About us -
We aim to have all our visitors connect deeply with the natural environment and their own creative self .
Meet Artist and Tutor : Raquel Carter
Art Adventures is run by its new owner, artist and art tutor, Raquel Carter.
Holding a Bachelor of Fine Art with honours from the National Art School in Sydney, and presently completing a Master of fine art with Dunedin School of Art. She has travelled extensively making and selling her work across the globe. With her expertise and passion for sketching and painting, Raquel will guide you through an exciting artistic journey that will enhance your skills and deepen your connection with nature.
Raquel is not only a dedicated artist but also a seasoned teacher who has been instructing aspiring artists for over a decade in different countries. Her love for the outdoors and its breathtaking landscapes has sparked her fascination with plein-air sketching and painting, and she is eager to share this beautiful art form and art experience with you.
With a warm and inclusive teaching style, Raquel will make you feel at ease right from the start. She understands that every artist has a unique style and perspective, and her teaching approach revolves around nurturing and developing your individual artistic voice.
From the very first session, Raquel will emphasise the importance of immersing yourself in your surroundings and truly connecting with nature. Looking at the small things in front of you as well as the spectacular vistas. Through her guidance, you will learn how to capture the beauty of landscape, the contrasting play of light and shadow, and the details that make every scene unique.
With a wide range of expertise in various mediums including watercolour, acrylics, oils and pastels, Raquel will help you find your preferred medium, explore its endless possibilities. She believes that experimentation is an essential part of artistic growth and will encourage you to step outside your comfort zone to unlock new artistic horizons.
As your tutor, Raquel will guide you through simple drawing exercises that will sharpen your observation skills and understanding of composition. She will share her tips and tricks to help you depict the shapes, depth, texture, and mood of the scene you're capturing.
With Art adventures, our aim is that through the plein-air outdoor painting experience, your adventure is also about connecting to your environment, deepening your experience in New Zealand, enjoying the process while finding inspiration in the natural world. During your sessions, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning locations and let the elements guide your artistic journey.
Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned painter, Raquel is dedicated to helping you advance your skills and grow as an artist. The world of plein-air painting awaits you,
So, get ready to embark on a remarkable artistic adventure with your tutor, Raquel Carter.
Together, you'll breathe life into your sketch pad and canvas, connect with nature, and uncover the magic that lies outdoors within plein-air art adventures in New Zealand.
How Art adventures began...
Art Adventures was originally started by its founder, New Zealand artist Alice Blackley in 2012. After travelling the world and completing her Masters in fine art. Alice spent a period as director of the James Wallace Arts Trust, as well as working in many galleries and museums from London to New Zealand. Alice always had a passion for creating art while out hiking. Her documented installations were the result of walking long distances alone with tent, food, sketching materials and watercolours. It was during these long-isolated periods that she began thinking of how she could share her love of the New Zealand landscape and her broad knowledge of art. Alice spent many years before covid interrupted, building Art Adventures into a much-loved creative niche experience for travellers coming to Queenstown. As can be read on the many reviews on TripAdvisor.
As New Zealand travel began to return to normal in early 2023, Raquel Carter coincidently met Alice through a joint love of art & adventure. And with Alice on many new pursuits, Raquel became the new owner of Art Adventures’ and has re-invented the company with her own skills in teaching art and love for the mountains. Raquel intends to continue its pursuit to deliver niche and creative adventure experiences that delight and amaze with their results, the aim being to exceed all customer expectations. With visitors taking home an incredible lived experience of the New Zealand landscape along with a tangible hand-crafted personal memory.
