LAKE OHAU SKI FIELD Print

William has recently returned from the South Island of New Zealand. For the last four years through the project ‘Sketches From Aotearoa 2018-2022’ has taken his practice outside, painting in the tradition of Plein Air Painting also known as Open Air Painting. William during his time in Fiordland and Mount Cook National Park combines his passion for painting outdoors, nature with multi day hiking and tramping. In 2020 and 2021 William took part in a series of Artist talks, workshops with the Department of Conservation and the National institute of Water and Atmosphere in New Zealand, producing a series of works in reflection of both experiences which will also be further consolidated within the studio. The experience of living amongst the Southern OHAU SKI FIELD Alps in New Zealand has inspired a deepening desire to further explore the alpine environment through the exploration and translation into oil paint. “The Alpine environment has become an increasing area of focus for my inspiration. The fragility of the Alpine and the deterioration of these fragile ecosystems from the effects of climate change deeply concerns me that these areas may irreversibly be lost. I aspire to share my positive experiences of being present in the landscape through the practice of painting, celebrating it for what it is and the importance to preserve it. The mountains imbue a feeling of complete connection. For me the mountains give me a clarity of thought distilled through the action of location painting I endeavour to bring back to the studio.”