One of the first gifts Anne-Sophie de Salins’ husband gave her was a book describing Te Araroa. The French amateur artist had dreamed of walking the trail for more than five years. In February she completed the journey with her husband – on their honeymoon.

Along the way, de Salins captured the view, not through photographs as most people do but through watercolour.

“Spending 30 to 45 minutes painting a landscape versus quickly snapping a photo with a smartphone feels really different,” she said.

“Painting forces you to be more aware of the colours, the light and small details in a scene.”

Plus it’s easier to tell their story, de Salins reasoned.

“A painting can convey so much more of the feeling of a moment.”

She said painting every day, and usually “onsite”, was a great way to explore the medium and improve her technique. 

The textures and diversity of bushes and trees were the most difficult to capture. She often replaced her brush with a fine-line pen to recreate details more easily. 

“I particularly enjoy painting mountain landscapes. The first I painted was of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Her favourite painting, though, is of Waiau Pass, in Nelson Lakes. 

“The view from the pass, with Lake Constance in  the background and a sea of clouds coming up the valley, was absolutely breathtaking,” she said.