Colin McKay’s lifelong connection to the sea began in childhood, casting for salmon at the Hurunui River mouth in North Canterbury with his mother, Billie, before swapping the rod for a surfboard at nearby Gore Bay. After moving to Auckland in 1998, he embraced the region’s beaches and abundant fishing spots with family and friends.

While he still enjoys fishing, Colin also returned to another old passion — painting. He picked up the brushes he’d tucked away since taking a night class in the 1980s and began painting the fish he caught out at sea. What followed were many quiet hours of experimentation and creativity at the family’s Westmere kitchen table, not far from the Hauraki Gulf.

He spends hours perfecting each piece, from the first pencil sketch to the final brushstroke. Colin experiments with a mix of brushes, pencils, water-based pens and colour tubes to capture the unique features of each species — carefully layering tones to get the colours just right. Through this mindful practice and his expert knowledge, Colin brings each fish to life in vibrant and accurate detail.