Organised by Watercolour New Zealand, the event ran from Friday to Monday. Artists painting en plein air (outdoors) at roadsides and selected locations around Central Otago, taking in the region’s autumn scenery.
Organiser Pete James has been painting watercolour for 25 years and has run events like this for the last four years.
"When you paint outside, you’re not just finding something beautiful and trying to capture it. You have to really see it when you paint it."
Originally from Zambia and now based in Blenheim, Mr James spent much of the event drawing inspiration from areas around Clyde.
"Everyone has been amazing at getting involved.
"We’ve got painters from all kinds of situations, brand new and professional artists."
Artists travelled from Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth, Gore and Christchurch, heading out to locations such as Earnscleugh to capture Central Otago’s autumn light.
Mr James described the scenery as "pure magic."
Wellington visitor Suzanne Witheford-Smith had been painting watercolour for four years and said painting outdoors in Central Otago had been a thrill.
"It’s amazing and terrifying in a very good way, because you choose where to focus and everything is just dramatic and beautiful."
New Plymouth artist Yvonne Geeraedts attended her fifth Paintaway and said the group’s spirit kept her coming back.
"No matter what level you are, you just do your best.
The accessibility of painting and watercolour meant a lot to her, she said.
"It’s something that reaches so many people, don’t hesitate, just join in."
A free pop-up exhibition of the artists’ work ran at the Clyde Memorial Hall over the weekend, where paintings were available to view and buy.
Locals had been encouraged to stop and talk to the painters out and about over the weekend: "It’s something for everyone," Mr James said.
