• Howick and Pakuranga Times

SCENIC IMPRESSION: Artist Helen Morgan is having her first exhibition. Times photo Chris Harrowell.

NEW Zealand’s clean air and abundance of scenic beauty is inspiring a new Kiwi to put brush to canvas.

Helen Morgan has been a member of the Howick Art Group since she relocated to Auckland from Kent, England, about two years ago.

She’s showcasing a selection of her works, comprising 22 paintings and 11 unframed pieces, in a solo show at the group’s gallery on Cook Street.

The former university lecturer enjoys working in watercolour, oil, acrylic and charcoal and loves the challenge of tackling a range of subjects.

“This is my first exhibition,” Mrs Morgan told the Times.

“I’ve had a lot of nice comments from fellow members and other people who know I paint. It’s been quite positive.”

The East Tamaki Heights resident says she’s noticed Kiwi painters like to create works depicting New Zealand landscapes filled with detail, while she prefers to employ a bit more freedom.

Her preferred method is to paint live at certain spots, while she also works sometimes from photographs that capture her imagination. “I like painting landscapes, mountains, still life and flowers, and I also love painting pets.”

Visitors to Mrs Morgan’s exhibition will recognise her depictions of local scenes, including one of Bucklands Beach and another of Cockle Bay.

There’s also a vista of Half Moon Bay Marina as seen from her daughter’s veranda.

“The colours are what I like,” Mrs Morgan says of her inspiration. “There is a lot of blue in my paintings. That’s what you get if you like the ocean and sky.

“New Zealand is well known for clear air, something we don’t have in the UK. There’s a lot of blue air here and sky shining through.”

Helen Morgan’s exhibition is open Fridays to Sundays from 10am-3pm until February 26 at Green Gables Cottage and Gallery, 66 Cook Street, Howick. All works are for sale and entry is free.