Amanda Whitehead, a Kerikeri resident for over 40 years and one of eight siblings, draws inspiration from the concept of “home” as a gathering place for family and friends. Her fascination with houses, buildings, and architecture; and the stories they tell; has naturally found expression on her canvases. This journey led her to explore the vibrant world of colour through various mixed media techniques. 

Amanda’s creativity also extends to crafting small “homes” from carefully recycled timber off-cuts, transforming discarded materials into unique, handcrafted pieces filled with meaning. These miniature homes represent places of safety, connection, and hope, and creating them brings Amanda great joy; often losing track of time in the process. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, with some carrying special messages. 

Amanda believes that if her paintings and little homes can bring a smile, encouragement, hope, or joy to someone’s day, it is truly a blessing and a privilege. 

Amanda will be exhibiting at Little Black Gallery stop 42 during KOAST as part of Rhythm of the North, an exhibition designed to celebrate KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail and our Northland artists.

Amy Whyte is a visual artist based in New Zealand, working primarily in ink and oil paint. Her practice centres on domestic objects and intimate scenes that evoke nostalgia, stillness, and quiet reflection. Through careful observation and delicate detail, Amy uncovers the emotional weight of everyday moments; offering viewers a chance to find meaning in the mundane. 

Her work is grounded in the beauty of the familiar, capturing subtle narratives that resonate with memory and emotion. Exhibited in a range of galleries, Amy's art is recognised for its distinctive perspective and the gentle power it holds to connect us with our own lived experiences.

Click on the images below to see examples of her work.

Amy will be exhibiting at stop 4 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Ann Green is a passionate painter whose love for art began during her school years and has remained a constant throughout her life. She has exhibited her work both in New Zealand and overseas, sharing her creative vision with a wide audience. 

Now based in the Bay of Islands, Ann is an active member of the Paihia Painting Group, where she continues to explore her craft and connect with fellow artists.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Ann Green will be exhibiting at stop 45, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Belinda Wilcox paints energy; or perhaps, as she says, energy paints through her. Her work is rooted in the belief that we are energetic beings composed of light, vibration, and frequency, continuously synthesising within a cosmos of evolving consciousness.  

Through her abstract paintings, she seeks to translate waveforms and ephemeral dimensions into visual form, distilling flickers of the intangible into expressions of universal connection. Painting as she dreams and dreaming as she paints, Belinda uses the alchemy of ink and paint to evoke otherworldly realms. Her work invites individual interpretation and offers a meditative journey through the viewer’s own inner landscape. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work.

Belinda will be exhibiting at  stop 37, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Beryl Edwards is a self-taught artist who found inspiration after relocating to the beautiful Bay of Islands about seven years ago. Working mainly in acrylic on canvas, her vibrant paintings depict fantasy seaside villages, animals, boats, flowers, and water scenes. 

Beryl’s passion for art has grown steadily over the years, fueled by both her surroundings and her imagination. Commissions have encouraged her to experiment with different styles and subjects, enriching her diverse creative practice. 

Please click on the images below to see examples of her work.

Beryl Edwards will be exhibiting at stop 45, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Brenda enjoys using found objects to create an art piece - as her form of recycling!

Over the past few years she has completed an artist's residency and held two solo exhibitions in the Hokianga.

Birds, boats, landscapes and life are her subjects.

Brenda will be exhibiting at Little Black Gallery Stop 42 during KOAST as part of Rhythm of the North, an exhibition designed to celebrate KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail and our Northland artists.

Please click on the thumbnails below to see enlargements of examples of Brenda's work.

Catherine Dunn is a full-time contemporary Artist based in Northland.

She has been a practising painter and sculptor for over 3 decades working mostly in acrylic as well as oils and cold wax medium.

As an aside from painting, Catherine enjoys building assemblage sculpture from recycled wood and metal.

Catherine's work is held in private collections abroad and in New Zealand.

"I am motivated and inspired by my connection to the environment and those around me and how they shape
the various layers of awareness and growth within myself and others. Much of my work especially in recent years is an expression of an inner landscape, explored through layers of oil and cold wax medium, pigments, charcoal and texture".

Catherine will be exhibiting at Little Black Gallery Stop 42  during KOAST as part of Rhythms of the North, an exhibition designed to celebrate KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail and our Northland artists.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of Catherine's work.

Bold, expressive, and full of movement; Conall Ferguson’s abstract works celebrate colour and spontaneity. See his contemporary paintings inspired by the Northland environment, created from his studio near Paihia. 

Click on the images below to view enlargements of his work.

