Pet Paintings showcases the art work of Hawke’s Bay painter Winnie van Amelsvoort and her sister Hester. Winnie finds inspiration both from the Dutch/Flemish masters of her homeland and the animals which surround her rural home.

Coming from an artistic family, she has spent the past 30 years passing her love of art onto her children and grandchildren. These days she is usually found behind her easel, or falling off and riding her Clydesdale.

After growing up in The Netherlands, Winnie moved with her husband to Germany, where her two lovely daughters were born. Seeking a better lifestyle for their family, they then moved to sunny Hawkes Bay where they’ve resided ever since. Winnie’s father was a talented painter in his own right and her mother collected art, so Winnie was surrounded by paintings from a young age.

Winnie favours painting in oil, but also occasionally dabbles in acrylic and water colour/pastels. Her favourite subjects are animals (especially horses) and portraits, preferring the scruffier looking versions of both.

Winnie is an active member and organiser for Art Hawkes Bay and can be found on Facebook. She is also an organiser for the Hastings Artists Group.

Hester van Amelsvoort, sister of Winnie, is an  internationally renowned artist who specialises in multimedia abstract paintings, portraits and costume designs.

As an art teacher she is in demand to hold workshops for the Hawkes Bay art community.

She is well known for her multimedia abstract paintings, using a wide variety of materials.