters day. The clouds were spectacular on this day... and quiet undecided about what to do next. 

Prints available

Original Watercolour - Gifted
2015

Prints available

Hawkdun Range, Maniototo, Otago, NZ, looking north across this magnificent valley. Viewed from the En Hakkore parapet. 

Original Watercolour - Gifted
2015

Summer adventures on the local weir at Patearoa is a wonderful way to spend a baking Otago summer afternoon. Here, the son of good friends at En Hakkore tests his mettle negotiating this concrete ledge as water tumbles behind him. Good fun!

Prints available

Original Watercolour - SOLD
2015

Concrete forming business, now closed, at Waipiata, Otago, NZ - a remnant of a once thriving agricultural service area when New Zealand's biggest stock yards operated here.

Prints available

Original Watercolour    785 x 635     $700  (framed)  SOLD
2015

Blue Lake, St Bathans, Otago, NZ. This lake fills the bed of a heavily sluiced stream that provided good supplies of gold. There's still gold here of course. Once a year, the trees are robed in golden crowns, a gold all can enjoy.

Prints available - 2 sizes

Watercolour - SOLD
2015

Stone barn beyond the old gold mining town of Hamiltons, Otago, NZ

Original Watercolour - On loan - ($325 Currently NFS)
2015

Pines, gums, long grass & sunlight on the flanks of Te Mata Peak, Havelock North, NZ.

Original Watercolour    575 x 475     $325   (framed)
2015

This common garden flower is well worth closer inspection: its array of stamens are just gorgeous! This floral beauty is set amongst creek-side gardens at Endsleigh Bridge.

Watercolour    233 x 315     $125   (framed)
2014

Big southerly seas dumping on stony Tongoio Beach, Napier, NZ. 

Watercolour - Gifted
2014

Prints available

Rowing on Clive River in stunning light. Napier, NZ. This lovely stretch of water has seen the emergence of some of New Zealand's top rowers.

Watercolour - SOLD
2014

Enjoyable moments together on a sunlit beach with Kapiti Island (NZ) in background.

Watercolour -  Gifted
2014

The home retired to - sadly for such a short time. A gift to a loved uncle and family.

Watercolour - Gifted
2014

Lazy estuarine waters near Waipu, Northland, NZ

Prints available

Watercolour - SOLD
2014

Ngaruroro River mouth, with Napier city in the near background.

Watercolour - Gifted
2014

So many full experiences make it hard to settle to home by the sea again.

Watercolour - SOLD
2014

Prints available

Uretiti Beach with Bream Heads/Whangarei (NZ) in the background.

On this day a place of glistening sand, whispering surf and all the room in the world to share companionable time.

Watercolour: Gifted
2014

Tidal flood zones, Clive River, Napier, NZ

Prints available

Watercolour - GIFTED
2014

Tainui Reserve in late afternoon: high track. Havelock Nth, NZ

Prints available

Watercolour - SOLD
2014

Tainui Reserve: pines, gullies and dappled light. Havelock Nth, NZ.

Prints available

Watercolour - SOLD (UK)
2014

View from high on Te Mata Peak overlooking the Tukituki River, Hawke's Bay, NZ.

Watercolour       575 x 475    $525    (framed)
2013

These shy hellebore blooms herald the change in season, their pretty pastel shades often muted by shadow and heavier plants. There is undiluted beauty awaiting here for flower friends prepared to sit awhile though, and when the light fully reveals them, one is well rewarded.

Prints available

Watercolour: Gifted
2013

Teasing out watercolour properties in a make believe garden, just for fun.

Watercolour: Original NFS; Prints available (3 sizes)
2013

Glorious autumn colours provide just the right throne for this little waxeye. 
(Painting "Peep Show")

Watercolour: Gifted
2013

This blue ground iris has such beautiful faces: what a creation!

Prints available

Watercolour: SOLD, prints available
2013

Prints available

The popular Just Joey rose has many admirers. 

Watercolour: SOLD
2013

Magnificent magnolias, found at Trellinoe Gardens north of Napier, NZ.

Prints available

Original watercolour - SOLD

An early painting, one which expresses delight in the variety of autumn leaf on this plant. Each seemed to celebrate how much it had enjoyed the summer sun.

Watercolour  -  Gifted
2013

Prints available

This specimen of Hemerocallis/Day Lily delights the eye with fresh blooms every day during season. Such reward for such an easy flower to grow.