Angus Watson never deliberately set out to be an artist but today is one of Queenstown’s best known and most talented painters creating anything from outstanding landscapes to nude figures.

For more than 35 years he has committed to his work which began in 1988 with a friend wanting a painting of her hens.

“From there it took off and soon people were asking for paintings of their animals, their children and anything in between. I realised maybe I was on to something and there could be a living and a career as an artist.”

Angus first made headlines in Queenstown with his quirky and highly successful Sound and Light Museum which highlighted Central Otago’s goldrush. After a skiing accident in 1980 he operated the museum for a time before relinquishing the lease on the downtown property. Angus paints from his picturesque studio in Dalefield using his preferred watercolour medium.

“I like to explore the joy of playing with colours, of putting one colour beside another and allowing them to bounce off and bleed into each other. The effects can be unexpected and instant.”

Although Angus focuses on landscapes and figure painting he claims the subject is not important – “it is something on which to hang the colours”. Angus sells most of his work from his Littles Road Studio but also has a presence online for out of town and overseas buyers. His paintings hang on walls around the world in some 20 countries and his annual January exhibition has always been a drawcard.

“I encourage people interested in seeing and talking about my work to visit my studio,” says Angus. “However, it is always best to book an appointment ahead to ensure I am available. One of the things I enjoy most is meeting people who have a likeminded interest in art.”