New Zealand forests are fabulous. The plant they call Flax is a tall beauty with sword-shaped leaves that grow up to 5 meters long, darkish green with colorful edges and central ribs in shades of red, bronze, pink and yellow. The leaves produce fibers that the Maori traditionally weave and twist for rope, tools, nets and clothing.
I painted this flax plant amid the tropical brush of a small river flowing down from Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro Volcanic Park on the North Island. It was a hot summer day in December, a perfect time to paint and sip Tui beer next to a swimming hole in the shady river valley.
Original watercolor 15″ x 12.5″ on Arches 140lb. paper: $425
Limited edition print in same size on 140lb. cold-press textured Watercolor Paper also available: $110 .
To Purchase: Please contact me directly for information on purchase and shipping prices for the original watercolor or the full sized print.