Welshtown is a curious little set of ruins near Cromwell in Central Otago, New Zealand. I first visited when I was about 17, it was a family winter holiday, we always had lovely adventures. I wandered amonst the tussocks taking photos with my vintage slr (that was also the start of my foray into photography) and I loved it. I love how places like this tell stories. Old historic ruins are my thing (if only New Zealand had castles…!). This area was part of the gold rush in the late 1800s, and most ruins here are from that time, including old gold mine workings and the little stone miners cottages. Imagine how life once would have been in this windswept barren little place as they searched to make their fortunes.

Fast forward quite a few years (won’t say how many haha) until last winter (2020) when I visited Welshtown for the second time. It was just as rustic and romantic as I remembered. The fog was low on the hills and frost still clung to the tussocks, cold but so beautiful and calm.

So was my inspiration for capturing Welshtown in this series of watercolor paintings. I wanted to highlight the beauty present in this harsh environment but stay true to the calm peaceful feeling it gives off so chose a neutral palette of soft warm beige and grey tones. It’s a place so easy to let your imagination wander with quiet thoughtfulness.