The Tall Ships Art Collection - Lighthouses and Life at Sea

Karin’s collection is inspired by life in and around lighthouses.  Lighthouses are associated with hope, strength and shining bright lights.

The Artist's comments

Lighthouses can be isolated and lonely places but are also shining lights!  For my paintings, it was very interesting to research lighthouses, the history of the lighthouse service and Captain Bollons. 

My research included going on a tallship in New Zealand so I could really get a feel for the sea and for those times aboard to bring through for the painting.

During my research I came across Captain Bollons (1862 – 1929) who was a famous and legendary figure in the New Zealand Lighthouse Service.

Captain Bollons was well known for his visits to remote lighthouse stations bringing provisions and carrying out inspections.  The life of this captain was so interesting, I decided to create a painting in his memory.

When my painting was finished it was uploaded to my website.  A lady on the other side of the world in England was researching Captain Bollons and found Karin van der Plas.

She was looking for a special birthday present for her husband – who was the grandson of John (Captain) Bollons!

My painting was sold and is now hanging, where it belongs, with the Bollons extended family!