Wayne Patrick, a prolific artist from Timaru, is preparing to open what he describes as his most heartfelt exhibition yet. The veteran artist will showcase his work at his studio in the historic Royal Arcade from Thursday to Sunday, featuring new watercolor, charcoal, and pastel pieces alongside plein air oil paintings and prints.
This exhibition marks Patrick's return to the art world following a significant health challenge. About a year ago, the artist underwent heart surgery that forced him to take an extended break from his work. "It's my first exhibition since my operation as I've been out of work for a while," Patrick explained. "I'm slowly getting back into it now."
The recovery process has been gradual for the self-employed art tutor, who has been teaching for more than 20 years. However, Patrick credits his return to art with helping improve his recovery. "This exhibition is heartfelt – very much. But I'm a bit nervous too," he admitted. "I'm grateful to be alive, really."
Art has always been an integral part of Patrick's identity, making the forced break particularly difficult. "It's just part of who I am," he said, explaining how much he missed creating during his recovery period. The artist found that when he first started working again, it would take him two to three days to recover from each session, serving as a reminder to pace himself carefully.
During his recovery, Patrick discovered a new creative outlet by making custom frames for his artwork. "It's stuff you can't buy – the frame is a work of art in itself," he explained. "I pick colors out of the paintings and doing this has kept me busy for a while." This new skill not only provided therapeutic benefits but also added a unique element to his artistic practice.
Patrick has been gradually extending his working time, adding minutes to each session as his stamina improves. He recently ventured out for location painting sessions, though these outdoor excursions also reminded him of the need to take things slowly. "I've only done a couple of stints of going out on location since," he noted.
Looking ahead to the new year, Patrick is excited about resuming his teaching activities. He plans to host classes and weekend workshops covering various artistic genres. Additionally, he's seeking local models for a new series focused on portraying community members in paint. Those interested in posing would need to commit to two to three-hour sitting sessions.
Patrick's exhibition will run daily from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, at 11A Royal Arcade. For this experienced artist who has held numerous exhibitions over the years, this particular show represents not just a return to his craft, but a celebration of life and recovery.
