After close to a sell-out exhibition in 2008, Mary-Ann Dickie returns to Amisfield with 11 acrylic life-size poster-type paintings inspired by magazine covers.
Homage to Ralph Lauren is the fruit of her labour to date since July 2009.
"My passion is painting portraits of icons," Mrs Dickie said on Monday.
"I've painted Picasso, Ralph Hotere, Colin McCahon, Rita Angus, Janet Frame, Peggy Guggenheim, Frances Hodgkins and Dick Frizzell because they're everyday names, but their faces are not so well known.
"Their faces are like facades of brilliance so, in a sense, I'm remembering them and bringing them back to be remembered."
Lauren as a subject came about when Mrs Dickie presented her portfolio to Artbay Gallery owner Pauline Bianchi, of Queenstown, and discovered Mrs Bianchi had met Lauren and his family when they visited the resort about nine years ago.
"I have the beautiful Ralph Lauren book he's written about his life.
"He loves the wide open spaces and chic and sophisticated lifestyle and that dovetails with Queenstown and suits this setting."
Mrs Dickie worked in advertising and copywriting in Auckland and London before settling with her family at a farm at Waverley, near Wanganui.
She has exhibited at the Black Barn Gallery, in Hawkes Bay, and has been painting work on commission while writing a book due for publication this year.
The artist said the launch, talk and luncheon combination was about trying something new.
"I hope to talk about where I hail from, what influences me and why I chose Ralph.
"People are welcome to come and a have a cup of coffee.
"They don't have to do the lunch to see the exhibition.
"It's fantastic of Amisfield to host the exhibition - I'm really excited about it.
"The setting and ambience is marvellous and so many people come through, so you have lots of exposure."
• Homage to Ralph Lauren, by Mary-Ann Dickie. Amisfield Wine Company, today, 11.30am to 1.30pm.
Tickets $70, includes glass of bubbles on arrival, "Trust the chef" and a glass of wine with lunch.
