Entitled try to remember everything, the mixed-media collage was inspired by her husband's uncle, Private James Landreth, who was killed in action in Rimini, Italy, in 1944.
He is buried in the Cesena War Cemetery in Forli, Italy.
Mrs McPhee's collage incorporates New Zealand and Italian imagery, with a totara tree in an Italian landscape.
The tree and landscape are painted, and hanging from the branches of the tree will be mementos in the shape of "dog-tags".
"I like to combine the painted image with collage, because the painted image is a bit of me. It's not just something I found," she said.
The mementos depicted domestic things - such as cutlery and chairs - and represented Italian civilians, because their lives were turned upside down as well, she said.
The inspiration for the painting came from Private James Landreth, 22nd NZ Battalion, who was killed in action on October 3, 1944, and is buried in the Cesena War Cemetery in Forli, Italy.
Researching soldiers' graves inspired Mrs McPhee to paint the totara tree.
"The Balclutha Lawn Cemetery, in the memorial section, they have a totara planted beside their plaque."
The totara was revered by the Maori because of its long-lasting quality, she said.
Mrs McPhee said this was the first time she had sent work overseas, and she was excited about having the piece travel to the exhibition.
"It's a great way to honour him and his comrades who died," she said.
The Legato exhibition has been organised by Kay De Lautour, in Cassino, and Sophia Elise, in Auckland.
It will formally open in Cassino's public library on May 15, and will be the biggest exhibition of New Zealand art seen in Italy.
Ms De Lautour said legato meant intertwined, and used the analogy of a rope taking strength from its strands.
"The time is right for artists to be proactive and take up the challenge of the old soldiers, who urge us to ensure that `peace' is not an empty word," she said.
