Nude portrait not entirely accurate - Andrew Little

Andrew Little (Mark Rayner)
Andrew Little (Mark Rayner)

A flattering nude portrait of Labour leader Andrew Little that's made the finals of a prestigious art competition isn't entirely accurate, according to the man himself.

"I think the pecs and the biceps are larger than real life, but apart from that, you know," Mr Little - or should that be Mr Big? - told Paul Henry on Tuesday morning.

The portrait, by Whanganui artist Mark Rayner, is a finalist at the 25th Annual Wallace Art Awards 2016. Like a similar depiction of Prime Minister John Key he made earlier this year, it's made of carpet.

Asked if he was excited to be immortalised in carpet, Mr Little joked "not according to the picture".

Its appearance on social media last night in a tweet by Glenda Fryer, deputy chair of the Albert-Eden Local Board, didn't come as a surprise.

"I saw it on Twitter myself about two weeks ago," says Mr Little.

"I got some very stern calls from my office saying, 'Did you know this is going around?' I kind of said, 'C'est la vie, that's what happens.'"

It was unfinished then. Mr Little says fellow Labour MP Jacinda Ardern, who was at the awards last night, tipped him off to let him know it was finished and on display.

Rayner's rendition of the Prime Minister sold on Trade Me for almost $900. Mr Little's not sure who'll buy his.

"I don't think I'll be buying it. I consulted my wife about it. She doesn't see the need."

Newshub.