Paul Hanrahan

New Zealand b 1936

Paul Hanrahan’s keen observations of everyday life allows him to paint his lively peopled subjects with confident impressionistic brushstrokes.
Born on Christchurch, Hanrahan began his career as an advertising art director in Melbourne. Returning to Wellington in 1960, a foray into watercolour painting resulted in three consecutive National Bank Awards.

For two decades his demanding career put his watercolour ambitions on the back burner. His first solo exhibition in 1983 sparked a keen following.

In 1998 this self taught artist emerged full time. Solo and joint exhibitions re-affirmed his place in New Zealand watercolour painting and his recognition reached beyond these shores.In 1996 he was an invited participant at the world watercolour biennale in Mexico.