Born in NZ in the mid ‘50’s my creative and artistic interests took many forms,  but I did not begin formal art study until I attended  Whitecliffe College of Art and Design in Auckland, as a mature student with a young family.

Following my time at Art School, I  established an award winning  Gallery in Waikato. This was not only a venue for my own painting and drawing, but also lead to opportunities judging, mentoring, tutoring and public speaking on arts related subjects.  One of the highlights being Presenter for a  Regional Television Arts Segment, which was an enjoyable if unexpected addition to my career path . 

In the new Millenium, seeking a less intense work/life balance I made the decision to redirect my focus to my personal arts practise which resulted in a prolonged period of offshore travel. These years included artist exchanges, residencies and exhibition opportunities in the UK Germany, Italy, USA and New Zealand 

Eventually  based in the UK I secured the role of Artist in Residence at the leading Midlands Kettering Buccleuch Academy. Not only was I able to work with art students of all ages and skills, but the role expanded to include large scale educational visual projects and the opportunity of involvement in the  English Heritage and Cultural sector.  I continued to produce my own work throughout this busy period and exhibited in Italy, the UK and NZ. It was an extremely rewarding role that would be a fitting end to the last decade of my working career .

 In 2018 my husband and I returned New Zealand and settled in the town of Waimate in rural South Canterbury. It was then I began to explore combining painting and drawing techniques with hand needle felting 

My current focus is on animals, using my original designs. I work in either 2D or 3D form .  Artworks are for sale . Commissions and Workshop enquiries welcome 

To learn more, please email me at

studio@lynhewitsonartist.nz