Fisherman's Gone Fishing at Lake Onslow

Fisherman's Gone Fishing at Lake Onslow, Central Otago, New Zealand
Original artwork painted with acrylic on cedar framed board
By Michelle Bellamy
900 x 700mm
Completed 2025
SOLD

Lake Onslow is a vast reservoir nestled in the rolling tussock-covered hills of Otago, sitting 700 meters above sea level near Roxburgh in Central Otago. Known for its exposure to the elements, the lake's high altitude and open landscape make it particularly harsh and bleak during adverse weather conditions.
The fishing at Lake Onlsow is described as quite promising, although I've heard of many hours spent fishing with not much to show for the effort. I was fortunate to arrive on a calm afternoon, and although I did not have a chance to fish, did see evidence of the fish rising around the shoreline as the light fell.
As the sun fell it became more still, eventuating in one of those moments when the last golden rays bake you. I wanted to capture this warmth and stillness at this fisherman's hut, with the unique Central Otago rolling hills as a backdrop and the shadow play within the tussocks.
The isolated little huts around Lake Onslow are elevated, offering spectacular views across Lake Onlsow and the surrounding rolling hills, and each is accompanied by a very unique long drop.