At last, I have something to show for all my research and scribbling!  I have got several more to do, but at least I can start work on these now.

My series will consist of a selection of famous Maori women, who are known for their achievements in various spheres.  So far, I have:

Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the late Maori Queen
Guide Makareti 'Maggie' Papakura
Huria Matenga, heroine of the wreck of the Delaware

I also intend to include as many of the following as I can:

Meri Mangakahia, suffragette and activist
Iriaka Ràtana, first Maori woman MP
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, soprano
Whina Cooper, leader and activist
Princess Te Puea Hèrangi
Ahumai te Paerata, the heroine of Orakau
Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi, teacher and advocate of Maori language and culture
Merata Mita, film-maker
Rangi Topeora, chieftainess of Ngàti Toa, signatory of the Treaty of Waitangi
Erihàpeti Rehu-Murchie, Human Rights Commissioner
Rangimàrie Hetet - artist
the list goes on!

Here is the first of two portraits I have done of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the late Maori Queen.  I have chosen to develop this piece rather than the other because of her welcoming, happy aspect.  I can almost feel that, under her cloak, her arms are out for a hug.

Guide Maggie is a fascinating woman, too.  There are a large number of pictures of her around, and a lot of literature about her.  I like this picture of her, she looks like an interesting person.

In the picture I drew this from, she is leaning against a post, which I have yet to add.

You can read a bit more about her and many of the other women here.

Huria Matenga, heroine of the wreck of the Delaware, was the first subject suggested to me when I mentioned I was going to do this series, and I can see why - her story really stick with you.  Read it here.

In my picture, she looks as if she's about to burst out laughing, so I need to fix that a bit...  :P

Maybe she'll look a bit more solemn once I've shaded her in again...