Blank wall transformed into colourful artwork

Artist Tina Drayton with her new mural at Westmere School. She's pictured with principal Phil Walker and her kids Max and Alexandra Rennie, 7. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

A blank concrete wall has been transformed into a piece of colourful art at Westmere School.

Local artist Tina Drayton, whose two children go to the school, has just finished painting a mural on the wall separating the netball courts from the school pool.

"I had it in my head that when my eldest started school I'd do a mural at the school, but I'm a full-time artist and I've been very busy."

The idea came to fruition after school principal Phil Walker approached her and asked her to paint a mural.

It took Ms Drayton five days to complete, working up to nine hours a day - although those five days were spread out because of the bad weather.

"I didn't want to do an hour here, and an hour there - I wanted to really get stuck in."

Mr Walker gave her free rein, asking only that it was bright and colourful. So Ms Drayton did a rough sketch but filled in the details as she went.

The main colour is orange, and the mural includes mountains Ruapehu and Taranaki, the beach, bush, children, the sun and the school motto - Pride, Honesty and Respect.

Mr Walker said he was delighted with the result.

"TIna is very talented, and we're grateful that she gave her time for this project."

He also wished to thank Bunnings, who donated the paint.