Tim Wilson, Landscape Painter (Oils)

Born in Palmerston North in 1954, Tim’s first trip to the South Island was with his 5th form class during the August school holidays in 1970.

As a 16 year old Tim says that he vividly remembers his awe when travelling down the West Coast and through Haast Pass to Queenstown, thrilling at the power of the Landscape on his emotions.

Tim states that ‘as the panorama from the isthmus between Lake Wanaka & Lake Hawea came into view it burned an indelible impression on my soul. I knew at that moment my calling. The Haast has such variety of mood and form. The play of light on mists and the seasonal change within inspire such a wide range of emotions. It’s these emotions I aim to portray. I am not simply painting the landscape but the emotional response engendered by it.’

His first trip into the Matukituki Valley was a very difficult one. It was as if he was trespassing and being warned to go no further. An incredible sense of oppression and sadness prevailed him. He felt as though he was being judged in this place, dared almost to continue. Pushing on he came to a bend in the road and was rewarded with such an extraordinary vista filled with incandescent light. The Gods were in this place and Tim, a mere awestruck mortal, was agog at such beauty.

Tim found out not long after that this valley had seen much tragedy and wondered if that’s what he was sensing, knowing he would return to this place again and again to be tested. He now feels welcome there, as though he were family.

Painting the Matukituki Wakatipu Manapouri Te Anau Wanaka and much more of this remarkable country has taught Tim so much about himself. He feels such a strong spiritual sense of belonging in these areas and is constantly drawn back to the fold.

Tim Wilson says ‘I will be, when I am 90.’

Click here to view artworks by Tim Wilson