Paulo Martins, a Wakatipu resident for four years, launched "Expressions" to the public at the Cloakroom Gallery last night and the exhibition runs until Saturday, May 29.
The Queenstown Art Society member said he took up painting as a passion when he saw the opportunity to express himself in the resort's galleries.
Expressions consists of about 40 original acrylic and oils, with occasional gold leaf flourishes, on canvas, plus six small clay sculptures inspired by the feminine form.
"Each one I try to say something, like children's dreams, [or] stop the fighting."
"Creativity takes courage" is the subtext to his work, he said.
Gallery manager and artist Sue Wademan said Martins' work demonstrated he painted with his gut feelings.
