Andrew Whyte: Artist Photographer

Originally from Whakatāne, Andrew has been painting landscapes for 20 years, has had six solo exhibitions throughout New Zealand, and was a judge in the Telecom Art Awards.

He is a past Molly Morperth Cannaday Award winner with Best Landscape and a Whakatāne Local Artist award.

Andrew working in his Welcome Bay studio.

Over time Andrew’s art has turned towards photography with a particular interest in photographing weddings.

This occupies many weekends during summer and editing the photos in his Welcome Bay studio follows during the week.

Andrew’s involvement with the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography has brought him expertise and awards in the NZIPP Iris National Awards for his art photography.

A training opportunity at the Brooks School of Photography in Santa Barbara began Andrew’s studio photography interests and today he photographs artwork by other artists wishing to promote their work. 

“I have a growing list of popular New Zealand artists who visit me.

“It is interesting and fulfilling work when you know how and have the right equipment,” he says.

 Award winning photo ‘Backbone’.

‘Backbone’ won Andrew a Silver at the NZIPP Iris Awards.

It depicts a scene from Tōtara Estate in Canterbury.

Tōtara Estate is known as the birth place of the New Zealand agricultural exporting industry.

“To me it sets the foundation of our nation and is the economic reason we can enjoy a first-world lifestyle in New Zealand today.

“Many people do not know or appreciate this significant event in our history.

“I did not set up the scene as the carcass is a permanent Tōtara Estate exhibit.

“I did add duo tone and a mystique to the photo to create a sense of timelessness to the image,” says Andrew.

You can see more of Andrew’s work at www.andrewwhyte.com and email him on info@andrewwhyte.com

by Pete Morris (February 2012).

Pete Morris is an occasional painter and an art lover. He is a free-lance writer with a particular interest in promoting the visual arts in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.