Raised on the Water - Silke Hendel at Reyburn House

Original Northland Coastal Paintings at Reyburn House, Whangārei - 10 November to 5 December 2026

Whangārei Harbour original artwork by Silke Hendel – Multicultural Art Exhibition 2025

Three of my original paintings are heading to Reyburn House in Whangārei this November, and I'd love you to come and see them in real life.

They're all about growing up here on the water. Learning to sail on the Whangārei Harbour with Dad, racing on the weekends, long summers sailing around the Bay of Islands... and hitting more sandbanks than I'd like to admit.

If you grew up around here too, I think you'll find a bit of your own story in them.

And I'd love to see you at the opening night on Tuesday 10 November, 5-7pm. Come and see the paintings on the gallery walls, and celebrate with a whole room of local artists.

Where: Reyburn House Art Gallery, Reyburn House Lane, Town Basin, Whangārei
Exhibition dates: 10 November - 5 December 2026
Viewing hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm · Weekends 10am - 2pm
Entry: Free
Presented by: Whangārei Heads Arts Trail Society

Why they're worth seeing in person

A screen can only show you so much.

Stand in front of the real thing and you'll see the texture in the clouds, built up dab by dab with my stipple brush. You'll notice the colour shift as you move around the room. And you'll spot the little details most people miss in photos.

Every one of these paintings started with a real moment. A sailing trip, the coast at sunrise, the light moving across the water. What I'm really painting is the feeling of that moment, so it gives you a lift every time you look at it. That feeling is so much easier to catch when you're standing right there with it.

And there's only ever one of each.

Meet the Paintings

First Light Over Paradise

A Bay of Islands sunrise. The water was still as glass and the sky went pink, orange and turquoise all at once. I stood there for ages in awe thinking, we really do live in paradise.

The koru ribbons carry that feeling right across the sky. Step in close and see if you can find the little tūī watching the day begin.

This one was chosen as the poster artwork for Te Ara Whetū - Guiding Light, the 2026 Matariki exhibition at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri.

👉 View First Light Over Paradise painting

Whangārei Harbour

The harbour where I learnt to sail.

When I came home after 33 years away, I took Dad down to the Onerahi jetty to watch the Tuesday night sailing races. We sat there chatting about all the races we'd sailed, the bays we'd explored and every sandbank we'd hit (mostly me). Those are the yachts out racing... and yes, I had to put a sandbank in it.

It feels pretty special hanging it near the harbour it was painted for.

👉 View ‘Whangārei Harbour’ painting

Worth the Waves

Brand new and fresh off the easel. A yacht under full sail, leaning into big curling koru waves, with the sunset glowing off the sails.

It's never really been about the boat though. This one's for anyone who's pointed themselves at a big dream and gone for it, butterflies and all. You know it might get rough out there and you go anyway... and every wave makes you a little braver.

The koru running through the sea and sky are new beginnings, growth and the journey forward. Because the fire to chase our dreams is the wind in our sails.

 

If you’re nearby, I’d absolutely love for you to see the show in person — it’s packed with heartfelt pieces from amazing artists across our community.

If one of my paintings speaks to you, come see it at Reyburn House — or make it yours online before someone else does.

Thinking about Christmas?

The exhibition runs right up to 5 December, which is perfect timing if there's someone in your life who loves the sea.

If one of the originals speaks to you, ask the team at the gallery or message me directly. I'm always happy to chat about how it would look in your space. Send me a snap of your wall and I'll show you.

And if an original isn't on the cards this year, my canvas prints arrive ready to hang straight on the wall, no framing needed.

👉 Browse Canvas Prints

Want to be first in line for new paintings?

As a VIP, you'll see my new originals and get first access to buy them before anyone else, plus the stories behind each one and behind the scenes news.

👉 Join my VIP list

With love and colour,
Silke 🎨💛
Bringing more joy and colour into the world - one brushstroke at a time.