Historical ships, planes and trains feature in the latest art exhibition in the Roderick and Gillian Deane Community Art Space at the Paraparaumu Library.
Local artist Roly Hermans is exhibiting his paintings and prints depicting a range of heritage transport subjects related to New Zealand.
Included is a selection of pictures of Kāpiti transport through the years, such as a Cobb & Co stagecoach galloping along the beach, whaling ships moored off Kāpiti Island, a steam locomotive departing Paekākāriki, an old tour bus taking in the view from the hill road, and a DC3 aircraft flying over Paraparaumu Airport.
“I started painting landscapes after I retired three years ago,” says Roly, “but I found that I most enjoyed painting the boats and trains in the foreground. So I’ve gradually evolved into a transport artist.”
Roly’s other hobby of model-making influences his art, with his use of extensive research and attention to detail.
“I see my paintings as two-dimensional dioramas,” says Roly. “My aim is to bring to life these scenes from our history.”
The ‘Transport Art’ exhibition runs from 4-23 January in the Paraparaumu Library. Free entry.