Conall will be exhibiting at  stop 41 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Originally from the north of England, Daphne Muller relocated to New Zealand in her twenties and has called Kerikeri home for the past five years, following many years in Auckland. While living in Auckland, she studied at Whitecliffe Art School, where she met artist Carl Amundsen; a protégé of Louise Henderson and former artist-in-residence in Jersey, Channel Islands. His mentorship played a pivotal role in encouraging Daphne to return to painting, reigniting her creative confidence and deepening her appreciation for expressive, atmospheric work. 

Daphne’s art is rooted in a deep fascination with landscapes, particularly those shaped by trees and water. Her oil paintings, whether drawn from real observation or imagined worlds, explore mood, memory, and emotion. She paints not to replicate what she sees, but to evoke what she feels; light flickering through branches, the stillness of water, or the quiet presence of a secluded grove. 

Her work captures both the tactile richness of oil paint and the layered narratives of the natural world. Realistic scenes often celebrate the serenity and detail of meadows, forests, or riverscapes. In contrast, imagined landscapes take on a dreamlike quality, where trees twist impossibly, skies glow with otherworldly color, and terrain flows like waves. 

Whether portraying a familiar countryside or a mythical wood, Daphne’s paintings transcend the physical, offering viewers a moment to pause, reflect, and connect with something timeless. In every brushstroke lies an emotional resonance; an invitation to wander through both landscape and feeling. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Daphne will be exhibiting at stop 47, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Dave Potter's energetic brushstrokes depict naturalistic forms in his paintings, creating emotive images with a strong sense of depth.

He paints in acrylics mainly on canvas or board and where appropriate the paintings are framed with old, weathered fencing timbers that add to the look of the rustic images. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of my work.

Dave will be exhibiting at stop 28 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Elisabeth Wakeford is a self-taught artist whose work is inspired by the textures, colours, and ever-changing beauty of the natural world. Her creative process begins with nature as the muse and unfolds organically, allowing each piece to tell its own story. 

Elisabeth works primarily with watercolour, watercolour inks, and acrylic inks. Her background as a Floral Art Designer has given her a strong foundation in the principles and elements of design; something that informs her compositions and enhances her intuitive approach. 

She has exhibited her work in countries across Africa, Europe, and New Zealand, with pieces now held in collections around the world. Guided by instinct and inspired by the world around her, Elisabeth’s work continues to evolve; gentle, expressive, and full of movement. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work.

Elisabeth will be exhibiting at stop 5 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Erika Wasner is an artist whose work is deeply inspired by her connection to water. A lifelong adventurer, she has travelled extensively as a marine biologist, sailor, and wilderness guide; experiences that continue to shape her creative voice. Originally from the United States, Erika moved to Northland, New Zealand in 2016 with her young family. She began painting more seriously once her youngest child started primary school, using this new chapter to further explore her artistic passions. 

Erika has been sketching and drawing her entire life, creating T-shirt designs and old-world-style maps for tallships and their crews. Today, her art focuses on recreating the movement and mood of ocean waves, river currents, and coastal landscapes. She works primarily with acrylic paint, art resin, and wood, often incorporating natural materials such as shells, sand, driftwood, and rocks. 

Through her work, Erika captures the rhythms of the natural world (especially water) and invites viewers to feel both grounded and swept away by the beauty of the elements.

Erika will be exhibiting at stop 34 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Esther Dexter is a full-time, award-winning artist based in Northland, New Zealand, who exhibits both nationally and internationally. She is known for her unique mixed media paintings that incorporate hand-painted shattered glass and LED lights; a technique she invented herself. 

Esther’s dreamlike and emotionally charged works explore memory, place, and the deep emotional connections we hold. Her intense personal energy is palpable in every piece. Over her career, she has sold more than 800 artworks worldwide. 

Her achievements include multiple selections as a top ten artist at major New Zealand art shows in Christchurch and Dunedin, along with commendations and awards such as the Upper Clutha Art Prize and merit awards at the NZ Easter Show in Auckland. 

Esther’s portfolio includes intricately textured contemporary landscapes and abstracts, as well as prints and cards derived from her extensive body of work. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Esther will be exhibiting at stop 37, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Fiona loves to paint. Her inspiration comes from sunsets and beach scenes, especially creating foamy waves.

She is very much drawn to the sea so nearly all of my work is of the ocean and on big canvases.

Fiona will be exhibiting at stop 20 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Harry Cording presents a diverse collection of work created over the past 25 years in his home-based gallery. His eclectic portfolio includes paintings, collages, and mixed media pieces that explore a wide range of themes and styles. 

A wholly self-taught artist, Harry draws inspiration from classical art, surrealism, and abstraction, blending these influences through his own imagination to create work that resists easy classification. While writing about art can be helpful, Harry believes experiencing it firsthand is essential. He warmly welcomes visitors to explore his unique and varied exhibition. 

