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Picture Perfect Paramedic

April 19, 2022 | in News

The help that paramedics provide to the community inspired Peter McLean to submit an entry into this year’s Archibald Prize.

The father of three, who is an amateur artist of seven years, painted Ambulance Victoria’s Team Manager Nicky Blyth.

He said deciding on Nicky as a subject was an easy decision to make.

“Nicky appealed to me because she is kind, genuine and humble,” Mr McLean said.

“It takes a special person to be a paramedic and she has a tough job that I wanted to represent.”

Ms Blyth said it was a privilege to sit for the artwork that will potentially reach a nation-wide audience.

“To have my portrait in such a prestigious competition is an honour, not just for me, but for all my colleagues on the frontline.

“It’s great to see paramedics getting recognition for the work we do, especially during the pandemic.”

Mr McLean said it took him more than 20 hours to complete the oil piece.

“I am very critical of my own work and I wanted it to be just right.”

Regardless of the outcome, he said he was thrilled to have entered the art competition, which was on his bucket list.