Workof theMonth

William A. SUTTON

Portrait of Colin Vernon Wheeler. 1942
Oil on canvas
83/6.1 Gifted by Mr & Mrs C.V. Wheeler

Colin Wheeler writes about his army days and association with artist Bill Sutton (1917 - 2000) ... but my life changed when
Bill Sutton, who I had met at the Canterbury School of Art, and now
a staff sergeant in the District Camouflage Section, and based in Christchurch, applied to have me transferred to his section (prior to this Wheeler was attached with the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry).
I was to assist him in the preparation of the work to be carried out by the camouflage section.

My transfer was approved, and I found myself living in Christchurch again, and each day joining Bill Sutton at Camouflage HQ to design work for the camouflage of such items as ports, aerodromes, gun sites, and so on.

This was a wonderful experience, and I learnt a great deal about architectural drawing, and plans of all kinds. The field parties worked to our plans. In addition to this we worked on large watercolours showing what the final job would look like. Here I really fell in love with watercolour, and I was learning from the man who was probably the pick of all the NZ artists who used this medium. A heaven sent opportunity, so I dug my toes in and studied. I was serving my country, and I was also increasing my knowledge of this wonderful medium.

Strangely enough it was at this time that Bill Sutton, again a masterly practitioner, introduced me to oil painting. I learned the technique of the preparation of canvas panels, and the use of the paints themselves.

At this time, 1941 onwards, Bill had the lease of a shop and living quarters in New Regent Street, in Christchurch. It was here that Bill did all his indoor painting and where he did a large number of portraits.
My portrait was made over a number of sittings, to the accompaniment of the loud blare of Bill’s favourite classical music recordings.

Bill was a great chap to work with. He loved to talk, had stories about everything and a stock of sayings
that were all his own.

After the war our paths crossed less frequently, although our shared interest in designing stained glass windows proved to be a rewarding link. (Sutton produced the design for a large window for the Anglican Cathedral in Christchurch while Wheeler designed and painted a memorial window for St. Lukes Oamaru)

CVW
May 2008