A wonderful time was had recently in Whangarei by 38 members
and partners. It was warm, with some sun, and no rain. We met
each day at Reyburn Art Studio, set amongst cafes and arts and
crafts galleries at the Town Basin, on the banks of the Hatea
river. For several of us, this was our first Paintaway and nerves
soon settled as we made new friends and were encouraged on
our journey.
The painters had plenty of inspiration locally, from the
magnificent Hundertwasser Art Centre, the moored boats, the Te
Matau a Pohe bridge (inspired by the design of Māori fish
hooks), the Saturday markets held on the Canopy Bridge, and
the Gypsy Fair on the far banks of the river – all within walking
distance from our venue.
Further afield the city showcased
wonderful scenery along the shores of Whangarei Heads, over
which loomed Mt Manaia (the remnant of a stratovolcano), and
on to Ocean Beach. Painters also visited Whangarei Falls,
Tutakaka, Ngungaru inlet, dry stone walls and the Quarry
Gardens.
Late on Sunday afternoon our patron Adrienne Pavelka
demonstrated the steps she took to complete her stunning
painng of part of Whangarei Harbour, and shared valuable
insights into colours.
