I wrote a promotional article for Kiwi painter Roly Hermans who found a niche in the art industry with his heritage transport paintings. After emailing a short Q & A to Roly, the article was live on FirstApplause.co.nz within a week, along with collaborative social media posts. The article was then sent to him to use and republish as desired. Read the 300 word feature article below:

Kāpiti Coast artist Roly Hermans picked up the paintbrush when he retired in 2021. In doing so, he discovered a niche in the New Zealand art industry: heritage transport art.

“When I first started painting after I retired, I did as many people do, and began with landscapes. But I quickly found that I enjoyed painting the vehicles and vessels in these pictures more than the landscapes themselves,” Roly said.

Roly described his work as ‘heritage transport art’, which is a specialised corner of the art world where painting meets history appreciation and technical detail.

But with that, comes discerning critics.

“If I paint a sailing ship, I better get every rope and sail right, otherwise I’ll hear about it from the sailing experts! Likewise if I get the wheels and pistons wrong with a locomotive, or the shape of the cockpit windows on a plane.”

“But on the other hand,” Roly explained, “if I get the details right, I have a ready-made niche market beyond the normal art market!”

For Roly, getting those details right is all part of it. His paintings capture vehicles from another era, with the intention of sparking memories and a sense of nostalgia.

“I enjoy doing the historical research before I even pick up a brush, as much as creating the painting itself,” he said.

That research has become an important part of Roly’s creative process, with each painting accompanied by its own story on his website.

Despite painting being a hobby rather than a career, Roly’s art has kept him busy. He has taken part in the Kāpiti Coast Arts Trail, and exhibited his work in galleries around the region. His work has even found its way into the Police Museum in Porirua, where he donated a series of paintings featuring police vehicles.

“Painting for me is a hobby – something I enjoy and relax with. But I also like to think my art is enjoyed by others, particularly if it inspires nostalgia.”

Roly’s prints are available to purchase through Art Collective, while his website and blog tell the stories behind each piece.

Explore Roly’s work:
Roly’s giclée art prints available at Art Collective: https://www.artcollective.co.nz/vendor/roly-hermans/
Website & blog: https://rolysart.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DHaG4f9tX/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolyhermansart_nz

Painting the Past: Roly’s Art Brings New Zealand’s Heritage Transport to Life

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