Harry will be exhibiting at stop 32 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Helen Jean is an artist whose diverse body of work spans oil paintings; ranging from surreal to realistic fine art; as well as striking sculptures, intricate carvings, and expressive prints. Inspired by nature, emotion, and the beauty of everyday moments, her art reflects a lifelong journey of creativity and self-expression. 

Helen’s approach embraces boundless creativity and freedom across styles and mediums. Whether through richly textured oils on canvas or tactile carved forms, her pieces invite connection, contemplation, and immersion in stories, moods, and energy. 

Exploring the full spectrum from dreamlike surrealism to lifelike realism, Helen sees art as an unlimited form of communication and expression; a celebration of creativity, freedom, and inspiration. Her work encourages viewers to experience art without limits, where form, texture, and emotion come together in harmony. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Helen will be exhibiting at stop 4 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

With a 24-year career as a full-time artist working across several mediums, this artist has exhibited widely throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, with many of her works now held in private collections both nationally and internationally. Over the past seven years, she has focused her creative energy on copper — using a bold palette of colour achieved through a unique oxidation process involving a variety of ingredients. Each piece is entirely one-of-a-kind, offering a contemporary and highly expressive result.

Her use of copper — beautifully changeable and richly textured — allows her to explore themes of connection, growth, and the interaction between humanity and the environment. Her work reflects on time’s passing, historical shifts in habitat and behaviour, and our evolving relationship with the natural world.

She also brings a playful edge to her practice, drawing inspiration from language quirks, lyrical phrases, and those unforgettable earworm moments that lodge in the mind. These often find their way into her art, transformed through handwork and intuition into visual stories.

A deep appreciation for New Zealand’s wide-open spaces, light, and clarity informs her work, as does an equal fascination with the smallest details — pebbles in shadowed corners, subtle textures, and imagined folklore hidden in the land.

Her copper pieces often balance a raw, industrial finish with fine, delicate embellishments — honouring the earth’s precious, and sometimes overlooked, gifts. Viewers are invited to journey inward through the layered landscapes she creates.

Jasmine will be exhibiting at Little Black Gallery Stop 42  during KOAST as part of Rhythms of the North, an exhibition designed to celebrate KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail and our Northland artists.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work.

Jean Rankin is a Kerikeri-based artist whose work is infused with depth, expression, and a touch of playful honesty. Her art aims to captivate viewers through a mix of techniques and emotional resonance; inviting reflection and stirring feeling with each piece. 

Four years ago, Jean traded the busy beaches of Orewa for the subtropical calm of Kerikeri. With her children grown and gone, she embraced a new creative chapter, picking up a paintbrush and diving into the world of art. Under the guidance of artist Di West, Jean learned to let go of convention; discovering that trees aren’t always green, and skies don’t have to be blue. She also joined the Paihia Art Group, where painting is paired with camaraderie, tea, and the occasional wonky still life. 

Just as she found her rhythm, the “empty nest” refilled with children returning, grandkids in tow, and her studio becoming a joyful mess of toy trucks and glitter glue. While her painting time now shares space with peanut butter and playtime, Jean embraces the chaos. Her art reflects life itself: messy, colourful, expressive, and a little abstract.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Jean Rankin will be exhibiting at stop 45, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Jennifer Kemp is a passionate and creative artist with a strong focus on drawing and painting the human form; faces, hands, and bodies. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (2003–2006) and a Level 5 & 6 Diploma in Specialised Animation (2019). 

Jennifer’s diverse life experiences include living, working, and travelling across Australia, Asia, Peru, Japan, Europe, the UK, Scotland, and the USA. She grew up on a sheep and cattle farm in Moeraki, North Otago, and later lived in the tourist town of Kaikoura. Currently, she resides in Kerikeri, where she delivers post in rural areas, continuing to draw inspiration from her surroundings and experiences. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Jennifer will be exhibiting at stop 37, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Joan Honeyfield is a New Zealand-based artist whose work explores the delicate balance between intention and spontaneity. Drawing deeply from intuition and nature, her paintings evoke reflection, emotion, and the quiet magic of unexpected discovery. 

After a 30-year career in healthcare, Joan turned to painting as a form of personal liberation, a new language for expression. Her move to the Bay of Islands marked a turning point, with the region’s natural beauty becoming both muse and grounding force. 

Joan’s creative process typically begins with a concept but quickly evolves into a dialogue between planned elements and spontaneous gestures. She embraces unpredictability, allowing colour, texture, and form to shift organically. This openness lends her work a dynamic energy and emotional depth, with each piece unfolding as a unique conversation. 

