Pietro/Pierre/Pedro.... Peter

This painting began as a large work (1.5 x 1m) called Restless Thoughts That Cling to Yesterday, shown at my MFA graduation exhibition, and then again at The NZ Art Show in 2024.

That’s where I met this gentleman. I didn’t know his name then (I came to learn much later it was Peter), he was admiring my work - and I was admiring his many layers of patterned clothing. He spoke in alliteration and riddles; I could hardly keep up!

I asked to take his photo, and he agreed… but only after dashing off to his bike to grab an alternate hat (the one he’s holding), so I’d have options!

After the show I was a bit stuck for ideas and eventually I decided to cut up the large blanket painting and turn it into some smaller ‘picnic’ paintings, an easy way back into the studio.

I wanted to paint Peter, but hadn’t asked his permission to do so for exhibiting, so I was reluctant. I began anyway, just as a painting exercise, my first attempt at realism and oil. It was daunting, and after a good start I put it aside.

5 months after I took the photo, Peter sat next to me on a Wellington bus! I told him we’d met previously, I showed him the photo & he remembered. We talked about pattern and colour, and when I asked, he gave permission to paint him, so I carried on with it, and loved the new experience of oils.

On the bus I asked his name. He said: “In Italy they call me Pietro, in Greece Petros, in France Pierre, in Spain Pedro…” He listed many more, but wouldn’t admit to Peter.

This painting was a finalist in the NZ Academy of Fine Arts Prize for Visual Art (2025) and sold on opening night.

Pietro/Pierre/Pedro.... Peter | 2025

530mm x 380mm | Acrylic & Oil on Canvas