Craig Primrose, of Queenstown and Auckland, was working on a new painting depicting Lake Hayes, when the Queenstown Times visited yesterday.
The piece will join his display involving two portraits of the late conqueror of Mt Everest and philanthropist, Hillary 1953 with Ice Axe (2007) and A Moment in Time (2005), both priced at $78,000. The latter was bought by a private New Zealand collector last week.
Landscapes by the artist include George Sound (2010), sold for $27,000 to a Fiordland collector last week, Grandeur II: Late Afternoon Fiordland (2007, $25,000), Annie (2005, $9850), Mt Cook (2006, $12,500), Tuki Tuki (2006, $15,000) and After the Rain: Mitre Peak (2010, $19,500).
"The artist's job is how to capture it as it was in your memory, as opposed to a photograph," Primrose said.
After he was commissioned to paint Sir Edmund for the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest in 1953, he was asked by the mountaineer to be his preferred artist and depicted his life in 15 paintings.
Primrose portraits of Sir Edmund now hang in the White House and at the Explorers Club in New York, as well as in several private collections.
Six or seven portraits would be going to the market over the next 18 months, Primrose said.
Sir Edmund "was huge in stature, a real Kiwi, very humble ... He suffered no fools, he was a fantastic mentor and became a very good friend."
"The humanitarian achievements for Nepal are probably what really meant the most to Ed. Conquering Everest meant he could raise money and give back to Nepal."
The renowned artist of landscapes, personalities and events said his recognition on the Queen's Birthday honours list was a surprise.
"I'm still coming to grips with it. It was so unexpected ... We got a letter about six weeks ago, asking me if I would accept the honour and at that point I thought it was an elaborate joke on me."
Primrose's historical painting, The Ridge (2009), depicting Wakatipu pioneer settlers William Gilbert Rees and Nicholas von Tunzelmann, led to the artist working with the steering committee behind the 150th anniversary celebrations, in February, of European arrival.
Primrose has started to paint scenes from Wakatipu's past, with an emphasis on European heritage, using oil on linen, pencil sketches and a technique in mhich wine is used instead of paint.
The open-ended series would eventually debut in Queenstown, he said.
"My project is to bring it to life on canvas, as it it is now and possibly how it was when the buildings were erected.
"I'm proud of New Zealand. It's only a young history, but it has to be celebrated."
Primrose works at Artbay Gallery until tomorrow. He said he hoped to return in August, on dates to be confirmed.
