Testimonials
SIMON TELFER AND JO SHEARER – Private Commission
We had previously supported Marty in Wānaka’s Everyone Deserves A Portrait exhibition. Two years later we asked Marty if he could create a piece to bring life to our entrance foyer.
The commissioned brief was inspired by our daughters embarking on their teenage years. We wanted someone who reflected this moment in time – a young woman with a strong, self-assured, determined but modest character. Perhaps these reflected aspirations we had for our two girls.
The result was a striking portrait of a woman that perfectly encapsulated the brief. The layering, blending of colour and attention to detail was superb. We couldn’t be happier.
JOHN M WILSON – The Christchurch Club
The initial meeting with Stephen at The Christchurch Club’s temporary premises was professional and relaxed, it lasted about 2 hours.
Subsequent to our meeting he kept us updated with email photographs or the work. The work progressed on a timely basis and Stephen as a portrait painter of the highest order for his high standard of execution and life like portraits.
BRIAN HOLLAND – Top Shelf
“Welch has a natural and genuine fascination for people. Put him in any room and he’ll talk to anyone. As far as his art goes, his natural ability to capture ‘the essence’ of every person in every portrait, makes his work incredibly sought after. His warmth and charm disarms anyone who sits for him for a portrait. They get talking and the magic happens!”
MARK GUETTRES – Transam Trucking
“I idly asked a noted gallery friend of mine if he could give me an introduction to another well known NZ artist so I could have my portrait painted. The response was ‘Oh no, you want to go and see Stephen Martyn Welch, but he’ll want to meet with you to give you an interview’. A few weeks later Welch turned up at our house in Auckland with his wife Amanda for a very agreeable evening of discussion and several delicious bottles of wine. I don’t remember any interview, but I made two very good friends that evening, and what a portrait. As you can see, he has captured all of the depths of my soul and the joy of my spirit and this has to be one of the finest portraits that any artist has ever painted. Thanks Marty (and I’m really happy I just managed to snap up the ‘Honey Girls’ to keep ‘Look Up…’ company). I’m honoured to be included in your time.”