Her paintings serve as invitations; for viewers to pause, reflect, and discover their own meanings. Whether evoking calm, wonder, or introspection, her work acts as a mirror, offering different interpretations to each observer. In a world of constant change, Joan sees art as a connective force; one that fosters emotion, dialogue, and shared humanity. Through her practice, she contributes to the evolving narrative of how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work.

Joan Honeyfield will be exhibiting at stop 45, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

A member of Bay of Islands Painting Group since 2016. Self-taught artist working mainly in acrylic. Subjects range from scenery to animal and human portraits.

John will be exhibiting at stop 7 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of John's work.

Juliet McArthur is a landscape artist inspired by the rich earth tones, vibrant skies, and sculptural forms of New Zealand’s diverse environments. Her work captures the rugged beauty of the Northland coast as well as the tussock landscapes of the South Island, featuring both large canvases and smaller, painterly plein air pieces that are framed, mounted, or stretched on canvas. 

Having spent many years sailing the Northland coast and winters in the mountains of Canterbury and Otago, Juliet’s paintings often highlight iconic headlands, islands, mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and tussock slopes. Her French heritage and love of the French countryside also inform her artistic vision, drawing inspiration from the likes of Monet, the French Impressionists, Cézanne, and Turner. New Zealand artists Michael Shepherd and Stanley Palmer have also influenced her style. 

Over the past decade, artist and educator John Nicol has been a significant mentor. Juliet works primarily in oil on canvas, paper, and wood panel, creating pieces that range from large studio works to smaller en plein air studies finished in a direct, expressive style.  

Judi Soutar is a versatile and experienced artist based in Kerikeri, with a lifelong passion for painting and drawing. Born in London, she chose extra art and technical drawing classes over traditional subjects and completed her first (unpaid) commission; a mural for her school entrance hall. She began her career in technical illustration with the Patents Office in London and later worked in advertising, architecture, studio pottery, and even served a stint in the Fleet Air Arm; all while maintaining her connection to the arts. 

After running her own printing business in Auckland, Judi retired early in 1986 and returned to painting full-time. She became a member of a cooperative gallery, where her artworks consistently sold to local and international collectors, government institutions, and art lovers alike. Judi has also been a strong advocate for the arts, organising numerous exhibitions for local and national artists. 

Working across oil, acrylic, watercolour, and coloured pencil, Judi’s work ranges from graphic design to classical and traditional painting influenced by the Dutch Masters. Occasionally, she even produces humorous “genuine fakes.” She describes her approach as painting purely for enjoyment; her own and that of her viewers; rather than following any fixed style or philosophy. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of Judi's work.

Judi Soutar will be exhibiting at stop 45, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Since childhood, Kellie has been curious about the universal trails we share as human beings: belonging, family, community, love, curiosity, memory, storytelling, voice, purpose and creativity. 

Core to her artmaking is recognising that these qualities link us and through her expressive oil and pastel paintings, she shines a light on and celebrates our shared humanity.  

Kellie’s artistic exploration delves into the moments of everyday living, the beauty of the landscape and expression of womanhood through the female figure – the common thread that binds these genres. 

Studying Art/Design full time at Auckland Technical Institute in the early 90s, Kellie finished top of her class under the tutelage of Nancy de Freitas. Kellie then took up a scholarship offered to her by the Auckland Society of Arts, majoring in painting, with critique from Sylvia Siddell, Ian Jervois and Sue Daly.  

Kellie’s work has been exhibited in national touring exhibitions, and she has won awards in national and international art exhibitions.

Leigh Munro’s painted works are expressive and deeply connected to the natural world, often inviting viewers to engage their imagination. Her artistic style reflects a duality; alongside her paintings, she also creates intricate pen and ink fantasy pieces inspired by artists such as Hieronymus Bosch and H.R. Giger. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Leigh will be exhibiting at  stop 44, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Lillian Jordan has been a dedicated member of the Bay of Islands Painting Group for over 25 years. She works primarily in oils, creating expressive portraits, animals, and landscapes, but also enjoys experimenting with watercolours and pastels. 

Her long-standing passion for painting is reflected in the warmth and character of her work, capturing both the beauty of nature and the essence of her subjects. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Lillian Jordan will be exhibiting at  stop 45, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Linda Sabbage is originally from the UK and has had a distinguished career in both education and the arts. She studied at Wellington East Girls' College, ELAM School of Fine Arts, and the University of Auckland, later teaching art in Auckland, Waikato, and internationally in Spain.

Her accolades include the 1998 Art Teacher of the Year Award and the prestigious Wolf Fellowship Award in 1990. Linda’s work is held in private collections across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Spain. 

