Vegemite

During winter … when plein air painting is not so convenient… Nicole likes to focus on still life painting. Last winter she chose the theme “Kiwi Classics” or “Kiwiana”. In this selection Nicole is pointing out some typical Kiwi food items and the Buzzy Bee, an iconic Kiwi toy. “Even my kids played with it!” she explains. Being a collector of tins she finds that the typical Kiwiana products show the pride and thoughtfulness with which they were created.

However! New Zealanders are probably a little confused by calling Vegemite a Kiwiana product. It’s true, only Australia produces Vegemite now. New Zealand did produce it for a while, but not any more. Today it is enjoyed by both Australians and Kiwis.

Vegemite was painted in oil on primed watercolour paper. In some areas the palette knife was used to create texture. Although the artwork is small, the frame gives it a beautiful presence.