Richard McWhannell

Richard McWhannell was born in Akaroa, near Ōtautahi. He studied at the University of Canterbury’s Ilam School of Fine Arts in the early 1970s. He was taught by Rudolf Gopas and influenced by friendships with Toss Woollaston and Tony Fomison. Throughout his career, he has placed an emphasis on figuration, painting landscapes, portraits, and fantastical scenes. In 2006, he was commissioned to paint the portrait of Sir Don McKinnon for the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. A major survey exhibition was held at the Pah Homestead in Tāmaki Makaurau in 2015. His works are held in collections throughout the country including those of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.