Kristopher Thomas selected a dozen original oils on canvas to form It's a Beautiful Day, his debut solo exhibition in the Cloakroom Gallery, on the corner of Stanley and Ballarat Sts.
"I'm trying to capture romantic and dramatic landscapes, as opposed to a pretty picture. I've been using oils and playing around with the light," Thomas said.
The 20-year-old artist ventured to remote spots in Kinloch, Fiordland and South Westland last year to photograph inspiring vistas.
He used the photos as a composition reference once he was back in his studio to paint.
The salesman, who works in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, said he studied art in Nelson College and painting was "a hobby which became an obsession".
An artist friend of his father's taught him the foundations and shared exhibitions followed.
The artwork in his solo show will retail from $100 to $700 and at least one piece was sold before the exhibition opened.
It's a Beautiful Day will be launched at 6pm and runs until February 12.
