'Rings' star has high praise for artist's work

By SARAH EVANS

A painting of Wellington's Oriental Bay by Kelburn artist Michael McCormack now hangs in the London home of Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen.

McCormack's work captured the attention of the renowned British actor during his April exhibition at a Wellington gallery.

Sir Ian said he was thrilled at finding McCormack's work.

"Ever since I fell for New Zealand a year ago, I had been hoping to find a painting to mark my time here.

"Then I found Janice Hill's gallery in Wellington and her thrilling exhibition of McCormack's latest works.

"They filled the place with light and good humour and a love for Wellington which I was also feeling on my return."

Sir Ian, who plays Gandalf in the three Lord of the Rings movies, said he liked McCormack's street scenes that captured the bright sunshine and shadows and "comfortable stylishness" of some of the older buildings.

"My favourite was a large work recording a windy, sunny day along Oriental Parade with three women turning a corner by a red bloomed Pohutukawa tree, the New Zealand Christmas tree, and it's now in London."

McCormack grew up in Kilrush, County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland and is a Fine Arts graduate from Crawford College.

His New Zealand girlfriend, Rachel - whom he met while an artist in residence in Hawaii - has brought him to stay in New Zealand.

- COOK STRAIT NEWS

Feature: Lord of the Rings