Painting class puts beginners in frame

Jacob Chrisohoou is one of a number of mature art students in Rotorua who has made an impressive start to his painting career.

Mr Chrisohoou, a father of three, is part of a 17-strong class studying painting for the first time at Waiariki Institute of Technology.

Waiariki art lecturer Cherie Sayer, who taught at a university in the United States, said the class was producing some outstanding pieces this year, far beyond what you would expect to see at this level.

"I think they are far above your average level-five paint class," she said.

"The thing that really impresses me about these students is how they have to deal with a lot more in life than just being a student."

She said some students had severe disabilities and other students, including solo mums, had families to care for.

"It puts my faith back in education," she said.

"They have done better than my past students [in the States] who had a lot more money and resources at their disposal."

Mr Chrisohoou said his art piece was about technology and featured his daughter's face.

"The story behind it was the negative effect technology has on our kids.

"I remember one day I said to my daughter 'do you want to go outside and play a game' and she wasn't interested. She just wanted to play on the iPad.

"I think technology influences kids a little bit too much nowadays and can put them off using their imagination."

The class hope to hold a show at RAVE at the end of the year to display their work.