Born in England Ernest Papps came to New Zealand in 1955 settling in Wellington where he worked as a commercial artist. During this time Ernest would spend his weekends exploring the bush or roaming the streets of Wellington “dashing off watercolours”.
Ernest also found work as a free-lance illustrator. His illustrative work will be well known to generations of New Zealand children who grew up reading the hugely successful Price Milburn School Readers. Ernest illustrated more than 100 titles, many of which are here on display.
Since moving to Otaki in 1972 Ernest has been painting full-time. A keen nature lover and tramper Ernest’s oil paintings draw on the classical and traditional techniques of the old masters and are inspired by the light and colour of the New Zealand landscape. From the hills and beaches of the Kapiti Coast to the Whanganui River valley and the West Coast of the South Island, Ernest has spent the past fifty-five years capturing New Zealand’s awesome and diverse scenery on canvas.
Fascinated by the history and isolation of New Zealand pioneering life, stage coaches, gold miners and settlers have also been the subject of many of Ernest’s paintings. “What” he asks “could be more romantic than an old prospector following his dream”. Ernest’s work unashamedly celebrates New Zealand landscape, history and culture.
Otaki Museum is proud to present Ernest’s first solo exhibition in Otaki.
