-
Portrait of Dick Frizzell by artist Stephen Martyn Welch - Source: ONE News
An exhibition featuring portraits of well-known New Zealanders has opened in Auckland today.
The Sitting Exhibition features portraits painted by artist Stephen Martyn Welch in TVNZ7 show The Sitting, where celebrities share their stories while seated for an intimate portrait. The artist chats with his guests, while capturing the essence of each subject on canvas.
Back in his studio, Welch completes the portrait then presents it to the sitter for his or her reaction.
The TV show celebrates Kiwis from the world of rugby, arts, theatre, film and TV, food, politics, business, music and media.
Portraits at the exhibition include artists Dick Frizzell and Otis Frizzell; actors Peter Elliott, George Henare, Siobhan Marshall and Geradine Brophy; chefs Al Brown and Jo Seagar; politicians Nikki Kaye and Jacinda Ardern; performer Richard O'Brien; TV ONE's Mark Sainsbury and Petra Bagust; musician Greg Johnson; All Black Keven Mealamu and coach Graham Henry; Sir Michael Hill; and Sir Peter Leitch.
With no formal training, the Dargaville-born but Auckland-based artist still calls the Kaipara home.
Welch was awarded the prestigious Adam Portraiture Award for his self-portrait '3 Nights, A Mirror & Loads of Coffee' in February this year.
The 20 portraits in The Sitting Exhibition will be auctioned and proceeds will go to the Starship Foundation.
The works are being exhibited at the Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, until 27 May, 2012.