Renowned Artist Captures Elton John On Canvas!

P R E S S R E L E A S E

Issued: Wednesday, 7 May 2008 Immediate Release
One Of New Zealand’s Most Renowned Artist Captures Elton John On Canvas!

Contemporary New Zealand artist Craig Primrose has painted a special portrait of Sir Elton John wearing the Korowai (feather cloak) presented to him in Taranaki last December and which will be given to him on May 14. Two additional canvases have also been donated by the artist and will be signed by Elton and auctioned of for his AIDS Foundation and for NZ Plunket Society.

Promoter Capital C: Concerts has historically given visiting artists a real memento of having performed in the country and the painting seemed appropriate to add to his renowned art collection. ‘To have a NZ artist paint the superstar wearing a traditional and unique Maori garment we think will find favour,” says Phil Sprey of Capital C: Concerts, “then to have Craig Primrose volunteer to add the additional paintings as a charity fund-raiser is an awesome gesture.”

Craig is one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists, known throughout the world for his skilful portraiture, sporting imagery and stunning landscapes

His skill in portraiture has led him to being commissioned to paint Sir Edmund Hillary, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest in 1953 and subsequently was appointed as Sir Edmund’s preferred artist.

With a passion for sport Craig has produced many works portraying some of the worlds greatest sports teams and super stars. These include Americas Cup yachting, Formula One motor sport including Ferrari, McLaren and Jaguar, the All Blacks, Colin Meads, the late Sir Peter Blake. Pete Sampras, Andre Aggasi and Jack Nicholas to name but a few. In collaboration with a New Zealand company Insignia International Craig is now producing artworks representing Manchester United along with several other European football teams and has recently completed a stunning oil of International Player of the Century - football legend, Pele. Upon seeing the finished artwork Pele suggested to Insignia that he would like Craig to become his official artist for the next four years.

Craig is also well know for his landscapes and has an amazing ability to capture the magnificence of the Southern Alps to the NZ coastline influenced by the changing nature of the weather and atmospheric conditions.

Elton John performs at Auckland’s Vector Arena on May 14.

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