Artist paints farewell gift for Sir Jerry
A Kapiti artist has ensured Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae’s parting gift came from close to home.
Bee Doughty-Pratt’s painting Fractured Light was bought by the government, and given to Mateparae and his wife, Lady Janine Mateparae, as a leaving gift at his recent farewell lunch
The couple own a home on the Kapiti Coast, and the painting has been hung on their dining room wall.
Doughty-Pratt, a regular on the Kapiti Arts Trail, runs Otaki’s Scape Sculpture Park.
She said she was delighted the painting was chosen.
‘‘It’s very exciting really. It’s a highlight for me I think.’’
The 2200x1000mm abstract landscape oil painting features glued strips of canvas on the stretch canvas background, which give the painting its name.
Doughty-Pratt said the painting took ‘‘long weeks or short months’’ to create.
She would not divulge what taxpayers spent on the artwork, but her recent work on sale at the NZ Art Show in Wellington ranged in price from $1825 to $12,000.
‘‘Most abstract artists start with colour, and keep working until they’re happy some sort of landscape is happening.
‘‘It’s really in the eye of the beholder and it differs from dayto-day.’’
During the last two years, the couple have visited studios during the Kapiti Arts Trail, and decided to buy a painting from Doughty- Pratt last year.
Janine Mateparae said the painting was not initially their first choice when Doughty-Pratt visited them at their home.
‘‘Initially we were looking at different sizes ... as soon as she put it up we liked the colours and texture. As soon as you walk in it gives the room a wow factor.’’
Arrangements were subsequently made to make the painting their farewell gift from the government.
‘‘We have really liked the way she paints and what she does,’’ Janine Mateparae said.
About 250 people, including Doughty-Pratt and her husband Snow Pratt, attended the farewell lunch.
Doughty-Pratt is on this year’s Kapiti Arts Trail. Her work can be seen at Scape Sculpture Park.