Artist gives painting to Waihi Hospital
A renowned Coromandel artist has donated a painting to Waihi Hospital.
Richard Chrisp, 75, gifted a watercolour painting to staff to thank them for their service.
Richard’s life is as colourful as his art, mainly impressionist scenes, landscapes and animals.
During his stay in Waihi, Richard built strong ties with local woman Irene Muriel Ritchie, 90, who died on October 25.
“She and I were talking about flowers and gardens. She was a keen gardener,” he said.
The artist said he apologises for “pinching flowers in the neighbouring gardens” to create a bouquet for Irene’s funeral.
“I went to collect flowers for Irene in my dressing gown at 5am. I had my secateurs with me. I hope I did not scare anyone.”
Eccentricity and excitement have been part of the artist’s life. He’s been painting since he was 12 and attended a boarding school in Wanganui.
“For five years running I won the art prize. I wanted to be a florist but my father would not let me.” He attended Victoria University and was film critic for the University newspaper for 10 years under the direction of Catherine De la Roche, international writer on film. Richard was also working for National Publicity Studio in Wellington.
“I loved writing about the vintage French movies. My favourite was Jeanne Moreau — what a wonderful actress. I met her in Paris a long time ago backstage while she played in La Chevauche´e sur le lac de Constance [The Ride Across Lake Constance].”
The painter embarked on a three-month trip by boat from Sydney to Marseille, France through Polynesia and Vanuatu, and spent five years in Europe.
Back in New Zealand to be close to his ill parents, Richard started exhibiting his watercolours in Gisborne where he was born, in Auckland and Wellington galleries.
Richard’s work sells between $500 to $950, Remuera Art Gallery owner Scott Dargaville says.
Based in Coromandel, Richard is of Ma¯ori and Tahitian descent. He teamed up with bronze and terracotta sculptor Uli Christoffersen for a new exhibition which runs until Friday, December 21, from 11am to 4pm, at Uli’s studio. The painter says he would be keen to have Waihi locals visit.
Impressions III exhibition: Free. Art for sale. Studio is at 130 Paggitt Rd, Coromandel Town.