Brian Strong paints about the land and the people of New Zealand, from the distinctive nikau palms to the Treaty of Waitangi. He paints to observe and describe the atmospheric contrasts of New Zealand light. Most of Brian’s paintings are based on the landscape around the Nelson area, a place that provides endless inspiration with its ever-changing moods and colours.

 Brian grew up in Nelson and completed a Diploma of Fine Arts with Honours at Canterbury University. His early career was spent in art education as a teacher and examiner, but in latter years demand for his painting has made it a fulltime commitment. Brian often works on paper with torn edges, which gives a parchment-like quality. He also incorporates collaged maps and copies of the Treaty in his works, which are often divided into sections based on the cruciform, allowing him to create horizons, contrast light and change scale and perspective within a painting. His works are unmistakably New Zealand.