For the Joy of Painting

Step into the world of professional artist Carol Moffatt, for whom retirement has opened the doors to a whole new level of creativity.

Painting was something that had always deeply interested Carol, and when she retired, she seized the opportunity to follow her long-held dream of becoming an artist.

She is inspired by the natural environment of New Zealand, with her artistic process starting amongst nature. First, she paints en plein air, creating small, fast oil sketches and taking photos of remote New Zealand landscapes. She then moves to her home studio where she paints with oils on larger canvases, creating works of art conveying these fleeting moments in nature.

In 2023 Carol and husband Murray moved from their family home, into a brand-new townhouse at Ryman’s Northwood village in Christchurch.

When considering the move, there was more to the decision than just the convenience downsizing to a townhouse would bring. The couple spent time thinking about their future and asked themselves what would make them happiest in the years ahead.

Carol wanted more time to paint, and they both wanted the safety and security of village life. For them, downsizing was about more than moving on from their large home; it was about crafting a lifestyle to support their hobbies and passions, and provide security for the future.

Downsizing gave them the opportunity to shed the unnecessary and embrace the meaningful, as they chose to surround themselves only with items that brought them happiness and held sentimental value.

“You end up just keeping the things that really mean something to you. I’m at the stage of my life where I don’t want to be tied down, now’s my time to be free,” says Carol.

Once they moved into their townhouse, the couple adjusted their surroundings to fit their lifestyle. Carol wanted a dedicated space to paint in, so one of the first things she did was to repurpose their townhouse garage into a professional studio, right down to installing carpet in her favourite colour.

“It’s a proper studio setup – I’ve put in nice carpet, nice drapes, I have a professional hanging system, and it’s a very happy space,” she says.

Since moving to the village, Carol has made the most of her freedom, pursuing art both within her studio, and outside the village, including a recent trip to paint en plein air at Mesopotamia Station with a group of artists.

“I went away for five days, and they looked out for Murray here at the village, checking in on him each day to see how he was. Everyone here is very good, it makes life a lot easier for us, and the staff are so lovely here,” she says.

A lifelong learner and explorer at heart, Carol is enjoying her retirement and has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. She loves her life as an artist, and one of her dreams is to do an art residency if she can find one locally.

“I’m doing this as long as I’m physically able. I get so much joy and happiness and peacefulness from doing this. I love people, I so enjoy meeting them at the shows,” she says.

Carol has exhibited widely throughout New Zealand, recently completing a successful three-day exhibition at the Christchurch Art Show. Her next venture is a solo show at the Methven Art Gallery for the entire month of May. You can discover more about Carol at www.carolmoffatt.com

If you’d like to learn more about following your passions, like Carol, in one of Ryman’s vibrant village communities throughout New Zealand, visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz.