Graham Christensen

Graham Christensen lives on a farm near Palmerston North in the Manawatū region, and paints from a large, light-filled studio – a converted room at the back of the barn.

Although he only began painting in his early sixties, Graham quickly showed a natural gift with oils and a great affinity with the rural landscape. His paintings depict his life-long love of farming and the rugged landscape that New Zealand offers. His works are a reminiscence of rural life and moments in time that make up the rich tapestry of our farming communities and their significant place in our country’s history.

In 2023, Graham won the Fakes and Forgeries Art Competition for his painting Glenburn 2, inspired by contemporary New Zealand artist Karl Maughan.

A regular exhibitor at the annual Manawatū Art Expo, Graham also shows his work in galleries throughout the Manawatū/Rangitīkei region. He shares his creative studio with his daughter, Natasha Christensen, a weaver and fibre artist.

On the first Sunday of each month, Natasha opens the studio to the public, inviting visitors to view her work and Graham’s paintings, alongside those of Graham’s brother, John Christensen, a surrealist painter based in Papamoa.