Mural - Darfield NZ Public Toilet Block

The Darfield Township Committee gave me free rein with this large commission. The rural town is a lively go-ahead place on the main road between Christchurch and the West Coast. Consequently the famous Darfield Bakery and other local businesses see a constant stream of tourists (the Bakery has a staff of 30 - people line up at the door!).

'Our' mountains are beautiful, but when on occasions the clouds lower and block them from sight, it's possible that tourists wouldn't even know they're there! Therefore I decided to do a familiar mountain scene centred on the local well-recognisable Torlesse Range beneath our typical nor'west arch.

An unexpected delight was the people I met while I worked - the local 'postie' came past each day, the butcher from over the road, countless people driving, riding and walking past, Police from another town ("No I'm not 'tagging' officer!") and a number of truckies and tourists. It took a good while to complete, but was an interesting and enjoyable commission!

With the committee having prepared the surface to an excellent finish, I was able to use high quality exterior house paint. To apply the paint I used a roller, large paint brushes (and occasionally a 25mm artist brush for some detailed work!).