Waters Remembered by Rachael Hayton
Reflections on memory, light, and the quiet spaces where stories linger.
Featured WorkMackay Falls — Milford sits at the heart of this collection — the work that shaped the curation of Waters Remembered and is being entered into the Franklin Small Art exhibition. This is a great event, check it out at : https://franklinartsfestival.co.nz/
Available soon — for early enquiries, please contact Rachael directly.
Water has become a recurring thread throughout my work. Not as a landscape element, but as a way of exploring memory, reflection, and the passage of time. The still surface beneath an old wharf, the quiet flow around a forgotten bridge, a waterfall encountered along a New Zealand walk – these are the places where stories linger. As a pastel artist, I'm fascinated by the challenge of capturing water's constantly changing nature. A reflection is never static; it shifts with light, weather, and perspective. The softness of pastel allows me to build layers of colour and subtle value shifts that suggest movement, atmosphere, and the fleeting quality of these quiet moments.
Waters Remembered sits within my emerging Quiet Light series, which explores the traces of memory and history found in the landscape. Each painting is an original, one-of-a-kind work — an invitation to pause, to look closely, and to find your own connection within the still spaces where land, light, and water meet.
Explore original hand painted artwork available to purchase.
Painted close to the end of the Routeburn Track on the final day of the walk, using a watercolour underpainting with a lighter touch learned from Tricia Taylor to bring the water to life.
Unframed soft pastel on pastel mat, prepared for framing on backing board with mat. Overall size 500mm wide × 400mm high (65mm mat per side).
Framed Soft Pastel on pastel mat - Framed Size 480mm wide x 285mm.
Framed with Artglass and acid free mat board
A soft pastel painting of Deep Stream, found just down from Lake Aviemore.
Framed Soft Pastel on pastel mat - Framed Size 450mm wide x 600mm.
Framed with Artglass and acid free mat board
Framed Soft Pastel on pastel mat - Framed Size 440mm wide x 530mm.
Framed with UV artglass and Acid free mat board
A walk completed by Rachael and her mother, located in Pirongia, inspired by the movement of the water and light, Rachael captured the scene using her soft pastels.
Framed Soft Pastel on pastel mat - Framed Size 325mm wide x 425mm.
Framed with Artglass and acid free mat board
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes – Rachael welcomes commission enquiries for portraits, landscapes, still life, and other subjects. Get in touch via the contact page to discuss your idea, preferred size, and timeline, and Rachael will provide a personalised quote.
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Yes, Rachael ships worldwide. Standard shipping within New Zealand is available at checkout. For orders outside New Zealand, please contact Rachael directly so she can arrange shipping and provide a quote based on your location. Contact Rachael
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Every artwork is hand-painted by Rachael in her studio in New Zealand. She lives and works in the Waikato, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscapes of Aotearoa and beyond.
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Rachael works exclusively in soft pastels, hand-applied to professional pastel paper. Soft pastels are known for their rich, layered colour and the delicate textural quality that defines her work.
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Some paintings come framed, and some are unframed, this detail is available in the product title. If you'd like to discuss custom framing options, contact Rachael directly and she'll tailor the order to suit you. Contact Rachael
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Yes – every piece in the store is an original soft pastel painting by Rachael Hayton, hand-painted in New Zealand. There is only one of each artwork available, and each piece is signed by the artist.
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Soft pastel paintings should always be displayed under glass to protect the delicate surface. Hang the artwork out of direct sunlight to preserve the colour, and avoid humid spaces such as bathrooms. With proper care, a soft pastel painting will last a lifetime.
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Yes – if you'd like to adjust framing, request specific shipping arrangements, or discuss anything else about your purchase, contact Rachael directly. She's happy to tailor the order to suit your needs. Contact Rachael