In New Zealand we have our fair share of volcanoes. Three at least are still active:
White Island off the North-eastern coast (Bay of Plenty) which gives off steam and ash continuously, Mt Ngauruahoe on the Central North Island Plateau which steams most of the time, and Mount Ruapehu, also on the plateau, which erupted spectacularly in 1995 and 1996.

They say it is a question of "when" not "if" there will be an eruption in our biggest city Auckland, which is built on an isthmus dotted with volcanic cones.

Maori tradition tells of "Taniwha" - spirits who inhabit natural phenomena that are seen as being dangerous. This is my take on a Taniwha of volcanoes.     The white underbelly of the clouds symbolises ignimbrite ash, a feature of some volcanic eruptions, which is found geologically in many areas of the North Island as a result of the huge series of eruptions that created Lake Taupo, which actually lies in the crater of a volcano.

Original ACEO painted on 160gsm Arches Dessein Art Paper mounted on card. Overall size is 2.5 in by 3.5 in.

Sold - Washington USA.

ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals". These cards have one main rule - they are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches - the size of a trading card. They are a wonderful way for buyers to sample an artist's work before purchasing a painting. Its also a great way to collect many of your favorite artist's pieces to keep in a small photo album or in a trading cards album. Art Card collecting and trading has become a worldwide phenomenon in the past 2 years, and many established artists now offer ACEOs as part of their portfolios.