Linda will be exhibiting at stop 20 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Lin Marinkjovic is a Kerikeri-based artist whose practice is rooted in realism, whether working in watercolour, pencil, or charcoal. Art has always been an integral part of her life; she has sketched since childhood, favouring pencil and charcoal for their expressive possibilities. Since moving to Kerikeri, Lin has studied watercolour under Maxine Bell, drawn to the medium’s fluidity and gestural brushwork. 

Her subject matter is diverse, spanning still life, local fruits, seascapes, horses, the human figure, and everyday scenes. Most recently, Lin has begun experimenting with acrylics and mixed media, expanding her repertoire while maintaining her signature realistic style.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work.

Lin will be exhibiting at stop 5 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Linz Hart-MacDiarmid’s artistic journey is driven by a mind brimming with ideas, emotions, and projects; a brain that seeks clarity through creative expression. Art is her escape hatch: a practical, visceral way to thrive amidst internal chaos. 

Her instinctual approach to the canvas is bold and unapologetic. Working with large-scale, unstretched canvases, she embraces freedom in both form and technique. Her brushstrokes are expressive, her methods unfiltered, resulting in work that feels immediate and alive. 

Linz’s current body of work explores the theme of Contrasts and Contradictions; art as sustenance, restraint versus abandon, the private in the public sphere, myth and reality. For her, art is not just expression; it’s a way to make sense of life’s complexities. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Linz will be exhibiting at her own studio during KOAST 2025: Stop 27 - more details in the KOAST Trail Guide

Lizette De Jager is a full-time artist who lives and breathes her passion on canvas. Specialising in oil painting using a palette knife impasto technique, her work bursts with vibrant colours and expressive textures. 

Inspired by nature, bustling city life, and abstract forms beyond imagination, each of Lizette’s pieces presents a unique theme open to personal interpretation. For her, art is a constantly evolving journey; one filled with endless inspiration. As she says, “Art has no limits!” 

Her work can be found throughout New Zealand, where she shares her colourful, creative world with fellow art enthusiasts. We’re thrilled to welcome Lizette to Little Black Gallery. Stay tuned to discover her vibrant artworks and be inspired! 

Click on the images below to view enlargements of her work.

Lizette De Jager will be exhibiting at stop 37 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Logan White is a self-taught artist from Paihia, New Zealand, whose work merges the raw energy of graffiti with the refined techniques of fine art. Beginning his journey as a street artist, Logan has evolved into a full-time painter, known for his vivid and intricate portrayals of native New Zealand birds. 

His art captures the spirit and beauty of wildlife through a dynamic lens, blending bold colour, urban flair, and meticulous detail. Each piece reflects his deep connection to nature and his roots in street art culture, creating a unique style that bridges two creative worlds. 

Logan’s work continues to captivate audiences across Aotearoa, earning him recognition as a rising voice in contemporary New Zealand art. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of Logan's work. 

Logan will be exhibiting at stop 37 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Lorna Hunkin is a watercolour artist who delights in the lightness and unpredictability of the medium. She is currently focused on painting landscapes and seascapes in a semi-abstract style, embracing the surprising and often beautiful results that emerge. 

Her work captures the essence of place with expressive brushwork and soft, atmospheric layers, inviting viewers to experience familiar scenes through a fresh, interpretive lens.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Lorna Hunkin will be exhibiting at  stop 45 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

I work in water colour, oil sticks pencil and crayons. The works are mostly abstract and full of colour.

Lynn will be exhibiting at Little Black Gallery Stop 42 during KOAST as part of Rhythm of the North, an exhibition designed to celebrate KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail and our Northland artists.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of my work

Mark Daniells is a seasoned artist known for his deep connection to the islands, capturing the vibrant beauty of Pacific Island life in his artwork.  

Born in California, Mark's formative years were spent in Micronesia, exploring the lush landscapes of Palau, Guam, and the Philippines. For over 30 years, he owned and operated a gallery Hawaii. While he now resides in New Zealand, Mark continues to draw inspiration from these idyllic islands to create his stunning art. 

Mark's artwork reflects the sea's influence, with his mastery of water sports like surfing, paddling, and spear fishing shining through in his pieces. His paintings burst with vibrant colors, meticulously capturing the play of light and shadow that adds depth and realism to his work. Mark's preferred mediums include large oil and acrylic on canvas, watercolor, and original woodblock prints, skillfully used to depict natural landscapes and marine life. 

Mark's artistic journey is complemented by his education, as he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from The University of California at Berkeley, specializing in Printmaking. His dedication to his craft is recognized by the inclusion of his artwork in the private collections of international figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood, and Anthony Hopkins. 

