Acrylics
Acrylic paintings soon to be added to new collections.
Serenity
There is something majestic about Swans. I tried to capture the beauty and grace of this stunning bird.
Acrylic Painting on canvas 41cm x 51cm
Thinking of the white swan at Waikanae estuary that has a Goose as her companion who fiercely protects her.
Hope this piece helps bring peace and tranquillity to someone’s home soon.
The Quiet Fisherman
The Blue Heron is found in our region here in Porirua and my Mum worked at the local tavern with the same name when I was very young.
The Blue Heron is actually technically a Grey Heron with a bluish-grey colour. My piece is called…
‘The quiet fisherman’
Acrylic paint on cotton canvas 280mm x 360mm
Morning Light
After struggling for a couple of days on my Kingfisher in acrylics, yesterday afternoon I had a moment where things seem to go OK.
Managed to paint this beautiful Tui bathing in the early morning light. Hope you like her.
The tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) is an iconic, medium-sized honeyeater endemic to New Zealand. Recognizable by its glossy iridescent blue-green plumage and distinctive white throat tufts (poi), it is renowned for its complex, loud vocalizations and exceptional ability to mimic human speech and environmental sounds
Acrylic paint on canvas 20cm x 25cm - now framed.
Elsie - English Tree of Life
When combined, the oak tree and the Tudor rose represent the ultimate synthesis of English national identity, royal authority, and unshakeable strength. Together, they symbolise a nation that is both politically unified (the Tudor rose) and deeply rooted in enduring resilience and longevity (the oak).
Historically and artistically, this painting carries layers of distinct meaning:
Dynastic Unity Rooted in Longevity
• The Tudor Rose was created by King Henry VII to merge the Red Rose of Lancaster and the White Rose of York, signifying the end of the civil conflict known as the Wars of the Roses. It represents reconciliation, peace, and the birth of a new era.
• The Oak Tree symbolises deep-rooted stability, timelessness, and ancient heritage.
• Combined Meaning: Placing a Tudor rose alongside or within oak leaves and acorns implies that the peace and political unity achieved by the Tudor dynasty are not temporary, but are backed by the timeless, sturdy foundation of the English
Acrylic paint on circular canvas 405mm in diameter
Morning Message
Inspired by yet another wonderful image from Sue Henley Photography. I set to work painting this lil NZ Fantail (Piwakawaka).
The pīwakawaka (New Zealand fantail) is an iconic native bird of Aotearoa, weighing only about 8 grams. Recognised by its fan-shaped tail, energetic acrobatics, and friendly habit of following humans to catch disturbed insects, it thrives across native forests, parks, and gardens.
Acrylic paint on canvas 20cm x 25cm - now framed.
In Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview), the pīwakawaka is revered as a compelling kaitiaki (guardian) of the forest and a messenger between the gods and humans. In traditional mythology, its distinct bulbous eyes and erratic, dancing flight patterns are attributed to the demi-god Māui, who famously squeezed the tiny bird when it refused to reveal where the secret of fire was hidden.
The Gentle Giant
Inspired by my youngest daughter's recent trip to Mexico, where she got to swim with these big, beautiful sharks.
‘Gentle Giant’
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest living fish species in the world. Despite their enormous, whale-like size, they are true sharks and belong to the fish family, making them entirely harmless.
Acrylic on canvas 20 inches x 24 inches
Kotare Fishing
The New Zealand kingfisher, universally known by its Māori name kōtare, is a native, non-threatened bird species (Todiramphus sanctus vagans) widely distributed across the country. Also called the sacred kingfisher, it is famously recognised by its hunched silhouette perching patiently on power lines, fences, or coastal branches before diving swiftly to strike its prey.
Acrylic on canvas, 205 mm x 255 mm
Ideal original painting for a small space.
New Zealand - Tree of Life
My latest project over the past three days. I wanted to create a New Zealand Tree of Life. I decided I would use a tree I love to watch bloom in Summer.
The pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) is an iconic, coastal evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand, widely celebrated as the New Zealand Christmas tree. It is famous for its massive, dome-like canopy and the vibrant crimson flowers that bloom from November to January, peaking in mid-to-late December.
Acrylic painting on circular canvas. 405mm in diameter
This is going to be stunning once I add varnish.