Have you ever wondered what happens when an actor really gets into 'character'? Sometimes it can change their lives. This is reflected by Norwegian artist, Tonje Moe Pettersen, in her amazing painting of Paul O'Brien.

"The painting is about the dichotomy between Paul O'Brien and his famous alter ego Jack Holden, an identity created by Channel 7 and the public," explained Tonje. "The logo projected onto his face is symbolic of the labels put on us all and the importance of staying true to one's identity in the midst of public perception. The projection functions as a form of 'branding', the network is integrated in Paul's persona and has been responsible for the birth of a whole new lifestyle and great success for the actor. Channel 7 will always be a part of Paul."

"I did the painting because I have known Paul for a long time, pre and during the show, and so I am in a position to depict him as both Paul the person and as Paul on Home & Away. I was interested in the effect external stimuli has had on him, how in some ways he has changed with these influences, and yet, in a lot of ways he's exactly the same as before."

"The painting took about 2 weeks to do. I took some photos of Paul with the Channel 7 logo projected onto his face, using a projector in a dark room. The painting is done in acrylics, and measures 90cm x 100cm."

Paul agrees that this is a good representation of his relationship with his character. "I guess this painting is symbolic of how I've become a product of Channel Seven and my success is due to them creating a character and thus the birth of a different lifestyle for me." he confirmed.

"I think everyone enjoys the idea of been remembered in life and a painting lives forever in my eyes. It's also another artistic form that I can be apart of. It seems like we all share the same thoughts as humans and in this painting I see a person in life just considering life. Complete, focused and apprehensive all at the same time."

"I'm very grateful to Channel Seven for the challenges and opportunities I've faced and get to face every day. They've made my life exciting! Gotta love it ! I'm honoured, it's lovely to be considered and be apart of anything in life, and this is a special moment for me. Tonje and I have know each other for years and she knows how much I struggled to get into acting and has seen my life transform."

The painting will be entered into the Portia Geach portrait Award at the end of August. It is available for viewing at Palmer Street Gallery, Darlinghurst, go to the Palmer Street Gallery. Also, it has just been shortlisted for the Black Swan portrait award.