Mark's artistic talent extends to commissioned projects, with an impressive portfolio that includes a collection of large watercolors for the Westin Kauai and developer Chris Hemmeter, as well as creating neon-etched glass for Mr. Hemmeter at Honolulu International Airport. He has also collaborated with Jack Adams of Adams Design to craft large neon-etched glass and stained glass for establishments like Nobles Restaurant and Ukiyo nightclub at the Princeville Sheraton Hotel. Additionally, he completed a commission for the Poipu Sheraton Hotel, working with Obayashi Corporation to produce mural-sized watercolors and life-sized etched glass Hawaiian dancers with Koa wood frames. 

Mark's artwork has graced galleries and exhibitions across the globe, including Hawaii, California, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Denmark. If you're seeking Pacific island art for sale or vibrant, colorful artwork online, Mark Daniells' work is a must-see. Whether you're looking for tropical home decor online or coastal artwork for sale, Mark's creations offer a unique and vibrant addition to any space. Discover the beauty of the islands through Mark's art and add a touch of tropical paradise to your surroundings. 

Mark will be exhibiting at his own studio Stop 15 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Mary Potter works with acrylic paints on canvas and her subjects include intricate flowers to serene landscapes and so much more.

Her precision brushwork and skillful layering of colour serves to intensify the clarity of her paintings with natural light and beauty. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of my work and scroll through the slideshow.

Mary will be exhibiting at The Art Department stop 28 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Originally from Zimbabwe, Max Daillecourt has called Kerikeri home for the past 23 years. Though he studied art through to A Level during his school years, life led him down a different path, and creative pursuits were set aside as he entered the working world. 

It wasn’t until his recent retirement that Max returned to painting; a long-dormant passion reignited. What began as a quiet hobby has evolved into a vital and joyful part of his daily life. Working primarily in acrylics, Max is drawn to impressionism for its freedom, vibrancy, and emotional depth. His work often explores imagined gardens and still life scenes, blending memory with creativity in expressive, textured brushwork. 

Returning to art after decades has been both grounding and liberating. Each piece reflects a personal journey; an exploration of color, form, and feeling. Max’s impressionistic style breathes life into the everyday, painting the poetry of familiar forms reimagined through memory and imagination. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of his work.

Max will be exhibiting at stop 47, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

For Mika Van Dyck, creating art is instinctive; an essential part of her nature. She sees vibrant, colourful work as a way to navigate life’s challenges, offering both escape and expression. When the brush meets the canvas, stress fades, and a sense of peace emerges with each flowing colour. 

Inspired by artists who dedicated their lives to their craft with little recognition, Mika is driven by passion rather than praise. Every piece she creates is a journey of learning and self-discovery, pushing her to grow as an artist. Art is her oxygen, fuel for the soul, filling each day with colour, curiosity, and an unwavering urge to create.  

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Mika will be exhibiting at stop 47, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

From a child Mike’s passion has been music and art. His style is eclectic with a focus on the abstract as well as realism.

His art is heavily influenced by music which allows flow and layering develop in his brushwork.

Mike will be exhibiting at Little Black Gallery Stop 42 during KOAST as part of Rhythm of the North, an exhibition designed to celebrate KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail and our Northland artists.

Monica is a creative compulsive with a deep interest in music, art, dance, and the practices of recycling and upcycling. She enjoys painting on a range of substrates, including doors, surfboards, canvas, and paddles, and working with found and rescued objects.  

Monica also finds fulfillment in playing a subtle teaching role, gently guiding others toward discovering their own unique creative paths. For KOAST, Monica explores themes such as the land, our country, the stars and moon, love, children, health, and everything in between. Proceeds from the exhibition will go towards funding surgery for her daughter, who suffers from a chronic and little-known illness. This exhibition represents her ultimate rescue plan; one she intends to document and share through social media.  

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Monika will be exhibiting at stop 40 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Nicki hails from Te Awamutu originally where she studied art through high school, achieving Bursary Art.

Following school she moved into business made, returning to painting after several years for personal pleasure.

Inspired by nature, Nicki has always “layered” her paints as she loves to introduce texture into her work.  Being very tactile herself NIcki is always happy for her work to be touched as she believes that touch/feel and sight/vision are inextricably linked in the pleasure of art.

Nicki will be exhibiting at Little Black Gallery Stop 42 during KOAST as part of Rhythm of the North, an exhibition designed to celebrate KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail and our Northland artists.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of her work.

Paul Samson began focusing on art as his primary creative outlet in his early forties while living in England. After attending Heatherley’s School of Fine Art in Chelsea, London, he completed a six-year painting apprenticeship with Israel Zohar, a British contemporary artist renowned for teaching in the old Renaissance style. 

