About 180 years ago the intrepid explorer Thomas Brunner was probably the first European to come upon the large unspoiled lake on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, although it had long been known to Maori. In May 75 keen watercolour artists, including some partners, followed in his footsteps and descended on the lake that now bears his name. This year’s Paintaway was held at the normally sleepy village of Moana on the northern shore of Lake Brunner. Very few had ever been there before let alone to the West Coast, but went away convinced it was one of the coolest places they had ever visited.

Moana really turned it on for its visitors. The weather for the first two days was sensational with clear blue skies, no wind but plummeting temperatures. We all flocked to spots around the lake and marvelled at the sheer beauty. The paintings that emerged were equally stunning. Several artists went to Iveagh Bay, about 4 kms from Moana, and spent the day trying to capture on paper what they were seeing. It was difficult to do justice to the beauty.

Day three was cloudy and flat which made finding spots trickier. A group drove to the dilapidated old logging village of Kopara to paint the old buildings there. Others worked around the lake and down the Arnold River. By now people crouched over easels were becoming a feature of the landscape.

Day four started with a pop-up seminar by Adrienne Pavelka who was generously willing to share her skills and experience. Many of us enjoyed this immensely and went away motivated and equipped to become even better water-colourists. Many thanks Adrienne. In the afternoon the fabulous weather returned for more landscapes.

This event, the largest ever Paintaway, was great in every respect. The excellent organisation of Peter James made it all flow very well. Nothing was overlooked. There was entertainment one evening, an excellent restaurant meal together the following night and fish ’n chips on another. Every day everyone met together at 5pm to inspect all the paintings which blossomed around the walls of the Moana Community Hall which served as a gallery for the impressed locals who came to inspect and buy. It was a very successful four days of fun, friendship and painting which will not be quickly forgotten. Many thanks to everyone involved.