Sculpting the sea and supporting local youth

25 Sep 2025

North Canterbury artist and decorator Greg Anderson has always seen painting as more than just a trade. To him, it’s an art form. One that combines colour, texture and technique in ways that can transform spaces. And now sculptural pieces too.

Greg’s journey began in the 90s during a painting and decorating apprenticeship where problem solving and creativity went hand in hand. Over the years he has built a successful business, NA Painting and Decorating, while nurturing a private passion for art. What started with surfboards crafted from reclaimed items has evolved into sculptural works inspired by the ocean itself.

As a lifelong surfer, Greg’s connection to the sea is obvious, and it’s at the heart of his creations. His latest body of work pairs collected driftwood with sculpted plaster waves, each piece unique and often named after the place the wood was found. “Each piece of driftwood has its own unique appeal and serves as its own canvas,” Greg says.

Each of Greg’s pieces has its own unique curves and qualities due to the one-of-a-kind driftwood. This small wave art is striking with its deep blues in Resene Captain Cook, Resene Picton Blue, Resene Cobalt and Resene Teal Blue.

These wave sculptures don’t just capture the beauty of the mighty ocean, they also carry a message about sustainability. By using natural and recycled materials, Greg highlights the value in resources that are  often overlooked, giving them new life through art.

Greg’s decorating expertise plays a big role in his art. His process begins with preparing driftwood, then shaping waves inspired by photographs he’s taken over the years. Multiple layers of plaster are applied and sanded back creating texture and depth before adding his Resene colours of choice.

Resene products are central to this process. Resene fillers such as Resene EzyFill Quick, Resene Quick Dry primer and multiple paint layers in Resene Lumbersider, sometimes up to eight, are used to achieve the shifting tones of the sea. Finishing touches come with Resene Concrete Clear and epoxy resin, products that give his work the durability and luminous finish that makes it pop.

A close up of Greg’s work shows the incredible detail and finish. His work features one of his favourite colours, Resene Riptide, along with other sea-inspired shades like Resene Blue Lagoon and Resene Foam and finished in Resene Concrete Clear.

“I’ve always preferred Resene paints for their quality and durability,” Greg says. “The colours are often inspired by the ocean, which perfectly suits my work. I can spend ages browsing the testpots at the Resene ColorShop in Rangiora, it’s like being in a candy shop for creatives.”

Among his palette, Resene Riptide is a standout. “I’ve always been drawn to green-blue colours,” he says. “Resene Riptide reminds me of tranquil ocean environments.” Other hues used in his work include Resene Java, Resene Picton Blue, Resene Cobalt, Resene Blue Lagoon, Resene Teal Blue, Resene Moby, Resene Quarter Fossil and Resene Botticelli. Each carefully layered to evoke the shifting depths and moods of the sea.

For Greg, art is more than just aesthetics. “It’s about feelings, messages, symbols and meaning,” he says. “It’s a way of raising awareness, driving change and bringing communities together.” This belief is shaping his involvement with The BIG Art Auction Fundraiser in Rangiora this Friday 26 September, an event raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters North Canterbury.

The auction is particularly meaningful to Greg, who was supported by the organisation years ago while raising his two daughters as a single parent. “They were such a great help to me, and I always wanted to give back,” he says. His donated piece, Waikuku #1, will feature alongside works from other local artists.

Greg’s piece, Waikuku #1, which he is donating to The BIG Art Auction Fundraiser, is painted in Resene Lumbersider in a mix of Resene Java, Resene Riptide and Resene Sea Green.

Greg’s wave sculptures can currently be viewed at Fold Gallery in Rangiora’s historic Johnston’s building, as well as at the upcoming Rangiora Art Society Spring Exhibition, 26–28 September, 2025. His work will also be front and centre at The Big Charity Art Auction Fundraiser on Friday 26 September at Rangiora Borough School.

Follow along Greg’s journey on Instagram at @greg_anderson_art or through his business NA Painting and Decorating where he transforms interior and exterior spaces with striking Resene paints.

Published: 25 Sep 2025