Peter was born on 16 September 1956 in Venray. Only two years after his birth, his family emigrated from the Netherlands to New Zealand in search of a better life. After finishing school he worked as a diesel mechanic until he was paralysed from the neck downwards in a serious road accident in 1951, which left him bound to a wheelchair. He learned to master the art of mouth painting in the early 1980s with the help and support of various patrons. He was granted a scholarship by the Association in 1982 and some 10 years later achieved the status of an Associate Member. He has been a Regular Member of the AMFPA since 2000.
Flowers and the landscapes of New Zealand are the favourite subjects in the oil paintings of Peter William van der Hulst. In recent years his interest in portrait painting has been awakened. Peter William van der Hulst is a member of the Waikato Society of Arts and organises an annual exhibition in Hamilton, in which all the mouth and foot painting artists of New Zealand can exhibit their work. He constantly makes additional contributions to exhibitions across the length and breadth of New Zealand by providing lectures and painting courses for schools and groups.