Paul’s work is strongly influenced by the Masters; Picasso, van Gogh, and Vermeer; which is evident in his style, subject matter, and the moody backdrops of his paintings. His practice balances complex compositions with experiments in simplicity, while his brushwork has grown softer and more luminous, with a heightened clarity of colour. 

His paintings often tell evolving stories that become clearer as the work progresses. Since returning to New Zealand in 2003, Paul has settled back in Kerikeri, close to his whānau. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of Paul's work. 

Paul will be exhibiting at his own studio, Stop 29, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Peter Sharp’s Reflections of Puheke is a meditation on observation and the craft of painting. Through many thin layers of oil paint on board, he captures the kaleidoscope of colours where the mountain meets its surroundings, offering viewers a glimpse into the visual splendour of this stunning landscape. 

Puheke, a small mountain on the Karikari Peninsula in Northland, is framed by sand dunes and the Pacific Ocean on one side, with scrubby bush, pampas, wetlands, and lakes on the inland side. A tea-coloured stream weaves through the terrain beneath an ever-changing southern sky; elements that inspire Peter’s evocative and richly layered work. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of his work.

Peter will be exhibiting at stop 4 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Phyllis Rintoul grew up on a farm in Northland alongside her parents, five brothers, and sister. Life on the farm was busy, and it wasn’t until her own children began attending after-school art lessons that she was inspired to pick up a paintbrush and join in. 

A lifelong lover of the arts, Phyllis has primarily created work for family, friends, and charitable causes. Her passion lies in realism, though she holds a deep appreciation for all artistic styles. She paints for pleasure, drawn to the challenges and constant learning that art offers; finding it both absorbing and rewarding. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Phyllis will be exhibiting at stop 31 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Rachel is an abstract painter based in Fern Flat, Peria. For the past three years she has been painting, developing her style and expressing herself through high contrast, energetic abstractions and portraits that evoke many layers of feeling and emotion as you journey through the potent kaleidoscope of colours. In addition to creating pieces for local galleries and online followers, she welcomes commissions.

Rachel will be exhibiting at Little Black Gallery during KOAST as part of Rhythms of the North, an exhibition designed to celebrate KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail and our Northland artists.

Rachel Painting is a joyful and experimental artist whose vibrant works reflect her love for creativity and colour. Working mainly in acrylic and resin, she is best known for her floral abstract pieces but also explores a wide variety of subjects across multiple mediums. 

Rachel began her artistic journey at the age of 50 and quickly discovered a passion that continues to grow. She embraces a rule-free approach, constantly learning, experimenting, and letting her imagination guide her process. True to her hands-on spirit, Rachel builds her own wooden canvases and handcrafts each frame, ensuring every element of her work is personally made. 

Her surname; yes, actually “Painting”; often sparks conversation and perfectly captures her creative calling. Through her colourful, uplifting art, Rachel shares the joy she finds in the act of making 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Rachel Painting will be exhibiting at stop 45, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Rawinia Le Noel was raised in the rural settlement of Horeke, in the upper reaches of the Hokianga Harbour; a place steeped in history, spirit, and ancestral presence. Her creative practice is deeply influenced by her Christian faith and Māori culture, foundations that both guide and challenge her artistic journey.  

The Hokianga remains her greatest source of inspiration, grounding her work in themes of memory, identity, and belonging. Working primarily with acrylics, her paintings reflect the land, her spirituality, and cultural heritage. Rawinia holds a Diploma in Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Māori Arts and has established a community art space to promote Toi Māori and foster creative expression and pride within her community. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work.

Rawinia will be exhibiting at stop 8, during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Ruth Simpson has been a member of the Bay of Islands Painting Group since 2001, regularly meeting with fellow artists for inspiration and creative growth. Workshops and gallery visits motivate her to explore beyond her comfort zone, resulting in a diverse body of work. 

Ruth primarily paints in acrylics; chosen for their portability to weekly art classes; but also enjoys working with oils and occasionally takes on the challenge of watercolour. While capable of fine brush detail, she finds her greatest joy in using the palette knife, embracing the looser, freer style it allows. 

Her work ranges from realistic landscapes to more experimental pieces featuring geometric designs and “bending buildings.” Ruth is increasingly exploring semi-abstract styles, eager to see where this creative path leads.

Ruth Simpson will be exhibiting at stop 45 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Salon Art Space is a special pop-up art space created for the KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail, showcasing a dynamic blend of contemporary, mixed media, and realism artworks. The collection includes both large-scale statement pieces and smaller, transport-friendly works; each offering a unique perspective and a striking use of colour, detail, and form. 

