An artist who is as passionate about the preservation of the environment as he is about depicting that other type of light you get in New Zealand landscapes. That half-light, moody yet beautiful still light of the west coast of Auckland and the Hauraki plains. Derek March graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts in 1969 (his painting tutor was Colin McCahon) and Epsom Teacher Training College in 1970. Since then he has worked part-time in the fields of leather craft, jewellery, sculpture, painting and photography.
Painting has been Derek’s main focus over the past twelve years and his work has featured in numerous solo and group shows over that time. His memorable exhibition, Dark Waters at Lopdell House Gallery, was a reflection on the transformation of the land on the Hauraki Plains and the tension between farming and the loss of wild life habitat.
His teaching, post-graduate studies, art work and involvement in the restoration of river habitat in the Waitakere River Valley, all reflect Derek’s love of nature and concern for the conservation of the natural environment. His jewelry featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions between 1982-1989. His paintings have appeared in solo exhibitions in Lopdell House Titirangi Auckland, Corbans Estate Centre in Henderson Auckland and The Suter Gallery in Nelson. Derek lives in Te Henga, Waitakere River Valley and is a keen member of Riverwatch a volunteer group that replants native vegetation around river banks and estuarys.

History Paintings Exhibition May 24 - June 20 2008

Atiu Creek Residency July 31st - August 12th 2010

See Derek's latest exhibition Homeland 2020 here