After travelling extensively through Europe, the Middle East and South-East Asia, Kirsten McIntosh returned to her hometown of Cambridge, in New Zealand’s Waikato region, to raise her two boys and paint.
One day, McIntosh hopes to develop a series of work that records her travels; but, for the time being, she finds no lack of inspiration here in New Zealand. A walk with her family or a short drive yields special scenes to be photographed and brought back to her home studio.
McIntosh sees opportunities for painting all around her. “The roadside grasses, the clouds, the late afternoon sun”. Sometimes, though, getting the perfect picture is not as easy. “Recently I was standing on top of a cliff-face, trying to get the shot around a bush at Lake Karapiro. I was in my heels and a nice outfit, and I did think to myself that this might not end well”.
New Zealand’s expressive and diverse coastline is a special point of interest for McIntosh who enjoys the challenge of capturing the reflections of rocks and clouds in the water. “Every painting I do, I look for challenge. This helps me to develop my techniques.”
McIntosh works with a limited colour palette; aiming to tie her works together and establish a consistent style whilst also representing the rich colours of our New Zealand landscapes.
You can view more of McIntosh’s work at The Mobile Art Gallery in Auckland, Tirau’s Art on Main Collective; The Garden Art Studio in Cambridge, Otautau Gallery in Southland, and Kanuka Gallery in Raglan.
One day, McIntosh hopes to develop a series of work that records her travels; but, for the time being, she finds no lack of inspiration here in New Zealand. A walk with her family or a short drive yields special scenes to be photographed and brought back to her home studio.
McIntosh sees opportunities for painting all around her. “The roadside grasses, the clouds, the late afternoon sun”. Sometimes, though, getting the perfect picture is not as easy. “Recently I was standing on top of a cliff-face, trying to get the shot around a bush at Lake Karapiro. I was in my heels and a nice outfit, and I did think to myself that this might not end well”.
New Zealand’s expressive and diverse coastline is a special point of interest for McIntosh who enjoys the challenge of capturing the reflections of rocks and clouds in the water. “Every painting I do, I look for challenge. This helps me to develop my techniques.”
McIntosh works with a limited colour palette; aiming to tie her works together and establish a consistent style whilst also representing the rich colours of our New Zealand landscapes.
You can view more of McIntosh’s work at The Mobile Art Gallery in Auckland, Tirau’s Art on Main Collective; The Garden Art Studio in Cambridge, Otautau Gallery in Southland, and Kanuka Gallery in Raglan.
Written by George Arthur-Amohau
All images courtesy of Kirsten McIntosh
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