The space is featuring three artists: 

Fiona Foote
Linda Sabbage
Diane Gardiner

Sandy Wright, originally from the UK, has called New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands home for the past 20 years. Her paintings reflect her passion for writing and illustrating children’s books, intertwined with a deep love for New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. 

Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Sandy’s artwork combines storytelling with vibrant depictions of New Zealand birds. Each painting tells its own story, crafted with the aim of bringing a smile to the viewer’s face. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work.

Sandy Wright will be exhibiting at stop 45 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Sasha is an artist who creates intuitive, energetic, and visionary acrylic paintings on canvas and wooden boards. 

Her work is inspired by the flowing energy of life itself. For Sasha, painting is a way to process the emotions and energy that move through her; they are the spark that ignites her creative fire. She rarely begins with a set plan; each piece unfolds as a journey of curiosity and discovery. 

Her paintings often delve into the mystical spaces between worlds; the unseen layers of energy, emotion, and spirit that shape our reality. 

Art has been a constant presence in Sasha's life for as long as she can remember. She drew frequently as a child and studied art throughout her NCEA years then went on to complete a Bachelor of Creative Technologies. In 2021, she picked up the paintbrush again and uncovered a whole new style, which she has been nurturing ever since. 

Recurring motifs in Sasha's work; fish, winged insects, animals, eyes, shapes, and expressive linework;  emerge organically, flowing intuitively from her onto the surface. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Sasha Howard will be exhibiting stop 45 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Sasha Russell is the heart behind Art with Sasha; a creative space dedicated to sparking confidence and imagination through art. Based in Northland, Sasha runs classes for young artists aged 5 -14, encouraging them to explore freely, without pressure or perfectionism. Her nurturing, Bob Ross–style approach gently guides while celebrating each child’s unique perspective. 

For Koast 2025, Sasha is proud to showcase a vibrant collection of artworks created by her students. Full of colour, story, and personality, each piece reflects the magic that happens when children are given the time, space, and support to create on their own terms. 

Alongside her students’ work, Sasha also presents a small selection of her own art; loose, expressive urban sketches inspired by everyday life in Northland. Passionate about community connection, she regularly hosts free local sketching meetups to encourage creativity in all ages. 

Joyful, raw, and full of heart, Sasha’s exhibition invites viewers to witness the beauty of creativity unbound. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Sasha will be exhibiting at  stop 41 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Silke Hendel is a Northland-based abstract artist known for her bold, expressive use of colour and light. Her vibrant paintings are inspired by Aotearoa’s landscapes, nature, and shifting light; capturing fleeting moments of beauty and transforming them into lasting joy. After more than 30 years in Wellington, Silke returned to her Northland roots to paint full-time, reconnecting with the land that first ignited her creativity. 

Her distinctive style blends flowing forms, rich colour palettes, and dynamic compositions that radiate movement and emotional depth. Each artwork is a celebration of nature and light; offering viewers a joyful, uplifting escape. Silke’s originals and vibrant prints are designed to transform spaces and lift spirits, making them perfect as statement pieces, meaningful gifts, or simply as daily reminders of beauty. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Silke will be exhibiting at stop 29 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Sue Kelley is a Paihia-based artist who draws inspiration from the stunning natural beauty of the Bay of Islands. Her vibrant acrylic paintings often feature colourful coastal scenes and native birdlife, reflecting her deep appreciation for the local environment. 

Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Sue has recently joined the Bay of Islands Painting Group, where she enjoys the diverse perspectives of fellow artists and the opportunity to continue developing her skills and artistic voice. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Sue Kelley will be exhibiting at stop 45 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!

Tessa Brown is a self-taught painter whose work is inspired by the majestic landscapes and native birds of Aotearoa. A love of the outdoors drew her to paint the mountains, coasts, streams, and huts of New Zealand, with acrylics becoming her medium of choice for their versatility and vibrancy. She finds joy in the painting process itself; from the excitement of beginning, through its inevitable challenges, to the deep satisfaction of a completed piece. 

Originally from the UK, Tessa studied Graphic Design at the London School of Printing, where she was one of four students to win a national advertising competition, The Layton Awards. She went on to work for a group of graphic designers in London, contributing to BBC documentaries and annual reports; all before the digital era. 

After emigrating to New Zealand in 1968, she later moved to Ōhope and embraced silk-screening, creating original textiles including skirts, bags, and wall hangings. Though she came to painting later in life, Tessa brings a lifetime of creativity, design experience, and a deep connection to the natural world into every brushstroke. 

Click on the images below to see enlargements of some of her work. 

Tessa will be exhibiting at stop 23 during KOAST 2025 - buy a KOAST Trail Guide for further details!