Jesus Heals the Blind Man

The inspiration for the painting was to come from the painter Duccio di Buoninsegna who was an Italian artist active in Siena, Tuscany during the 13th-century. As an artist, he was renowned for his painting being both inviting and warm with colour. The Studio felt that this style of art was most appropriate, due to these factors, in the interdenominational chapel at Waitakere Hospital, which had been specifically designed to be a place of comfort for those in need of rest, comfort and reassurance. Using over 60 Resene testpots the vibrant colours similar to that of the original mineral colourings, which were so iconic in di Buoninsegna's work, were achieved.

For example, on Jesus Resene Surfs Up is mixed with Resene Deep Koamaru and Resene Decadence to achieve the rich royal blue. For the undergarments, Resene Half Pohutukawa with Resene Merlot are highlighted with Resene La Bamba. For the shadow depth Resene Persian Red was chosen. This combination of tones was the perfect blend to give not only a real richness but also to enhance the subtle tones in the painting. This gave the piece a real natural depth.

The background of the image was painted in a more muted palette using Resene Half Fossil, Resene Prairie Sand, Resene Millbrook, Resene Quarter Biscotti, Resene Double Spanish White, Resene Eighth Spanish White with added accents of Resene Chilean Fire for the roofing tiles.

Trying to match the original colours and tones used by Duccio di Buoninsegna was initially seen as an almost impossible task. However, thanks to Resene's colour lines, almost identical matches were achieved right across the board.

The painting was completed in under 25 days. It began in Canterbury with priming and printing, then it was shipped to Auckland for final framing and installation before the big unveiling.

Client: Waitakere Hospital
Colour consultant: Jo Gainsford
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2020