WWF whale tales 2022 - sculpture painting

Whale Tales 2022 is an immersive sculpture trail around Auckland with 80 contributing artists, each of us painting our interpretation of a healthy ocean.

Inspired by the endangered Bryde’s Whale, this initiative was hosted by WWF and sponsored by local businesses & organisations who each sponsored an artist to bring their submitted design to life.  

After the fun of the trail has ended in April 2022, the sculptures are being auctioned to raise significant funds to power the vital work WWF-New Zealand does to look after our moana (ocean) and marine life throughout Aotearoa, particularly in and around the Hauraki Gulf.

For my design, I wanted to paint something vibrant that represents life and regeneration. Coral reefs help to regulate carbon dioxide levels in the ocean as well as provide shelter and homes to a wide range of ocean life, like an underwater city. Coral was the perfect subject matter for me as it satisfied my fondness for bold colours, organic shapes and fine detail. 

A spread from my sketchbook where I tested my colour palette and played with the shapes and composition.  

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