Echoes of the Wild

When the sky speaks
And the water dances
When the forest whispers
And the mountains call

Echoes of the Wild is the first solo exhibition by Wellington artist Rose Dryland.

These works are shaped by time spent outdoors in the quiet company of trees, wind, and weather. Moving between sky, water, forest, and land, they offer a chance to slow down, to breathe, and to notice the wild beauty that is always present, though often overlooked. Painted in oil, watercolour, and pastel, each piece reflects a fleeting glimpse—an echo—of the natural world: moments of stillness, movement, and light, reflected gently through the language of paint.

Growing up in rural Waikato, Rose developed a deep love for nature which continues to inspire her work. She spends much of her time outdoors—walking, running, or simply being in nature with her dog, quietly observing the world around her.

Since moving to Wellington five years ago, Rose has returned to painting with renewed focus, attending workshops and classes to develop her practice. In 2024, she began working with oil paint and found it well suited to her careful attention to detail. She also works with pastel and watercolour, and is particularly drawn to capturing clouds and water—their shifting forms and changing light evoking a sense of freedom.

In 2024, Rose received the People’s Choice Award at Inverlochy Art School’s Annual Exhibition.