This book is about a New Zealand artist, his art and the mountain he loved. It contains a wealth of colour plates. The majority of them are Keith’s paintings of Mt Egmont—the name he always used for Taranaki's peak—or of scenes from the Taranaki region. The paintings are a selection from the 250 or so artworks Keith created over 30 years and which hang in collections worldwide. The balance of the book is an overview of Keith’s life. He was known affectionately by various nick-names; Taranaki Icon, Mr. Tourism and Old Man of the mountain amongst them.
Keith‘s passion for Mount Egmont/Taranaki and Egmont National Park began in his early New Plymouth school years. The love affair was strengthened in his teens when he biked to the Plateau, the highest road end in Taranaki. Since then Keith has lived and worked on the mountain, climbed it, skied it, promoted it, hosted visitors on it, rescued people from it. There is a profound little saying that Keith gleaned and made his own. Dream as if you will live forever. Live as you will die tomorrow. He did both.
Keith was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1930 and died close by his beloved mountain in February 2003 in a tourism-related mishap. His joy lives on in the legacy of his art.
Soon after Keith’s death it became evident to his family that his life story and especially his art work, should be preserved. They worked hard to compile data and sort and catalogue paintings. For them it was a journey, upsetting yet healing, that had to be taken.
This book was put together at the initiative of Keith’s Swiss wife and business partner Berta Anderson, to chronicle Keith's interesting life and extraordinary achievements. It is Berta's hope that the book will touch the readers tenderly and make them smile. The paintings should bring enjoyment to those who knew Keith and to all those who have ever loved a mountain.
Landscape Painter in Oils.
Born 12. 11. 1930 - Died 1. 2. 2003
Keith Anderson lived for his first five years in Taumarunui, King Country. His parents shifted to New Plymouth and then to Stratford where he lived until in 1973. He then moved up Mount Egmont/Taranaki and has spent many years on its aspiring and spectacular slopes. All his life Keith has shown an interest in the mountains natural beauty, fauna and flora. As a keen skier and tramper he has discovered many alpine settings, with different light and shade displays. He has been a keen photographer capturing many beautiful moments on a very special mountain.
It was in 1975 at Dawson Falls when a guest who Keith had been involved in a search and rescue to save him, gave Keith $50.00 to "go and buy some paints," so he could try his talents as a painter. (He had always had a keen interest in Art at school but never managed the time to try it.). In those early days of painting Keith was known for his bold and striking Mountain scenes as well as his very original homemade wooden frames that he used for his art work. During those early days he made acquaintance with two very notable NZ Oil Paint Artists, Graham Braddock and Randell Froude. He attended several of their workshops that were held in various places around the North Island including at the Mountain House. Keith started to develop his own style of paintings and is today well known for his in-depth paintings with attention to detail. His art work is displayed at the Mountain House. He had sold paintings into many different parts of the the world such as Germany, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Hungary, Canada, Unites States of America, Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Japan. Also many of his works grace New Zealand homes.
Reprints for sale
These are a sample of what is available. More are displayed at the Andersons Alpine Lodge. Please click on the painting names below to preview.
Mangamahoe Lake
Framed Print $135.00
Te Popo River Crossing
Framed Print $135.00
Dawson Falls
Framed Print $135.00
The above are samples of different Egmont/Taranaki laser reprints on good art paper; Unframed $70.00, Framed with glass $135.00. size appox. 35cm by 47cm.
Also available is a reprint of Strathmore Saddle. This has been a very popular print of Taranaki Eastern country with Egmont/Taranaki in the background. Larger than the other prints, (57cm by 50cm), this print is available, print only $50.00, glass framed $155.00.
Prices include GST. (Postage and packaging at an extra price).
Please email or fax us for your order
Phone/Fax + 64 6 765 6620
email - andersonsalpinelodge@xtra.co.nz
